A Day in the Life of Miwa Ohana, Production & Shipping Department

“Being a woman or a mother doesn’t have to be a reason to give up!”

Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. is looking for talented individuals to join our team.

Production Department – Shipping Section – Miwa Ohana

Self-Introduction

Hello, my name is Miwa Ohana.

I joined Musashi Paint in 2010 as a mid-career hire and am now in my 15th year. Over the years, I have taken three maternity and childcare leaves, balancing the responsibilities of a working mother with my role at Musashi Paint. For personal time, I enjoy ice skating once a week.

What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?

I work in the Shipping Section, handling customer deliveries and operating our automated warehouse system. My main tasks include managing inventory (products, materials, and raw materials) and overseeing shipments in and out of the warehouse. Occasionally, I also operate a forklift to assist with logistics. Because much of the shipping work is outdoors, weather can significantly impact on our daily operations. Rain, snow, strong winds, extreme heat in summer, and freezing temperatures in winter all require adapting how we work. Despite these challenges, I enjoy my job everyday thanks to the supportive colleagues around me.

Why did you choose Musashi Paint?

I was drawn by the friendly workplace culture and the company’s strong support for maternity leave, childcare leave, and flexible work schedules. Musashi Paint has many working mothers, and the company’s commitment to these systems meant I could envision a long-term career here. During my interview, I also experienced the company’s welcoming atmosphere firsthand—my interviewers joked around like a comedy routine, which immediately showed me how close-knit the employees are. That supportive and friendly environment has continued ever since.

What do you find attractive about Musashi Paint?

The people. Everyone I work with is kind and genuinely willing to find ways to make difficult tasks achievable.

At one point, I considered leaving the company to balance work and family. My colleagues reassured me: “We won’t let you quit. We’ll cover your workload. We’ll protect each other.” Thanks to that support, I could fully utilize the flexible working system and continue my career. I can’t count how many times I’ve been saved by my colleagues. Musashi Paint provides an environment where being a woman or a mother is not a reason to compromise your career. Additionally, our Shipping Section has minimal overtime, allowing me to enjoy my ice-skating hobby weekly. Being physically active helps me stay energized and maintain balance in life.

When do you feel the most fulfilled in your work?

Our work is mostly behind the scenes, so it’s not flashy. The real satisfaction comes from completing the day smoothly without mistakes—then I can enjoy a beer at the end of the day with a sense of accomplishment!

What do you look for in your work?

Who you work with matters more than the work itself. Working alongside colleagues with shared goals makes any task enjoyable. While I once focused on finding a job I loved, I now believe that having supportive teammates makes any work rewarding.

What kind of colleagues do you want to work with?

People who strive toward shared goals with the same energy and commitment. Working with us is both fun and fulfilling.

Message to Readers

Thank you for reading to the end.

Musashi Paint contributes to many products that people use every day. Our teams have the development, technical, and color-matching expertise to tackle even the most challenging customer needs. But the people here are not stiff or formal, they are kind, fun, and warm, creating a welcoming and comfortable workplace. I look forward to working with you.

Comments from Colleagues

What kind of person is Ms. Ohana?

• Bright, energetic, and serious about her work. Ms. Ohana has rescued our team many times with her quick thinking and problem-solving skills.

• She has high communication skills, keen observation, and an engaging personality—making conversations enjoyable, both professionally and personally.

• Although she can seem straightforward, she is meticulous and ensures work is done to her satisfaction.

• She is approachable, dependable, and a natural leader in improvement projects and new initiatives.

• Her ability to anticipate challenges and support team members makes her a highly trusted colleague.

What do we respect about Ms. Ohana?

• Her honesty in expressing opinions, resilience, adaptability, and energy to excel in both work and personal life are admirable.

What do we expect from Ms. Ohana?

• Ms. Ohana excels in customer service, supporting colleagues, and approaching every task with dedication. Her commitment ensures she will continue to take on greater responsibilities and step into leadership roles.

Message to Ms. Ohana

• You are a pillar of support and a role model for working women balancing career and family.

• Your energy inspires colleagues and younger team members alike.

• We look forward to your continued growth and contributions while maintaining balance in your professional and personal life.