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Ms. Miu Matsusaki,
Front Desk Receptionist
Rooms Division
Oriental Hotel Universal City
2nd-year employee

I made a career change from a ryokan to working my dream job in customer service at a theme park hotel. Compared to a ryokan, there may be less time when I can interact with customers, but I value the redirection of energy to thinking about how the customers can have the most satisfying stay possible and what I can do to provide it. I was a bit nervous at first, but I soon realized that, just like at the ryokan, it is the customers that are most important. My teacher from trade school taught me that “gathering up the customers’ potential valuable experiences and bringing them to realization through a three-step-ahead service is the entire reason for a hotelier’s existence.” I always use these words to keep me going. As each excited customer comes to stay with us, the entire staff shares ways in which we can contribute to positive experiences for the guest. A heartfelt “thank you” from a customer is better than any reward. Being in a workplace that encourages new ideas and opinions makes it easy for me to find many opportunities to improve my skills!

Mr. Taisuke Kitabayashi,
Sales Division
Sales & Marketing Department
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
4th-year employee

I joined the company during the pandemic. It was a pretty rough start, but in an attempt to reduce worry, plenty of web-based training was provided for us. And during quarantine periods, we spent time cleaning rooms with coworkers. The gloomy feeling of not being able to go outdoors was made better by being able to work together as a team. I’m sure that it was a very rough season financially for our company, but when I reflected on how the company took care of its employees during that time, I was very thankful that I was working here. When you are working, don't be afraid of failing, and follow what you think is best. I hear this advice from my superiors and coworkers. This is the pat on the back that helps me enjoy every day at work. Traveling is my hobby, and so the hotel group discounts are a great bonus for me.

Mr. Shrestha Surendra Kumar,
Front Desk Reception, Rooms Division
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
2nd-year employee

Due to the influence of Japanese culture, my interest in Japan grew, leading me to visit the country in 2017 from my homeland, Nepal. The charm of Japan lies in its numerous tourist destinations. After attending a Japanese language school in Mie and graduating from a hotel-specialized school in Osaka, I gained one year and two months of experience in both restaurant and accommodation services at a hotel in Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki. Subsequently, I joined the HMJ Group Hotel, working at the front desk of Namba Oriental Hotel and currently at the front desk of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba since the resumption of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I always strive to tailor services to the preferences and purpose of stay of our guests, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. With proficiency in Japanese, Hindi and English, I prioritize ensuring that guests have a pleasant experience every day. The company, which values both customers and staff, aligns perfectly with my principles. Utilizing the knowledge and sense of humor I have acquired along the way, I aspire to work together with the team to deliver the best service to customers worldwide.

Mr. Yuto Koiwai,
Main Kitchen & Room Service
Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
4th-year employee

In a nutshell, I’d say this is an incredibly open workplace. I had previously thought of the food industry as a very position-biased system, but everyone here makes you feel important and gives you the push needed to challenge new things. It makes me happy to be able to support the hotels within the group and gain cooking experience in other kitchens without having to change jobs completely. Plus, I’m always thinking about my coworkers who started with me. They’ve become competitors while also being close friends. Having friendly competition with them at their locations makes me not want to get left behind! I think this feeling is a great motivation boost for me.

Mr. Ryutaro Murakami,
Assistant Manager, Human Resource & General Affairs
HMJ Operations Co., Ltd.
4th-year employee

I joined Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel with the desire to gain diverse experience in human resources across various positions and work settings within the hotel industry. Initially, I worked as a recruitment specialist, contributing to the opening of new hotels in the Kansai region, with a focus on Kobe. I gained experience in recruiting for different roles and areas. After transferring to HMJ Operations, I have been actively involved in a wide range of cross-functional HR tasks, primarily focusing on recruitment.
In 2022, I participated in the "Challenge Career Group Leader Training Course," where I had the opportunity to visit other hotels, experience trial stays, undergo management knowledge and leadership training, and engage in networking with fellow participants. Through these experiences, I gained insights into how to approach my duties from a managerial perspective.
The hotel industry not only emphasizes customer service but also accumulates high-level business expertise. Within the HMJ Group, there are various opportunities for growth across different hotel brands and roles. I believe it is an environment where you can challenge yourself to become the person you aspire to be and engage in the work you want to do!

Mr. Masaki Noji,
Front Desk Reception, Rooms Division
Namba Oriental Hotel
2nd-year employee

I came from Fukui Prefecture with the sole reason of wanting to live in Osaka, known as the “City of Water” and the “City of Food.” While my previous job involved customer service as a Shinkansen cabin attendant, I aspired to work in a hotel despite having no prior experience and joined this establishment.
Initially feeling disoriented, with the support of the manager and senior colleagues, I now handle assigned duties and have been involved in the unique experience of preparing the hotel for reopening amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With an increasing number of international guests, the moments when I can converse with them and bring joy through our interactions make me appreciate the effort I have put into learning English. Presently, I aim to enhance my proficiency in English and Korean, dedicating time outside of work to language studies.
Amidst the multitude of hotels in Osaka, having guests choose Namba Oriental Hotel for their stay and leave satisfied motivates me to exert extra effort in my daily duties at the Front Desk.

Ms. Mayuko Sadatomo,
Pastry Chef, Kitchen Division
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
5th-year employee

As a child, I had always admired the idea of working in a “cake shop.” From the numerous hotels in the city, I chose Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station. The reason? Their monthly Sweets Buffet. The awe I experienced as a guest remains unforgettable. While the presentation was stunning, the moment I tasted it offered an indescribable bliss. I immediately decided, “I want to serve the sweets I make at this hotel!”
What excites me the most is the ability to serve freshly made items directly to guests during events, receiving immediate feedback that often becomes new ideas for my next creations. Being able to learn at different Hilton locations like Hilton Tokyo Odaiba and Hilton Narita with distinct brands is also a captivating aspect. During busy seasons like Christmas, the supportive atmosphere from the entire team, including the Western Cuisine members, is something I truly cherish. I hope this atmosphere can be felt by new colleagues who haven't experienced it yet.