Interview with Akada Reiji
We spoke with Akada Reiji, a young employee at Kuramoku Homes Co., Ltd.
The rewards and challenges of building homes
It is his second year in the construction industry, a field he had always dreamed of joining. What does he find appealing about his current job?
Akada (surname only)
The biggest thing is being able to turn our customers’ dreams into reality.
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases in a person’s life, so it comes with a great deal of responsibility for us, too. That is why I find it rewarding to work closely with customers as their partner, carefully considering together what kind of home would suit them and bringing it to life.
I have only recently started working in sales, but I imagine that when a home we have worked on together is finally complete and I see the customer’s smile, I will be overwhelmed with emotion.
We heard that you were the only new graduate to join in 2023. Did you receive support such as training?
Akada
In my first year, I accompanied site supervisors to learn about homebuilding and visited a variety of construction sites.
I did more than just observe. I helped carpenters while wearing a fan-equipped work jacket, and even drove a truck myself to deliver lumber. I think I was able to learn about homebuilding up close while taking part in the work.
To be honest, at first I was a little intimidated by the tradespeople on site. But when I actually met them, they were all friendly and kind. They cheerfully called me “Akada-kun!” and made me feel welcome.
After spending a year observing homebuilding sites, is there anything that left a lasting impression on you?
Akada
After visiting construction sites many times, I was moved to see the house take shape more and more each time I went.
Of course, I wasn’t the one who designed that house, but the materials I had delivered were being put to good use on site, and it made me happy to feel that we were building it together.
I’m looking forward to seeing a house I designed take shape someday, too.
Are there any challenges you face at work?
Akada
Learning the technical terminology was difficult.
Even though I had studied construction throughout school, I realized that what I learned from textbooks could not simply be applied on site, and that construction is a deeply complex field.
For example, there are many different units for measuring length.
On site, people often use units such as shaku and sun, so when a carpenter said, “Bring me X shaku!” I would often wonder, “How many centimeters is that?”
Measurements are also often given in millimeters, so sometimes someone would suddenly say “1,000 mm” and I wouldn’t know how long that was. It wasn’t enough just to learn the words; I think it took me a while to get used to them.
There are also countless types of tools used in construction, and learning them all was a challenge.
So it’s not just a matter of memorizing them; it’s also difficult to learn how to use them well. How do you tackle that?
Akada
I make my own notes and do my best to memorize everything.
I write down tool names alongside simple illustrations and summarize the stages of work on site. It’s the same study method I used as a student.
Lately, my notes seem to be helping, and I’m remembering more than before. The process of building a house is mostly the same, so when I’m unsure, I look back at my notes so I can work smoothly.
Learning warm, thoughtful sales at Kuramoku Homes
Could you tell us about the atmosphere among employees and within the company?
Akada
Many employees are easygoing, and the atmosphere is warm, so I think it’s a comfortable place to work. I also get the impression that many employees have hobbies.
I snowboard as a hobby, and my supervisor has said, “Let’s go snowboarding together sometime.” Employees also go to soccer games together, and we often spend time together outside work. We also chat about all sorts of things.
I moved here from outside the city and don’t know many people yet, so I’m happy to have opportunities to connect with people at work.
What kind of value would you like to offer customers through homebuilding?
Akada
I’d like to provide comfortable homes that are easy to live in and never grow tiresome.
For example, when it comes to exterior design, I’d like to be able to suggest a calm style that won’t feel dated over time, while respecting each customer’s preferences.
My supervisor also taught me that the layout and flow between rooms are important for a comfortable home. By creating a smooth route from the entrance to the laundry room and closet, for example, you can make household tasks easier, allowing you to change clothes and do laundry as soon as you get home.
I want to work hard to design homes that prioritize comfortable everyday living.
People have different sales styles. What kind of salesperson would you like to become?
Akada
I’d like to be someone customers can talk to easily, like a partner.
When I accompanied a senior colleague on a sales visit, they made a list of their favorite restaurants and gave it to customers who didn’t know much about Kurashiki. I thought that was a wonderful idea, and it has stayed with me.
I’d like to think of ways to offer that same kind of warm, thoughtful service.
Young people will support craftsmanship in the future
Do you have a message for young people of your generation?
Akada
The manufacturing industry is currently facing various challenges, including rising prices and a shortage of skilled workers.
The craftspeople at Kuramoku Homes are also aging, and the time has come to pass their skills on to the next generation of young people. We need young people now more than ever.
Kurashiki is a city of culture, so I hope many young people interested in craftsmanship will come here. I’d like to work together to make Kurashiki an even more vibrant city.
From the Writer
The bigger the purchase, the more customers expect advanced skills and knowledge, as well as a high level of trust.
Builders like Kuramoku Homes, which prioritize comfortable living and continually strive to improve quality, inspire confidence in the homebuilding process. I feel they would surely make thoughtful, sincere suggestions that take customers’ preferences into account.
Kuramoku Homes holds “Lifestyle Seminars” and “Open House Events” for people considering building a home, so if you’re interested, take a look at the Kuramoku Homes website.
I’ll continue cheering Akada on and hope to see a home he designed built as soon as possible.
Stories of Young People Building Careers in Kurashiki: Back Issues
Kuramoku Homes Co., Ltd. data
| Organization name | Kuramoku Homes Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Design and construction of highly airtight and well-insulated homes, renovations, real estate brokerage, etc. |
| Representative | Miyake Hiroshi |
| Year established | 2023 |
| Address | 999-1 Nakashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-465-7700 |
| Website | Kuramoku Homes website |
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