ShinMaywa Group is promoting the further expansion of its overseas business as one of the key policies outlined in its long-term management plan, [SG-Vision 2030]. At the core of this effort are the members of our sales divisions and overseas subsidiaries who are actively engaged in global markets.

Our expatriate employees working overseas share their experiences about navigating different cultures, adapting to diverse work styles and values, and the challenges and career paths they have encountered in their local assignments.

Yuhei Murakami

Joined the company in April 2013
Assigned to the Industrial Machinery Systems Division wire processing system Assigned to the Sales Department at Headquarters
Since April 2023 (current position)
In his 11th year with the company, he was seconded to ShinMaywa (America), Ltd.
Currently he serves as General Manager of that company.

In the Sales Department of the Wire Processing Systems Unit within the Industrial Machinery Systems Division, we have one team that supports customers in Japan and another that works with customers overseas. From the beginning of my career, I have mainly been responsible for customers in the United States, which gave me many opportunities to visit ShinMaywa (America), Ltd. on business trips. Since many of my senior colleagues had previously worked overseas, I had always imagined that I might have the chance to do the same one day. So, when I was offered the assignment, I didn't have to think twice. I had already decided that if the opportunity came along, I would take it.

After joining the company, I spent four years in sales for automatic wire processing machines. I then worked as a service engineer for the same products for six years, gaining extensive knowledge of maintenance and after-sales support. Having experience in both sales and technical service, I found that my responsibilities during my overseas assignment were not significantly different from those I had handled in Japan.

Most of the automatic wire processors sold by ShinMaywa (America), Ltd. are manufactured at ShinMaywa's Takarazuka Plant in Hyogo, Japan. When customers provide requests or suggestions for improvement, I work closely with the Solution Business Department and the Engineering Department of the Industrial Machinery Systems Division to address them. I also collaborate closely with the Sales Department on sales-related projects, serving as a bridge between Japan and our local operations in the United States.
Since the products we handle are manufactured in Japan, there are times when we need to consult with our colleagues in Japan to resolve unexpected issues. However, because of the time difference, there are occasions when the relevant teams are unavailable outside their business hours, making it difficult to get immediate answers. As a result, we sometimes have to ask customers for their patience while we gather the necessary information. Situations like these remind me of the unique challenges that come with supporting customers from an overseas location.

My overseas assignment has also given me a broader perspective on the growth of the company as a whole.
At ShinMaywa (America), Ltd., I am in a position just below the President, which has made me realize the importance of bringing people together and helping the organization move in the same direction. Another important part of our role is ensuring that our locally hired employees have opportunities to grow, stay motivated, and feel valued. Before coming to the United States, I rarely had the chance to think from this kind of management perspective. However, my overseas assignment has made me much more aware of the need to develop my leadership and management skills. Being able to view the business from this broader perspective has been one of the most valuable aspects of my personal and professional growth.

I have developed great relationships with my local colleagues. Even though I am the youngest member of the team, everyone is very friendly and easy to talk to. We don't let age get in the way of communication. When colleagues visit from Japan, we often go out for meals together, which helps us build even stronger connections.

El Paso, Texas, where ShinMaywa (America), Ltd. is located, has a Hispanic cultural influence, so I make an effort to use simple Spanish greetings in my everyday interactions. Even exchanging a few words such as “Buenos días” (good morning) or “Hasta mañana” (see you tomorrow) helps create a sense of connection and brings people closer together.
If I had to point to one challenge, it would be the language barrier. While most of my day-to-day work is conducted in English, many of our team members and customers are native Spanish speakers. When it comes to communicating on a deeper level, there are times when English alone is not enough to fully convey ideas and intentions. Even now, I continue to learn through trial and error, constantly looking for better ways to communicate and build mutual understanding.

In the United States, there are no extended holiday periods like Japan's Golden Week, Obon holidays, or New Year vacation. Instead, people generally take time off by coordinating their own schedules. While it can be difficult to take frequent vacations because of work commitments, I enjoy traveling whenever I have the chance to take a long weekend.
So far, I have had the opportunity to visit a variety of places, including Sedona in Arizona and Monument Valley, which stretches across the Arizona-Utah border. I have also enjoyed local oysters and cuisine in New Orleans, Louisiana. On one occasion, when I was able to take about a week of vacation, I traveled to Cancún, Mexico, and enjoyed exploring the area.

One of the great things about living in the United States is being able to drive almost anywhere. Places that would be difficult to visit on a typical trip from Japan can easily become destinations for a weekend getaway or road trip. Living here has also changed my sense of distance. These days, I find myself thinking that a three-hour drive is not far at all.

El Paso also has a Japanese community group made up primarily of expatriates from Japanese companies, and I regularly take part in its activities. The group organizes a variety of events, including sports festivals and traditional mochi-pounding events, which provide great opportunities to meet new people and expand our network. I also enjoy learning about the different systems, workplace cultures, and day-to-day experiences of expatriates from other companies. Being able to connect with people who share the experience of living and working overseas has been both valuable and rewarding.

I strongly feel that an overseas assignment is a valuable opportunity for young professionals who are thinking about their future careers. It is a unique experience that not everyone gets the chance to have, and it provides insights and perspectives that are difficult to gain in Japan alone. For me, it has been an incredible opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally, and has broadened the way I think about my work and my future.
On the other hand, an overseas assignment is not something that can be decided lightly when considering one's life plans. In my case, I had always told myself that if I were given the opportunity, I would take it. Thanks to the support and encouragement of my family, I was able to make that decision with confidence. Rather than waiting until an opportunity arises and then rushing to think about it, I believe it is important to keep the possibility of an overseas assignment in mind and consider your own career and life plans in advance. It is also important to prepare yourself both physically and mentally, as unexpected challenges can arise when living and working abroad.

If the opportunity comes your way, seize it and take on the challenge with a positive mindset. It may become one of the most rewarding experiences of your career!