DAICHI CONSTRUCTION Co., Ltd. Takumi Aoyama

The attitude of accepting them as valuable employees
Supporting the success of foreign skilled workers

2025.02.06

#VOL.06 #Acceptance Cases #Aichi prefecture

Takumi Aoyama Representative Director, DAICHI CONSTRUCTION Co., Ltd.

Representative Director
Takumi Aoyama

At DAICHI CONSTRUCTION Co., Ltd., led by President Aoyama, they have created a workplace environment where foreign workers can work with peace of mind by implementing recruitment and support systems that take into account differences in culture and values. We asked Mr. Aoyama about his approach to working with them and the initiatives he is undertaking in the workplace.

Understanding differences in culture and values is important.

Are there any precautions you take when training foreigners you have accepted into your country?

We employ Vietnamese people, and compared to Japanese people, they seem to have a stronger sense of self-esteem. Another characteristic is that many of them prioritize age over career experience. We tend to be considerate of older Vietnamese employees, regardless of their work performance, which can sometimes make interpersonal relationships difficult depending on the team composition. We are careful to take this into consideration, as it can hinder work.

Understanding national characteristics is necessary.

Another point is that many Vietnamese people act without much planning compared to Japanese people. When working with them, you'll often see them doing things that are obviously dangerous from a common-sense perspective. Japanese people would be more cautious and would hesitate for a moment, but it's very important to clearly explain to Vietnamese people "why it's dangerous."

Are there any specific measures you're taking to address that?

We hold monthly meetings with only Vietnamese workers to discuss safety. Because Scaffolding perform dangerous work at high altitudes, safety rules and methods for avoiding danger must be strictly enforced more than in other professions, otherwise they could lose their lives. We repeatedly educate them on these matters to the point of being overly persistent.

Good talent won't come to a company with poor working conditions.

Are there any specific strategies you use to recruit top talent?

Occasionally, I hear complaints that "we can't attract as many talented foreign workers as we used to," and I suspect that the company itself is partly to blame. Lately, I've heard that Vietnamese people are using social media to widely share information about working conditions and environments at Japanese companies. Naturally, people won't go to places with poor conditions. In other words, it's difficult to recruit talented individuals unless you raise the working conditions and environment to a certain standard. Our company is also working hard in this regard.

Is there anything in particular you pay close attention to during interviews?

Since Scaffolding work at great heights, I assess their physical abilities. During interviews, I have them carry an object and walk across a balance beam. No matter how strong someone is, if they lack balance, they'll fall off the beam, so I particularly focus on how well they handle that.

I want to create a company where people can think, "I'm glad I came to Japan."

Are there any things you keep in mind as you continue to accept visitors?

Whether they are Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Trainee, they are all valuable employees of our company. I believe it's essential to employ them with the same respect as our Japanese employees. Occasionally, I hear stories of foreign workers disappearing, which indicates dissatisfaction. I want to create a company where they can feel "I'm glad I came to Japan," considering the environment and conditions.

Creating an attractive company is certainly important.

For this to work, if the receiving company doesn't properly understand them, it can lead to various problems. Learning about cultural and lifestyle differences, and then adopting a caring attitude towards nurturing talent, regardless of whether they are Japanese or foreign, is paramount.

(Interviewed on October 25, 2024)

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