YAMANOUCHI CORPORATION
Mamoru Yamanouchi

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If you are seriously involved and nurture it,
I believe we will both succeed.

2024.08.01

#VOL.05 #Acceptance Cases #Kagoshima Prefecture
Mamoru Yamanouchi, Representative Director, Yamauchi YAMANOUCHI CORPORATION

Representative Director
Mamoru Yamanouchi​

Surprisingly, despite being the company president, Mr. Yamanouchi maintains a close relationship with foreigners, almost to the point of being considered a friend. This stems from his strong desire to pass on Japanese technology to them and to ensure its successful development.

The most important thing is to interact with them on their level.

What was the initial reaction from the employees to the new system?

I've heard that at first, communication was difficult, and he struggled to convey detailed instructions, which took about six months. There were also some minor disagreements with our younger employees, but as time went on and they got used to each other, they became close friends. They now spend more time together outside of work, going fishing on weekends and taking each other shopping for daily necessities, and it seems they recently went on a road trip together.

What do you value most when interacting with them?

I make a point of actively communicating with them on a regular basis. The most important thing is to treat them as equals. In my case, I'm not exaggerating when I say we're friends. We joke around with each other, and they even tease me. Since they don't use polite language, our conversations naturally become like those of friends. Thanks to them, I really enjoy my work.

They seem to be quite close.

That's right. Also, there's a soccer team formed mainly by the supervising organization, and several of our employees are members as players. We support them by purchasing soccer equipment and so on. I think the increased opportunities to interact with them not only at work but also in our private lives are helping to bring us closer together.

"Keep trying," "You can definitely do it," he kept encouraging me.

Are there any particular areas of focus for your company?

They have come to Japan with a strong desire to do their best. That's precisely why we should respond to that with all our might. I believe that if we create a welcoming environment where they can work with enthusiasm, both they and we will definitely succeed.

The key to success lies in the companies' commitment to accepting the immigrants.

That's right. We have a Vietnamese man named Long who won the Outstanding Foreign Construction Skills Award, but even he almost gave up many times. I kept encouraging him, telling him, "Something good will definitely happen, so keep trying," and "I know you can do it, Long." So, I feel like we overcame hardships together. If I had simply seen him as a source of labor, we wouldn't have been able to build the kind of relationship we have now.

It clearly and concisely explains the path we should take.

Are there any specific things you pay attention to when training players?

While money is important, they also seek out Japanese technology. As proof, they are incredibly pleased when shown blueprints. They want to be entrusted with managing projects and are eager to take on challenging tasks. Now, some projects are even run entirely by Vietnamese workers.

Are you attracted to the idea of career advancement?

That's right. That's why I tell them clearly and specifically that I want them to get their rigging certification in their second year, aim for a Level 2 Certified Skilled Worker in their third year, and eventually become a foreman. The more I teach them, the more they absorb. It's incredibly enjoyable to train them.

YAMANOUCHI CORPORATION

(Interviewed on November 30, 2023)

Issue

Visionista/VOL.052024 | Summer

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