#Japan #Tokyo #OVER ALLs #Yukito Akazawa #mural art

OVER ALLs Takes Bold Step to Support Employees Amid Price Hikes

In a significant move reflecting both social responsibility and corporate ethics, OVER ALLs, a mural art company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has announced a compelling decision to raise the salaries of all its employees by 10%. This decision comes on the heels of Japan's escalating living costs, especially the rising price of rice, a staple food in Japanese culture. Yukito Akazawa, the CEO of OVER ALLs, articulated a forward-thinking philosophy that prioritizes increasing employees' incomes over merely trying to lower rice prices.

A Unique Approach to Economic Challenges

Akazawa believes that what the nation currently needs is not just a plan to lower rice prices, but rather an initiative that ensures the public can afford food amidst price increases. He contends that increasing wages and improving the economy is a more fruitful avenue for addressing the hardships faced by citizens.

In his own words, Akazawa humorously contrasts the famous adage, “Let them eat cake,” with “If rice is expensive, let's boost the economy instead.” This reflects the innovative thinking that OVER ALLs embodies, seeking sustainable solutions to current economic issues.

Details of the Salary Increase

• - Beneficiaries: All full-time employees of OVER ALLs.
• - Effective Date: Starting from the salary for June 2025.
• - Salary Structure: A 10% increase will be added to the basic pay of current salaries.

Contributing to a Sustainable Future in Art

Akazawa notes that while his company may be small, their initiative can encourage a ripple effect. He recognizes that companies like OVER ALLs will often be the first to tighten their belts during economic downturns, and believes it is vital to protect the core of their operations—artistic expression.

His philosophy recognizes the necessity of affordable basic needs. “In a country where people cannot accept rising rice prices, art cannot thrive either,” he says. Thus, it was essential for the company to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring artists and creators can continue to contribute to society without further financial strain.

The Vision Behind OVER ALLs

The mission of OVER ALLs is to empower individuals through mural art, making the transformative power of creativity accessible to everyone. Their projects showcase the rich tapestry of Japanese history, culture, and community stories through engaging visual narratives. Among their notable works are murals featuring renowned athletes such as Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish at the Escon Field Hokkaido. They also have created poignant installations depicting the resilience of the residents of Futaba, Fukushima, who have started to rebuild following the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Akazawa emphasizes that OVER ALLs is more than an art company; they are a catalyst for social change, blending creativity with community engagement in a manner that respects both the artistic process and the economic realities of their environment.

About Yukito Akazawa

Born in 1981, Akazawa is part of the lost generation, a term often used to describe those who faced the barriers of a challenging job market during the late 1990s. After graduating from university, he briefly pursued a career in law but shifted to find fulfillment through creative work. His initial foray into the corporate world began at age 29 with a role at Pasona, where he flourished creatively and began to develop his own entrepreneurial spirit.

Inspired by his own experiences and the dreamy aspirations of younger generations, Akazawa, along with fellow artist Yuuki Yamamoto, co-founded OVER ALLs, aiming to rekindle hope, dreams, and inspiration in a country that often feels overshadowed by economic challenges.

Conclusion

As OVER ALLs moves forward with their salary increase initiative, they are not only investing in their employees but also laying the groundwork for a more vibrant future for the arts in Japan. This noteworthy decision reflects their commitment to nurturing talent and creativity, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. With the pillars of art and community support standing strong, OVER ALLs is set to thrive as an emblem of positive change in contemporary Japan.