Interview with Akada Reiji
We spoke with Akada Reiji, a young employee working at Kuramoku Homes Co., Ltd.
The rewards and challenges of working in home construction
Entering the construction industry, which has been my dream, in my second year. What is the appeal of your current job?
Akada
The biggest appeal is being able to shape the dreams that our customers envision.
Building a home is one of the largest purchases in a customer's life, so it comes with a heavy responsibility for us as well. That’s why I think there is a rewarding aspect in carefully considering together with the customer what kind of house would be best as their partner.
Although I have only just started in sales, I believe that when I see the completed house we built together and the smiles of our customers, my heart will be filled with joy.
I heard that you were the only new graduate to join in 2023. Was there any support such as training?
Akada
In my first year after joining, I accompanied site supervisors to learn about home building and visited various sites.
Not only did I observe, but I also wore work clothes with fans and helped the carpenters, and even drove a truck to deliver materials, so I think I learned about home building up close while being involved in the work.
Honestly, at first, I had a bit of a scary image of the craftsmen on site. But when I actually met them, they were all friendly and kind people. They called me by name with a bright "Akada-kun!" and were very approachable.
After observing the home building sites for a year, do you have any memorable impressions?
Akada
As I visited the construction site multiple times, each time I saw the house taking shape, I was moved.
Of course, I didn't design that house, but it was exciting to see the materials I delivered being used properly on site, giving me a sense of being part of the creation process.
I look forward to seeing the progress of a house I design someday.
Are there any challenges you face at work?
Akada
It was difficult to remember the technical terms.
Even though I had been attending a construction-related school, I realized that the content learned from textbooks does not directly apply on site, and construction is a deep field.
For example, there are various units for length.
On site, we often use units like shaku and sun, so when a carpenter says, "Bring me 〇 shaku!" I often find myself wondering, "How many centimeters is that?"
Also, since we often express measurements in millimeters, I sometimes get confused when suddenly told "1,000 mm" and don't know how long that is. Just remembering the words isn't enough; I think it took me time to get used to it at first.
There are also countless types of tools used in construction, so it was challenging to remember those as well.
It's not just about memorizing; mastering their use is tough too. How are you addressing this?
Akada
I am trying my best to summarize everything in my own notebook so I can remember it.
I record the names of tools along with simple illustrations, and summarize the processes on site, using the same study methods I had in school.
Recently, I wonder if my notebook has been helpful, as I have been able to remember things a bit better compared to before. Since the flow of building a house is mostly the same, when I don't understand something, I refer back to my notebook to respond smoothly.
Learning warm-hearted sales at Kuramoku Homes
Please tell us about the atmosphere within the company and among employees.
Akada
There are many calm employees, and the atmosphere is warm, making it a comfortable working environment. I also have the impression that many employees have hobbies.
I enjoy snowboarding as a hobby, and my boss has invited me, saying, "Let's go snowboarding together next time," and employees often go to watch soccer games together, so there are many opportunities to go out in private as well. We often have casual conversations.
I moved here from outside the city and still have few acquaintances, so I appreciate the interactions with people from the company.
What kind of value do you want to provide to customers through home building?
Akada
I want to provide homes that are easy to live in and never get boring.
For example, even in the exterior, I want to be able to propose a calm taste that respects the customer's preferences while ensuring it won't get boring in the long run.
Additionally, I learned from my boss that the flow of rooms is important for a comfortable home. By creating a smooth connection from the entrance to the laundry and closet, we can achieve a home that allows for easy changing and laundry right after returning home.
I want to work hard to design homes while valuing the comfort of living.
I believe there are various sales styles depending on the person. What kind of sales do you aspire to?
Akada
I want to be a partner-like presence that is easy for customers to talk to.
During a sales accompaniment, I saw a senior create and hand out an original list of restaurants to customers who had many questions about Kurashiki. That idea was wonderful and has stuck with me.
I also want to think of ways to provide warm-hearted responses in my own way.
The future of manufacturing relies on young talent
Please give a message to your peers.
Akada
The manufacturing industry is currently facing various issues such as rising prices and a shortage of craftsmen.
The craftsmen at Kuramoku Homes are also aging, and there is a need to pass on skills to the next younger generation. Now is the time for young talent to step up.
Kurashiki is a city of culture, so I hope many young people interested in manufacturing will come here. I want to work together to make Kurashiki an even more vibrant city.
Conclusion
The larger the purchase, the more advanced skills, knowledge, and high trust are required from customers.
At a construction company like Kuramoku Homes, which emphasizes the comfort of living and constantly aims for quality improvement, there is a sense of security in home building. I believe they will sincerely propose their commitment to this as well.
Kuramoku Homes holds "Living Seminars" and "Open Houses" for those considering building a home, so if you're interested, please check the Kuramoku Homes website.
I hope to continue supporting the construction of the house designed by Akada as soon as possible.
Back issues of the Kurashiki Work Stories by Young People
Data of Kuramoku Homes Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Kuramoku Homes Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Design and construction of high airtight and high insulation houses, renovation, real estate brokerage, etc. |
| Representative Name | Miyake Hiroshi |
| Year Established | 2023 |
| Address | 999-1 Nakajima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-465-7700 |
| Website | Kuramoku Homes Website |
