• Visionista
  • Foreign Resident Acceptance Manual
  • JAC Magazine
  • People who want to work in the Japanese construction industry
  • KEN GI JIN connect people, construction companies, and the world
  • Facebook (for Japanese companies)
  • Facebook (Japanese for foreigners)
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Examples of companies that employ foreigners

He has excellent skills and can be an asset right away! He also has a strong work ethic and a strong desire to grow.

Image: President and CEO Koichi Kariya

Koichi Kariya, President and CEO of Ogurogumi Co., Ltd.

Since 2004, "Oguro Gumi Co., Ltd." (Koto-ku, Tokyo) has accepted a total of more than 50 foreigners.
We asked the people at the company who promote the work of Specified Skilled Worker about their work, impressions, and communication techniques. Technical Intern Training We will also introduce the voices of four people who have become Specified Skilled Worker (i) from students and are active on the front lines of the field.

Host company interview

Company Profile

Ogurogumi Co., Ltd. (Established in 1930)
2-17-15 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Number of employees: 124 (as of April 15)
Business: Reinforcement bar construction
Website: http://www.oguro-gumi.co.jp

15 foreigners / within 115 employees) Specified Skills 5 / Designated Activities 1 / Technical Intern Training 9 (all Vietnamese)
Image: Ogurogumi Co., Ltd.
  • Communication can be improved with just a little ingenuity
  • Leaders on the ground, people who will become the core of the company
  • It's important to be sensitive to feelings
We asked three people who work with Specified Skilled Worker! From left to right, Mr. Kameda, the factory manager, Mr. Sanmaru, the deputy factory manager, and Mr. Yokoyama, the life guidance officer of the Engineering Department.
What are the benefits of accepting Specified Skilled Worker?
【Mimaru】 Having a qualification of Specified Skills means that you already have excellent skills. It's a big advantage to be active as an immediate force. What is also surprising to me is that their motivation to grow is much higher than that of Japan. His ambitious attitude of actively learning the techniques of the field is a good stimulus for the people around him. While the number of craftsmen in Japan is decreasing, foreign workers are really a big force. The work of a factory is also a manpower tactical aspect, so we have to train as many people as possible. I have high expectations for them who are willing to learn.
Did you have any difficulties accepting it?
[Yokoyama] As expected, they were a little hesitant at first because they were not used to speaking Japanese. But by proactively talking to them, communication soon became smooth. They are also studying Japanese on their own during their lunch breaks or after work, and talking to Japanese people, which is rapidly improving their Japanese language skills. It is very important to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable talking and asking for advice.
What are some of the things you do to improve your work together?
[Yokoyama] They themselves sometimes have worries about work and daily life while working away from their home country. At times like that, it's important to listen carefully and understand their feelings. I sometimes take them out to dinner or leisure activities to change their mood, and they are also very happy about events such as company trips. Also, I always celebrate their birthdays with a cake, but on my birthday, they threw me a surprise party in return... I was happy to know that they understand my feelings.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
Kameda: As the number of young Japan generations decreases, they who are Specified Skilled Worker will become leaders in the field and eventually become the core of the company. They are people who make serious efforts even when people are not watching, so I want them to continue to learn a lot and demonstrate leadership. I already have the skills to lead the field, so I want you to gain more and more experience. We have high expectations not only for the Oguro group but also as a human resource who will lead the construction industry.
Initial deployment
Bicycle, bed, futon, tableware, rice cooker (fridge, washing machine, microwave will be replaced if they break)
Salary system image
・ Specified Skills (total payment amount) ~ 280,000 yen/month
Bonus ~500,000 yen/year (July: ~250,000 yen, December: ~250,000 yen)

・ Technical Intern Training (total payment) ~ 210,000 yen/month
Bonus ~120,000 yen/month (July: ~60,000 yen, December: ~60,000 yen)

We are all studying together for the Skill Test Level 3 written exam! We are working hard!
We went on a trip to Oami Shirasato Beach with the employees and trainees. We became closer!
We held a surprise birthday party for Yokoyama-san, who has been so kind to us!

Voices of people working on the ground

Along with their success in the field, Specified Skilled Worker are also highly regarded for their desire to grow and their personality. He has high expectations as a human resource who will lead the future of the construction industry. This time, we asked four Specified Skilled Worker about their motivation for work.

Photo: Voices of people working on-site
Image: Vic (25 years old)
I am clearing my goals one by one to further my work and learn Japanese. I would like to continue contributing to Oguro-gumi!

Vic (25 years old)

Vic is skilled in Japanese language proficiency and communication. In addition to being in charge of handling complex processing machines, he also serves as an interpreter for other Vietnamese trainees. He is a promising young man who is highly trusted by his leaders and is a role model not only for the trainees but also for the Japanese employees. He is currently studying hard to reach the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test!
Image: Tuck (32 years old)
I'm grateful to everyone in the Oguro group for kindly teaching me how to do my job! I want to train my juniors well as well.

Tuck (32 years old)

Tack is a hard worker who is known for his earnest attitude towards his work, such as giving up his days off to study things he is not satisfied with. He is a member of the processing team at the site and is a caring senior who enthusiastically instructs his junior trainees. He is also enthusiastic about taking on cutting work in the future.
Photo: Mr. Song (27 years old)
I am currently studying Japanese skills and work styles with the goal of becoming a Special 2. I would like to work as a leader on the job site!

Mr. Song (27 years old)

Mr. Song demonstrates leadership by bringing everyone together. At the site, he checks the processing instructions against the processing schedule and takes on leadership-level duties such as deciding on the cutting order with efficiency in mind. He is a reliable person who can be entrusted with all machine operations.
Level 1 Reinforcing bar construction Certificed Skilled Worker &Japanese Working hard for the N1 level of the Proficiency Test! I would like to further study my current job.

Tam (28 years old)

In his home country, Tam has experience repairing electrical appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines. Making use of the techniques he learned from his seniors, he is highly praised on the job site for his precise and careful work, such as being entrusted with operating a special machine that cuts rebar for precast concrete construction, which requires an accuracy of within 3 mm.

Comments from the host company representative

President and CEO
Mr. Koichi Kariya

They are a great force that supports the company together.

Oguro-gumi employs three rebar processing technicians from Vietnam every year. While there are few craftsmen in Japan, it is very helpful for foreigners who are diligent and learn the job quickly, and companies are also encouraging them to obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) status of residence. I expect Specified Skilled Worker to be a great force to continue to promote the company's business together, such as having them guide as leaders of the interns.

  • Weekdays: 9:00-17:30 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: Closed
  • Q&A
  • Contact Us