RISSHODOStaff interview
Manufacturing Department
Y.R
Joined in 2019
Q.What made you decide to join the company?
When I was first looking for a job, I was worried because I couldn’t find a job that I really wanted to do. Then, when my teacher introduced me to Risshodo, I remembered that I had eaten it at my grandfather’s and relatives’ houses, so I decided to go and see the factory out of curiosity.
And when I stepped into the factory, the first thing I saw was the sight of craftsmen performing difficult tasks as if they were easy. Watching them quickly check the quality of the rice crackers, I felt like I had caught a glimpse of the fun of honing my skills while working in society.
Another reason I wanted to work at Risshodo was that I got to see the actual manufacturing process. I was impressed by the fact that it takes a long and delicate process to finally make that product, and I wanted to try it myself.
Q.What are your current job responsibilities?
We are mainly responsible for the process from the “secondary drying” necessary to prepare the Junmai Senbei so that they are evenly baked, to the slow “baking” in a special oven, then “seasoning” them with oil and salt.
The baking process, in particular, requires careful attention to maintain the Junmai Senbei brand. Even a slight change in the heat level to match the outside air can cause the senbei to curl abnormally or rise beyond the standard size, so care must be taken.
Although I have been with the company for over five years, I am still learning the ropes. However, with the guidance of my seniors, I am somehow managing to make pure rice crackers of a consistent shape and taste.
Q.Have you ever had any difficulties in your work?
Even if you have a strong foundation in basics, you may still struggle in areas where experience is important. For example, when judging the right timing to take the rice cracker dough out of the dryer, your past experience becomes important.
In fact, factory managers can make decisions that combine basic knowledge and experience, such as “Maybe 20 more minutes,” just by checking the rice crackers being dried. I’m still not able to make that kind of judgment, and it makes me realize that I don’t have enough skills.
However, recently, as I take on new challenges, I’ve been getting more and more opportunities to think, “This is good!” And when that happens, my work becomes more and more enjoyable.
Q.Please tell us about the atmosphere and environment of the company.
An essential point when talking about the atmosphere at Risshodo is that there are no age barriers and you can communicate comfortably with anyone.
Normally, it may be stressful to express your opinion to someone much older than you, but since employees at Risshodo communicate with each other on a regular basis, they feel free to express their opinions to their superiors.
One day, a friend who works at a different company told me about his communication problems: “The new employees don’t talk much.”
I haven’t had much trouble interacting with people at work, so I found myself wondering, “Maybe it’s rare to find a company with an atmosphere where you can say anything to each other?”
A message to those who will be working with us from now on
This can be said about job hunting in general. If you find a company that interests you, I think it’s important to experience the atmosphere on-site.
In the case of Risshodo, factory tours are available to get a feel for the real working style and atmosphere. Seeing the process of how Junmai Senbei is made might inspire you to try it for yourself.
For those who are having trouble finding a company they want to work for during their job hunt, feel free to knock on the door of Risshodo.
