OYAMA, Shizuoka Pref. -- Participants at a forum here Thursday, organized by the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), discussed reforming the education system to address adolescent problems including delinquency and so-called classroom collapse.
During a session on the theme, Hiroshi Araki, chairman of Tokyo Electric Power Co., said companies can contribute to reforms by changing their employment system.
"Most companies think much of the academic backgrounds of applicants when they hire new employees," he said. "We need to further promote a system that focuses on individuals' abilities."
Minoru Makihara, chairman of Mitsubishi Corp., said volunteer work for communities can be an important factor in screening of university graduates who seek employment.
While some participants called for the establishment of an elitist education system, others proposed introducing a mandatory program in which junior high students experience agriculture in groups for several months.
"Students can learn about discipline and the wonder of nature from such a program, something that they cannot learn at schools or at home," said Ricoh Co. Chairman Hiroshi Hamada.
More than 20 business leaders participated in the three-day annual Keidanren seminar that began Thursday.