Employee’s voice

Marketing Manager
Kazuyuki Kaminota

Profile
Started working for Kairen in 2012. After working for the government of Shizuoka prefecture, he returned to his hometown, Kagoshima, then joined Kairen. Started at the general affairs department, then moved to the marketing department;

●Explain your current work description.

My job is in related to marketing in general, such as promotion, publicity, advertisement, handling mail orders, creating leaflet and pamphlet, etc., to lead to the improvement of awareness of the company which will, in turn, contribute to sales. In addition, we also handle recruitments, aggregation of sales, product shipment, and other general work. I engage in general work related to mail-order, and also do planning, shipping, product management, and customer services, including writing articles from the customer's point of view. Sales are important for the company to grow. You must always look at the numbers very closely.

●Do you have anything in mind that you are striving for or certain work ethics?

When entering our products into the market, my job is to select the right target marketplace. And I'm always thinking of how we respond to customer's needs. For example, sweet potato powder rich in dietary fiber, "Imomanten", helps regulate the functions of intestines. Those who have trouble with their intestines are naturally our main target, however; it is possible to promote this product to women who are interested in beautifying = cleaning their intestines. Among women, the age they will start caring about their body is between 30 to 40 years old, so my job is to come up with the catchphrase or package design that will grab their attention. So, my job is to figure out who the target audience is, come up with an effective plan along with new ideas, continue the challenge to increase revenue and expand business opportunities.
I have to consider not only our company but also sponsoring other companies and professionals and approach from the perspective of contributing to communities. That includes continuing to improve recognition not only locally and the Kyushu area, but also nationwide. I also have a role in general affairs, so that the site can move smoothly, be able to work productively, and to help departments conduct good communication.

●What is the positive thing about us?

There are people with various personalities, but it is also interesting that everyone is full of energy and the corporate climate accepts each person's original personality naturally. There is also an opportunity to challenge new things. I personally thought, originally, that I had to finish every day's quota in my previous job. Since I joined Kairen, I realized it allows me to challenge something new one after another, elevating my own skills.
I am very grateful for the time I've been here to upgrade my skills.

●Vision for the future

While doing my daily routine, I would like to pass down the skills I gained at this job to my subordinates. If someone is hesitating to move forward, I'd like to be the one to support them and give that push from behind. Because the average age of employees is older, I believe that employment and the training of the next generation are the most important issues.

●Message and advice to the newcomers

No one can work perfectly at the job from the beginning. So please pay attention to your work ethic and do your best. Whether that be greeting with a smile, reply with a positive attitude or even take notes...that's a good start. And just put in the effort at your job after joining the company. Kairen is a proud place to work where we value and promote good health and beauty to the world.

●Daily Schedule (In the case of the busy season between September to December)

Clock-in 7：00～7：30
In the morning:
Processing of sweet potatoes, total tabulation of production, and preparation of the report to shochu maker. Lunch break
In the afternoon:
Clerical work on completed production from the warehouse.
Clock-out 17：30　

In charge of the frozen warehouse
Yuji Oka

Profile
Started working for Kairen in 2005. Came from Kagoshima prefecture’s manufacturing industry. Gas welding, high-pressure gas, standard welding, 3-ton dumping, handling of heavy machinery, etc., are the number of certificates he holds and is uniquely the highest certificate holder within the company. Currently acquiring 7-8 different types of certificates in a year.

●Explain your current work description.

My work is to classify goods kept in the freezer at the headquarters and load them onto trucks using a forklift. Many people quit at other factories because they cannot bear the coldness of the warehouse but I am one of the oldies working for this company. The reason I was able to keep going without quitting is due to the support from my fellow colleagues. I am thankful for my bright, energetic colleagues and a pleasant workplace.
Now as I am working, I can feel the company growing at a tremendous speed.
When I first joined the company, the number of employees was about five. That number increased more than tenfold. The workload was also 2000 tons at the beginning and has gradually increased to 5000 tons, to 6000 tons, to 10 thousand tons, and now has increased to 12,000 tons. We are expanding to new refrigerators and are actively investing in facility expansion, so I am looking forward to the future of this company.

●Do you have anything in mind that you are striving for or certain work ethics?

The safe driving of a forklift more than anything. When loading the products onto a truck, I pay close attention not to scratch or knock them down and am conscious about handling them as an important item for the customer. The qualifications of different types of forklifts and their operation differs from general vehicles, and can be taken relatively easily, while time and experience are necessary to acquire the skills to properly operate them. I believe that continued effort to improve skills is important. Since I joined Kairen, I acquired certifications in operating heavy equipment such as 3-ton heavy-duty trucks. I trained hard to be familiar with the operation and be able to deliver goods in a handy way. From this point on, I would like to work and comply and prioritize daily work safely so that I can engage in a wide range of work.
Actually, my former job was doing the same kind of duties, but work was drastically reduced due to the reduction of public work projects. I had no choice but to look for a new job. I had a chance to meet the chairman and the president of Kairen, which led to my employment. I work regular time, it's 10 minutes from my home, and I earn a great salary! I am able to work under excellent conditions. I would like to continue my hard work so that I can give back to the president and to the chairman.

●What is the positive thing about us?

This is a workplace where veterans gather with various skills and certifications, i.e. in water supply work, electrical work, carpentry, etc. There are many people full of challenging spirit, with enthusiasm and commitment to work, motivation to achieve goals, and I am influenced by all of them. While at work, everyone is working seriously but during the break, there are lots of smiles. No one talks behind anyone's back and it is a very pleasant workplace. I think we can also be proud to have such a very close relationship with our co-workers and business affiliates, examples, going out for drinks and having dinner together.

● Message and advice to the newcomers

In order to expand the business, the company relocated the main office and a new factory is being built. The company is still growing. Let's jointly work together and play a part in that growth. The goal is to "make a company that can make you happy". I am really comfortable working at this place, blessed with good people. I'd love to recommend those who are motivated.

●Daily Schedule (In the case of the busy season between September to December)

Clock-in around 7：45
Start work at 8:00
In the morning:
I oversee the freezer warehouse site in order for the daytime work to carry out shipment and deliver sweet potatoes smoothly.
In the afternoon:
Loading products into the truck.
Clock-out 18：00 - I have very little overtime.