Seven-Eleven Japan Holds Its First Onboarding Ceremony at Tokyo Big Sight for New Employees

Seven-Eleven Japan Welcomes New Employees at Tokyo Big Sight

In a historic move, Seven-Eleven Japan held its inaugural onboarding ceremony for the 2026 academic year at the Tokyo Big Sight, welcoming 109 new employees into the company. This year’s ceremony coincided with the launch of the company's annual exhibition, the -SEVEN-ELEVEN Innovation Expo 2026-. The event was designed to provide the newcomers with a unique opportunity to engage with the franchise business from their very first day. Through innovative programming, the new hires were not only introduced to company policies but also immersed in the essence of the business via a hands-on experience with products and strategies.

The onboarding day was both informative and celebratory, as senior management, alongside current employees, gathered to greet the newcomers. A special talk session featured the company president, guest speakers, and new employees, allowing everyone to articulate their aspirations and resolve in a relatable manner. This engaging dialogue symbolizes the company’s commitment to fostering understanding amidst a transformative corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of open communication.

President’s Inspiring Message

During the ceremony, President Tomohiro Akutsu expressed his heartfelt congratulations, stating, "I am truly pleased to welcome you all as new colleagues today." Reflecting on his own journey since joining the company as a new graduate in 1994, Akutsu recalled his motivation to work in a service-oriented business driven by personal experiences. He emphasized his unwavering belief in the value of their work, affirming, "Our mission remains to provide comfort, delicious food, and happiness to the people of our communities."

Akutsu also highlighted the ongoing initiatives aimed at evolving the corporate culture, which include fostering a culture of recognition for great challenges and teamwork, as well as embracing a 'Error & Learn' philosophy that encourages risk-taking and learning from mistakes. He urged new employees to foster personal growth and adopt three essential mindsets: live with integrity, seek change and innovation, and cultivate a strong belief in one's aspirations.

The Seven-Eleven Innovation Expo 2026

The -SEVEN-ELEVEN Innovation Expo 2026- is not just an exhibition but a platform that showcases the company's management policies, new products, and innovative retail concepts aimed at franchise owners, employees, and business partners. This yearly event, held in various locations throughout Japan, emphasizes the corporation's dedication to maintaining close ties with its stakeholders while responding proactively to market changes and customer needs.

As Seven-Eleven Japan embraces the future, it continues to prioritize its mission of transforming and nurturing its corporate culture to adapt to an ever-evolving landscape. The company aims to empower new talent and instill a sense of belonging and purpose among all employees, regardless of their stage in the corporate journey.

In conclusion, the first onboarding ceremony at Tokyo Big Sight marks a significant milestone for Seven-Eleven Japan as it embraces innovation while grounding itself in its core values. The warm welcome and promising insights into the company’s future instill a sense of excitement and belonging among the new employees as they embark on their professional journey with one of Japan's leading convenience store chains.