#Japan #Shinjuku #Proud Partners #Executive Reorganization #Kazuhiko Minamiguchi

Proud Partners Executive Changes for 2026

Introduction
Proud Partners, a leading company in Japan specializing in the introduction and retention support business for foreign skilled labor, recently announced significant changes in its management team during the Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for February 1, 2026. As the industry faces a serious shortage of workers in construction, transportation, and shipbuilding, these strategic appointments aim to strengthen the company’s management structure and foster collaboration between foreign skilled workers and Japanese businesses.

Recent Executive Appointments

The following key positions have been updated:
1. Kouki Okada - Newly appointed as Executive Officer and Sales Department Head from the Sales Department Head role.
2. Kazuhiko Minamiguchi - Promoted to Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Aiming for Sustainable Growth

The changes are part of Proud Partners' overarching strategy to adapt to evolving business needs in an increasingly competitive market. The introduction of Kazuhiko Minamiguchi as CFO reflects a commitment to ensuring sound financial oversight and fostering innovation in corporate strategy.
The management believes that a robust executive team is crucial for navigating the complexities of the labor market and ensuring satisfactory outcomes for the clients they serve.

New Leaders' Vision

Kouki Okada’s Vision

As Executive Officer and Sales Department Head, Kouki Okada emphasized the importance of integrating foreign skilled labor not just as workers, but as vital partners in the industry. He believes that retaining skilled labor is key to safeguarding industries. His focus is on accurately identifying corporate challenges and proposing optimal recruitment strategies that support long-term retention of the employees. “I view recruitment not as an end, but as a beginning,” said Okada, expressing his commitment to creating an ecosystem where both skilled labor and companies can flourish together.

Kazuhiko Minamiguchi’s Objectives

Meanwhile, Minamiguchi echoed a shared vision of developing “proud partners” that can co-create solutions tailored to the unique needs of each industry. As the pioneer behind the introduction of specific skills workforce, he aims to leverage the collective expertise to assist more businesses effectively. “I aspire to contribute to empowering more fields and facilitating deeper connections among companies and skilled labor,” he remarked, as he transitioned into this strategic role.

About Proud Partners

Founded in July 2012, Proud Partners is headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and has distinguished itself in the industry by supporting over 5,700 foreign workers across various sectors, including construction and hospitality. With a unique approach to workforce integration, they emphasize quality partnerships and sustainable job placement. Their mission aligns with the belief that while we cannot choose where we are born, we can select where we wish to live and work, promoting a fair and inclusive environment for foreign labor.

Industry Background

The specific skills system, introduced in April 2019, aims to address labor shortages in critical industries by welcoming skilled foreign workers. This system encourages economic stability by providing two types of residency status. The Specific Skills visa not only aids in fulfilling labor demands but also enhances Japan's social and economic landscape.

Conclusion

The forthcoming changes in executive leadership at Proud Partners reflect a calculated strategy to ensure sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving labor market. As both Okada and Minamiguchi work towards transforming the company into a dynamic and responsive entity, they are setting the stage for a promising future not just for their organization, but for the industries they serve.

For more information, please visit Proud Partners.