VOL.202 APRIL 2025
ENJOYING JAPANESE SAKE, NIHONSHU Japan to Host 49th WorldSkills Competition in 2028

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The Japanese delegation's bid presentation for hosting the 49th Competition in 2028 (September 2024, Lyon, France)
Photo: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Held every two years, the WorldSkills Competition is the only global competition of the vocational skills with participation of young technicians, in principle, under the age of 23 years in their respective skill categories. Aichi Prefecture, Japan, was recently selected to host the 49th WorldSkills Competition in 2028. This article provides an overview of the event and the results of the 47th WorldSkills Competition held in Lyon, France in 2024.

WorldSkills Competition

The WorldSkills Competition is the event where young technicians compete each other in skills. Its purpose is to promote vocational training in the participating countries and foster international goodwill and exchanges. The initial competition took place in 1950 on the initiative of the Spanish Youth Organization. Spain faced Portugal there, with teams of 12 participants from each country. Japan participated for the first time in the 11th WorldSkills Competition in 1962. Today, competitor representing about 60 member countries and regions compete in 60 skills, such as Industrial Mechanics, Information Network Cabling, and Restaurant Service. WorldSkills International (WSI), headquarters based in the Netherlands, manages the competition, and member countries and regions select the host of the event by voting at the WSI General Assembly. During the WorldSkills Competition, side events are concurrently held, providing unique opportunities also for the children who hold the future in their hands, to closely observe excellent skills.

Activities of the Japanese participants in the 47th WorldSkills Competition

The 47th WorldSkills Competition, was held in September 2024 in Lyon, France, with 1,313 competitors from 60 member countries and regions. 55 Japanese participants, selected in the National Skills Competition held in 2023 and other competitions, competed in 47 skills there. Team Japan won gold medals in the Industrial Mechanics for the third consecutive competitions, and also took home golds in the Autobody Repair, Hairdressing, Car Painting, and Renewable Energy, a total of five gold medals. Japan was ranked fifth among the participating countries in terms of the number of gold medals won, an excellent achievement. Team Japan also won five silver medals, four bronze medals and 21 Medallions for Excellence. Besides the competition, the opening and closing ceremonies, and receptions provided plenty of opportunities for active international exchange among participants from different countries.

Aichi Prefecture selected to host the 49th WorldSkills Competition

At the WSI General Assembly 2024, held together with the 47th WorldSkills Competition, member countries and regions unanimously voted for Aichi Prefecture, Japan, as the host of the 49th WorldSkills Competition in 2028. This will be the fourth time for Japan to host the event 21 years after the 39th WorldSkills Competition in Shizuoka Prefecture in 2007. Aichi Prefecture Government organized an event in January 2025 to celebrate the decision to host the 49th WorldSkills Competition, inviting three local medalists of the 47th WorldSkills Competition.

The theme for the 49th WorldSkills Competition in 2028 is “Linking Skills for a Sustainable Future.” The Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) in Tokoname City will serve as the venue for the competition events, and the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the IG Arena (Aichi International Arena) in Nagoya City.

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