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Now that long-term stays are possible,
We need to create an environment where we can mutually improve each other.
2022.09.01
President and Representative Director
Naoki Sugawara
Since its founding in 2000 with just three employees, SUGAWARA.SETSUBI.inc has actively welcomed foreign workers. We spoke in detail with Mr. Sugawara about the challenges they faced when they first started accepting foreign workers and their plans for the future.
If you can communicate effectively, the distance between you will naturally shrink.
What was the reaction from those on the ground when you first started accepting them?
When we first started accepting foreign employees, there was a lack of understanding among Japanese employees towards foreigners, and conflicts and disagreements arose between Japanese and foreigners. While differences in culture and lifestyle were the main reasons, I believe the biggest cause was the inability to communicate with each other.
How was it resolved?
As the first group of foreigners we welcomed became accustomed to life in Japan and gradually learned Japanese, they were able to communicate with Japanese employees on a deeper level. At that point, the Japanese employees also began to see the foreigners' personalities and felt a greater desire to take care of them. Then, in turn, the foreigners began to respect the Japanese as their seniors who taught them the ropes, and the distance between them narrowed.
To avoid discrimination and unfair treatment, we hold Japanese language classes in-house.
What were the reactions of people outside the company to foreigners?
The broken Japanese spoken by Technical Intern Trainee was different from the Japanese spoken by our company staff, who were accustomed to hearing it, making it difficult for those encountering them for the first time to understand. Even if their technical skills were excellent, if they couldn't communicate effectively on-site, they sometimes faced discriminatory treatment. While the number of companies employing foreign workers has increased and understanding of them has broadened somewhat, I believe it's necessary for the industry as a whole to promote a change in mindset to eliminate discrimination.
What actions did you take to protect them?
The main source of trouble, both inside and outside the company, was the low level of Japanese language proficiency. Therefore, in an effort to improve the Japanese language skills of the entire company, we acquired a subsidiary that operates Japanese language schools, and all of our foreign employees are taking classes. Furthermore, we have those who have been accepted to Japan but are not yet scheduled to arrive participate online, ensuring they can speak a certain level of Japanese upon their arrival.
I want to create a company where employees can choose their life plan, whether in Japan or their home country.
Please tell me about your approach to employee development in the workplace.
When we first started accepting foreign workers, we were a small company with only three employees, and the only systems available were the Technical Intern Training (i) and Type 2), and Specified Skilled Worker system didn't exist. So, we initially taught them with the understanding that it would be enough if they could just do the basic tasks. However, with the establishment of Specified Skilled Worker system, they are now in an environment where they can work in Japan long-term. This means that we need to change our approach to education so that they can work in a wide range of tasks. We are working to create a system where they can grow step by step, just like Japanese workers, not only in basic skills, but also in drawing blueprints, participating in on-site meetings, and more.
Please tell me about future developments.
I would like them to continue working in Japan, but sometimes circumstances force them to return home. To provide them with an environment where they can work with us even after returning to their home countries, we established local subsidiaries in Myanmar and Vietnam. This allows Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Trainee to build their careers in both Japan and their home countries. My goal is to continue building a relationship where we can mutually improve together and spread Japanese technology to the world.
(Interviewed on March 24, 2022)
