We began accepting foreign staff, including four with specified skill visas, for the first time in 2020. This change was in response to a shortage of labor throughout the fishery processing industry and work style reforms.

Three of our specified skill workers have completed their technical training in Yaizu. Registered support organizations for fishery-related unions are working to help trainees in Yaizu who have completed their technical training to settle in the region. Three of the specified skill workers we accepted were introduced to us by the support organization. During the technical internship period, they assessed personalities and abilities, then introduced us to reliable personnel. This process meant we could accept the trainees with peace of mind, and we are still receiving a variety of support.

Our specified skills workers are in charge of the entire manufacturing process. Although it was the first time they’d handled fresh fish, they, fortunately, had experience working in Japan and had a certain level of Japanese listening ability, so they were able to work effectively after a short training period.

We ship our tuna sashimi ready for display at retail stores. So we initially thought we’d have difficulties getting the required level of quality without the workers having a cultural understanding of sashimi. However, they listened and worked diligently. Some of them have advanced their knowledge to the level where they can arrange the sashimi pieces for sale. We’re so glad to have been mistaken about cultural differences being an obstacle. Our specified skills staff are contributing both in terms of quality and quantity of work.

Their personalities have also allowed them to quickly become valuable assets. They cheerfully greet me when I arrive and leave work, and when I ask them to do a task, they reply with a smile and quickly agree. These traits allowed for good communication, and they were able to integrate smoothly into the company.