What inspired you to hold “Kura Bo~ro”? An interview with the organizers

After the event ended, we interviewed the organizers about what inspired them to hold “Kura Bo~ro.”
We spoke with Yoko Seno, chief of Kurashiki City’s Gender Equality Division, and deputy chief Tadashi Takatsuka.
Could you tell us what led to the launch of Kura Bo~ro?
Takatsuka (titles omitted)
Kura Bo~ro is a project that began in fiscal 2020. This fiscal year (2021) is its second year.
Before fiscal 2020, we held seminars on workstyle reform for businesses.
We wanted to offer suggestions about workstyles to individuals as well, and that’s what led us to plan Kura Bo~ro.
Seno (titles omitted)
We run it as part of the work of Kurashiki City’s Gender Equality Division.
At its heart is the desire to create a society where women can thrive.
People raising children, for example, may not be affiliated with a company.
We believe that individuals in particular should have a wider range of workstyle options.
What is the purpose of the program?
Takatsuka
As the name “Workstyle Discovery Marche” suggests, it’s a place where people from diverse backgrounds can discover diverse ways of working.
Although women are the main audience, people of any gender can participate.
The “life” part of work-life balance differs for everyone, so we aim to create a place where each person can start thinking about their own workstyle.
How did you decide on the program content for fiscal 2021?
Takatsuka
We’ve included content that gives people a more concrete understanding of ways to work using the internet.
We’ve prepared a wide range of sessions, from introductory ones that help people learn about workstyles to practical ones.
First, learn what kinds of telework are available.
Then, try it out for yourself.
That way, when you decide you want to start working, the barriers will be lower than they were before you took part in the sessions.
I think that if you attend several sessions, your perspective on working will change.

Who would you like to see take part?
Takatsuka
We’d be glad to have people of any gender participate, especially those who haven’t been familiar with the internet before.
We hope people who think “that’s something for Tokyo” or “that’s for the elite” will learn that it’s a way of working anyone can try.
Our greatest hope is that by taking part in Kura Bo~ro’s sessions, telework will become something personal rather than something that happens to other people.
Seno
I think the possibilities will expand for people looking for ways to work despite constraints, such as those raising children or caring for family members.
The nature of work is changing, and we want people to know that “there are jobs you can do regardless of where you work.”
Do you have a final message for us?
Takatsuka
Each Kura Bo~ro session lasts two hours.
You can also participate online, so I think it’s easy to join.
We’ll keep an archive, so you can review it whenever you want to check something again.
I think you’ll find it a rewarding experience, so please feel free to join us!

From the Writer

I think many people are interested in working online but don’t know where to start.
Kura Bo~ro explains what the work is really like and what skills are needed, so I felt that it could help people take on a new way of working with confidence.
Participants are also likely to have things in common, such as where they live or the challenges they face.
It may also be reassuring to share your current situation and take on new ways of working together.
Kura Bo~ro is offering a variety of sessions through December 2021.
It’s an opportunity to greatly expand your workstyle options.
Why not join in?
Takahashi River Basin Workstyle Discovery Marche: Kura Bo~ro Information

| Name | Takahashi River Basin Workstyle Discovery Marche: Kura Bo~ro |
|---|---|
| Dates | ・July 25, 2021 (Sun), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Seminar on the Future of Work” ・August 28, 2021 (Sat), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Web Communications Course” *Takahashi City venue ・September 25, 2021 (Sat), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Design Course” ・October 2, 2021 (Sat), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Online Secretary and Administrative Support Course” ・October 30, 2021 (Sat), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Working from Home: A Tax Perspective Course” ・November 20, 2021 (Sat), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Video Editing Course” ・December 4, 2021 (Sat), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. “Graphic Recording Course” Other offerings include sessions on working from home, workstyle discussion gatherings, and individual consultations. See the website for details. |
| Location | 2-13-3 Chuo, Kurashiki City (some sessions held at a Takahashi City venue) |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Takahashi River Basin Workstyle Discovery Marche: Kura Bo~ro |










































