Message from President

Opening the Doors of Possibility through Career Counseling

 Japan Career Development Association (JCDA)
President: Yoshimi Sasaki

Thank you for visiting the website of the Japan Career Development Association (JCDA).

We are dedicated to advancing career counseling to help build a society where everyone can live with vitality—empowered by their own experiences and inspired by their “ideal self.”

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who support our association—career support professionals, partners in education, business, and government, and everyone who resonates with JCDA’s mission.

Since our founding in 2000, JCDA has grown with the support of members across Japan who practice career support in their communities. In 2025, we will mark our 25th anniversary. Walking alongside individuals, listening to their unique and irreplaceable experiences, and discovering meaning together—these everyday encounters are the very foundation of our work. I offer my deepest appreciation to all who continue to believe in the power of career counseling and nurture its presence in society.

At JCDA, we are committed to training and developing career counselors and career consultants while offering career-related consultation, education, and support in various settings—including schools, workplaces, and local communities. The work of supporting individuals in living authentically has evolved from a personal journey of self-fulfillment into something deeply connected to the sustainability of society itself.

Today, Japan faces significant social challenges—such as a declining birthrate, population decline, and a shrinking workforce. In building a society where people can support each other across generations, regions, and values, providing accessible career support for all is more important than ever. As an organization that offers inclusive, person-centered support that leaves no one behind, we are committed to continuing this vital role.

Looking globally, anxiety about the future is growing due to rapid climate change, deepening divisions, and persistent uncertainty. In an era when the word “sustainability” carries an increasingly urgent weight, we are compelled to ask: are we truly creating a society where children can confidently envision their future?

Career is not limited to work or education—it is about shaping one’s way of life through everyday experiences. That is why we are deeply committed to career education and providing opportunities for children and young people to discover who they are, understand the world around them, and feel the connection between themselves and society.

Taking genuine interest in each individual, listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, and thinking together. Respecting one’s individuality while also creating a society where we can live in meaningful connection with others. Even if this path is not easy, we remain devoted to making it a reality. This is the mission of JCDA.

If you, reading this page, have ever wondered:

“Is it okay to be who I am?”
or
“I want to be of greater help to others,”

then JCDA may be the place where such feelings can grow and take shape.

We also hope to connect with professionals and individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Through mutual learning and the shared power of career counseling, let us work together to open the doors of possibility.

We sincerely ask for your continued warm support and understanding of JCDA’s mission and activities.