UNI-SQUARE
NAKAMA's 2023 Year in Review
The year 2023 will end in one month. What was the year 2023 like for you?
I think everyone's answer is different. In this issue, we present a look back at 13 NAKAMAs. Let's look at it together!
Thank you to the NAKAMAs for sharing your reflections!
UNIVA Gyro-n
Development Div.
Yurika Ono
I have been working as an engineer in Kumamoto, and I am now in my second year. We utilize video conferencing and chat to ensure smooth communication with our team and keep our operations running smoothly. This year, we are particularly challenged to develop new applications using ChatGPT. Although there were challenges unique to new development, such as technology selection and database design, we made steady progress in cooperation with team members.
On the other hand, in my private life, I started running in the morning before the start of work to solve the lack of exercise for remote work. I feel that this has surprisingly contributed to improved concentration. I am looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead, both professionally and privately.
UNIVA Japan
Facility Division
Naoto Sasaki
This past fiscal year has been one of the most turbulent, both professionally and personally, since I joined the company. In terms of work, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in different industries and roles, which has given me more experience than ever before. When I was able to use my knowledge to solve a problem that arose, I felt that I had gained strength. In addition, UNIVA Japan achieved its goals for the previous and current fiscal years, and I myself was awarded the annual MVP award for the second consecutive year.
As for my personal life, I was fortunate to have a family. I would like to devote myself more than ever to my work and private life.
Naturally Plus Malaysia
Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Department
assistant manager
Ke Ten
Observations on how local governments will tighten up post-Corona as an aftermath of the flood of low quality medical product fakes and overcharges would be something that Naturally Plus Malaysia's (NPMY) legal and compliance department has been working on for the past year. This period of transformation has allowed me to make significant progress in promoting NPMY compliance standards while enriching my own knowledge and skill set.
A notable initiative is the implementation of comprehensive Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all relevant departments of NPMY with the aim of enhancing the company's compliance with the PDPA regulations. In an era where data privacy is paramount, this implementation has not only strengthened our legal framework, but has also promoted a culture of data security and earned the trust of our members and stakeholders. This year was a year of personal and professional growth. We are unwavering in our commitment to maintain the highest standards of legal and compliance in NPMY, while at the same time anticipating new challenges and creating new opportunities over the coming year to create a thriving company.
UNIVA Oak Holdings Limited
Director, Corporate Strategy Office
Haifeng Hong
When I was first transferred from UNIVA Marketing, I was puzzled by the differences in Oak's culture and work style. However, with the help and support of "NAKAMA" around us, we were able to overcome these challenges. First of all, I would like to thank "NAKAMA" for their guidance and cooperation.
My department is the brain of the company, and as a department that makes a variety of proposals from a strategic perspective to business direction for the group's business planning and construction, I have supported the management team's decision-making and focused on the smooth operation of the entire group. Looking back over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks and gain a great deal of experience. For me, it was a year of challenge and growth, and it was a very rewarding year. I will continue to do my utmost for the development of UNIVA Oak and will run with all our might to achieve our mid-term numerical management goal of "25.2.60."
UNIVA Fusion
Cutomer Team
Marin Ikezawa
It has been two and a half years since I joined UNIVA Fusion. In addition to the Customer Team's mission of "customer service operations," we have been working on various initiatives to achieve “improving the cancellation rate,'' which is important for Fusion. What I focused on was building a "chatbot" and proposing ways to prevent cancellation according to the customer's situation and requests. By repeatedly analyzing the results and refining our measures, we have gradually been able to reduce cancellations. I will continue to take on new challenges from the unique perspective of Fusion, which is based on regular purchases!
In my private life, I started going to the gym to relieve my lack of exercise. Right now I only go there occasionally to exercise, but in 2024 I hope to be able to go at least once a week!
Naturally Plus Japan
Manager, Registration Management Section, Customer Support Department
Junichi Hashimoto
In recent years, I have been involved in making the online registration screen compatible with smartphones and developing the dedicated app "CONPUS," and in 2023, we started operating a message function that allows you to directly contact members in a chat format within the app. We have been building tools for use by members and the general public, such as implementing a My Page screen on the N selection site, which sells products carefully selected by Naturally Plus. I worked on the system and screen structure, making use of my past experience and keeping in mind how to make it usable until the very end.
I also think it's important to never be satisfied with the product even after it's released, and to constantly aim for and customize something that is easier to use and more convenient. I will continue to work on further functional upgrades.
From left: Takeyama, Takanashi, Fujita, Kiya
North Energy
General Manager of Human Resources
Hiroe Kiya
Looking back on the current fiscal year, it was a year that tested our teamwork and organizational skills in our efforts to achieve a V-shaped recovery. Promotes management improvement activities as an administrative department in order to achieve operating income and ensure continuous profitability. Specifically, efforts to curb business trip expenses (by promoting the use of low-cost airline tickets, etc.) and to reduce stamp duty by concluding electronic contracts with large SGA customers contributed to improved profitability. In addition, the circulation of the minutes of each meeting of the UNIVA Oak Holdings Group has been switched to electronic format, which has reduced time and mailing costs. At the same time, we have implemented a company-wide review of maintenance contracts for solar equipment, which has been greatly affected by soaring prices, across departmental boundaries, and we believe this will have a positive impact on our business performance in the next fiscal year.
UNIVA Paycast
General Manager, Sales Promotion Dept.
Satoru Onozuka
I became the head of the Sales Promotion Department this year, and I feel that it is a very big change to have the goal of solving long-term issues and linking them to sales through the power of the team, rather than short-term goals as an individual sales person. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I review our workflow and receive feedback that our performance has improved or that we are now able to work more efficiently. I have no experience as a manager and find it difficult to make precise decisions, but with the support of my superiors and team members, I am slowly gaining confidence. I feel that I am where I am today because of the work of my team members. Next year, I will aim to be a person who can make precise decisions so that people can work with more peace of mind than they do now.
UNIVA Corporation
Group Management Section
Manager, Accounting Team
Yukiko Kasai
For the invoice system (Japan's new consumption tax system) to be introduced in October, the team has been working together for a year to prepare for its smooth implementation through repeated knowledge sharing and friendly competition. Thanks to their efforts, we were all able to achieve our goals for the first phase. This is exactly what Unite the Values is all about! And this year, I was able to be involved from the very beginning in the restaurant business at Kuroza Tsubaki Tei, located at GINZA SIX, which opened in August. Although there were some difficulties, I was able to gain valuable experience. In 2024, I will strive to connect this experience to the next and make a contribution!
Lastly, although it is a private matter, I am on a retreat on my days off, experiencing the great nature of the sea and mountains in Japan and abroad, and watching the sunrise early in the morning and the star-filled sky at night. NAKAMA members, any recommendations for a good place for a retreat?
UNIVA Social Commerce
In charge of Overseas Business Product Development
Emiko Matsuo
This year was the first year of "good fortune," and I had a strong "pull" in any case! It was the year that our overseas sales business, which we started from scratch with no connections, no track record, and zero knowledge, gradually began to take off. What there was is a strong intuitive power, such as high antenna sensitivity and a keen sales sense. When I followed that intuition and acted on it, I attracted a variety of projects.
1，Order PB products from a very large retailer, the industry leader. The product will be sold in June next year in a nationwide rollout, 100,000 units per month, 12 million units per year. A miraculous event!
2，Inquiries from buyers increased for "Hatsune Miku". When we started handling an energy drink in collaboration with "Hatsune Miku," we received inquiries from six trading companies at once, and in one case, we received an immediate order within two weeks.
We will continue to attract more good luck next year!
Naturally Plus Hong Kong
Assistant Manager
Mok Man Hung, Christa
The year 2023 is the 15th year since I joined Naturally Plus Hong Kong. And it is also a very trying year for Naturally Plus Hong Kong. Hong Kong experienced two years of social activism and almost three years of baptism in Corona. Naturally Plus Hong Kong finally resumed its long-awaited incentive tours in 2023, giving members the opportunity to experience the benefits of Naturally Plus. In the new year, under the leadership of Director Ye, we will continue our various activities to promote the Naturally Plus brand and make more people aware of the Naturally Plus business and products. Together with everyone, we will produce excellent results and pave a bright path for Naturally Plus Hong Kong.
Univa Technologies
Diplomatic Remuneration Innovations
Senior Technical Staff
Osamu Inoue
Sharing business knowledge in "Naturally Plus Business" encounters complex issues, especially in international communication. Language, cultural, and legal differences affect the accuracy of information and the efficiency with which it is shared, creating problems for the quality and efficiency of operations. In the newly implemented system, business rules specific to foreign countries were not properly reviewed, and problems continued even after the system was operational.
The solution requires efforts to overcome language and cultural barriers. Fortunately, each site has excellent staff members who can speak Japanese. It is important to have a knowledge sharing platform in place and be proactive in promoting its use. Creation of a community among staff members who can speak Japanese, which will encourage knowledge sharing among members and the efficient exchange of information.
ZYX
Campaign Operations Department
Yuka Tateshima
Looking back to 2023, the relaxation of new coronavirus measures, especially the move to category 5 infection in May, has led to an increase in the number of events where people actually gather in person rather than online for the company as a whole. The Campaign Operations Department, of which I am a member, is primarily responsible for the administrative operations of various campaigns, but during the past year I have also handled a lot of customer service associated with events and seminars. The Campaign Operations Department is planning to take on new initiatives, such as incorporating a sales element, and as I enter my third year with the company and my junior staff is increasing, I would like to perform my duties one by one so that I can make even greater strides in 2024.