AQ Group 2026 Entrance Ceremony

AQ Group (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Kato) held its 2026 entrance ceremony on April 1st. With the aim of passing on the charm of wood, traditional Japanese techniques, and the spirit of craftsmanship to the next generation, our company has been conducting "Kanna-kezuri" (wood planing) by new employees every year since 2006. In 2026, marking its 21st year, this traditional event was developed for the first time as the "Kanna-kezuri Grand Prix." It was an opportunity for each individual to feel the "spirit of craftsmanship" within themselves and express their individuality through the experience of touching wood, using tools, and interacting with colleagues, rather than focusing on competition.

Turning lessons learned from challenges into personal strength

With determination to continue evolving and build a new era

At the ceremony, Representative Director and President Hiroaki Kato delivered a congratulatory address to the 84 new employees embarking on their first steps as working professionals. President Kato touched upon the company's journey, which has valued "wooden construction" and the "spirit of craftsmanship," and emphasized, "Our work is not merely about constructing buildings; it is a responsible job that involves accompanying our customers through their lives and being entrusted with their future." He further described the present, where the company is challenging areas previously deemed difficult for wooden construction, such as pure wooden condominiums, buildings, and hotels, as a "time for evolution." He encouraged the new employees, saying, "I want you to challenge yourselves without fear of failure. What's important is whether you challenged. I want you to transform the lessons learned in that process into your own strength." The new employees, initially nervous, gradually relaxed their expressions, showing their eagerness for their upcoming work.

Additionally, a representative of the new employees received a wooden letter of appointment from President Kato and expressed their determination, stating, "While cherishing the 'spirit of craftsmanship' that has been continuously handed down since our founding, we will continue to build homes that will be loved for 100 years and create a new era without stagnation in the rapidly changing housing industry."

Passing on the "spirit of craftsmanship" inherited since our founding to the next generation

Learning the meaning of work and team unity through 21 years of Kanna-kezuri

Following the ceremony, Chairman Miyazawa, a "former carpenter," demonstrated "Kanna-kezuri" (wood planing). Kanna-kezuri, while seemingly a simple task, is a delicate technique that involves reading the condition of the wood, adjusting pressure and posture, and planing in one smooth motion. At our company, what is generally called "kanna-kuzu" (wood shavings) is respectfully referred to as "kezuri-bana" (planing blossoms), honoring the techniques cultivated by past craftsmen. Chairman Miyazawa introduced the story of kezuri-bana to the new employees and said, "This Grand Prix is not about competition, but about finding the meaning of work and your own 'spirit of craftsmanship' through Kanna-kezuri."

The Kanna-kezuri Grand Prix, which began with encouragement from a former carpenter, had all new employees divided into 6 teams to experience Kanna-kezuri. New employees commented, "The wood smelled nice," "It was difficult to learn how to apply pressure, but there was a sense of accomplishment when I finished planing," and "I felt the unique interaction between wood and people, characteristic of a wooden construction company." Afterwards, each team held discussions, and two representatives took the stage in front of all new employees. After presenting their impressions and aspirations from the experience, one acted as the "planer" and the other as the "receiver" for the demonstration. Teammates cheered them on, and the entire venue focused on the two working in harmony to plane the wood. A sense of unity, unusual for the first day of employment, was born.

The judging involved six awards from multiple perspectives, including "teamwork," "process until representative selection," and "uniqueness," evaluating the six teams from each viewpoint. Among these awards, one team that particularly demonstrated efforts aligned with the project's purpose was selected as the Grand Prix winner. Rather than competing for rank, the team that best embodied AQ Group's "spirit of craftsmanship" while recognizing each other's individuality and team characteristics was chosen. The team that faced the wood, connected with colleagues, and cheered "yoisho" (a Japanese exclamation used when exerting effort) was selected as the Grand Prix winner. As a sub-prize, the Grand Prix team received original wooden goods.

Despite a shrinking overall housing market, our company has continued to expand its bases and increase sales, turning headwinds into opportunities for growth. Moving forward, we will further accelerate market development in the mid-to-large scale wooden construction sector, building on the expertise cultivated in our housing business. Armed with the "spirit of craftsmanship" inherited since our founding and our "future standard" technologies, such as the proprietary "AQ Dynamic Construction Method" and "AQ Kiki-no-mi Construction Method," we will continue our challenge to transform cities with the power of wood and create an environment that future generations can be proud of. Together with new colleagues who will carry on both traditional techniques and the evolution of wooden architecture, we will pioneer the next generation of wooden construction.