Yamawo Co., Ltd.

Company overview

Yamawo Co., Ltd. is a long-established noodle manufacturer founded in 1948. We produced a wide range of cooked noodles, both hot and cold, including udon, somen, pasta, and Chinese noodles. Today, we specialize in noodles for convenience stores and are involved in the production of many popular products.
The most important factors in the production process are quality and taste. Thorough hygiene management is implemented to provide safe and secure food products. We are conscious of creating products that not only look good but also taste good, paying attention to the cooking and serving style. In addition, "Over our 70-year history, we have been involved in the production of noodles in a variety of business categories, including rationing, school lunches, supermarkets, and restaurants. The know-how we have accumulated over the years has led to ideas for new products," says Mr. Inami, Deputy General Manager of the General Affairs Department. The company's strength lies in its ability to develop and create more than 300 new products a year.
The company began hiring foreign employees around 2000, and under the philosophy of multicultural harmony, employees from a total of eight countries have worked together to maintain the quality and taste of its products. Recently, the company has been actively involved in achieving the SDGs and has been certified by public organizations as a company that promotes the health of its employees and the advancement of women.
Ms. Rita from Nepal, who works in the manufacturing department, said, "This was my first time in the food industry, but I decided to join the company because the training was good and I saw people of the same nationality working happily. After joining the company, I was warmly supported by my supervisors and seniors, so I was able to quickly become accustomed to the work. I am now in a position to manage junior employees myself, and I carefully instruct them according to their respective levels of understanding."

Work-life balance initiatives

Yamawo, which aims for health management, "has various systems in place to ensure that our employees continue to work for a long time, with an awareness of their health management," says Inami. IT equipment to check for fevers has been installed, and employees' health checks are conducted daily. In addition, health checkups, including physical examinations, are conducted, and the status of those who need to undergo reexaminations or detailed examinations is also checked. The company also flexibly responds to sudden illnesses of employees. "When I was not feeling well, I was glad that my supervisor told me to take it easy and rest. It is reassuring to know that there is teamwork, with co-workers willing to shift shifts to accommodate us," says Rita.
In addition, female employees themselves are promoting the Woman Smile Project to realize a healthy work environment for women. Various efforts are being made to fulfill the requests of female employees, such as renovating changing rooms and improving the restroom environment.
Many seasonal events such as barbecues and futsal are also available. According to Inami, "We take care to hold events at various times of the day, as different shifts allow employees to participate at different times of the day." Rita's face broke into a smile as she said, "I enjoy getting to know my coworkers at the events, even the ones I don't usually talk to."

Human resource development initiatives

Yamawo's goal for human resource development is multicultural harmony. We have a multinational workforce, therefore we are making continuous improvements to create a fulfilling career for each of our employees.
As a representative example, support is provided in the employee's native language. In the induction training, which teaches knowledge of food hygiene and noodle-making skills, materials written in the employee's native language are provided in addition to Japanese. At times, senior employees from the same country serve as interpreters to help new employees understand the management philosophy and perform their duties. "The perception of food safety and quality tends to vary from country to country. That is why we make sure that each and every one of our employees understands exactly what standards Yamawo is aiming for," says Inami. Rita also says, "The appeal of Yamawo is that support in one's native language makes it easy to get used to the company and its operations."
In addition, Japanese language classes by qualified teachers are offered three times a week to support employees' career development, and through personnel evaluations, career changes can be made according to the employee's intentions and aptitude. We provide an environment where people of any nationality can challenge themselves in a variety of positions and job type.
In addition, employee-led project activities, such as the creation of educational materials and DX of operations, are also implemented. Employees can gain experience in company operations while deepening communication among multinational employees. Rita also expressed a sense of fulfillment, saying, "It is rewarding to be able to work together with other employees and make a difference in the company, even if it is only little by little."

Message from our top executive

Deputy Assistant Regional Commissioner Keigo Inami

People from many different countries live in Tokyo, and many Japanese are accustomed to communicating with foreigners. I think it is an easy city to live in because you can consult with us without hesitation if you have any problems. In Tokyo, we will continue our efforts to produce safe, secure, and delicious food. If you are interested in gaining work experience in Japan, we would love to work with you!

Message from foreign talent

Training supervisor/Kavalinepali Rita(Nepal)

Tokyo is a safe and livable city. Many people are kind, and I get a warm feeling whenever I see their hospitality toward customers in stores or their politeness when I bump into them on the street. Of course, in the beginning, I was sometimes bewildered by the differences in culture and customs, but my colleagues at the company were very supportive and helped me gradually get used to them. There are sure to be new opportunities in Tokyo. Be brave and take the first step!