Why I Joined
I experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake in the year I graduated from high school, and the subsequent water outage made me deeply realize the vital importance of water. Later, at a job fair in university, I was impressed by a presentation where they showed actual materials used in water pipes while discussing the disaster. This personal connection inspired me to join Okabe Valve, as I wanted to be part of a team that supports people’s daily lives from behind the scenes.
What is your current role?
As a sales assistant, I handle order processing, quotation preparation, inventory and delivery tracking, and customer communication via phone and email. In Sales Department 1, we primarily serve distributors and plant-related companies, dealing with a wide variety of products. Although I rarely meet customers in person, I take pride in being the point of contact of the company over the phone and providing the internal support necessary for our sales representatives to focus on their field activities.
When do you feel your work is most rewarding?
I feel a great sense of accomplishment when a quotation I’ve carefully prepared—by thoroughly understanding the client’s needs—leads to a successful order. Even when faced with urgent requests or unexpected issues, collaborating with our sales team and manufacturers to ensure a smooth delivery is incredibly fulfilling. Hearing a client say “You really helped us out” is my greatest motivation; it’s the moment I truly feel I am making a difference.
What is the office atmosphere like?
Put simply, it’s a workplace built on close connections and mutual support. There are many caring senior colleagues who naturally reach out if they see you’re struggling, which allows me to work with peace of mind. The lack of barriers between employees is also a major draw; the environment is open enough to seek advice from anyone, regardless of their position. Having been here for several years, I now feel my own growth as I support my junior colleagues in turn.
A Typical Day
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09:00Clock-in / Order Processing
Review emails and faxes and distribute them to the respective team members. Handle orders and quotations for assigned clients.
Handling phone inquiries with reference materials
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12:00Lunch
Have lunch with other sales support members in the office break area.
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13:00Order Processing / Phone Support
Internal coordination meeting
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15:00Connecting with others in the break room
Casual conversations here often lead to unexpected hints and solutions for work.
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15:30Order Processing / Phone Support
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17:30Clock-out
Organize tasks, tidy up the workspace, and submit the daily report before heading home.
A quick rest in the break room
A Message to Candidates
Many of our employees joined without prior experience in this industry. With our regular study sessions and strong support from senior staff, you can grow with confidence. I believe this is a great environment for those who can communicate well with others, have a positive learning attitude, and take initiative. Let’s grow together and make the company even better.
How I Spend My Time Off
On my days off, I love exploring cafes or enjoying afternoon tea with friends and family. I also find it refreshing to visit various events and exhibitions. Seeing a stage play about once a month is another highlight. Whether it’s cooking at a friend’s house or focusing on knitting, I value these moments of unwinding, as they provide the energy I need for work.
