The concept of transferable skills has only recently been introduced in Japan. While elements contained in the concept of transferable skills are not entirely new, efforts to package them, design and implement them in a systematic way are relatively new. In addition, a clear and common understanding of the concept itself, as well as a coherent implementation strategy that is agreed on by stakeholders, is yet to be developed. This article introduces recent discussions on transferable skills in the policy arena, presents some examples of policy implementation, a private initiative and the practice of a public specialized high school, and summarizes key findings and presents implications for policy and practice.
