The higher the bar set by our customers' requests, and the more challenging the project, the more passionate I become about bringing solutions into reality. I feel the Fuji Seal Group's resilience is rooted in the corporate culture that we have cultivated over the years.
By utilizing our combined strengths in both packaging materials and machinery, we have been able to realize our customers' wishes and tackle various challenges. This has also led to the development of lasting relationships with customers who sometimes present us with difficult requests.
Umeda
When I hear the term "resilience," what comes to mind is "people." I have noticed that there are so many employees around me, including those overseas, who do not view crises as negative situations, but rather see them as opportunities. I feel that the Guideline for Action, "Changing along with changes," is deeply ingrained in each and every employee. This is both a source of our resilience and one of our strengths, and I believe the fact that each region is led by local management is a major contributing factor. Although we define the goals we must achieve and our vision globally, it is the regions that seriously deliberate on how to accomplish them and respond using approaches tailored to their respective regions. I believe the reason why customers engaging in global business expansion choose to do business with the Fuji Seal Group is precisely because these regional strengths (and assets) align with their needs.
Okazaki
I agree. While some customers want us to provide global support in addition to region-specific support—and we have put systems in place to do just that—when you look at their actions closely, they are actually conducting business tailored to each region, just like we do. I believe our role is to bridge that gap while delivering the high-quality products and services they require, which is where our customers' expectations lie.
Umeda
When it comes to the Fuji Seal Group's global structure, it has changed quite a bit over the past 15 years or so, hasn't it? In the past, Japan served as the starting point for everything, but now we conduct development overseas, build partnerships locally, and have management teams made up of people who best understand local lifestyles and cultural backgrounds. As far as I know, we have by far the fewest expatriates among major Japanese companies, and in that sense, I feel we are charting our own unique course.
Okazaki
I believe one of our greatest strengths is that our employees are able to bring ideas to life based on a deep understanding of local needs. Furthermore, we are able to reinforce that strength because we employ a "region × business" matrix management approach. It is crucial that we respect the unique needs of each region while also determining which aspects we must protect or standardize across all businesses.
The meaning behind this year's Japanese character
Okazaki
At the Fuji Seal Group, writing one word in Japanese calligraphy at the beginning of the year is a long-standing tradition where a keyword based on a single kanji whenever possible.
We also explain why we chose that character, including the reasoning behind it, and share our thoughts and resolutions with our colleagues. It is a commitment, so to speak. I think this is a wonderful tradition.
Umeda
In the U.S., this tradition is currently on hold because we could not get the necessary sumi ink and other supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, everyone used to enjoy this practice, saying things like, "It's really cool." It feels more like drawing a picture than writing characters, and some members even display their work around their desks. Since this is not a common practice at non-Japanese companies, I think it is a great initiative in terms of sharing our Japanese culture. I believe you wrote the character "創" (sou) didn't you?
Okazaki
I was transferred from Europe to the company's headquarters in Japan this year, and I chose the character "創" ("so": to create) to express my determination to move beyond the traditional business perspective and build systems and an organization that will enable the company to continue creating new products, services, and value.
Umeda
I don't actually write a New Year's calligraphy piece itself, but I do select a character each year to set my goals. This year, I chose the single character "挑" ("chou": challenge). It is not just about taking on a challenge; rather, it conveys the idea of trying again. Looking back, there were many goals I did not achieve, so I am determined not to give up, and to take on those challenges once more.
The meaning of the "Family Festival"
Umeda
Just like the New Year's calligraphy event, the "Family Festival," part of our founding anniversary celebrations, is another initiative that embodies the spirit of the Fuji Seal Group, and I believe it holds many different meanings.
Okazaki
Our company provides value by packaging our customers' products. Seeing the products we have worked on displayed on the shelves of supermarkets, convenience stores, and other outlets is a valuable opportunity for our employees' families to understand that we are a company that grows by creating excitement, and to see the kind of work we do and the kind of colleagues we have. Since I was previously in charge of Europe, I have participated in "Family Festivals" at several of our European locations, and I was deeply impressed by how much everyone, including the children, enjoyed them. From our perspective, it is also a valuable opportunity to directly express our gratitude to the families who support our employees' hard work, so we must continue this tradition in the future.
Umeda
It is great that the families of not only married employees but also single employees can attend. When I was a young employee, I believe the event was originally called the "Fuji Seal Employee Stock Ownership Party." Since I was working at the Kansai office, I attended the event in Osaka, while my mother, who lived in the Kanto region, attended the one in Tokyo (laughs). Back then, the events were mostly standing receptions, but now, to help people learn about the company through their workplace, we have been giving them tours of our factories and other facilities.
Okazaki
Each location has its own unique characteristics, of course, so what kind of activities do you hold in the U.S.?
Umeda
On our founding anniversary, we only hold an awards ceremony and have a meal together. Since we used to hold picnics as family events, we have continued that tradition to this day. We serve Japanese food, give presentations on what the Fuji Seal Group is all about—basically very similar activities to the "Family Festival."
Outlook for the Future
Okazaki
With changes—both nationally and globally—accelerating still further, how do you view the current situation and the future?
Umeda
While there has been a lot of negative news circulating in Japan about plastic material shortages and price hikes, a look at the Fuji Seal Group's goals for this fiscal year shows that both sales and profit are expected to grow. We are doing everything we can in each region, so I believe that if we continue to draw on our resilience, the results will follow.
Okazaki
I am optimistic that by reliably resolving each issue one by one, we will earn even greater trust from our customers. Returning to what I said earlier, I find it very encouraging to see our employees taking on challenges so passionately and viewing these difficult circumstances as opportunities. I am also in charge of investment relations, and I must strive to provide clearer answers that meet their expectations. I intend to communicate from various angles, including what the Fuji Seal Group aims to achieve in the future, the potential of our products and services, why we can maintain our competitive edge and continue to grow in the market, and our future investment plans.
