Shuntaro Nagasawa, Director, Human Resources & General Affairs Division

Just a single, casual word of gratitude can save everything!

Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. is seeking colleagues to join us.

Self-introduction

I am from Nagano Prefecture, born in 1975, joined the company as a mid-career hire in 2005, and previously worked in sales. I have two children, a first son in his fourth year of university and a second son in his second year of university.

My mottos are “The answer is on the site!”, “Salaries come from our customers,” “FACE to FACE,” and “HEART to HEART.” Although I am sometimes called analog and “Showa-style,” I try not to fall behind the times. Recently, I have been learning about ChatGPT from my team members while doing my best to keep up.

What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?

I belong to the HR & GA Division, handling a wide range of work including planning, building, and operating various rules and systems, recruitment, labor management, payroll, and event secretariat tasks—almost like a “jack of all trades”.

It would not be an exaggeration to also say that I act as a mediator and coordinator. I have also been appointed Honorary Chairman of the company golf club. The photo published shows our company’s original polo shirt, which doubles as a factory uniform!

Why did you choose Musashi Paint?

I first connected with the company through the introduction of a benefactor while I was repeatedly hospitalized due to a chronic foot condition.

Although I had no prior experience in HR or general affairs, I decided to join to challenge myself in general affairs work, leveraging my sales experience and customer perspective.

What do you find appealing about Musashi Paint?

Above all, the employees are truly wonderful. I have worked at two other companies before, and I can say this with full confidence. Sometimes there are clumsy people, and we occasionally clash in our work, but there is never any ill will or attempts to undermine others. Everyone works together toward a larger goal with unity.

When do you feel a sense of fulfillment in your work?

It is when customers or employees say, “Thank you” or “That really helped.” Work is inherently difficult, tiring, and at times make you want to run away, but even a single casual word of gratitude can make everything feel resolved.

What do you seek in your work?

My ultimate goal is to make Musashi Paint a company where I would want to put my own children. That said, if my sons actually joined the company, I imagine it would be extremely awkward for me.

What kind of colleagues do you want to work with?

Colleagues who share our management philosophy and devote themselves to realizing it.

Musashi Paint Group Management Philosophy

“The Musashi Paint Group develops and supplies products that contribute to society through unique ideas, secures profits for paint customers, raw material suppliers, shareholders, and employees, and ensures that each employee can work with pride, being both materially and mentally fulfilled.”

Message to readers

It is natural to have concerns when deciding where to work.

Since this is a major turning point in life, I encourage you to consider carefully until you are fully convinced.

Our company aims to minimize mismatches in recruitment as much as possible.

There may be things that are difficult to ask, but those very questions are likely the most important to you. If the opportunity arises, please feel free to contact us.

We will respond with sincerity.

Comments from senior colleagues and peers

What kind of person is Mr. Shuntaro Nagasawa?

• Mr. Nagasawa joined the company in the same year as I did. Although we are in different roles, we have a good relationship where we stimulate each other in a positive way. He is a dignified, modern nice middle-aged man in appearance, yet a warm-hearted “Showa-style” nice middle-aged man at heart. He is caring and tends to worry about others more than himself, and has a playful side, sulking if there is no contact for three days.

• We once had a golf “three-match battle,” where the loser had to join the winner in their hobby. I won, and he joined me in surfing. On his first try, he was able to stand on the board and seemed delighted, later even treating us to a meal. He is a truly wonderful person.

What do you respect about Mr. Nagasawa?

• He is a man who acts when necessary (not that he doesn’t act otherwise): he has a strong core.

• He has a high perspective and wide vision: he pays attention to overall optimization. Even though he is not good with alcohol, he steps up when it counts.

• He makes quick decisions and has excellent communication skills. He is also courageous and dependable.

Messages to Mr. Nagasawa

• After 19 years at the company, we are now in the “nice middle-aged” generation, but we still have a long way to go. Let’s continue motivating each other and doing our best. Please take care of your health—we are middle-aged now.

• Although our hair has turned gray, let’s stay healthy and occasionally play golf or go surfing to stay active. In terms of work, I look forward to continuing our seamless teamwork as always.

• Mr. Nagasawa is always busy, but he never neglects consideration or support for those around him. As a newcomer, I am personally supported by his passionate encouragement. Let’s continue working together to make Musashi Paint an even better place for everyone!