Tomomi Mitsuo, CSR Promotion Office

Enhancing a company’s corporate value starts with each and every employee!

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

Self-introduction

After working for about six years at the company I joined as a new graduate, I got married.

At that time, my husband was assigned overseas for work, so I became a full-time homemaker for approximately three years while living abroad.

After returning to Japan, I strongly felt the desire to re-enter society and work again. Consequently, I joined Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. as a mid-career employee in July 2020. Currently, I work full-time while raising two boys, aged 7 and 5.

What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?

The work of the CSR Promotion Office, where I belong, is very broad. Simply put, it involves “undertaking various initiatives to enhance corporate value.”

Enhancing a company’s corporate value begins with each and every employee. I sometimes travel to our overseas offices to explain to employees what they can do to contribute to improving corporate value. In addition, it is important to appropriately disclose the results of our activities to society, so I am also responsible for creating the CSR report.

Why did you choose Musashi Paint?

It was because there was a field where I could pursue what I wanted to do and be given the chance to take on challenges.

I have been interested in “CSR” since my student days, but until now, I had never had the opportunity to engage in it outside of my current work. During my job search, when I asked myself, “What do I really want to do?” I realized that I wanted to work in CSR.

At the time I joined, there was no CSR Promotion Office, but I heard that the company recognized it as necessary and intended to establish it in the future. I said, “I have no experience, but I have enthusiasm and determination, so please allow me to take on this challenge!”

My request was accepted, and I felt that Musashi Paint is a company that values employees’ aspirations and allows them to take on challenges. This was the reason I chose to join.

What do you find appealing about Musashi Paint?

I believe it is the character of the employees. Everyone is very kind.

I am neither from a science background nor had any prior connections from my previous job, yet whenever I do not understand something, people kindly teach me. After joining the company, I realized that Musashi Paint has a philosophical handbook called musashi color, which contains the management principles and decision-making criteria—essentially the company’s origins—and each employee cherishes this handbook. I felt that this is the source of the company’s appeal.

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

It is when I can work together with colleagues from Musashi Group locations not only in Japan but around the world.

Of course, we have online meetings, but there are also opportunities to travel between locations or for members of global projects to gather in one country for face-to-face meetings. There are times when language and cultural differences present challenges, but when we overcome them and achieve the same goal, it gives me a great sense of fulfillment.

What do you seek in your work?

Honestly, working full-time while raising children is challenging.

However, since I am fortunate to be working, I want my work to be a place where I can achieve self-actualization. No matter how difficult the work may be, if it allows me to realize what I truly want to do, that translates into a sense of accomplishment. I believe this leads to mental enrichment (which is also a part of our company’s management philosophy).

What kind of colleagues do you want to work with?

In the Musashi color (philosophy handbook), there is a section titled “All begins with thoughts”, which contains the following sentence:

“Thoughts and ideas manifest as words. Words become actions, actions eventually form habits and character, and character determines destiny.” I personally love this sentence and keep it in mind every day, so I would be happy to work with people who have positive and forward-looking thoughts.

Message to readers

I believe that “a company is one means to achieve the purpose of your life,” and I think that seriously asking yourself, “What is the purpose of my life?” is an important part of job hunting.

It may not be something you think about often but consider it a valuable opportunity and ask yourself many questions.

At the same time, I believe that your life purpose naturally changes as your life stage changes. When it changes, consider the next step, but do not think too rigidly—that is important as well. I hope your connection with a company leads to a more fulfilling life.

Comments from senior colleagues and peers

What kind of person is Ms. Mitsuo?

• Ms. Mitsuo is “quick-witted, hardworking, and has excellent PowerPoint skills.” She plans, launches, and operates new projects from scratch. Even when there are interruptions or negative comments, she faces them directly, involves others, and successfully completes the projects. Her PowerPoint skills are exceptional. I often ask her to refine or revise my presentation materials, and no matter how busy she is, she never refuses and never shows displeasure. She truly “meets expectations 100% and delivers 120% satisfaction”. (Musashi Paint corporate brand: “Musashi Paint will continue to meet 100% of our customers’ expectations and provide 120% satisfaction.”)

• Currently, I work in a different department, but when I was a temporary staff member, I often assisted Ms. Mitsuo with her tasks. She is bright, attentive to even small details, and steadily accomplishes her own work.

What do you respect about Ms. Mitsuo?

• Although our departments and tasks differ, she raises children of the same age while fully dedicating herself to both work and personal life. Even amidst challenges, she manages it all, and I am always impressed by her energy. I, being a low-energy type, wish I could borrow some of her stamina.

• She is also attentive to matters beyond her own duties and is an excellent speaker in public.

What are your expectations for Ms. Mitsuo?

• Please continue to follow her “never give up, complete tasks, involve others” style.

• Not everything should be praise, so one comment: “Asking until you are satisfied and remembering everything you heard” is excellent, but if you notice I am struggling to respond or am unmotivated, please read the situation and simply say, “Understood for now,” and step back temporarily.

Message to Ms. Mitsuo

• We often talk about parenting and personal life, and I am proud to see your children witnessing a wonderful mom who always does her best. Please continue to progress at your own pace without overdoing it. I support you!

• Before meetings and presentations, you always practice alone in a small room, reviewing the notes you wrote all over your notebook. Your preparation and review are outstanding. Everyone around notices your effort, so please continue to do your best.

• Thanks to Ms. Mitsuo, Musashi Paint’s CSR and musashi color initiatives are progressing rapidly. Please continue using your enthusiasm to increase the number of Musashi Paint fans!