Women's Career Choices in Rural Areas: Eliminating the Challenge Gap to Create a Society Where Everyone Can Choose 'Their Own Way of Working'

Oshigoto MUSE Online Event 'Karapuro' is available for free viewing.

Our company supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to express dreams. This press release is the dream of 'WECA, General Incorporated Association for Women Entrepreneurs Creation.'

WECA, General Incorporated Association for Women Entrepreneurs Creation (Headquarters: Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City https://weca.jp/) aims to realize a society where 'women do not give up on their aspirations and can thrive in their own way,' together with women who have taken a step towards entrepreneurship and are challenging themselves.

## What are the 'invisible walls' hindering women's challenges?

In recent years, legal frameworks such as the Work Style Reform Act, Childcare and Family Care Leave Act, and Act on Advancement of Measures to Support Raising the Next Generation have progressed, leading to a review of work styles in companies and other organizations. However, disparities in career opportunities for women in rural areas remain a challenge.

Compared to urban areas, rural areas face situations such as:
- Limited choices for work styles
- Limited environments to utilize skills
- Few opportunities to meet role models

Furthermore, in some regions, gender role division values, such as 'women should prioritize family' or 'mothers should be like this,' remain deeply rooted, and many women feel 'I really want to do something, but I can't take the first step.'

The outflow of young women who move from rural to urban areas for education or employment and do not return is becoming serious.

It is a significant loss not only for individuals but also for the region when talented people who could potentially thrive within the community are unable to obtain such opportunities due to their environment.

In this context, 'creating an environment where women can thrive' is a crucial theme directly linked to regional sustainability, as it involves creating environments where women can continue to work flexibly even after life events such as childbirth, childcare, and nursing care, and offering diverse work style options within the region.

To solve these current challenges, WECA supports women's challenges and their first steps through both online and offline approaches, aiming to provide opportunities for women to realize their own work styles and careers, regardless of their place of residence or environment.

## 'Oshigoto MUSE Color Us Project' Held on ZOOM
~Find your first step from ten unique stories~

8 participants in the Oshigoto MUSE Color Us Project 'Karapuro'

This event, 'Oshigoto MUSE Color Us Project (Karapuro),' will be held online over four sessions starting from Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The 8 participating women are those who live in rural areas and have actually taken a step towards entrepreneurship.
By encountering their diverse stories, we aim to deliver insights that make them feel 'I might be able to do it too,' and provide opportunities that lead to action.

Entrepreneurship is not just for special people.
It is one of the choices that can be started with small steps, even in familiar environments.
Karapuro is a place where you can encounter 'real opportunities' to take that first step.
It encourages the 'first step' that transforms the desire to 'try it' into a goal and leads to action.

### Thursday, April 2, 2026, 22:00~

Hapikoko Arisa Konishi (Osaka)

As a former kindergarten teacher, she learned psychology and started her business with the desire to 'create a place where mothers can enjoy childcare with peace of mind.' She continues her activities while raising three children.
She will share her real-life story of gradually shaping what she can do, even while struggling with balancing childcare and work.

Kumanomori Plus Inc. / Kumanomori Childcare Support Group Representative Misato Morihiro (Okayama)

As a former administrative public health nurse, she faced many parents and children and witnessed the 'reality of suffering when support did not reach them.' Out of that frustration, she started creating childcare support spaces. Currently, she is involved in creating places for parents and children and supporting women's careers. Through initiatives born from the desire to 'create a society where no one has to bear burdens alone,' she will offer hints for a new step to those struggling with childcare and work styles.

### Friday, April 17, 2026, 22:00~

yurufuwa herb® Misako Usami (Aichi)

She reevaluated her work style after falling ill and discovered herbs. She challenged herself to a new choice of 'making what she loves her work' and now offers herb lessons. For those who 'want to start something but can't take the first step,' this content will provide hints for shaping your 'likes.'

Kokohare Ikumi Oyama (Okayama)

While working as an administrative public health nurse and raising children, she lost her own peace of mind in the past. She confronted 'what is truly important' and started her business after organizing her life. Through tidying up, she will help you organize your mind and life and find a step to choose your own life.

### Thursday, May 7, 2026, 22:00~

HERBmonie Himawari Tomoe Hayakawa (Aichi)

Prompted by her own physical and mental ailments, she encountered herbal tea brewed by her son and realized its charm. She started her activities with the desire to 'support people struggling with similar issues.' She will offer entrepreneurial hints on how everyday experiences can lead to 'work' that helps others.

Lien plus Career Support Advisor Yukie Okada (Fukushima)

While working at a funeral home and attending many people's final moments, she started her business after reflecting on 'what life is' and 'how I want to live.'
This story will give courage to those who want to cherish their own choices, even with hesitation and anxiety, to take a step forward.

### Friday, May 22, 2026, 22:00~

Sorairo Career Writing Marika Nagayoshi (Fukuoka)

While working in apparel sales, she sought a work style that allowed her to 'cherish both career and family.' She decided to become independent while single, anticipating future life events. Currently, she works as a writer and online secretary, realizing a flexible work style.

Lapin et bébés Miyuki Hitomi (Saitama)

With the desire to convey 'the importance and joy of challenging oneself' to children, she started her activities as a ribbon instructor. Even as a mother, she cherishes her 'likes' and 'things she wants to try,' continuing her own challenges. For those who 'want to start something but can't take the first step,' this story will gently encourage them.