#Japan #Tokyo #Proud Partners #Foreign Employment #Kunitaka Sunami

Appointment Announcement of Kunitaka Sunami as Advisor to Proud Partners

Proud Partners, a company specializing in the introduction and support of specific skilled foreign personnel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kunitaka Sunami as an advisor effective March 1, 2026. Mr. Sunami has an extensive background, having held various significant positions, including the Planning Officer for Construction Market Access Promotion in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as Chief Economist at the Economic Research Institute.

Background and Objectives of the Appointment

The primary goal of Mr. Sunami's advisory role will be to promote employment of foreigners in the fields of construction, logistics, and shipbuilding. As the company positions itself for future growth, enhancing the management structure plays a crucial role.

Kunitaka Sunami's Career Overview

Mr. Sunami graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in economics and joined the former Ministry of Construction in April 1985. Throughout his career, he has been entrusted with key positions within the Ministry, including assignments at the Bureau of Construction Economics and the Hokkaido Development Bureau. His international experience includes serving as a First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in the United States. More recently, he was a Chief Economist at the Construction Economic Research Institute and a Supervisor at the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management. Currently, Mr. Sunami serves as an advisor at Tokyu Real Estate Co., Ltd. and as Executive Managing Director at the Japan Environmental Building Support Organization.

Vision for Employment in the Construction Sector

In addressing the critical labor shortage issue in the construction industry, Mr. Sunami remarked, "The labor shortage in the construction sector is not merely a temporary issue; it is structural in nature." The industry has faced labor shortages numerous times post-war, often reverting to a surplus due to economic downturns. Notably, the prolonged economic slump following the Heisei bubble burst delayed effective countermeasures from both government and industry.

The aging workforce in the construction sector is becoming a pressing concern. Analysis shows that labor shortages since 2012 are not transient conditions caused by natural disasters or economic fluctuations, but rather a deep-seated structural issue. The current government and industry initiatives focus on improving working conditions and productivity for construction workers, yet a persistent labor shortage is likely to continue. In this context, foreign employment is an increasingly viable solution.

Mr. Sunami has also observed foreign employment opportunities in national projects, noting that some young foreigners come to Japan with aspirations to learn not only construction skills but also management techniques to establish construction firms in their native countries.

Contribution of Proud Partners

Proud Partners focuses on creating a system where foreign employees can work fairly and borderlessly, contributing to Japanese society. The company has a solid track record, having supported over 5,700 foreign personnel across 1,381 companies and 3,624 establishments primarily in the construction and dining sectors.

Their motto encapsulates a significant belief: "You cannot choose where you are born, but you can choose where you live later."

Company Overview

• - Name: Proud Partners Co., Ltd.
• - Established: July 2012
• - Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Telephone: 03-5937-5812
• - Business Activities: Special skills personnel introduction and registration support
• - CEO: Ryuji Suzuki
• - Capital: 100 million yen (as of June 2024)
• - Employees: 126 (including offshore members)
• - Website: Proud Partners

Additional Information on the Specified Skills System

The specified skills system, established to facilitate the employment of foreign workers in industries facing severe labor shortages, was introduced in April 2019, and aims to secure foreign labor to support the economy. The system encompasses two types of visa statuses: Specified Skills 1 and Specified Skills 2, with the latter requiring higher expertise and skills. The implementation of this system is crucial for addressing the increasing labor shortages and ensuring the sustainability of economic and social foundations in Japan.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding specific skill personnel recruitment, please visit: Contact Proud Partners

For media inquiries, please reach out to:
Proud Partners Co., Ltd.
President's Office (Contact: Ayako Suzuki)
Email: [email protected]