#Japan #Shibuya #Marugame Seimen #Toridoll Holdings #Happiness Management

Marugame Seimen's Initiative for Employee Happiness

Marugame Seimen, known for its dedication to crafting fresh Sanuki udon, is taking a bold step towards enhancing employee welfare through the introduction of 'Marugame Family Nights.' This new initiative marks the third in a series of programs aimed at fostering a positive work environment that extends to employees' families. Following the 'Happiness Officer System' and 'Family Dining System,' the 'Family Nights' will take place on December 24, 2025, creating a special occasion for employees to share memorable moments with their loved ones.

On Christmas Eve, all Marugame Seimen locations will operate exclusively for lunch, closing by 3:30 PM to allow staff the opportunity to celebrate with their families. This adjustment only affects select locations; some stores in shopping centers will adhere to their regular hours. Marugame Seimen is committed to ensuring a balance between customer service and staff wellbeing, demonstrating how the company values its employees’ happiness.

Understanding 'Happiness Capital Management'

The concept of 'Happiness Capital Management' was announced by Toridoll Holdings, the parent company of Marugame Seimen. Slated to begin in September 2025, this innovative management philosophy emphasizes the importance of both employee and customer satisfaction. The company views these two aspects as critical assets, aiming to cultivate an environment where employees feel fulfilled and, in turn, share that joy with customers. This cyclical relationship, referred to as the 'Happiness Prosperity Cycle,' leads to ongoing business growth resulting from positive workplace morale.

The initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to corporate management, aiming to create a supportive work culture where employees thrive. Under this framework, Marugame Seimen has restructured its traditional managerial systems, notably replacing them with a new 'Happiness Officer System.' Certification ceremonies for 'Happiness Captains' occurred in November 2025, where the first captains from its 874 stores were recognized.

Starting in January 2026, Marugame Seimen plans to launch the 'Family Dining System,' designed to share warmth and joy beyond just employees to their families. This system will facilitate family connections through shared dining experiences, reinforcing the idea that happiness at work translates to happiness at home.

A Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Marugame Seimen's initiatives extend beyond employee engagement. The company is actively pursuing sustainability efforts, including diversifying employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In August 2023, they opened the 'Marugame Seimen Bucket Workshop' in Kakogawa, Hyogo Prefecture, aimed at reusing items in their restaurants while aiming to reduce wood waste by 1.5 tons annually by 2027.

Educational programs, such as udon-making workshops for children, are another cornerstone of Marugame Seimen’s community efforts. These workshops help impart the joy and importance of food preparation to younger generations, reinforcing the brand's commitment to fostering a love for culinary arts.

In terms of environmental responsibility, the company is investing in reducing plastic usage by employing reusable dining ware and incorporating bio-plastic materials in takeout items. This level of commitment speaks to the brand's recognition of its environmental footprint and the steps taken to mitigate adverse impacts.

Marugame Seimen's Brand Philosophy

With the motto, "Udon here is alive," Marugame Seimen constantly seeks to provide delicious handmade udon while focusing on the dining experience. The company prides itself on freshness, proudly preparing udon from domestically sourced flour each day at over 800 locations across Japan, with Chefs skilled in the art of noodle making.
A vibrant atmosphere filled with the delight of freshly prepared udon and tempura continues to draw crowds, both domestically and internationally as 'Marugame Udon'.

As Toridoll Holdings continues to innovate and expand, it aims to uphold these core values to ensure every dining experience remains unique and memorable, establishing itself as a leader in the global food industry.

For more about their initiatives and store locations, visit Marugame Seimen.