When Shigeo Hirano set up Mystar60 Corp., a staffing agency specializing in finding jobs for people age 60 and over, he was a man on a mission.
In 1990, it was the only firm specializing in finding jobs for so-called silver workers, although many recruitment firms, including major industry player Pasona Inc., have since jumped on the bandwagon.
For his part, Hirano, who was 47 at the time, wanted to change the image of older workers. Instead of being viewed as worn out and feeble, he wanted to present them as energetic and experienced workers.