A group of people who have transferred from different industries! Supporting everyone with lots of smiles!

[Airi Hirahara, Construction Department, Sasaki Construction Co., Ltd.]

In his previous job, Hirahara analyzed website access.
With her big smile and cheerful voice, Construction Komachi supports the craftsmen every day as their "bankman."

What is your current job?

Currently, I am in charge of billing while also interacting with the general contractor on safety management and on-site arrangements.
We also provide support on-site, such as managing craftsmen (both Japanese and foreign) and determining quantities from blueprints.
People often say that a female store manager is rare, but I don't mind. (laughs)

Have you ever felt anything while working with foreigners?

It's not a problem because I'm a foreigner, but because I think the same way as Japanese people, so I've never had any problems at work.
They work as hard as Japanese people.
If I had to say one thing, I feel that Vietnamese people are very family-oriented.

Do you have any stories about working with foreigners?

The other day, one of our specified skilled workers started feeling unwell and sent us a LINE message saying, "Something feels strange with my body!"
He had no problem with everyday conversation, but medical terminology like "liver" and "kidneys" was difficult for him, so I helped him fill out the medical questionnaire and was present in the examination room with him.

Although I didn't understand any Vietnamese, I desperately tried to explain the situation to him using gestures and with the help of the doctor.
I'm feeling much better now and am back on the job.

Do you spend a lot of time together?

When I got this job, I moved to the same station where they live. If something happens, I can rush over right away, and sometimes they even make me dinner when we get home at the same time. (laughs)

It's basically Vietnamese food, but very tasty.
The other day I had her make me stir-fried squid, pineapple and celery.

Do Japanese craftsmen have any special skills?

The foreman (second from the left) initially looked up the number of materials on the Internet, and the Japanese foreman explained the numbers in Vietnamese, with the intention of being sympathetic. As he did this, it felt like he understood their feelings.

By repeatedly speaking to them every day and carefully explaining things to them one by one, they were able to understand what was going on at the site.

When I watch the foreman, he doesn't seem to understand at all, but as you continue to speak to him in Japanese, foreigners also pick up the language, so casual conversation is important.

What advice would you give to companies looking to hire you?

When Vietnamese people come to Japan, they may initially feel anxious about pushing themselves physically, or worry about the language barrier and different customs.
I hope that they will not be discriminated against because they are foreigners, but will be watched over as they grow, looking at them in the same way as Japanese people. (Hirahara)

Rather than just accepting what the union has to say in a positive way, I would like the company to make a proper decision, understand the system and then accept it.
I would like companies to provide a thorough explanation of salary and other matters to foreign workers before hiring them.
We also clearly communicate the reality of the situation, such as the fact that overtime will be required. (President Suzuki)

Editor's Note

Hirahara is called "Airi," "Hira-san," and "Onee-san."

When I first met him, I thought he looked so cool in his full harness and helmet!
However, once she left the construction site, she turned out to be a kind construction expert, and apparently even taught the Vietnamese the name of the osmanthus flower.
He told me a heartwarming story about how Vietnamese people seem to love flowers and nature, and how they all went home saying how nice it smelled.

The store manager, Mr. Hirahara, not only supports the foreigners, but also works tirelessly to hone his own skills.
He approaches his daily work with a strong desire to improve, saying, "I want to be able to look at blueprints, calculate the quantities of each component, prepare and arrange for materials, calculate unit prices, and negotiate better with the general contractor."

I felt that a company with momentum had a challenging spirit, one that was willing to entrust work to anyone who was motivated.

I wrote the article!

Japan Association for Construction Human Resources Manager, Management Department (and Research Department)

Motoko Kano

Cano Motoko

Born in Aichi Prefecture.
He is in charge of public relations, research and investigation, and is the person behind social media.
We update our social media accounts daily with the desire to make people fall in love with Japan, to spread the appeal of construction from Japan to the world, and to ensure that Japan's construction industry continues to be the industry of choice around the world.
He is also engaged in research into the feasibility of implementing skills evaluation exam in Asian countries, and is conducting interviews with local organizations in each country.