My name is Junya Tokunaga. I joined Sakaeya in November of 2023. Before that, I lived each day without much thought or purpose. However, despite this, Mr. Horiuchi, who is both a staff member at Sakaeya and a longtime friend of mine, often kept in touch with me and invited me to various things. I've known Mr. Horiuchi since the second grade of elementary school, and we used to play together almost every day back then. Even now, we often talk about silly things. At some point, Mr. Horiuchi started inviting me to come and help out at Sakaeya during busy periods like the Obon holidays and the New Year holidays. Since my previous job gave me weekends off, and of course I also had holidays off during Obon and the New Year, I thought it would be a nice change of pace for me, as I don't usually have any plans, so I readily agreed and often went to help out. From that time on, I felt that the people at Sakaeya were incredibly warm and welcoming. People would cheerfully greet me even though we were complete strangers, and they relied on me even though I didn't have any particular talents. I began to think that I wanted to work in an environment like that. However, at the time, I had been working at the company for over 10 years and was entrusted with many responsibilities, so I, being someone who lacked courage to begin with, couldn't even consider changing jobs.

Even while working at my company, I would occasionally think about the time I had helped out at Sakaeya. Then, out of the blue, Mr. Horiuchi asked me, with a serious expression, "Would you like to work for us?" He had asked me several times before, but it had been a long time since I had seen him speak so seriously without joking. I felt that I had to answer him seriously as well, so I told him about my current job situation. Then he said, "It doesn't have to be right away, but I'd like you to come. Even a year from now would be fine." I thought that not many people would say something like that, and although it was hard to quit my previous company, I decided to take the plunge and join Sakaeya!

At Sakaeya, we have unique events that you won't often find at other companies, such as a 50km walk where everyone walks 50km together, and a management game called Strategic MG where participants act as managers and run their own businesses. We also have many fun activities, such as departmental dinners about once a month. Although I've only been at Sakaeya for a short time, I've been entrusted with leadership roles in the housekeeping department on a daily basis. Having never been in a leadership position before in my life, I was often at a loss as to what to do just because of the word "leader."

Also, since I was put in leadership roles about three months after joining the company, and even now, when I look around, everyone is a senior colleague, so I sometimes wondered, "Am I really good enough? Isn't there someone more suitable?" At first, I often gave instructions that weren't appropriate for the situation. However, even then, instead of just saying "no" or being dismissive, my seniors, including Mr. Horiuchi, supported me by saying things like, "This is a better way to do it," or "This would be better right now," which helped me get through busy times. Even now, I still sometimes give wrong instructions, but thanks to the people who support me, I can give instructions more smoothly than I did at the beginning.

As a leader, it's obvious that your job is to "give instructions" rather than "receive instructions." Therefore, you have to be aware of the surrounding circumstances, consider the people doing the work, and observe the flow of things on the ground. Coming to Sakaeya has made me realize anew how difficult and important it is to observe people and their work.

I still have so much to learn, but while experiencing the warmth of Sakaeya, I want to grow through my work at Sakaeya, not only by being supported, but also by becoming a kind person who can support and help others in the future.

I can become a leader because I have everyone by my side!

Junya Tokunaga

【profile】
Born in Nagano Prefecture
Joined the company in 2023
Personal motto: Ten thousand miles, one sky (Continuing to strive towards a single goal)
Special skill: Early rising