#Japan #Digital Transformation #Osaka #ACTBE #Purpose Driven

ACTBE's Purpose-Driven Entrance Ceremony

In a remarkable departure from traditional workplace norms, ACTBE Inc., a technology firm based in Osaka, Japan, initiated its 2026 entrance ceremony for new hires on April 1, 2026. The CEO, Ryosuke Fujiwara, led the event, focusing on a core theme: "Why do we work?" This Ceremony emphasized individual purpose over standard speeches and certificates, showcasing a modern approach to corporate onboarding.

Rethinking the Onboarding Process

Unlike most companies that follow the conventional format of entrance ceremonies, ACTBE's event fostered an engaging dialogue among new employees and company leaders, erasing the walls typically created in corporate events. The gathering encouraged participants to ponder their work motivations from day one, elucidating the cultural shift towards valuing personal purpose in the workplace.

During the ceremony, the CEO posed a thought-provoking question, "Have you ever considered why you work?" This marked the initiation of conversations designed to shape the new hires' identities as professionals and team members.

An Interactive Learning Experience

The entrance ceremony was not just about initiating new hires into the corporate world. It was a platform where the company's key philosophies were shared through case studies rather than traditional presentations. Ryosuke Fujiwara, along with the CTO, and CHRO, dissected the company’s Vision, Mission, and Value—collectively referred to as MVV—and the ACTBE Operating System (ACTBE OS), which lays the foundation for organizational growth. Using real-life project examples, they demonstrated how questioning purposes behind activities could lead to enhanced outcomes.

These discussions allowed new employees to see the company's values in action, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their roles as integral members of ACTBE.

Encouraging a Culture of Growth

In addition to defining roles and responsibilities, the entrance ceremony set clear expectations regarding acceptable behaviors within the organization. While embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the culture discourages hiding mistakes or neglecting challenges. This establishes a standard of continuous improvement that was reiterated throughout the program.

The organizational culture emphasizes the necessity of addressing issues proactively, a viewpoint highlighted by the CTO during his presentation. He shared personal anecdotes about mistakes made and lessons learned to reinforce a safe environment for addressing failures—a vital aspect of professional growth.

Purpose Declaration: The Core of the Ceremony

The final component of the entrance ceremony was the “Purpose Declaration.” This marked the first professional output for the four new hires, requiring them to articulate their reasons for joining ACTBE. The culmination of the program involved each employee presenting their personal motivation for working at the company before the management team.

Through workshops designed to help them articulate their purposes, the new hires reflected on their convictions:

• - H.K. stated, "I aim to develop as an engineer who not only asks 'why?' during development but also transforms opportunities into my own growth."
• - Y.K. echoed the need to remain focused on personal purpose throughout life.
• - H.N. expressed that their role at ACTBE would undoubtedly nurture their leadership qualities.
• - C.H. aspired to be a bridge between the Osaka headquarters and the Tokyo office, embedding ACTBE's philosophy in both locations.

Their declarations are intended to be reviewed and discussed during biannual feedback sessions, nurturing a culture of growth and accountability.

Addressing the Issues of Early Employment Attrition

The incentives for building a unique entrance ceremony are underscored by the concerning statistics reported by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: approximately 35% of recent graduates leave their jobs within three years. Research indicates that misalignment between employee expectations and actual work experiences often contributes to high attrition rates. ACTBE believes that this disconnect stems from a lack of awareness regarding one's purpose in the workplace.

In response, the company has structured the entrance ceremony not as a mere ritual but as a valuable opportunity for individuals to define their professional purposes, preparing them for meaningful careers ahead.

A Culture of Growth and Responsibility

ACTBE maintains its commitment to nurturing talent, focusing on purpose-driven growth. Establishing a supportive environment enables the development of professionals who can provide substantial value not only to clients but also to society at large.

This ethos is encapsulated in initiatives like the ACTBE OS framework, the ``Purpose Driven`` podcast, and engaging video materials distributed through ACTBE CORE on YouTube. Such dedication has earned ACTBE recognition as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) for three consecutive years, validating the company's commitment to employee wellbeing.

As ACTBE continues to embrace new talent, it reinforces its mission: defining spaces where everyone can thrive, aligning with the vision of a future where all individuals are empowered to excel.