Addressing Career Anxiety for Those Over 50: 'Next Journey Academy' Launches in Collaboration with Kansai University

Addressing Career Anxiety for Those Over 50

In the era of the '100-year life,' many middle-aged and senior individuals face career anxiety, wondering, 'What should I do after retirement?' While some corporate training and systems exist, few cases delve deep into personal inner motivation or creating connections with society.

To address these issues, Koko ni Aru (Headquartered in Amagasaki, Hyogo; CEO: Ryo Fujimoto), in collaboration with Kansai University, is launching 'Next Journey Academy,' a practical program for those over 50. Through this program, participants reflect on their past careers and engage in dialogue, learning, and practice to create concrete actions for continued societal engagement after retirement. Applications for the 2026 term are now open.

Background: Growing 'Post-Retirement Career Anxiety'

In Japan, despite longer working periods and extended retirement ages due to demographic changes, few people proactively design their 'post-retirement life.' Specifically, the late 50s to 60s is a critical time to reassess one's career and life meaning, often triggered by reaching official retirement from management roles or shifts in professional responsibility.

However, most corporate training focuses on skill acquisition or understanding systems, leaving limited opportunities to face essential questions such as 'What do I want to do next?' and 'How do I want to engage with society?'

Program Features: 'Next Life Design' through Dialogue, Learning, and Practice

'Next Journey Academy' is designed specifically for middle-aged to senior demographics to respond to these challenges. In partnership with Kansai University, it consists of three core elements:

- Dialogue: Promoting self-understanding through deep exchange among participants. - Learning: Inputting knowledge regarding generativity and well-being. - Practice: Action opportunities connecting with the community and society (e.g., internships).

The program is not just a lecture series but aims to connect participants' inner reflections to concrete actions.

Results from Previous Sessions

In 2025, two experimental one-day programs were held with 13-14 participants each. Despite the over-seven-hour duration, active dialogue and networking occurred, with many participants concretizing their 'future activities' and 'ways of interacting with society.' Post-program, peer connections have continued, leading to new projects and activities.

Program Overview

- Period: August 9, 2026 – December 19, 2026 (Approx. 5 months, 12 sessions total) - Location: Kansai University Umeda Campus (KANDAI Me RISE), etc. - Tuition: 200,000 JPY (tax included) *Early bird: 10% off if applied by June 14, 2026. - Capacity: 25 people - Target: Age 50 or older

Enrollment

- First Deadline: July 5, 2026 (Sun) - Second Deadline: July 26, 2026 (Sun)

*A second deadline will only be set if capacity is not reached by July 5.