"Future Stories" is a series of interviews with employees of the Group about their efforts to lead to a Space for your Smile future.

The theme this time is Cordiale Kumamoto Farm (hereinafter referred to as Kumamoto Farm). Kumamoto Farm is an indoor farm in Kumamoto that is operated with the aim of providing opportunities and places for people with disabilities to work, and is staffed by employees of SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "the Company"). (The farm is operated by JSH Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as JSH))

We will deliver our thoughts on what our employees are aware of in their work on a daily basis.

―――Members Interviewed

SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation
Head of Welfare Team, Human Resources Department, Business Administration Department

Ms. Mina Suzuki

About the efforts at Cordiale Kumamoto Farm

―――First of all, please tell us about Kumamoto Farm.

Mr. Suzuki: Kumamoto Farm is an indoor farm operated by JSH, where people with disabilities work hydroponically as employees of their respective companies.
It is a completely indoor type equipped with air conditioning equipment and barrier-free support, and nurses are stationed at all times, making it an environment where you can work with peace of mind.

Our 4 employees work here.
Vegetables such as basil and dill are carefully and safely grown, and the harvested vegetables are sold fresh in stores and delivered to restaurants in the vicinity, as well as to our bases in Tokyo, leading to communication among employees.

Click here for more information about Cordiale Farm:

Introduction | Employment Support Service for Persons with Disabilities Cordiale Farm | JSH Co., Ltd.

Introduction of our efforts on the official website of JSH:

Impressed by the employment support service created from the perspective of people with disabilities! Through the business model of Yoshi Sanpo, we want to convey the idea of diversity within the company! | Employment Support Service for Persons with Disabilities Cordiale Farm | JSH Co., Ltd.

Left: Cordiale Kumamoto Farm Right: Harvested vegetables are sold at stores and local restaurants

―――Please tell us what you value in your efforts at Kumamoto Farm.

Mr. Suzuki: While working at our head office (Akasaka), I communicate with and follow up with the members of Kumamoto Farm.

Although the distance between Kumamoto Farm and our head office is far away, we are always thinking about how to keep them motivated and aware that they are proud to be a member of our company.

For example, we asked employees to participate in internal communication measures and provided opportunities for online conversations with employees from other departments. In addition, we regularly conduct online interviews, and at that time, we try to get to know the other person deeply by talking about our personal lives and hobbies outside of work.

When I ask them what they like and what they are good at, I can imagine how they can demonstrate their abilities in the team, and I think, "Why don't you try to do that in your work next time? I am also talking about how to connect to work. For example, if you like comedy, you're good at getting your team excited, and if you like knitting, you're dexterous with your hands, so you can concentrate on detailed tasks.

I am conscious of advising each staff member so that they can make the most of their interests and strengths.

―――Has there been any change in the team during your involvement at Kumamoto Farm?

Mr. Suzuki: Yes, I feel that the cooperation between the members has become smoother because each member has become aware of what they are good at and has devised ways to make use of them in their work. I think that I am now in a state where I can communicate comfortably.

―――You've been improving every day to get to where you are now.

Vegetables such as dill and basil grown by our employees

―――One of our key themes is the active participation of diverse human resources ～a company where each and every one of us can play an active role.～

Mr. Suzuki: In terms of the realization of DE&I, as I mentioned earlier, I think we have gradually been able to create a situation where we can make the most of each other's individuality through regular online interviews.\nI believe that by understanding and following up with each other, including each other's strengths and weaknesses, we will be able to bring out more strengths, so I would like to talk to everyone so that we can be in that state. We advise.

―――How is it connected to social issues?

Mr. Suzuki: In terms of social issues, I believe that in addition to providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, we are also contributing to regional revitalization.

In Japan, there is an issue that employment of people with disabilities is not progressing, especially in rural areas, but JSH, which operates Kumamoto Farm, is working on regional revitalization by developing its business only in the region of Kyushu.

You have truly realized solving social issues through business, and I am very sympathetic to your attitude.

You are making a "three-way" approach that emphasizes not only your own company, but also the members who work at Kumamoto Farm and their families, the social issue of regional revitalization, and cooperation with Partners companies like ours, and I myself would like to cherish such awareness.

(Interview date: April 3, 2024)

SKY Perfect JSAT Co., Ltd. employs people with disabilities at its business sites as well as at the Kumamoto Farm introduced in this article.
We will continue to promote various systems and measures toward the Group's materiality of "Realization of DE&I that encourages the active participation of diverse human resources.