#Japan #Shibuya #Kewpie #Mayonnaise #DX/IT

Kewpie Corporation's 101-Year Challenge

As Kewpie Corporation celebrates the 101st year of its beloved mayonnaise, it is also making strides toward the future by welcoming 61 new employees into its diverse workforce in 2026. This year, for the first time, the company has opened recruitment in the crucial area of 'DX/IT,' emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and IT talent in its corporate strategy.

On April 1st, a welcoming ceremony took place at the Shibuya headquarters, where the new employees were gathered not just to be introduced to the company but to embrace the values that Kewpie holds dear. One such value highlighted was the commitment to family, exemplified through an initiative where the newcomers sent personalized postcards to express gratitude to their families and those who supported them. This innovative approach was well received, with many expressing that it provided them a unique opportunity to convey feelings of appreciation they often find hard to verbalize. It was a memorable start to their professional journey.

Kewpie’s President and CEO, Mitsuru Takamiya, inspired the new recruits with motivational words, reminding them of the robust legacy they are now part of. He shared, "Being part of Kewpie in this pivotal year, the first of the next 101 years, is an honor. Embrace the challenges, learn from experiences, and don’t hesitate to make your mark in your respective departments." His words ignited a fire of enthusiasm, urging the new hires to see their lack of experience as a strength rather than a limitation.

Accelerating Digital Transformation

In line with its 2025-2028 Mid-term Management Plan, Kewpie has set the ambitious goal of enhancing its digital capabilities. The focus lies on evolving its value creation processes and developing comprehensive digital strategies across various departments. By actively engaging with data and AI, the company aims to not only maximize the value it provides to customers but also to cultivate a supportive environment that enables creative thinking.

The integration of the DX/IT division reflects Kewpie's commitment to modernize its business model and transform internal processes. The new hires in this sector are expected to gain an understanding of both the company and the digital landscape. They will play a critical role in capturing latent customer needs, fostering deeper customer insights, and spearheading initiatives that drive transformation across the company.

Voices from Within

The enthusiastic tone set by the company is echoed by the new recruits themselves. One new employee expressed excitement about the unique opportunity to effect change within a beloved institution, emphasizing the essential role of digital innovation for future reforms. "As we embark on this transformative journey, I acknowledge our inexperience and look forward to introducing fresh perspectives that will contribute uniquely to Kewpie’s legacy," stated another.

The recruitment team also resonated with this energy, recognizing that welcoming 'DX/IT' roles represents a shift towards a more diverse and dynamic organization. They aspire to infuse new ideas and diverse skill sets that challenge the status quo, driving Kewpie’s vision forward into a brighter future.

Conclusion

In its 101 years, Kewpie has established itself not only as a household name in Japan but as a forward-thinking corporation prepared to embrace the digital age. Through their novel hiring strategies and a firm commitment to nurturing talent in crucial areas like digital transformation, Kewpie is poised to continue its legacy while paving new paths for future generations.

For more insights into Kewpie's digital initiatives, visit Kewpie's DX Site.