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Hikari Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
As of January 9, 2026
Building an Organization that Pursues “Employee Satisfaction” Where International Employees Thrive
President and CEO of Hikari Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Mr. Yuji Maruyama
【Profile】
After graduating from university in 1984, I joined a major restaurant chain and opened 135 stores in 9 years. I learned from this experience that “anyone can grow when recognized, regardless of gender, age, or nationality”—and that this is the key to company growth.I joined Hikari Seisakusho in 1994. When our main client, accounting for 80% of our business, moved its factory overseas, we suffered 2 consecutive major losses.
I was appointed president in 2001 with the mission to rebuild this company. First, I set the vision: “Manufacturing is a service industry!” and reduced our reliance on a single client to mitigate risk and shift to diversified, small-lot production. In addition, by actively employing women and international employees, we built a flexible production system. In July 2022, during the COVID-19, we achieved record high revenue and profit.
Company philosophy: “One For All. All For One.”
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Background and Key Considerations in Hiring International Employees
We began actively hiring international employees in 2010, anticipating that fewer Japanese would choose factory work. Our goal was to create an environment where anyone who wants to work can do so. Nationality does not matter. What we value most in hiring is not Japanese proficiency or specific skills, but the desire to work and basic calculation skills. We want to work with people who feel joy in working.
One memorable moment was when an international employee said, "I also want to work on Saturdays and Sundays." When I asked the reason the employee replied, "I want to build a house for my parents, my own house, and an apartment in my home country." That strong determination reminded me of the spirit of Japanese craftsmen of the past, and I was deeply moved.
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Support System and Workplace Success
I believe just hiring international employees to fill the gap is over. From now on, international employee will become essential gears that drive the company. For technical intern trainee, we expect growth from basic work experience to the ability to engage in improvement activities. For highly skilled international employees, we expect them to design and implement ideas that enhance productivity.
To ensure retention, I emphasize the mindset that "salary is earned, not given." We teach the ability to prepare and predict, communicate through numbers, and raise one's own value through study and getting some qualifications.
It is important for those teaching to others, don’t give up on teaching. We don’t leave the training of new employees to one person. Our support system is characterized by a culture where all employees welcome and take care of new members together.
Specialized staff handle visa procedures and supports their daily life but all employee supports new members by sharing informations.We intentionally avoid excessive preparation because we believe challenges arise only when faced with reality.
To both Japanese and international employees, we tell them that their “standard” is not a standard for others, so show some respect to each other.
We value on solving problems together. -
Impact on the Company and Future Outlook
The proactive attitude of international employees has brought significant changes to our company and to the behavior of Japanese employees. For example, as visible outcomes of "teaching, conveying, and enabling" have increased, Japanese employees now voluntarily create training materials and coach patiently without blaming mistakes. The mindset among international employees that "salary is earned, not given" has positively influenced Japanese employees as well, boosting motivation. Some have even taken the initiative to obtain a commercial driver's license and saying, "I can help with transportation in addition to my current duties."
Japanese employees create Japanese-language learning materials daily for international employees and put them into practice. Our core principle is "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," and we haven’t made special systems or schemes for international employees. Instead, we deal with the situation case-by-case. Each employee grows by learning proactively, creating an environment where international and Japanese employees can thrive equally.
We are also advancing initiatives in which master craftsmen in their 80s pass their skills to international talents in their 20s. This deepens the transmission of craftsmanship and intergenerational bonds, strengthening our corporate culture. We actively hire people with disabilities and are building an inclusive workplace. A culture in which diverse talent learn from one another and grow together, supports our sustainable development.
To strengthen ties with the local community, we regularly host factory tours for local elementary school students. In these dialogue-based visits, employees frankly discuss topics such as "what it means to work" and "what leadership is," which are highly rated as hands-on learning experiences. Through these activities, we help the next generation understand different careers and share the appeal of manufacturing.
It is our goal that salaries increase with the company’s growth. Currently, we have 47 employees aged in their 20s and younger: 17 Japanese employees and 30 international employees. We are confident this youthful energy will blossom in 10 years. Now is the only opportunity to train the next generation while today's employees are still active. The desire to grow, to earn, and to make one's family happy is the driving force that elevates people to the level of true craftsmen.
Master craftsmen in their 80s passing their skills to international talents in their 20s.
Message to Companies Considering Hiring International Employees
Nurture international employees like your own children and do not treat them as mere "gap fillers".
By training your employee and making them earn more is the way to survive in this tough circumstances.
To companies interested in observing our company, we always say: "Please visit our factory—we have 60 young international employees at work."
A multinational team of 60 people taking on challenges together.
Company Profile
- Company Name
- Hikari Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
- Address
- 8-21-17 Fukayakami, Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Founded
- December 1970
- Business
- Manufacturing and assembly of metal press products, as well as design and production of related molds
- Number of Employees
- 120
- Number of International Employees
- 66 (Cambodia: 1, Thailand: 5, Philippines: 1, Brazil: 10, Vietnam: 40, Peru: 3, Laos: 1, China: 4, Myanmar: 1)
- Company URL
- https://www.hikariss.jp/
As of January 9, 2026
