Procurement & Logistics Division – Kaori Iseki

“It may have been a bit of a detour, but nothing was wasted!”

Procurement & Logistics Division – Kaori Iseki

Brief Self-Introduction

I am from Ibaraki Prefecture, born in 1976, and live with my husband, our university-aged eldest son, our middle school-aged second son, and our beloved cat, Momo. On my days off, I enjoy practicing kimono dressing, watching my son’s basketball games, spending time at home with Momo, and outings with my family. I have experience working in both the private sector and public institutions and have been with Musashi Paint Holdings since 2018.

What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?

I work in the Procurement & Logistics Division, handling the export of paint semi-finished products and raw materials to our overseas sites.

In short, my role is trade operations. Specifically, when an order comes from overseas, I place orders with domestic suppliers, coordinate production and delivery schedules, arrange shipping by sea or air, prepare export documentation, and perform related tasks.

Why did you choose Musashi Paint?

I was looking for a job that could balance family life and allow me to make use of my language skills when I found this opening. Although it was a completely different industry and a role I had no experience in—and I was not exactly young anymore—I decided to attend the interview. The conversation was very warm and welcoming. I felt grateful that the company was willing to take a chance on someone with such an uncertain background, and I resolved to give it my all and do everything I could here.

What do you find appealing about Musashi Paint?

The people are incredibly kind, and the company has a warm, family-like atmosphere. If you are motivated, you have plenty of opportunities to expand your work scope and take on new challenges.

When do you feel most fulfilled in your work?

Exporting products involves navigating different regulations and cultures depending on the country, and external factors such as global events can cause issues. Troubles are inevitable. However, it is incredibly rewarding to see a product safely delivered to an overseas site or customer, knowing that so many colleagues, sales, development, procurement, manufacturing, inspection, and shipping—worked together to make it happen. That is when I feel the greatest sense of accomplishment.

What do you look for in your work?

I would say a sense of accomplishment. I enjoy setting myself small challenges, putting a little pressure on myself, and clearing them one by one.

What kind of colleagues do you want to work with?

I value colleagues who face their work sincerely and are honest, positive, and forward-looking. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but it is how we respond to them that matters. Working together with such people feels genuinely rewarding.

Message to readers

Today, there are more ways to work and more options available, which makes us reflect even more on how we want to live and what kind of work we want to do.

For me, although I started as a full-time employee after graduation, life events such as marriage, childbirth, and parenting meant that I adapted by working as a temporary or contract employee or taking shorter hours at times, always searching for the best way to work for that stage of my life.

What I can say for sure is that nothing was wasted. Every experience and encounter, even if it felt like a detour, has become an asset that I can apply today. Musashi Paint actively promotes the utilization of women and offers flexible working styles. If you are even slightly interested, I encourage you to take the challenge. I am cheering for you!

Comments from colleagues and peers

What kind of person is Ms. Iseki?

• She is bright and has a strong core of principles. In work situations, she listens to others’ opinions and seeks the best solution, showing both determination and flexibility.

• She has a gentle manner and is trusted by everyone around her. She also has a slightly quirky side, and as a colleague who shares a department, a love of cats, and raising two boys, I feel very supported by her advice and insights.

What do you respect about　Ms. Iseki?

• Her sense of responsibility, positive attitude, and willingness to take on new challenges.

What are your expectations for her?

• Since her role involves frequent interactions with overseas sites, I hope she continues to deepen her knowledge of the locations and the products she handles and ultimately grows into a management position.

Message to Ms. Iseki

• Your serious attitude toward work is always encouraging. Please remember not to take on too much by yourself and continue to thrive at Musashi Paint.

• Your curiosity and high motivation allow you to tackle any challenge, so keep aiming high!

• At Musashi Paint, we reuse materials such as used pails, drums, pallets, and leftover paint to create tables and chairs. Ms. Iseki manages these projects alongside her work in the Procurement & Logistics Division. As new initiatives continue to grow, we look forward to her continuing to approach them with the same positive spirit and drive.