Japan, home to o2OG, is experiencing a population decline that could have serious consequences for its economy and society. To address this issue, the Japanese government has launched several initiatives to mitigate the effects of this demographic shift. However, these efforts are still at an early stage as Japan has a low level of immigration compared to other countries.
Daiwa Steel Tube Industries (DSTI), an o2OG subsidiary based in Japan, is an example of a proactive response to this challenge. DSTI currently hosts six secondees from its group company, Daiwa Lance International (DLI), who have come to Japan and are making significant contributions. DLI has been operating in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, since 1996, manufacturing and selling lance pipes to 250 companies across 50 countries.
As Japan's labor shortage worsens, known as the Japan 2024 problem, hiring foreign workers is often seen as a quick fix. However, DSTI takes a different approach. For us, secondment is not about filling temporary staffing gaps; it’s about fostering secondees' personal and professional growth, ensuring that they make meaningful contributions both during their time in Japan and when they return home. The New York Times recently interviewed and profiled DSTI for this forward-thinking initiative.
Screenshot of the article on NYT "In Japan's Countryside, Century-Old Firms Learn to Embrace Foreign Workers"
As highlighted in the NYT article, DSTI’s secondees have worked in a range of positions, including as assistant managers in product sales.
To fully support them, we encourage family relocation, recognizing that such support is critical to long-term success. For example, one secondee brought his wife and two children with him from Vietnam. This underscores our commitment to the overall well-being of our employees.
Still, living in a foreign country comes with its challenges, from language barriers to navigating unfamiliar cultural norms. As a "glocal" company that thinks globally and acts locally, we’re committed to promoting initiatives that bridge these gaps and foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
Please join our never-ending journey of "Perfecting Imperfections" with innovative ideas for manufacturing sites all around the world.
Thank you for your continued support!!! ;-)
Link to the full text: In Japan's Countryside, Century-Old Firms Learn to Embrace Foreign Workers (The New York Times, published Oct. 3, 2024)
