U'plan Co., Ltd.

Company overview

"Structural design" ensures the safety of buildings. Together with architectural design, which plans the design and floor plan, it plays a role in the creation of buildings.
U'plan is one such company involved in structural design. Our strength lies in our ability to meet the needs of all types of clients, both individual and corporate, by working on a wide range of construction projects, from residences to office buildings, welfare facilities, signboards, and other structures. Mr. Ozaki, President and Representative Director, says that the company's policy, "We shape our happy space," indicates that the goal is to "create a state where people can live in a safe space without being conscious of it."
The company’s future goal is to increase the number of "safe buildings" overseas. "The structural design of housing in Japan, an earthquake-prone country, is among the best in the world. From now on, we would like to utilize our advanced structural design capabilities overseas to contribute to the safety of people around the world," says Ozaki. Currently, in order to gain a better understanding of local business customs and culture, the company is also actively seeking foreign employees, such as by accepting interns from overseas through the Tokyo Metropolitan's Tokyo Internship for Specified Skilled Workers.
An employee of Mongolian nationality (Mr. A) joined U'plan because he felt that he could learn not only advanced technical skills in structural design, but also comprehensive capabilities to handle a wide variety of buildings. "While working for U'plan, I realized that despite Mongolia's urbanization, design standards were not up to par. I would like to acquire advanced structural design skills and eventually become a person who can think of design standards suitable for my home country, " he said.

Work-life balance initiatives

The company's goal of "pursuing the happiness of all those who work with us" is based on the belief that "in order to make others happy, we must first be happy ourselves." "Structural design is directly related to human life, so it is both worthwhile and a great responsibility. I want our employees to first secure their own happiness without being overwhelmed by the pressure," says Ozaki.
The company therefore decided to thoroughly streamline its operations. Through visualization of the time spent on each task, introduction of software, creation of video manuals, and reduction of meetings, the company succeeded in reducing working hours by less than 10 hours per month.
Another feature of the company is its flexible work schedule, which can be adjusted to accommodate the situations of families and children. According to Mr. A, "Working from home allows me to devote more time to housework and childcare, such as picking up and dropping off my children at daycare and preparing meals. I am also grateful for the child nursing care leave that I can use when my child is sick, and the 'go-home system' that covers a portion of my transportation expenses when I return to my home country, " he says happily.
In addition, the company also offers a full range of company trips to gain life experiences outside of work. Every year we all visit a domestic or international destination and participate in local activities. Ozaki said, "I want employees to enjoy their own lives well, not only at work but also in their personal lives."

Human resource development initiatives

The company aims to contribute to the advancement and development of society by maximizing the use of its technologies, and has established a system that allows employees to grow both as engineers and business people.
During the first year of employment, mentors and submentors support technical acquisition in accordance with each person's annual growth plan. Mr. A has been able to grow speedily thanks to "the environment where a worker is not left alone." "There were two people I could ask any questions right away, so I was able to learn the business smoothly. The annual growth plan sheet helped me understand what I needed to do and made it easier to tackle my work," he says.
In addition, the company also provides extensive training in business manners, allowing workers to learn how to behave as a member of society. "Structural designers are technicians, so they have a tendency to think they can finish the work on their own. However, in order to respond to the needs of a diverse clientele like ours, communication with architectural designers is also required. This is a position where I have to listen to the opinions of others while also conveying my own and seeking the best solution, so we make sure that I learn the communication skills and business manners necessary for this," says Ozaki.
In addition to these specialized skills and knowledge, we also evaluate the degree of contribution to customer communication and relationship building from multiple perspectives. We have adopted a grading system that allows employees to be promoted according to their ability regardless of their age or company history, leading to increased employee motivation.

Message from our top executive

President and Representative Director Mitsuru Ozaki

We have been engaged in structural design to protect the "safety and security" of residents in order to create spaces that make people happy. In the future, we would like to increase the number of "safe and secure" buildings not only in Japan, but also in Asia, which is expected to develop more and more in the future. We are looking forward to meeting people who love architecture and are ready to engage in it as a profession, and who are eager to take on new challenges.

Message from foreign talent

Engineer/Mr. A(Mongolia)

I have been a structural engineer for three years now, and I hope to further expand my work and be able to communicate with all stakeholders in the building industry on an equal footing.
Whenever I have a question about my work or have a problem with my career, there are many friendly employees who are willing to help me in a kind and helpful manner. If you have the desire to work in Japan, the people around you will help you, so feel free to jump in!