[TRES] Certified as a "White Company" for the 6th Consecutive Year as a Sports Company | The Resolve to Be a "Stepping Stone" for Challenges Cultivated as Culture

TRES Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Shinji Takai) has achieved its sixth "White Company" certification in 2026, maintaining an unbroken streak since first obtaining it in 2021. This certification is awarded by the Japan Institute for the Advancement of Next Generation Corporations.

We delve into the story behind how TRES achieved its excellent corporate structure, characterized by a turnover rate of less than 5%.

What is the "White Company" Certification?

The "White Company" certification is the only certification system in Japan (※) that evaluates and recognizes "excellent companies that should be passed down to the next generation," organized by the Japan Institute for the Advancement of Next Generation Corporations (commonly known as the White Foundation). It is determined by a comprehensive judgment and evaluation across seven categories: "Business Model/Productivity," "Work-Life Balance," "Health and Productivity Management," "Human Resource Development/Employee Engagement," "Diversity & Inclusion," "Risk Management," and "Labor Law Compliance," based on 70 questions. Companies are certified as "White Companies" if their employees can work with peace of mind and are supported by their families and society.

Source: https://jws-japan.or.jp/recognition/

※Quoted from the official website of the Japan Institute for the Advancement of Next Generation Corporations.

The Foundation of a Strong Organizational Culture Lies in Gritty "Dialogue"

Maintaining this "White Company" certification requires undergoing a rigorous, from-scratch review every year. Therefore, even amidst challenging external environments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid depreciation of the yen, and soaring prices, TRES was not permitted to compromise on any of its responsibilities as a company, including maintaining productivity, thorough risk management, continuous human resource development, respecting diversity, and providing health support.

However, the reason we were able to overcome these difficulties was not because the company bound employees with rules, nor simply by calling for "high awareness." It was due to gritty "dialogue" aimed at preventing the emergence of critics and bystanders.

Ito (Director at our company), who has been promoting the acquisition of this certification, looks back on that time: "For example, regarding working hours, even if we tell employees to 'work in compliance with the law,' there are urgent circumstances on the ground that require tasks to be completed that day, even if it means working overtime. There are also cases where employees work long hours due to their sense of responsibility or personal commitment. Therefore, we believe that an organization will not change by unilaterally imposing what is right.

(Ito) "My own experience, transitioning from a part-time employee to a director, has contributed to fostering a corporate culture that supports employee challenges."

Why does this happen? What are the issues? We strive to understand the background, break down the problems, and think about solutions together. Instead of motivating people with what is right, we align perspectives on how things can be improved. It is through the accumulation of these efforts that I believe a culture has taken root at TRES today, where all 45 employees (※) are involved in the organization as stakeholders."

※As of July 1, 2026.

The Resolve to Be a "Stepping Stone"

We have meticulously aligned each other's values to build a comfortable and strong foundation for everyone. Because of this, we do not cling to that relationship and try to retain employees out of complacency.

Despite this, our annual turnover rate has remained below 5% for the past three years, a high retention rate we are very proud of. However, we are not aiming to be a company where "employees never leave." Whether to use this company as a stage for significant challenges or as a "stepping stone" to acquire new skills and advance to the next career stage is entirely up to the individual. It is up to each person to decide what choice to make. Therefore, we do not offer the platitude that "the company guarantees your life." Instead, we genuinely dedicate resources to "creating an environment where those who want to take on challenges can do so with peace of mind."

Creating an "Environment" That Doesn't Limit Career Possibilities

TRES employs people in various roles, including sales, logistics, design, order processing, and administrative departments. They come from diverse age groups, backgrounds, and values. Therefore, we thoroughly eliminate management practices that draw lines from the outset, such as "this person can only do this much." This is also reflected in our initiative to "leave no one behind," even as the organization grows. Initiatives such as regular one-on-one meetings, career consultations, and the publication of an internal newsletter to foster understanding of each other's personalities and company activities are in motion. Furthermore, numerous company-wide measures are in place, such as events where employees unite to support contract teams.

These are not mere internal recreational activities. They are systems designed for everyone to personally experience how the daily operations of back-office and logistics ultimately connect to the inspiration of customers and athletes, and to experience the "future" of their work. This fosters an environment where all employees, regardless of their department, can feel like "the protagonist" and maintain high motivation.

Employees from all departments wore limited edition shirts with mascot designs as part of the support travel team, with many participating.

From Uniform Manufacturer to Sports Brand

In 2026, coinciding with its 15th anniversary, TRES announced its evolution from a team order uniform manufacturer to a sports brand. The "challenge" required for this transition does not involve employees with mere symbolic excellence. It requires individuals who can take ownership of their work, those who can support the passion of others, and those who can be passionate themselves. We allow such employees the freedom to make this company a stage for significant challenges or a stepping stone for the next phase of their lives. TRES welcomes such independent challenges and will build a strong next 15 years together with "motivated" colleagues who resonate with the value that "passion is cool!"

Scenes from the 15th anniversary ceremony. Exemplary employees selected by employee vote were recognized. Each person is actively working as the protagonist.

Commemorative photo session with employees and brand ambassadors.

[TRES Co., Ltd.]

TRES is a comprehensive sports manufacturer with the mission to "build a society where everyone can live their lives with sports, together." Since its founding in 2011, TRES has provided approximately 1 million team order uniforms for sports such as volleyball, basketball, football, and running, while developing products that balance quality, design, and price. Leveraging the strength of having many active and former athletes within the company, TRES provides value to everyone involved in sports, from athletes to fans and supporters, through manufacturing from a player's perspective.

We will continue to take on challenges with everyone who loves sports to make sports more accessible, free, and full of possibilities.

Official Website https://tres.co.jp/