Hello, everyone.

This is Enta.

 

This time, we have some incredibly important news that directly affects both our “wallets” and our “future” here on the front lines.

Its name is…"Amendments to the Construction Industry Act"!

This is what will happen next year,December 12, Reiwa 7 (2025) (today)It's finally about to begin.

"Ugh, law again? That sounds so hard—it'll put me to sleep~"

Hey, you slope contractor out there who just thought that!

Just hold off on hacking for a sec and listen to me, lol

If you don't know this, both the general contractor and the subcontractor—no joke—"Breaking the Law Without Even Knowing It"There's a possibility that it might turn out that way.

To put it another way, it’s also a “chance to actually turn a profit.”

This time, I'm going to try to keep it simple and skip the fancy words lol

I'll explain it carefully so that even a clueless slope engineer like me can understand.

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To begin with, why are the rules changing now of all times?

To put it simply, I guess it’s just the government’s panic, like, “If things keep going this way, the construction industry is seriously going to run out of workers!” lol

• My salary just won't go up

• I can't take time off

• Young people aren't coming in

• Only the cost of materials has skyrocketed

In this day and age, with things the way they are, no one is coming forward saying, “I want to work in the construction industry!”

That's why the government created rules saying, "We're going to force this industry to pay workers properly and ensure they get proper rest!"

From our perspective as people who’ve been in the slope construction business for 30 years, it feels like, “Finally!”—but is this project finally going to see the light of day!?

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Here's What's Changing! Three "Don'ts" in a Row

Here are the three most important points in this amendment.

From now on, it won’t work unless we protect not only the clients but also the “contractors” who take on the work.

1. “Discount sales that guarantee a loss” are prohibited!

This is the most shocking part.

Until now, it was only the “client (customer)” who was not allowed to bully others, but from now on, “contractors who accept the work” will also be prohibited from doing so.

What I mean is...

"I really want this job, so I'll do it at a rock-bottom price even if it means taking a loss! Please hire me!"

↑ This is against the law. (This will cut down on those idiotic discount retailers!!)

To give you an idea, from the government...

"Wait, you can't possibly pay the craftsmen with that amount, can you? This isn't volunteer work, so give us a quote based on a fair market price!"

It feels like I'm about to get scolded.

I understand all too well the feeling of thinking, “If I don’t lower my prices, I won’t get any work…” but from now on, we’re entering an era where “discounting = illegal.”

Let's have the courage to set a fair price!

2. No more “I’m not a magician!”-style project deadlines!

"Finish this by tomorrow."

"Isn't this taking way too long?"

…“No way, I’m not a wizard—that’s impossible!” That kind of thing happens all the time on set, doesn’t it? lol

This will also be prohibited.

From now on, those accepting work will also

"We can't do the construction safely in such a short time! It's impossible!"

So, I'll have to say it clearly.

Signing a contract with an unrealistic schedule can lead to both parties being held accountable.

3. Say Goodbye to “Rough Estimates”!

"Total construction cost: XX ten thousand yen!"

Quotes like that—where you can't really tell what's included—just don't cut it anymore.

• Labor costs are about this much

• The cost of materials is about this much

• If material costs suddenly go up, please be sure to provide additional funding (as per the terms of the estimate).

We’ll have to make sure to spell out details like this clearly and thoroughly in our quotes and contracts.

It’s especially important to establish “rules for when material costs spike”!

The "good old (?) days" when we could get by with just a "set" are now over.

Contractors who can't handle the finances... (So, are we just being made to stamp documents prepared by a branch office?)

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So, what should the field staff do?

I won't sign it unless the price is "fair"!

• When a general contractor reviews a subcontractor’s quote and thinks, “That’s way too cheap,” they should actually be concerned for the subcontractor. Saying, “You’ll be operating at a loss at this rate. Please recalculate your numbers,” is what defines a “top-tier company” going forward.
• Let’s stop telling subcontractors, “I just want the job, so I’ll quote a low price for now…” Instead, carefully calculate your company’s costs (especially labor costs!) and confidently state, “We can’t do this for less than this amount!” The law is on your side!

Let's all work together to "change our mindset"!

It’s not enough for just the president to know. Site supervisors, salespeople, and foremen need to know, too.

"I hear that making promises you can't keep is illegal."

Let's work together to create that kind of atmosphere throughout the entire company.

If you’re ever faced with an unreasonable demand, there’s a reporting hotline at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (it’s like a safe haven), so,

Please don't try to handle this all by yourself.

That said, this is where the construction industry gets tricky! (What would happen if I reported it?)

"Whistleblower Protection System"

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I’ve said a lot of things, but this amendment is by no means “bullying.”

"Let's make this an industry that generates solid profits and allows skilled workers to thrive! And let's maintain our infrastructure and protect our slopes properly!" This is a strong tailwind from the government.

Let's be honest—for small and micro business owners, there are times when you think, “This just means more paperwork—what a hassle.”

I'm thinking, "Are there going to be even more papers!?"

However, only companies that properly establish their systems now will be able to survive the tough times ahead.

"Don't sell at a discount," "Don't push yourself too hard," "Make sure you get paid properly."

Let's make this the norm and work together to revitalize the construction industry!

See you later.