G7 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting – Kurashiki City

I stumble upon a sign that read: “G7 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting – Kurashiki City.” It stopped me for a moment. The meeting had been held at Kurashiki Ivy Square, a place I usually think of for its calm historic charm, not as a stage for world discussions.  

It felt surreal to imagine that inside these ivy‑covered red‑brick walls, ministers from the G7 countries once gathered to talk about the future of work: how to protect jobs, adapt to technology, train workers for new skills, and make sure employment stays fair and dignified.  

Kurashiki, with its blend of tradition and beauty, became the backdrop for debates on how nations should respond to ageing populations, new industries, and changing work styles. A global dialogue set within a very local treasure.  

Looking at that sign, I thought: **local places can carry stories of global significance.** Sometimes history doesn’t only live in capitals or major conference halls — sometimes it lingers quietly in corners like Ivy Square, waiting to be noticed.