A Report on the Entrance and Award Ceremony Featuring New Recruits and 50-Year Veterans: The Reality of Human Capital Management in an SME Balancing Rapid Growth and Long-Term Employment

SAWAMURA Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture; CEO: Koichiro Sawamura), a general construction company that has seen its workforce double over the past five years (from 91 in 2020 to 178 in 2025) and celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, held its 'SAWAMURA AWARD 2026' on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The event, held at the historic 'Kyoto Shijo Minamiza,' the birthplace of Kabuki, consisted of three parts: a general assembly, an entrance ceremony, and an internal awards ceremony. This marks the third consecutive year the company has held its ceremony at Minamiza.

The theme for this year was 'Origin.' In an era of rapid change and organizational reform, the company returned to its roots by reflecting on the founder’s vision through an opening video. The event featured a veteran with 50 years of service, who has supported the company since the high-growth era, standing on the same stage as new recruits taking their first steps into professional life, celebrating achievements and future commitments across generations.

Part 1: Intersection of Veterans Supporting Half a Century and New Recruits Bearing the Future The ceremony opened with a film tracing the founder's thoughts and the company's history. This was followed by the company's first-ever special award for 50 years of continuous service. The veteran employee received a bouquet on the Minamiza stage and spoke about their 'origin,' bringing a warm wave of emotion and thunderous applause to the venue. In the latter half of Part 1, the entrance ceremony for seven new employees of fiscal year 2026 was held. They appeared from the 'Seri' (trapdoor lift), a unique Kabuki stage mechanism, and each shared their 'origin words' and future aspirations. It was a symbolic moment of passing the baton from veterans to the next generation.

Part 2: Talk Session on 'Harmonious Growth of People and Business' Part 2 featured a talk session between the CEO and three division heads. Centered on the founder's words, 'harmonious growth between people and companies,' the management team shared their real journeys from their youth to the present. This relatability made the talk personal for young employees, reinforcing the idea that individual growth leads to organizational growth.

Part 3: Internal Awards Celebrating the Process The final part was the 'SAWAMURA AWARD,' the main event honoring employees' achievements over the past year. Notably, the awards focus on work attitudes and daily processes rather than just sales figures. Winners were announced in 11 categories, accompanied by passionate recommendation comments from their supervisors. This culture of mutual praise enhances organizational engagement and leads to improved psychological safety and lower turnover.

The Meaning of Holding the Ceremony at Minamiza: Coexistence of 'Origin' and 'Future' The significance of holding the ceremony at Minamiza lies in mirroring the company's state—where 'Origin' (tradition, long-term employees) and 'Future' (new recruits, innovative culture) coexist—with Kabuki, a symbol of tradition and innovation. This year, families of new recruits and guest observers from other companies were invited to experience the company's authentic heat and organizational climate. SAWAMURA aims to realize a society where people can find rewarding work and self-realization in regional areas, just as much as in urban cities, by leveraging its 75 years of knowledge combined with modern innovation.

Company Profile: SAWAMURA Co., Ltd. Founded in 1950. A general construction company serving the Shiga, Kyoto, and Fukui areas, handling everything from custom homes and renovations to offices, factories, and public facilities. They also worked on the 'Biwako Terrace' project. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025.