ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.

Japanese people teaching foreigners, foreigners teaching Japanese people
Towards a company where everyone helps each other grow.

2024.10.10

#VOL.06 #Acceptance Cases #Vietnam#Kagawa Prefecture
To everyone working at ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.

ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd. in Kagawa Prefecture began accepting foreign workers in 2017 and currently employs many foreign nationals. This time, we introduce the voices of Mr. Yamagami from the company's construction management department and two Vietnamese employees. (Interviewed on September 11, 2024)

Company Profile

Location: 810-1 Tsuruichi-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
Business details: Scaffolding /earthwork/demolition/civil engineering work, etc.
Number of employees: 31 people
Acceptance status Specified Skills: 2 people Technical Intern Training: 6 people
(Vietnamese, Indonesian)
Website: https://www.ichijo-kensetsu.com/
Initial setup: Accommodation provided, including air conditioning, household appliances, furniture, Wi-Fi access, bicycles for commuting, and summer cooling vests and winter clothing.

Salary Image

  • Specified Skills(Monthly basic salary)
    Approximately 190,000 yen
    * Salary increases based on skill level and proficiency.
  • Technical Intern Training(Monthly basic salary)
    約15万円
Takeshi Yamagami ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.

Interview Host Companies

Construction Management Department, Sales Manager
Takeshi Yamagami​

What were the reasons for deciding to accept them?

As the core workforce on-site gradually aged, we heard that foreigners could contribute as a source of youthful energy, so we decided to recruit them. However, we had no experience employing foreigners, and everything was new to us, so we didn't know where to start. We also couldn't judge what was right or wrong, so we just decided to give it a try.

What were the benefits of accepting it?

I think the company has become more vibrant. When training foreign employees, we have to pay more attention to how to teach them the job and how to communicate with them than when training new Japanese employees. This has led to the growth of our employees, as we have had to come up with ideas and implement improvements.

Scenes from ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd. at work.

What measures or precautions do you take after accepting them?

When we first welcomed them, we paid close attention to any changes in their expressions and attitudes. This was because they were working in a foreign country with a different culture and couldn't speak Japanese well, so they couldn't tell us if they had any problems. To ensure they felt comfortable talking to us about even the smallest anxieties or worries, we frequently checked in on them, asking things like, "You seem a little down lately," or "Are you feeling alright?"

Scenes from ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd. at work.

Please send a message to companies planning to implement this system.

It's natural to have concerns about accepting foreigners into your company. You might be particularly worried about language barriers and how to train them. However, even seemingly disadvantages can be overcome through careful consideration and thinking about how to resolve them, which will lead to significant growth for your company. Personally, I've found working with foreigners to be entirely positive. I believe it will definitely be stimulating for both the company and its employees, so I encourage you to give it a try.

Foreign workers at ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.

Voices from those working on-site

We spoke with THANH and HIEN both from Vietnam and working in Japan under Specified Skilled Worker (i) about their work and life in Japan, as well as their future goals.

Vietnam
THANH​
Japan is a beautiful and convenient country; I want to live here for a long time!

When THANH first came to Japan, she was amazed, thinking, "What a beautiful country!" "There's no trash scattered around the streets, and I felt that everyone is conscious of protecting the environment." She said she fell in love with Japan because of how easy it is to live here, with lots of convenience stores and even vending machines. "The food is delicious, and when you think of Kagawa, you think of udon noodles. I recommend chicken tempura as a topping," she said.

THANH a Vietnamese national ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.
Vietnam
ヒエン​
I look forward to the company trip more than anything, and it motivates me to work hard! (laughs)

HIEN came to work in Japan after being approached by a friend who works in recruitment. "I think it's all fate that my friend invited me and that I came across this company." Although her daily work is tough, she says with a serious expression that she wants to do her best because it's the path she chose. What she looks forward to is the company trip, and this time she shows a big smile as she says, "Drinking with everyone is the best!"

HIEN a Vietnamese national ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.
Foreign workers at ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd.
Scenes from ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd. at work.
Scenes from ICHIJOKENSETSU Co., Ltd. at work.
Specified Skilled Worker For Host Companies

Issue

Visionista / VOL.062025 | Winter

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