#Japan #Shibuya, Tokyo #STAFF START #Staff Tech #SOTY

Exciting Announcement: Finalists for 'Staff of the Year 2025'

After four months of fierce competition, the finalists for the prestigious contest 'Staff of the Year 2025' have been revealed. Organized by Vanish Standard Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, this event seeks to recognize the retail staff who exemplify excellence in the modern customer service landscape. The finals will take place on October 9, 2025, at Hikarie Hall in Shibuya, with competitors showcasing their skills in a bid to be crowned 'The Charismatic Staff of the Reiwa Era.'

The 'Staff of the Year' (SOTY) competition assesses participants based on various skills including online customer engagement, social media influence, and service quality as envisioned in today's retail environment. Winners from previous years have been celebrated in numerous media outlets, reinforcing their status as industry leaders and promoting career advancements within their respective companies.

Meet the 14 Finalists

The competition has highlighted an impressive array of talent across two categories: Apparel and Merchandise. Each finalist has displayed remarkable skills, setting them apart as top contenders in this year's event. Here’s the breakdown of this year’s finalists:

Apparel Category

1. Nito - Tomorrowland, Marunouchi Store (158 cm)
2. yuka.a - Opaque Clip, Aeon Mall Chiba New Town
3. yamako - Grove, Aeon Mall Nara Tomigaoka
4. Naka - United Arrows, Shinjuku Store
5. Yu-ta - Levis, Lalaport Fukuoka
6. Ako - Natural Couture, Emiterras Tokorozawa
7. Kanako Matsumoto - Ray BEAMS, Futakotamagawa
8. Matsumura - Tomorrowland, Kumamoto New-S Store (156 cm)
9. Nakajima - De-Pre, Marunouchi Store (164 cm)
10. Miwa - Seibu Tokorozawa, Untitled
11. Rikako - WEGO 1.3.5..., Harajuku Store
12. Koskue Deno - Freak's Store, Lalaport Yokohama

Merchandise Category

1. Tsunakan - Zoff, Ofuna Luminewing Store
2. Mari - JINS, Emihuru MASAKI Store

Notably, the competition has expanded this year to include a Merchandise category, showcasing a diverse range of brands from glasses to cosmetics. The finalists from areas such as Nara and Fukuoka present a strong showing, exemplifying the competitive nature of the event.

Greeting Day Event

Prior to the finals, a celebrated event titled 'Greeting Day' was held, allowing finalists to meet and honor each other’s achievements. Activities included ice-breaking introductions, one-on-one role-playing battles, video shoots, and networking opportunities. Finalists expressed their excitement about connecting with peers, stating that they felt inspired and motivated by their fellow competitors.

The Grand Finale

The grand finale will take place on October 9, 2025, at Hikarie Hall in Shibuya. The event will kick off at 12 PM and is expected to conclude around 6 PM. Finalists will be judged on their customer service role-plays, self-presentation skills, and styling abilities. The panel of special judges, alongside fan votes through web platforms, will determine the ultimate winner of 'Staff of the Year 2025.' Tickets for public attendance are available through Lawson Ticket.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The 'Staff of the Year 2025' competition is actively looking for sponsors to support the event. Companies that resonate with the mission of honoring retail staff are encouraged to reach out for partnership opportunities.

For inquiries regarding the event and the competition, please contact the 'Staff of the Year 2025' Executive Committee via email at [email protected].

About 'STAFF START'

The 'STAFF START' application is a cutting-edge tool designed to enhance the online customer engagement capabilities of retail staff. By enabling staff to connect through their company's EC sites and social channels, 'STAFF START' not only boosts sales but also enhances employee experiences and career opportunities in the retail sector. With over 3,000 participating brands, 'STAFF START' facilitates exceptional staff performance evaluations, contributing to a robust total sales figure of ¥209.1 billion achieved last year through content shared via the platform.

For more details, visit Vanish Standard and learn about our initiatives at STAFF START.