In my previous job in the retail industry, I was involved in developing private brand products. However, having worked in product design at several companies in the past, I began to feel a strong desire to engage in a field closer to the core of monozukuri. YAMADA has its own factories and Tooling Department, enabling an integrated process from design through to mass production. I was also attracted by the opportunity to take part in projects with major manufacturers and overseas companies, as well as by its corporate culture that encourages taking on new challenges. Confident that I could play an active role globally with a high degree of autonomy, I decided to join the company.

What surprised me after joining the company was the extent of autonomy given to designers. In my previous career, the boundaries between departments were quite rigid, and my scope of work was limited. Here, however, if you take initiative, you are truly entrusted with responsibility. Moreover, because we advance design in collaboration with our in-house factory, I’ve been able to gain a “manufacturer’s perspective” that can’t be learned from drawings alone. Working with overseas members has also been highly stimulating, greatly broadening my perspective.

Before joining YAMADA, I worked for a Japanese manufacturer in Shanghai and was involved in international logistics. Collaborating with engineers gave me valuable hands-on experience, while also deepening my knowledge of international trade and enhancing my language skills. When considering my next career step, I sought a company where I could leverage my international background and take on new challenges with a global perspective. What attracted me the most to this company was its wide range of joint projects with overseas partners and the frequent opportunities to use English. Its flat, open corporate culture also promotes smooth and effective communication. Convinced that this environment would allow me to make the most of my abilities, I decided to join YAMADA.

What made the strongest impression on me after joining the company was that, although it is a Japanese company, it shows tolerance and cooperation toward non-Japanese employees without strictly enforcing traditional Japanese etiquette. The atmosphere in the company is warm and friendly, with a strong culture of encouragement and mutual support. In my work, I was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of responsibilities I could take on, gaining experience in nearly every aspect of a project, except for the specialized areas handled by engineers. Among these, I discovered my strength in supplier selection and was able to develop new skills along the way.