As students in the Department of Global Studies, we participated in a Community Engagement Project (CEP) in Sakai City from January 31st to February 2nd. This project focused on Sakai City’s implementation efforts for its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) platform, which involves collaboration among various stakeholders to realize the city’s vision of becoming a livable and sustainable community in alignment with the United Nations SDGs. As part of this initiative, our student research groups examined how Sakai City engages the international community on topics such as education, human rights, and disaster preparedness. Specifically, our group focused on employment issues related to companies hiring international workers for manual labor positions.

For our project we participated in an online interview with Mr. Sugihara, the owner of a company in Sakai City specializing in manual labor. His company sponsors and employs workers from Vietnam. Beyond providing job opportunities, Mr. Sugihara is very involved in supporting his employees in Japan and maintaining connections with them even after they return to Vietnam. He said that while working conditions can be challenging due to cultural and language barriers, he believes that creating a respectful work environment and providing opportunities for Japanese language learning can help workers and employers overcome these difficulties.

When asked why he hires employees from Vietnam, Mr. Sugihara explained that Japan often faces a labor shortage in manual jobs, with few Japanese workers willing to take on these roles. For many Vietnamese workers, these jobs present an opportunity to improve their living conditions while supporting their families. Their strong motivation to succeed makes them valuable contributors to his company.

The Japanese government has established various programs offering limited working visas for international workers, enabling companies to recruit skilled labor for periods of three to five years. Mr. Sugihara finds these programs mutually beneficial but believes it is crucial to go beyond the traditional role of an employer. He dedicates time outside of work to building personal relationships with his employees, teaching them Japanese, taking them out for meals, and offering guidance to help them adapt to life in Sakai City. He travels to Vietnam for recruitment and even attended the wedding for one of his former employees. He believes these personal connections are essential for creating a sustainable and harmonious work environment.

Mr. Sugihara said that while some companies in Japan have exploited foreign worker programs, he believes his own approach is ethical. By helping his employees learn Japanese and understand local customs, he fosters a mutually rewarding relationship between his company and the workers. He views the program not just as a means to address labor shortages but also as a bridge for cultural exchange between Japan and other countries. Although the future of these programs remains uncertain, he hopes these programs will continue in a humane and ethical manner. He believes that these initiatives can help Japanese communities become more internationalized while offering foreign workers meaningful opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

In conclusion, Mr. Sugihara’s approach demonstrates how businesses can play a pivotal role in advancing the SDGs by promoting inclusivity, cultural exchange, and ethical employment practices. His story underscores the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering a sustainable and globally connected workforce and we think he and his company are contributing to Sakai City’s SDGs platform in a positive way.