My name is Mika Omori, and I work as a front desk staff member. I joined the company in 2014 after graduating from university.

The reason I joined Sakaeya was because, while working part-time in customer service during my student days, I thought, "I want to provide hospitality that makes people feel kind."

After joining the company, I mostly worked at the front desk, and in my second year, I was so focused on becoming a full-fledged employee that I threw myself into my work. Being competitive, the harder I worked, the more responsibilities I was given, and the more opportunities I was given, making work enjoyable every day. I participated in the Ryokan Koshien competition, giving speeches and playing drums, being a project member, editing communications, working at the free school, and handling general affairs and accounting. As I continued doing all of that, I realized that I had become so self-absorbed that I lost sight of those around me, and looking back now, I think I was a very arrogant junior employee.

The reason I was able to change was because of a certain incident.

This happened when I was in charge of decorating the interior of the building. I was given the suggestion, "How about decorating with these kinds of lanterns?" But at the time, I thought to myself, "That doesn't quite fit the atmosphere," but I didn't say anything. And even when I was asked to "try decorating with them,"

"It's definitely not a good fit. I don't want people to think I came up with the idea."

I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I deserved to be scolded for it, but when it was pointed out to me, I didn't want to admit that I hadn't done it, so I ran away. And after that, whenever a problem arose, I would blame others, saying, "I'm trying my best, but no one understands," or "I wish someone would help me," and I would run away to someone who would spoil me.

A training program called "Introspection" had a huge impact on me. This program is about acknowledging the things that others have done for you, the things you have done for others, and the troubles you have caused them. As I went through the process of introspection, I realized that I am who I am today because of so many people. I realized that I wasn't taking my job for granted; I was using the computers at the front desk, and I was ashamed to admit that I hadn't realized that I was preventing others from using the computers or spreading out documents haphazardly, reducing the usable space. I thought I was working harder than anyone else, but in reality, I was only causing trouble for those around me. I hadn't even said "I'm sorry" to the president who took the time to scold me. Everyone around me had forgiven me and supported me despite all that. I felt incredibly sorry about that. When I think about how many people I've made feel bad or hurt in the past, I feel truly sorry and want to become someone who can give back.

As my years with the company have increased and I've become more senior, I've come to appreciate having people who are willing to correct me. My position within Sakaeya has changed, but no matter what position or department I'm in, I hope to be able to fulfill the role that's expected of me. The pandemic has brought about many encounters and farewells, but what I value remains unchanged, and I want to carry on Sakaeya's culture into the future.

I'm sorry, but looking back now, I realize how truly fortunate I was to have been able to feel ashamed of myself. Even now, there are times when I become arrogant or want to turn a blind eye to the facts, but I want to live humbly, never forgetting the kindness I've received and the trouble I've caused.

The kindest thing you can do is when you can say "I'm sorry."

Mika Omori

【profile】
Born in Mie Prefecture
Joined the company in 2015
Motto: The enemy is within yourself; instead of complaining about the darkness, you should go out and light the way yourself.
Special skill: Eating food in a way that makes it look delicious