interview01| ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA

INTERVIEW 01

Mexico Subsidiary

Providing new value with native-level Spanish

K.N

(2020年入社)

PROFILE

Sometimes, staying overnight with customers to fish for bass on days off Staying at a cottage in the great outdoors to refresh the mind and soul

01

Realizing the dream of working in a Spanish-speaking country by leveraging language skills

I lived in the Dominican Republic, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, from the age of 11 to 20, where I studied at a three-year vocational school in the International Relations Department. With Spanish as the official language of the Dominican Republic, I am fluent in Spanish at a native level.

In my job search, I targeted overseas sales positions in Spanish-speaking countries to fully utilize my language skills. As a result, I joined ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA, which has an office in Mexico, where Spanish is also an official language.

What sets ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA apart from other companies where I could use my Spanish is its corporate culture. I was drawn to the company’s long history of over 70 years, coupled with its proactive approach to embracing new challenges. ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA is particularly strong in the automotive industry. Since joining the company, I have frequently observed the wealth of knowledge and know-how accumulated over the years.

Over the past four years since I joined the company, ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA has made various innovative strides, such as transitioning to a paperless environment. Despite its extensive history, the company’s openness to change and progress is particularly appealing. I am confident that ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA will continue to evolve and improve in the future.

02

Daily efforts build a strong foundation of trust

My primary responsibility is to make sales proposals for equipment to Japanese automobile manufacturers with plants in Mexico. I am involved in the entire process, from the initial proposal to the delivery of the equipment. When we receive a consultation from a customer interested in producing a new part, we select the necessary equipment, provide a quote, and, if the proposal is accepted, support the customer throughout the project until delivery.

What is crucial in our work is to build an ongoing relationship of trust with the customer, rather than simply ending the relationship after delivering the product. Mexico is a country that is very cautious about outsiders. Winning the trust of the customer is a major factor in the outcome of our work.

I make steady efforts by visiting customers daily, befriending security guards, and building relationships with key personnel by working closely with them. Although it is challenging, it is highly rewarding to witness the gradual improvement in their reactions. Located near the U.S., Mexico has high demand from American companies and offers the opportunity to be involved in large-scale projects, which adds to its appeal.

03

I want to create a mechanism for building better relationships by overcoming value barriers

My future goal is to bridge the gap between the Japanese and Mexican sides and develop a system for becoming a better partner. There is a significant difference in the values of people who work in Japan and those who have been working in Mexico for a long time. Everything varies, including working styles and culture, leading to situations where even a single missed delivery date can cause misunderstandings and difficulties in understanding each other’s perspectives. This can result in the other party being perceived as not performing their job properly.

Currently, the common approach is to address problems after they arise, but I want to create a system that prevents issues before they occur. Among the Japanese employees at our local subsidiary in Mexico, very few can speak Spanish fluently and effectively communicate with Mexican engineers.

I am proficient in both Japanese and Spanish and have a deep understanding of the culture and values through my work in Mexico. I aim to provide new value by leveraging my strengths and creating a system that facilitates smoother operations.