Kyushu Sanko Unyu Co., Ltd.
Kumamoto Center
NARUMI FUKUSHIMA
I'm part of the Kumamoto Center of Kyushu Sanko Unyu Co., Ltd. in the Konoike Group. I'm a truck driver, and I deliver goods made by sweets manufacturer from the factory to stores. I didn't have my regular driver's license when I started working here, right after I graduated from high school, but the next year I received my license to drive small and medium-sized trucks and started delivering on some of the company's standard routes. Nowadays, I am not only in charge of delivery, but I also pack the goods in boxes at the factory.
I get a lot of influence from my father, who is also a truck driver. I really looked up to his profession, and that's what got me into the industry. I drive a two-ton truck each day, and someday I want to get my hauling license or heavy truck license so I can be involved in other kinds of logistics. In the future, I see myself being able to handle all kinds of problems with the experience and skills I've developed. I feel a lot of pride being able to carry the goods of our locally well-known customers. I think it's very important to communicate with many different people, like our customers and the people around us, and I'm always striving to go about my work carefully and safely.
During my fourth year at the company, I won the women's division of the Kumamoto Prefecture Driver Contest and went on to participate in the National Truck Driver Contest, pledging to play by the rules there. The Driver Contest was a valuable experience, because it allowed me to interact with drivers from other companies, whom I would not otherwise have a chance to meet.
At the Driver Contest, I met an experienced woman driver who, upon meeting me and everyone else for the first time, did her best to communicate and include us. I thought that I would like to have that sort of positive energy, and it changed my outlook on life. Taking part in the contest gave me the opportunity to review my safety practices and techniques, and those experiences continue to influence my daily work. I've always liked driving, and I'm good at quietly focusing on something, so I feel like I'm well-suited to this job. And in addition to driving skills, I also think that showing a happy face is very important. I've been learning from my seniors, and I feel that interacting with customers with a smile on your face is what builds a relationship of trust. During the busy season one year, when the drivers changed due to a change to delivery routes, I was so happy to hear that one of our customers requested me.
I believe that logistics is all about kindness. From a regular car, trucks sometimes feel like they're in the way or scary. This is why I'm very careful as much as possible when I'm driving, leaving enough space between vehicles so people don't feel this way, as well as communicating with others on the road as best I can. When it comes down to it, this line of work involves someone creating something, someone transporting that creation, and someone receiving it. People are always a part of these exchanges, so I think kindness is very important.
With my own hands, I am making things that are used all over the world.
Kashima BranchSteel Sheet Section
JUNKO
NISHIMURA
The strength of logistics contributes even at workplaces where people's lives are at stake
Konoike Medical Co., Ltd.Tokyo Office
Manager
HIROSHI
NAKATA
Exceeding our customers' expectations creates a very rewarding feeling.
K Sky Co., Ltd.Haneda Office
Head
MASAYO
YAMAMOTO
Following rules to protect quality. This leads to the power of trust.
Tokai BranchNagoya Nishi Office
Subgroup Leader
NORIFUMI
TSUTSUMI
Creating an environment that everyone finds easy to work in is an important job in itself.
Higashi-Nihon BranchOme Distribution Center
Subgroup Leader
TOMOMI
HIRUMA
There's no such thing as magic. Everyone must band together and head in the same direction.
Kanto BranchKamisu Office
Chief Leader
HIROYUKI
HARA
I want to overcome barriers with flexible thinking, in both work and the environment.
International Logistics (Osaka) BranchHiroshima Regional Office
Assistant Manager
MIHO
TERAGAKI
Our employees' approach and thoughts for our customers strengthen the brand.
Kansai Chuo BranchShiga Distribution Center
Office Manager
YASUHIRO
KANAMARU
Maintenance is not passive. By looking one step ahead, we can support our customers' high-quality manufacturing.
Kashima BranchSteel Plate Section
Group Leader
MASASHI
HIRANUMA
I want to use my long experience to provide new proposals for management, so that we can also help develop the next generation.
Kashima BranchSteelmaking Materials Section
YOSHIAKI
KOMAI
I think about how to move ahead for the sake of the sales office. I'm ready.
Higashi-Nihon BranchKunitachi Distribution Center
Group Leader
TOMOKO
AIDA
While working to create management with roots in the local community, we want to disseminate the Konoike DNA.
Konoike Logistics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Konoike Asia (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
Director General Manager
XU
LEI
Even on the far side of the world, I want to do my best.
Konoike Mexico S. A. de C. V.
RIKU
HIWATASHI
We will use our frontline strength to build an unwavering relationship of trust with customers.
Kanto Chuo BranchFujimi Office
Office Manager
YASUHIRO
FUKUSHIMA
After I choose my path, I want to look back with no regrets.
Kyushu Sanko Unyu Co., Ltd.Kumamoto Center
NARUMI
FUKUSHIMA
I take pride in being part of a “strength that never lets up” that is unmatched in Japan.
Higashi-Nihon BranchShibukawa Office
Packaging Group
Sub Group Leader
YUYA
SAITO
*The employee title and affiliation were as of the time of the interview.