Schedule
Daily Tasks
What are your main responsibilities?
My goal is to deliver packages safely to overseas customers. I check whether items scheduled for shipment contain any restricted items that violate international treaties or prohibit shipment by air. Because shipping and handling conditions differ between each shipping company, I share the most optimal shipping methods with our internal customer service department ( to properly guide our customers. After shipping, I also must continuously check the delivery status for any delays or customs holds. If necessary, I collaborate with the shipping company and solve any issues to complete the delivery. Insurance coverage is another area of my work, as there are times when defects or shipping damage occurs. The most recurring task would be managing the monthly invoices from shipping companies.
Which tools and platforms do you use daily?
I manage tasks and share information with Asana, and collaborate through a system called “Tickets” that connects each internal department. Thanks to these tools, communication with each department is smooth. For daily communication, I use Slack and Google Sheets for general data management. Recently, our team has promoted the use of more AI tools to promote efficiency, so I have been learning more in the area of automation.
How do you prioritize your tasks?
For tasks with clear deadlines, I try to start early so that I can finish with time to spare. For highly urgent cases, I share the situation within the team and respond while sharing tasks as necessary.
Team Collaboration
What’s your team like?
Even within the same division, work roles are divided according to the field of responsibility. Although each person’s responsibilities are separate, I feel that the unique characteristic of the Export Division is that we support each other when necessary.
What are the unique points about your team?
When it comes to exporting, specialized knowledge is often required, but there are many experienced members here, so operations move smoothly and as a new member you can feel the support and stability within the team.
Do you collaborate with other departments at ZenGroup?
Contrary to what most people think, exporting work does not stop after shipping. My department needs to contact and work with different departments daily. ZenGroup has an internal ticket software where the Customer support, Purchasing, and Logistics department communicate with our Accounting department for invoice issuance. I got used to communicating with different teams everyday and keeping track of active tasks to avoid delays.
Learning and Development
How do you stay updated on the latest trends in your position?
Exporting internationally is heavily impacted by social conditions. To keep up with all the changes going on, I check the news, read online articles, and watch YouTube videos from official sources. To share a specific name, my team often refers to information released by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). Best of all, we all share information within the team clearly and ensure every member is in sync.
What are you doing for self-improvement?
I entered this industry with almost no experience and feel daily how much there is to learn, but I find fulfillment in being able to feel my own growth. While regularly reflecting on myself, I try to face points for improvement positively. There are many senior colleagues around me who are like role models, and learning from them is also a great stimulus.
Work-Life Balance
How do you manage your work-life at ZenGroup?
I work with an awareness of priorities so that I can complete my duties within fixed hours as much as possible.
To maintain concentration, I ensure sufficient sleep and set aside time to move my body, such as doing light strength training 2–3 times a week.
While also being mindful of my diet, I try to lead a healthy life within a reasonable range. There are many internal events at ZenGroup, and participating regularly serves as a good refreshment.
Do you have any tips for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout?
An attitude of continuing to challenge yourself with ambition is important, but I think it is also necessary to acknowledge yourself when you feel you have worked to your limit. Taking a break once and restarting while reviewing your goals might lead to your next growth.
Memorable Experiences
Can you share a memorable experience or success in your role?
As an initiative unique to the Export Division, I obtained certifications related to International Air Cargo Handling and the Handling of Aviation Dangerous Goods. I struggled with technical terms and calculation methods, but with the support of team members, I was able to obtain them successfully. Learning alongside work was not easy, but the sense of accomplishment when my efforts took shape remains impressive even now.Since joining the company, I have developed a habit of setting goals and learning systematically, and I have challenged myself with several certifications outside of work. I feel this is a change I could not have imagined from my past self.
Even as digitalization progresses, I want to update myself while valuing “analog learning”—the building of a foundation.
Personal Insights
What do you enjoy most about your job?
While checking the systems and regulations of each country, I find it interesting to encounter the unique culture and background of that country. Also, by handling a diverse range of products, knowledge beyond specific fields naturally accumulates, which is an attraction unique to this job. I am still in the middle of learning the world of trade, but I feel it is a stimulating environment with new discoveries every day.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your position?
The Export Division has an internal tool called “Kotsu-Kotsu” (steadily), and as its name suggests, it is a department where steady accumulation is very important. I think we are an existence like an “unsung hero” (support behind the scenes) that is indispensable for delivering products to overseas customers.For those who like increasing their knowledge and can work persistently, this is an environment where you will surely feel a sense of fulfillment.
