Tamura Koma's Commitment to Future Generations
Tamura Koma Co., Ltd., a leading textile diversified trading company, hosted a workplace experience program for students from Sasazuka Junior High School, located in Shibuya. This initiative took place over two days, from July 2nd to 3rd, 2026, and aimed to support the development of future talent while also contributing to local community education.
As part of the company's active promotion of sustainability and CSR activities, this collaboration represents an opportunity to connect with educational institutions and contribute to the local community. The program was designed to provide a platform for students to explore the workings of business and society, encouraging them to think proactively about their future and career paths.
Diverse Program Activities
To ensure students could experience a range of business processes, the program included lectures, practical work, and workshops. The activities were tailored to enhance students' understanding of the commercial sector and encouraged them to engage with complex concepts related to marketing, logistics, and product quality control.
Lectures on Business Fundamentals
Before diving into hands-on activities, students participated in workshops that introduced fundamental concepts like “What is society? What is a company? What is a trading company? What does Tamura Koma do?” This introductory session helped prepare them for the practical experiences that lay ahead. It was encouraging to see students approach these discussions with sincerity and enthusiasm, as they shared their insights and ideas.
Hands-on Experience
During the program, students assisted staff with various tasks, such as transporting packages within the office. They learned about the logistics of both domestic and international shipping and participated in creating fabric swatches. Although cutting soft fabric proved challenging, the students expressed joy and pride when they successfully completed their swatches. They also experienced product inspection simulations for T-shirts, measuring whether the items met specified quality standards by cross-referencing with sewing specifications.
Intellectual Property and Legal Education
The company also provided an engaging lecture on intellectual property (IP) business, covering current trends in IP, trademarks, and copyright laws. This session included discussions on how students could apply innovative IP concepts in product proposals, giving them a glimpse into the creative processes behind product development.
Apparel Sales Simulation Experience
One of the program highlights was the customized apparel sales simulation, typically aimed at university interns, modified for middle school students. Participants worked individually to develop unique sales proposals and presented them as if in a real commercial meeting, practicing their negotiation skills with staff acting as clients. This hands-on approach was a hit, enabling students to engage deeply with the practical side of business.
Student Reflections and Program Impact
Following the workplace experience, student feedback highlighted the positive impact of the program, particularly praising the apparel sales simulation. Many appreciated the opportunity to interact with employees during lunch or while working on logistical tasks. As expressed in their thank-you notes, students gained valuable insights into workplace dynamics and the personal freedoms associated with employment, while also learning the complexities of communicating effectively in a business environment.
Looking Ahead
Tamura Koma Co., Ltd. intends to utilize the experiences and insights gained from this workplace program to enhance its commitment to fostering future talent and deepening its connection with the local community. As a company founded in 1894, Tamura Koma prioritizes creating sustainable value through a diverse range of textile and product offerings.
Company Overview
- - Name: Tamura Koma Co., Ltd.
- - Headquarters: Osaka and Tokyo
- - Contact: +81 6 6268 7000 (Osaka), +81 3 5771 1700 (Tokyo)
- - Capital: 1.24 billion yen
- - Website: Tamura Koma
Tamura Koma continues to explore new ways to inspire and cultivate the next generation of talent, reinforcing its principles of sustainability and community involvement.