#Japan #Yokohama #Showa Seiko #WELgee #R-san

Ethiopian Refugee Signs Contract with Showa Seiko

In a remarkable achievement, WELgee, a non-profit organization, recently announced the hiring of an Ethiopian refugee at Showa Seiko Co., Ltd., marking a significant milestone in refugee employment and integration in Japan. The company, based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, is known for its precision mold design and manufacturing, which includes components for cans, automotive parts, and various other products.

The refugee, identified as R-san, age 37, has an impressive background in geology, having spent over five years conducting geological surveys and research for governmental agencies in his home country. His expertise includes geological mapping and mineral exploration using remote sensing technologies. After arriving in Japan in 2017 for political reasons, R-san focused on learning Japanese while working in various survival jobs, all the while hoping to find a position that would utilize his skills.

In August 2024, R-san participated in a factory tour at Showa Seiko, where he felt a strong connection between the techniques he had used in geological research and the company’s operations. This inspired him to apply for a position within the firm. Following a six-month trial employment period starting in March 2025, R-san was officially hired as a full-time employee on September 16, 2025. He now works in the molding department, primarily focusing on the development and mass production of tools and materials used in semiconductor substrate manufacturing.

Feedback from Showa Seiko Co., Ltd.

The managers at Showa Seiko expressed gratitude for R-san's integration into their team. They noted initial concerns regarding hiring foreigners due to past challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. However, R-san's seriousness, proactive work attitude, and quick decision-making skills won over his colleagues. His ability to communicate in English with foreign teammates and his responsiveness to urgent needs were particularly appreciated.

“This collaboration has proved beneficial, not just for R-san but for our entire team,” commented a representative from Showa Seiko. They acknowledged that despite initial anxieties about hiring foreigners, R-san’s exemplary performance has instilled confidence in the company's hiring strategies which have now expanded to include mid-career and temporary employees alongside new graduates due to Japan’s demographic challenges.

WELgee's Career Coordinator for Employment Support, Haruka Kaneshiro, shared, “R-san never gave up on finding a career that matched his expertise, even while working tirelessly in restaurants to support himself. When he attended our employer-sponsored tour and witnessed the alignment of his experience with Showa Seiko’s mission, he knew he had found the right opportunity.” During his trial period, R-san received high regard among his peers for his cheerful demeanor, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.

About Showa Seiko Co., Ltd.

Founded in January 1954 and headquartered in Kanagawa Prefecture, Showa Seiko specializes in the design and manufacture of precision molds and parts for various industries, including automotive, food containers, and high-precision applications within the aerospace field. Their commitment to innovation and quality positions them as a leader in the precision molding industry.

About WELgee

WELgee is dedicated to creating a society where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can collaboratively build a future. Focused on supporting refugees who have fled persecution or conflict, WELgee aims to help them realize their career aspirations and contribute to society. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, including companies and government entities, WELgee envisions a world where the collaboration and integration of refugees into Japanese society become the norm.

The Significance of R-san's Employment

R-san's success story highlights the importance of providing support and opportunities to refugees in Japan. It illustrates how companies can benefit from diverse backgrounds and experiences, contributing to a more inclusive workplace. As R-san continues to grow within Showa Seiko, his journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many others facing similar challenges.