Message from the Chairman

The Japan Reinforcement Contractors Association (abbreviated as ZENTEKKIN), originally established as the National Federation of Rebar Cooperatives in 1965, received official recognition from the Ministry of Construction (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). In 1986, the organization transitioned into the Japan Rebar Construction Association as a General Incorporated Association, and in 2012, we became the first specialized subcontractor association to be recognized as a Public Interest Incorporated Association. Since then, under this new designation, we have been actively engaging in a wide range of public-purpose activities.

Over our more than half-century history, ZENTEKKIN has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the establishment of a skills certification system, the development of rebar installation manuals, hosting training programs and issuing certifications for registered rebar foremen, managing the acceptance of foreign technical trainees, and introducing a standardized rebar construction estimation template. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to advancing our industry and upholding its standards.

Addressing the Challenges of Workforce Retention One of the most pressing issues facing the construction industry today is the critical shortage of skilled labor. As Japan experiences a demographic shift marked by a declining birthrate and an aging population, its workforce composition has transformed dramatically compared to the era of rapid economic growth in the Showa period. This population decline is predicted to result in a drastic reduction of the labor force, with the number of skilled construction workers potentially halving within two decades.

In such circumstances, intensified competition for labor across industries is inevitable. The construction industry, with its historically delayed improvements in worker treatment, risks being overlooked by younger generations seeking better opportunities.

Preserving Excellence in Rebar Construction While the construction industry as a whole is moving toward greater adoption of ICT and robotics, the rebar construction field remains heavily reliant on the manual craftsmanship of skilled workers. In a nation prone to earthquakes, ensuring the safety and reliability of buildings is paramount, and rebar construction plays an indispensable role in achieving this goal. To maintain this essential function, the presence of highly skilled craftsmen is absolutely vital.

The foundation of construction craftsmanship lies in its people. Yet, recruiting and training such talent demands both time and resources. Recognizing these challenges, ZENTEKKIN is committed to transforming the perception of the industry. We aim to shift the narrative from “3D (Dirty, Dangerous, Demanding) and low wages” to “3D and high income,” thereby creating an environment that attracts younger generations. Through proactive public outreach, we will strive to foster a deeper understanding of the value of rebar construction.

A Vision for the Future
Our mission is clear:

To transform the industry into one where craftsmen can envision a future of stability and growth.

To evolve from an industry that asks people to join to one that inspires people to choose it.

We will tirelessly pursue these goals, ensuring that rebar construction remains a cornerstone of Japan’s safety and prosperity.

We deeply appreciate your continued guidance and support as we forge ahead on this path.

Overview of Our Association

Name	Japan Reinforcement Contractors Association (Abbreviated as ZENTEKKIN)
Representative	Chairman：IWATA Shogo
Address	Tanaka Building 4F, 2-9-6 Kanda Tacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0046, Japan
Industry	Rebar Construction Industry
Authorization	Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

History

1965
National Federation of Rebar Cooperatives
Established (Authorized by the Ministry of Construction)

1986
National Rebar Construction Association
Transitioned to a General Incorporated Association (Authorized by the Minister of Construction)

2012
Japan Rebar Construction Association
Transitioned to a Public Interest Incorporated Association (Authorized by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan)

Membership Qualifications and Other Details (As of April 1st, 2018)

• Regular Members: Organizations that agree with the objectives and activities of this association and are composed of entities engaged in rebar construction work with certain technical skills, expertise, and experience as stipulated under the Construction Business Act.
  Note: This association is an organization composed of member groups. Companies wishing to join should contact the member organizations (Regular Members) directly.
• Supporting Members: Individuals and corporations who agree with the objectives and activities of this association.

Information Disclosure

Privacy Policy

The Japan Rebar Construction Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) has established the following privacy policy to build a framework for protecting personal information. By thoroughly ensuring all employees understand the importance of personal information protection and implement appropriate measures, the Association promotes the safeguarding of personal information.

Handling and Management of Personal Information

The Association ensures that personal information is accurate and up to date. To prevent unauthorized access, loss, damage, falsification, or leakage of personal information, we implement necessary measures, including maintaining security systems, establishing management frameworks, and thoroughly educating our staff. These efforts ensure the strict handling and management of personal information.

Purpose of Using Personal Information

Personal information provided to the Association will be used to contact individuals, provide information about our services, or respond to inquiries. This may include the delivery of emails or documents.

Prohibition of Disclosure or Provision of Personal Information to Third Parties

The Association appropriately manages personal information and will not disclose it to third parties except in the following cases:

When prior consent is obtained from the individual.
When information is disclosed to a contractor in order to provide services requested by the individual.
When disclosure is required by law or regulation.

Security Measures for Personal Information

The Association takes robust and comprehensive security measures to ensure the accuracy and safety of personal information.

Inquiries Regarding Personal Information

If an individual wishes to inquire about, correct, or delete their personal information, we will respond upon verifying their identity.

Compliance with Laws, Regulations, and Review of Policy

The Association complies with Japanese laws and other regulations related to the handling of personal information. Additionally, we continuously review and enhance this policy’s content as necessary.

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