RISSHODOStaff interview
Packaging Department
T.S
Joined in 2022
Q.What made you decide to join the company?
I loved eating delicious food, so I was looking for a job mainly in the food industry. However, when I thought about actually working there, I couldn’t find a company that makes me feel like “I want to work here.”
At that time, I happened to notice the words “Junmai Senbei” in a job advertisement at Risshodo.
I remembered that my parents used to buy me Junmai Senbei rice crackers a lot when I was little, so I picked one up for the first time in a long time and tried it. With the same deliciousness, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia.
I thought to myself, “Isn’t it rare to find a company that deals in products that have been loved for so long?” and I immediately became interested in Risshodo, which is what led me to join the company.
Q.What are your current job responsibilities?
The last steps before the Junmai Senbei are completed are “individual wrapping” and “packaging.”
“Individual wrapping” is an important process in which two pieces of rice crackers are packed into one bag while being inspected by machine and by hand.
The process of finishing the products into large bags that customers can pick up at stores is called “packaging.” Transporting the packed products requires skills, and it was quite difficult for me to get the hang of it.
For example, if I get the balance between strength and speed wrong, the precious rice crackers I’ve worked so hard to make can break. Even now, I’m still searching for ways to work without making mistakes.
Q.Have you ever had any difficulties in your work?
When the machine I’m in charge of experiences a problem and we have to stop all operations, I feel anxious and want to get it fixed as quickly as possible.
At first, I watched my seniors fix the machines and learned from them. Recently, since I started to work alone, I feel a sense of responsibility for being in charge of one of these important processes.
To be honest, I still don’t understand many things about machines. Currently, I operate the machines in my free time after work, and continue to build up my knowledge and skills every day.
Q.Please tell us about the atmosphere and environment of the company.
It’s a workplace where everyone listens seriously to my concerns and gives me straightforward answers.
There’s an atmosphere throughout the company where you can talk casually not only with senior colleagues in the department, but also with people 30 years younger than you, and I always feel comfortable here.
Lately, we’ve been spending more time talking about personal matters than about work, and the newly renovated cafeteria has comfortable sofas that help us recharge during breaks.
A message to those who will be working with us from now on
When I first joined the company, I thought, “This is a factory job, so I don’t need to talk to the people around me.” However, I now feel that it is a workplace where it is important to be proactive in communicating.
When I was in high school, I was not particularly good at communicating. However, as I continued to work and check with others to maintain the quality of our Junmai Senbei products, I began to enjoy talking to people more and more.
This may be the perfect workplace for people who want to focus on manufacturing while slowly honing the communication skills necessary for working adults.
