#Japan #Tokyo #TMJ #QC Circle #Ishikawa Award

TMJ Achieves Significant Recognition in Quality Improvement

TMJ, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, recently made waves by being honored with two prestigious awards from the Japan Scientific and Technological Federation (JSTF). These accolades include the 2025 QC Circle Activities Excellence Award and the 2025 Ishikawa Award for their outstanding contributions to quality improvement initiatives.

This dual recognition marks a significant milestone for TMJ, as it is their first time receiving both awards concurrently, showcasing their steadfast commitment to continuous improvement and a culture of quality across their organization.

The QC Circle Activities Excellence Award

The QC Circle Activities Excellence Award recognizes companies that have demonstrated notable achievements in promoting and executing QC circle activities. In 2023, TMJ's Hokkaido branch received this honor, and this year, it was awarded at the corporate level, representing TMJ’s collective commitment to quality. At TMJ, all employees are engaged in 'small improvements' activities, which have been fostered over many years. They actively incorporate QC methodologies into daily operations, creating systems that visualize and share the effectiveness of improvements.

The following points have been highlighted in TMJ’s evaluation:

• - Employee Engagement: All employees are encouraged to engage in ‘small improvements’, ensuring QC methodologies are embedded in daily operations.
• - Evaluation System: The company has adopted a unique evaluation framework that assesses the horizontal deployment of outcomes based on contributions to clients and other departments.
• - Competitive Spirit: TMJ has successfully participated in 13 regional selection competitions under the JHS main event, demonstrating consistent performance and commitment to quality improvement.
• - Leadership in Community Engagement: TMJ's leadership in the Kanto region, including acting as the branch manager and local district chief, has contributed to invigorating regional activities.

Such initiatives have elevated the QC circle activities from select teams to a cultural cornerstone within the organization, earning high praise.

The Ishikawa Award for QC Circle Promotion

The Ishikawa Award is conferred to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the promotion of QC circle activities, both within the company and in the broader community. This year, TMJ’s Chie Imanaka from the General Affairs Department was honored with this award, becoming only the second person from TMJ’s history to receive it.

Imanaka has been pivotal in driving the planning and execution of QC circle activities, fostering collaboration among national branches, improving the work environment, and promoting awareness both inside and outside the company. Her efforts have significantly contributed to embedding a culture of continuous improvement within TMJ.

TMJ’s Ongoing Commitment to Improvement

TMJ continues to champion its 'small improvements' culture as a key driver for enhancing service quality and providing added value to clients. This approach draws inspiration from traditional manufacturing QC circles, tailored to service industry standards, fostering improvement through teamwork.

Since launching these initiatives in 2006, over 12,000 employees have participated, tackling more than 2,500 improvement themes. TMJ remains committed to deepening its quality improvement activities as a foundational element for organizational learning and growth. The company is also dedicated to participating in industry and regional initiatives, positively influencing the evolution of QC circle activities.

About TMJ

Founded in 1992, TMJ was established as a spin-off from the in-house call center of Fukutake Shoten Co., Ltd. (now Benesse Corporation). Leveraging unique expertise in membership continuity management and quality control, TMJ offers comprehensive services, including design and operation of call centers, research and analysis, staffing, and training. In 2017, it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Secom Co., Ltd., integrating its robust, secure group network to enhance client business success.