OM Network Holds First New Year Event Celebrating Human Connections

OM Network's Unique New Year Celebration: A Day of Human Connection

OM Network, based in Niigata, Japan, recently celebrated the start of 2026 with its first-ever New Year event, uniquely blending traditional Japanese activities such as calligraphy and rice pounding (mochitsuki) into its celebrations. The event aims to emphasize the importance of starting the year not just as a business, but as a community of individuals sharing similar goals and aspirations.

Celebrating Goals Through Calligraphy

The event commenced with a calligraphy session where employees were encouraged to express their themes for the year—ranging from personal goals to life philosophies. Words such as “challenge,” “health,” and “balance” decorated the walls, reflecting the diverse values of the staff. This reflective moment allowed employees to rethink their core values and set personal intentions for the coming year.

Insights from New Employees

A new engineer shared how the experience transformed their perspective. “I often focus on day-to-day tasks, and this event provided the perfect opportunity to pause and visualize what I want from this year. Seeing the different words chosen by my colleagues gave me insight into their values, which I don’t usually notice in our regular work environment.”

The Fun of Mochitsuki

Following the calligraphy, attendees participated in mochitsuki, a traditional Japanese rice-pounding activity. This segment was particularly lively, as it broke down hierarchical barriers. Employees of all levels took their turn, thumping the rice and cheering each other on. Employees who typically engage in desk work got the chance to bond through physical activity, raising the energy and camaraderie in the room.

A Young Employee’s Perspective

A recent graduate expressed their delight at the inclusivity of the mochitsuki session. “It was refreshing to work together on something fun, regardless of our different roles and departments. I felt closer to my colleagues during this experience, as we naturally engaged with each other more than we normally do.”

The New Year Gathering

The culmination of the event was a New Year party where employees had the chance to relax and mingle. This gathering emphasized not only celebrating the new beginnings but also strengthening connections among team members. Held at the office, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with platters of appetizers encouraging a flow of conversation. Young employees played a significant role in organizing activities, adding a creative touch to the event.

OM Network's Commitment to Connection

This event embodied OM Network's philosophy of prioritizing human connections before work. The company believes that understanding each other beyond professional facades fosters better teamwork and enhances work quality. “The culture of our company is reflected not only through day-to-day interactions but also in how we celebrate milestones,” said Shinya Yamagishi, the representative director.

The successful execution of this event marks the beginning of a positive approach to team building at OM Network. As 2026 unfolds, the company is committed to nurturing connections and tackling challenges together as a unified team.