TOPIC:
What do we think about our workplace?
Hear some voices from our export procedure team talk about their experience working at ZenGroup.
Can you describe your role and duties?
Mine: I have been the team leader of the export procedure team at ZenGroup for almost 2 and a half years. In the past, I worked as a freight forwarder for 20 years, mainly focused on exports for air and sea cargo. When first joining ZenGroup, I felt confident in managing our exporting operations due to my background. However, I had no prior experience with courier and postal shipments, so I was able to take on a new challenge. In addition to dealing with traditional postal and courier exports, our team is preparing to launch forwarding services, so I am leveraging my previous experience.
Maika: I work in the Operations Management Team of the Export Section within the Logistics Division. My main responsibilities involve determining whether items can be shipped, selecting the most suitable delivery method, and creating shipping labels.
I also manage post-shipment processes, including checking tracking information and coordinating with courier companies to ensure smooth delivery progress. In addition, I am involved in managing and processing invoices received from shipping carriers. Internally, I collaborate with other departments using internal tools. I feel that communication plays a significant role in our operations.
Yinan: As a member of the Exporting Team, our main responsibilities involve operational, behind-the-scenes tasks such as checking whether certain items can be shipped, and creating shipping labels for international mail. My team also responds to inquiries related to shipping and handles problems that might arise during transportation; for example, when a package is delayed or arrives damaged. As the “carrier” of goods, we play an important role to ensure that products are delivered smoothly to our customers.
Futae: I am a member of the Operations Management Team in the Export Department. Currently, I am in charge of launching forwarding operations scheduled to begin this year, as well as handling negotiations with partner companies. While I had prior experience in forwarding as a profession, this is my first time being involved in launching such operations, so every day is filled with new discoveries—and I’m truly enjoying the experience.
What is the atmosphere of your team like?
Yinan: In the Export Department, we value open communication and readily share what we know. With my team, it is a priority to speak honestly and support one another by using our individual strengths and covering for each other’s weaknesses.
My team includes experienced forwarders, managers, veteran customs specialists, and newcomers to the logistics industry like myself. Each of us use the skills learned in our professional background to contribute to the team’s overall growth and help build strong, trusting relationships.
Futae: I genuinely feel like the environment is very good! I’m the youngest member of the team, but everyone is so kind and welcoming that I was able to fit in right away. Even when unexpected issues come up during work, I know I can immediately reach out to someone, which really makes me appreciate how great this team is.
Our regular meetings are serious and productive, but never too heavy or tense. We always have a warm and open atmosphere. Sometimes, even small topics create interesting conversations within the team, which makes things fun, too.
What are the appeal and rewards of your position?
Mine: ZenGroup is a rapidly growing company, only being in operation for around 11 years, so there is a lot of change happening. At times, adapting to those changes can be quite challenging. Our entire team tackles those changes together and when we overcome them, we feel a strong sense of accomplishment.
Additionally, I am grateful for being able to handle the task of launching brand new forwarding operations and managing the necessary registration processes with IATA and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Generally, these tasks are usually given to top management at other forwarding companies. Even with my prior operation experience in forwarding, navigating these new tasks involves a lot of trial and error and I am able to feel personal growth.
Maika: Since trade operations require specific terminology and specialized knowledge, there’s a lot to learn. I find it rewarding to see my understanding steadily grow through my daily tasks.
Within our team, we sometimes hold study sessions to help each other understand complicated topics. I like that we created an environment where to support each other and grow our skills.
Another unique aspect about my role is that I get to discover what kind of products are popular in different markets.
What is a memorable experience you’ve had with your team?
Maika: My most memorable experience isn’t specifically about my team, but the company trip I joined stands out as a memorable experience to me. I had the chance to interact with colleagues from different departments and build closer connections with team members I don’t speak with everyday in a relaxed setting.
ZenGroup also offers more frequent internal events and activities, making a lot of chances to switch off from work mode and relax. I feel like there is an effort to maintain a clear work-life balance at ZenGroup.
Mine: I remember when I was tasked with my first-ever international forwarding shipment at ZenGroup. My team was tasked with delivering a set of speakers to a customer in Australia. Initially, we thought about sending them through DHL, but once the speakers arrived at our logistics center we realized that wouldn’t work.
The speakers were so big that only a forklift could pick them up. Not only the size, but the powerful magnets inside of them made them classified as “dangerous goods” making them even harder to ship. My team and I had to dig deep to find how we can get these speakers in the hands of our customer. We decided to try ocean freight, but ran into even more trouble because we had no logistics partner in the final destination of Australia, at this point we really decided to lose hope.
Our hopes pivoted to ocean freight. Magnetism wasn’t an issue for sea transport, and surprisingly, for an ocean liner, our “massive” speakers were relatively small cargo. But a new obstacle loomed: the destination was Australia, a country where we had no local logistics partner. For a moment, the task seemed truly impossible. Undeterred, our team began investigating a port-to-port delivery strategy. We made a breakthrough discovery after contacting a shipping company who had a partner agent that can navigate customs in Australia and against the odds we were able to complete this shipment. The team work and determination to see things through is what makes working at ZenGroup special.
What is your favorite aspect of your position?
Mine: I like that our CEOs entrust and give me the opportunity to handle big projects. At larger companies, the projects I am involved in now usually fall to director-level and even senior executives. Of course, my tasks are challenging at times because of my lack of experience, but the sense of accomplishment and professional growth I feel is strong.
Yinan: When confirming if certain products can be shipped, I encounter all kinds of items from different eras and areas. In a normal day’s work, I discover small designer brands and nostalgic retro toys, so there’s a surprise everyday. I also come across other rare items that I’d ordinarily never see.
I’ve learned so much just by looking more into what customers are buying. The fact that Nintendo originally started out manufacturing Hanafuda (Japanese playing cards) and later produced Western-style playing cards, which required a “playing cards tax” stamp was something I learned in my role. It’s this constant chance to learn about cultural backgrounds and pick up unexpected knowledge which makes me enjoy my job.
Do you have a message for those considering applying to ZenGroup?
Futae: If you’re looking to leverage your current skills while aiming for further career advancement, then ZenGroup Co., Ltd. is truly the perfect place for you. We strongly encourage you to apply!
Our company is in a dynamic phase of growth, and we embrace new challenges daily. I personally recall that when I joined—even in areas where I had prior experience—I often faced tasks that made me think, ‘This is completely new to me!’ It was a genuinely refreshing feeling.
I am convinced that through your daily work here, you will undoubtedly achieve greater personal and professional growth than ever before.
Yinan: Unlike traditional Japanese companies, we pride ourselves on being a global workplace where our diverse, multinational team thrives on collaboration. In this environment, you’ll not only enhance your language skills but also naturally cultivate a global mindset by engaging with a rich tapestry of values and perspectives.
If you’re passionate about sharing Japanese products and culture with the world, and if you possess a forward-thinking, challenge-oriented spirit, eager to take on new initiatives, then we would love for you to join our team!
