Examples of companies that employ foreigners

We want to be a place where people who are attracted to Japan and want to work here can come.

画像:代表取締役 神山 孝 氏

Takashi Kamiyama, Representative Director of Kamiyama Limited

Kamiyama Limited Company in Saitama Prefecture began accepting Filipinos in 2014 and continues to employ them today. This time, we introduce the voices of the company's representative, Mr. Kamiyama, and three Filipinos.

Host company interview

Company Profile

Address: 1-4-3 Tajima, Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture
Business: Reinforcement bar construction, etc.

3 foreigners / 6 employees) Specified Skills 2 / 1 technical intern trainee (all Filipinos)
画像:有限会社カミヤマ
  • Specified Skilled Worker (ii) as potential successor
  • Explain dangerous areas until they are understood
  • Harsh words don't produce good results
Jesse can handle any on-site work
Why did you decide to accept?
I was interested in the fact that my friend's company was accepting Filipinos, so I contacted a sending agency. At the time, I wasn't short on manpower, but I heard that there were many talented people overseas, so I decided to accept them. As a result, I met Jesse, so it was the right decision.
What was good about accepting it?
Just as the sending agency said, there are many talented and hardworking people. The construction industry can be difficult and tough depending on the work. Recently, we've been hearing more and more stories about young Japanese people getting discouraged and quitting, but these people are really keeping up. I'm very grateful.
What are your plans for the future?
Our Jesse is now working hard to become a Specified Skilled Worker (ii) and obtain the qualification of a first-class technician. I don't have a successor, so I'd like to take over the company eventually. In the same way, I want the Filipinos who are currently working hard at our company to have a dream of becoming independent in Japan. In this way, I would be happy if we could become a receptacle for people who are attracted to Japan and want to work.
Initial deployment
・Company housing
・A set of daily necessities ・Wi-Fi environment
・Shuttle vehicle to the site
Salary system image
・ Specified Skills (Monthly basic salary) Approximately 270,000 yen
* There is a salary increase once a year.
* Occupational allowance, qualification allowance
・ At the time of technical intern training (monthly basic salary) about 230,000 yen

Nick is eager to learn Japanese technology
Jesse can also read blueprints.

Voices of people working on the ground

We spoke with three Filipino employees of the company about work and life in Japan, as well as their goals for the future.

画像:現場で働くみなさんの声
画像:ジェシーさん
I want to be as kind to my juniors as they have been to me.

Jesse

Jesse obtained his second-level technician license in 2021. "The written questions were in kanji, so I struggled, but I was able to pass thanks to the support of those around me." He said he has a family-like relationship with the president and his seniors, saying, "When I first joined the company, I was scared that I would be discriminated against, but I was really happy that they welcomed me so kindly." He said he would like to be kind to his juniors from his home country in the future.
画像:ニックさん
It's so much fun having friends from the same hometown both at work and in my private life!

Nick

Nick decided to come to Japan after a friend who works as a carpenter in the country told him, "Japan is a really great country." "There are hard times here, but I really enjoy working with the people I've met at this company." Even in his private life, he plays basketball with his Filipino colleagues on the weekends. "The three of us get along well, and every day is fulfilling!"
画像:レッチーさん
I want to continue this job until my sons grow up to be fine adults!

Mr. Letchy

Letchy worked in electrical equipment in the Philippines. When asked why he chose to work in rebar, he said, "It's the same construction industry, so I thought I could manage it (laughs)." He has two sons, ages 13 and 11, and wants to work hard at his current job until they graduate from college. "I'd like to invite them to Japan one day and live with them." His current enjoyment is drinking with Jesse and Nick in their room.

Initiatives of host companies

Foreman
Mr. Shinichi Ikeda

I joined the company in 2017. I also worked on rebar in my previous job, but I had no experience working with foreigners, so I was worried about how to interact with Jesse and the others when I first joined the company. However, I learned about their earnest personalities and was able to communicate with them right away. Personally, I always pay attention to people who have just arrived in Japan when they enter dangerous areas on the site. They may not yet fully understand the dangers, so I think that the best way to prevent accidents is to always explain them, even if it seems annoying. I feel that they are as considerate of us as we are to them. We work while supporting each other, so I think we are able to maintain a good relationship.

Efforts to shorten the distance

I am careful about my choice of words. If I speak too forcefully or too quickly, I can sound harsh and be intimidated. This can lead to mistakes at work and can even damage relationships. Speaking harshly will not lead to good results, so I always try to speak gently and politely.

Meetings are, of course, in Japanese

Advice for companies considering accepting foreign workers

Considering the current labor shortage in the construction industry, I think it's only natural that the number of foreigners will increase in the future. In that situation, I don't think there's any need to be on guard just because they're foreign. What I feel when I work with them on a daily basis is that they're not that different from young Japanese people. If you treat them with consideration as a human being, they'll definitely be of help to you.

"Jesse is like a son to me," said President Kamiyama.
October 23, 2023List of advanced cases of companies accepting interviews
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