#Japan #Tokyo #Work Reform #Hitotame #Long Hours

The Current State of the Restaurant Industry

Recent findings from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveal a troubling trend within Japan's restaurant industry: nearly 30% of restaurant managers are logging over 60 hours of work each week, surpassing the threshold for overwork. This alarming statistic indicates a severe labor crisis, especially as the year-end festivities accelerate pressure on already stretched staff. The ongoing shortage of personnel combined with extended hours exacerbates the situation, compelling operators to seek innovative solutions.

Human Resources Crisis

A report by Teikoku Databank highlights that in 2024, 64.3% of non-regular and 54.4% of regular employees in the food service sector are in direct shortage, indicating a dire need for action. As workloads increase, employee fatigue rises, leading to higher turnover rates and recruitment challenges. Amidst widespread calls for labor reform, practical solutions are required; closing tasks have often been overlooked in this discourse.

The Burden of Closing Tasks

Closing operations—such as cleaning, revenue tallying, and inventory checks—stand as the primary contributors to delayed exit times for restaurant staff. Addressing this issue, Hitotame Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, has launched a revolutionary service that undertakes these wrap-up tasks, effectively safeguarding employee well-being and promoting work reform within the hospitality sector.

Innovative Solutions to Long Hours

Hitotame's service offers a patent-pending operational framework designed to execute closing tasks safely and efficiently. By employing only experienced restaurant professionals, they provide comprehensive closing services which include:

• - Cleaning of floors, kitchen, and dining areas
• - Dishwashing and waste disposal
• - Table setting for the next day
• - Assistance with inventory checks
• - Visual documentation of tasks through GoPro technology
• - Support for hygiene management and food safety measures
• - Post-service reporting and follow-up care
• - Optional assistance from former chefs for basic prep work

The implementation of this service is already bearing fruit; over 100 establishments in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka have adopted this system, reporting a significant shortening of closing times by an hour and a 25% decrease in employee turnover.

Successful Case Studies

Chain Store Case Study

One chain restaurant recently incorporated Hitotame's service, reducing average closing times from 90 minutes to only 30 minutes. As a result, the establishment noted a 20% increase in its recruitment effectiveness, with job postings reflecting that no closing tasks needed to be performed.

Manager's Comment: “Staff fatigue has noticeably decreased, leading to improved performance the following day. The appeal of not having closing tasks has resonated with applicants, and the ability to close earlier has allowed us to extend our last order time, directly benefiting sales.”

High-End French Restaurant

A luxury French restaurant launching its operations in Tokyo and Osaka in 2025 experienced a 25% drop in turnover within three months of utilizing Hitotame’s assistance.

Manager's Comment: “Our retention rates have increased, and we’ve managed to cut recruitment costs. Eliminating post-close workloads has proven beneficial for our bottom line.”

Conclusion

Established in December 2019, Hitotame Inc. is dedicated to resolving challenges within both the cleaning and restaurant sectors under the mantra of "One mop to challenge the world." By reforming the way closing tasks are handled, they aim to redefine hospitality management norms, ensuring a healthier work environment while enhancing operational efficiency. Their innovative approach not only assists in maintaining cleanliness but also supports a sustainable workforce in the increasingly demanding food service industry. For more information, visit Hitotame.