In Japan, students with disabilities often face significant barriers when transitioning from school to the workforce. The story of 19-year-old Riku Iwasa demonstrates that, whilst the journey towards finding a suitable job can be challenging, it is far from impossible. “At first, I was scared to take the plunge. But connecting with my new colleagues from all over Japan makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger.”
“I first learned about the Online Job Experience Program through RGF Connect – Recruit Staffing Crafts from my teacher in my third year of high school,” Riku recalls. “At that time, I was worried about commuting due to my health issues, but when I found out about the possibility of remote work, I felt really excited. The program taught me essential workplace skills, such as communication and task management, which gave me the confidence I needed to work from home. In the end, the program renewed my hope for a more (financially) stable and healthier future.”
Riku Iwasa: “Connecting with colleagues from all over Japan makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger.”
Riku, who lives with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and chronic respiratory failure, has faced unique challenges throughout his education due to his physical limitations. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to find a job that suited his abilities. His persistence paid off when he recently joined Recruit Staffing Crafts as an employee.
The benefits of remote work
For students like Riku, remote work offers a lifeline. “Working from home allows me to manage my health better,” he explains. "I can lie down during breaks and avoid the physical strain of commuting. This flexibility has been essential for my success at the company where I now work in the Home Business Promotion Department. My responsibilities include editing resumes and work histories for temporary staff, a role that requires focus and attention to detail.”
Riku's story highlights how remote work can offer not just practical benefits but also a sense of inclusion and purpose for individuals with disabilities. “Since childhood, I’ve been a cautious person. I was honestly a little scared about working in a new environment. But now, I really enjoy connecting with colleagues from all over Japan during our daily online meetings. It makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger, and that means a great deal to me,” Riku concludes.
Unlocking true potential
Studies show that only around 30 percent of graduates from special needs schools find employment, a statistic highlighting the challenges these students face. Recruit Staffing Crafts is working to change this reality through an innovative online program, designed to help students with disabilities gain valuable work experience and secure employment.
Yui Takahashi, who oversees recruitment and organizes online experience sessions at Recruit Staffing Crafts, is passionate about her role in supporting students with disabilities find meaningful work. “Many students from special needs schools don't view working in a company as a viable option,” she explains. “As a result, they often end up in social welfare facilities – not because they lack potential, but because they haven't had enough exposure to companies or society during their school years. This is a concern of the various teachers I’ve spoken with over the years. By offering opportunities for students to engage with companies through online experience sessions, we aim to broaden their perspectives.”
Yui emphasizes that one of the most significant challenges is the lack of interaction between schools and companies. “Students need to engage with a diverse range of people outside their family and school environments to truly understand their strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to provide them with options and help them realize that working from home or through online communication is not only a viable path to (professional) growth, but potentially a fulfilling career,” she explains.
Finding paths toward independence
For Yui, seeing participants like Riku succeed is both personally and professionally fulfilling. “Watching these students gain confidence and become excited about their futures is incredibly motivating,” she says. “I believe that creating opportunities for people with disabilities doesn’t just support their personal development and sense of belonging, it benefits society as a whole.”
Yui Takahashi: “It's crucial that we create a society where having a disability doesn't mean giving up on your future.”
“Japan's population of people with disabilities is growing, and – unfortunately – prejudice against them remains. These biases are shaped by various factors, including social perceptions, education, and media influence. It's crucial that we build a society where having a disability doesn't mean giving up on your future. Through initiatives like RGF Connect – Recruit Staffing Crafts’ Job Experience program, more students are discovering their potential and finding paths toward independence. We encourage society to not only accept students with disabilities, but to recognize them as future colleagues.”
Resilience, determination and hope
For Riku, his journey is just beginning. Though he has been with Recruit Staffing Crafts for just six months, he is already thinking about his professional growth. “I want to keep developing new skills,” he says enthusiastically. “For example, I love drawing and recently started studying for a color certificate. This covers a wide range of knowledge and skills related to color and design in creating materials.”
“Riku's story is one of resilience, determination and hope,” Yui reflects. “As more and more companies embrace remote work and flexible employment options, individuals like Riku will have greater opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. Our efforts demonstrate how targeted initiatives can make a significant difference. By offering remote work opportunities and fostering connections between schools and companies, we’re helping young students with disabilities realize their potential and achieve their career goals.”
“Work isn't just about earning money. It's about discovering your value and uncovering new aspects of yourself. Thanks to programs like those offered by RGF Connect, more students are being given the chance to do just that,” Yui concludes. This year alone, over 165 students (aged from 13 to 18) from special needs schools applied for the program.