Yoshiyuki Shibamiya Joins Proud Partners as Advisor to Transform Recruitment Standards

Former President of Monogatari Corporation, Yoshiyuki Shibamiya, Joins Proud Partners

Proud Partners, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is proud to announce the appointment of Yoshiyuki Shibamiya, former Chairman of Monogatari Corporation, as an advisor. This strategic move aims to tackle pressing recruitment issues within the food service sector, focusing on long-term employee retention and effective hiring practices.

Yoshiyuki Shibamiya's Background

Shibamiya hails from Tokyo and has a remarkable career spanning decades. He began his professional journey at Denny's Japan in 1977, gaining essential on-the-ground experience in store operations and personnel development. He joined Monogatari Corporation's board in 2010 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chairman in 2018. His leadership played a crucial role in driving the company's growth through talent management strategies. In 2025, he took on the advisory role at Proud Partners.

Addressing Recruitment Challenges in the Food Service Sector

Shibamiya's advisory role at Proud Partners is set against the backdrop of significant challenges the food service industry faces regarding workforce retention and recruitment. Traditional hiring practices, which often prioritize Japanese-speaking abilities, tend to overlook vital factors such as job understanding, motivation, and alignment of values. This has resulted in a noticeable rate of early employee turnover. A report by the Nikkei states that approximately two-thirds of foreign workers hired under the Specified Skilled Worker visa have experienced early resignations, highlighting the limitations of conventional hiring methods.

Shibamiya resonates with Proud Partners' 'high-class talent' scheme, having witnessed its effectiveness firsthand. His appointment is part of a broader initiative to establish a new recruitment standard in the food service industry, one that emphasizes genuine qualifications over superficial language skills.

Retention Support Mechanism: Monthly Mental Checks

Proud Partners implements a proactive approach to employee retention through a system of monthly mental health checks for all employees. These checks assess four key areas: job stress, interpersonal relationships, overall stress, and lifestyle habits, providing reports tailored to the individual's native language. This holistic approach allows for timely interventions for those potentially on the verge of leaving, successfully keeping the turnover rate below 8%. This effort contributes to creating a supportive work environment for employees.

Identifying the Right Fit: 'High-Class Talent'

A truly effective solution encompasses not just retention support but also a discerning view on candidate selection right from the recruitment stage. Proud Partners defines 'high-class talent' as foreign nationals who demonstrate a strong commitment to career development in the food service sector, carry clear motivation, and hold values aligned with the Japanese work culture. These candidates often have management training from universities or relevant experience from notable establishments. While language proficiency remains a hurdle, it can be effectively addressed through Proud Partners' tailored curriculum over a six-month program, demonstrating potential growth through individual introduction videos.

Future Outlook: Co-creating New Industry Standards

With Shibamiya's engagement, Proud Partners is poised to re-evaluate and revolutionize recruitment and retention strategies within the food service industry. Moving away from merely assessing language skills, the focus will turn toward nurturing candidates who aspire to work within the industry and at specific companies. Proud Partners is committed to pioneering this new standard, fostering a workforce that is both skilled and culturally aligned across Japan's diverse food service landscape.

For inquiries, please contact:
Proud Partners PR Department: Okamura
Address: 2-21-1 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku Front Tower 28th Floor, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-0074
Phone: 03-5937-5812
Email: pr@proud-partners.co.jp
Website: Proud Partners