TOPIC:
What do you think about the workplace at ZenGroup?
For this crosstalk edition, we interviewed four key members who support ZenGroup’s logistics centers. They shared insights into their tasks, team atmosphere, and what makes working at our center rewarding.
What are your current responsibilities and roles?
Hojo: As Packing Team Unit Leader, I manage workflow, train members, and provide daily support. I also propose improvements to boost efficiency and reduce errors.
Hatakeyama: I handle on-site management, focusing on inspection tasks. This includes giving instructions to part-time staff, managing progress and quality, and implementing operational improvements. My role is to bring my team together to ensure smooth operation.
Kojima: Since February 2026, I have been serving as Deputy Center Manager, assisting the Center Manager and overseeing the center’s overall operations. While practically learning the tasks of each section, I am working on examining and executing risk avoidance and mitigation measures to balance “safety, quality, and speed.”
Kondo: As the “jack-of-all-trades” in the General Affairs Department, I handle a wide range of administrative tasks, from tracking employee attendance, supplies management, and listening to the concerns of on-site staff. In addition, I am focused on proposing improvements to the workplace environment.
What are the appeals and rewards of your position, and what do you like most about it?
Hojo: I find it rewarding that my decisions and ideas lead to improved team efficiency and quality, and I can see my team members grow professionally. I love that I can work on the front lines while also being involved in team management.
Hatakeyama: I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when our team achieves its goals or when operational improvements make the floor operations smoother. The biggest appeal is being able to communicate directly with the members on the floor and work together to create a better workplace, and share advice.
Kojima: The best part is bringing together the strengths of many members to produce actual results. I really felt rewarded when we created time during feedback sessions to appreciate each other, and everyone felt motivated to do their best again.
Kondo: There are many irregular tasks and interactions with people, and I feel a sense of accomplishment when others rely on me to help solve their problems. My favorite part of working at the logistics center is that I am not limited to one specific task. I have many opportunities to get involved with various people and operations, picking up the voices from the floor and linking them to improvements.
As a logistics professional, what do you do daily to improve operational efficiency and quality?
Hojo: I am constantly conscious of reviewing work procedures and optimizing movement flows. I analyze and share errors to prevent them from recurring. Making small improvements along the way leads to big outcomes!
Hatakeyama: I value information sharing and small improvements within the team. We always encourage staff members to speak up and share their ideas because they can immediately implement them on the operation floor. Also, because we are dealing with customer items, we always thoroughly communicate and double-check to prevent mistakes.
Kojima: I have an open mind, so I’m always willing to first test out any improvement ideas on the operation floor. I constantly keep “standardization” in mind—repeating small tests to verify effectiveness so that we can achieve similar results no matter who is in charge.
Kondo: Because I am in a supporting role, I make an effort to gather information even about tasks I am not directly involved in, so I can understand the overall workflow. I try to be a “bridge” that supports smooth communication by conveying things carefully to prevent any misunderstandings.
Dealing with a wide variety of products (from anime goods to traditional crafts), what has been the most surprising or memorable item?
Hojo: A samurai armour and helmet (Yoroi Kabuto). Its size and shape were unique, requiring some unique packaging, but I was happy to learn that traditional Japanese culture is popular overseas.
Hatakeyama: I also believe that it would be Samurai armour. It’s interesting to encounter products that I wouldn’t normally get to touch. We’ve also sold pachinko machines, and I remember inspecting them while wondering, “Who is the person buying this!?”
Kojima: I once saw a Star Wars poster worth 900,000 yen. It was made of paper and extremely delicate, so I was so nervous that it felt like my hands were sweating through my gloves!
Kondo: The fact that many people purchase Japanese snacks and drinks. Regional flavors of KitKats that are exclusive to Japan are very popular, and it makes me happy to see them being bought!
What is the atmosphere of your team like?
Hojo: We have a clear switch between work and break times, but it is very lively here. We concentrate while working, but there’s constant laughter during breaks. It’s an environment where anyone can easily share their thoughts regardless of their position.
Hatakeyama: It’s an atmosphere where you can casually ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand. We value the basics like greetings, open communication, and constantly support each other.
Kojima: Our team members are friendly to each other, yet have a challenging mindset to accomplishing goals. There is a strong sense of supporting one another, not just within the team but across the entire center. We also have active participation in company events as well, so we get to know each other very well.
Kondo: The Manager at our logistics center is very approachable, creating an environment where anyone can feel free to ask questions or seek advice. I also value communication with other teams, so we have a very comfortable workplace.
What is your most memorable experience with the team?
Hojo: Seeing members who joined without any prior experience grow to the point where they were actively proposing improvement ideas just a few months later. It has been great to see people develop in their professional career.
Hatakeyama: During our peak season, an unbelievable amount of packages arrived. Even though we were all scrambling, we communicated and cooperated to get through it. It made me realize the power and importance of teamwork.
Kojima: We have a Halloween cosplay contest! Both full-time and part-time staff worked in their costumes, and after business hours, we threw a light snack party and had a blast.
Kondo: I was involved with the organization of events like cherry blossom viewing and Halloween. I was really happy when a team member told me, “Just having you here makes the event fun”.
What aspects of the center’s current facilities or environment make it particularly “easy to work in”?
Hojo: The thorough implementation of 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain). The layout of the workspace and materials is easy to understand, minimizing wasted movement, which allows us to concentrate on our work efficiently and safely.
Hatakeyama: We have a focused environment where part-time staff have their own dedicated work space, and every full-time employee has their own desk. Work desks are close together, making it easy to consult with one another. Also, having free drinks from the vending machines is a nice bonus.
Kojima: The addition of air conditioning last summer greatly improved the environment. Also, we have a proper system in place to discuss any interpersonal concerns, and the ability to take breaks in segments makes it easier to pace oneself for a change of mood.
Kondo: In addition to comfortable facilities like heating, cooling, and free drinks, a major feature is the “ease of communication”—being able to immediately ask about things you don’t understand and easily share your own ideas.
Please give a message to those considering applying to ZenGroup.
Hojo: It’s an environment with lots of changes, but that also means there are many opportunities to grow. We are looking forward to welcoming those who value teamwork and can work with a positive attitude.
Hatakeyama: Even though I started with no experience, I was able to learn the job thanks to the support of those around me. Because there is a strong emphasis on “team” here, it’s a great workplace for people who enjoy interacting with others.
Kojima: For “those who like interacting with people” and “those who want to work together in a team,” this is an environment where you can truly feel rewarded. We look forward to your application!
Kojima: In any position, it is an environment where you can take on new challenges and realize that you “can still grow.” There is a strong support system around you, so please take on the challenge with peace of mind.
