Iris Group Holds FY2026 Entrance Ceremony: 474 New Hires Welcomed with Record Wage Increases and Global Investment
Iris Ohyama welcomed 474 new employees at its 2026 entrance ceremony under the theme 'From Miyagi to the World.' The company announced a 6.3% average wage hike and a $16.5 million investment in global facilities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 00:16
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 16:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 6, 2026 at 14:25 (117h 37m after Collected)
The Iris Group held its 2026 entrance ceremony today at the Iris Oroshimachi Building in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. A total of 474 new employees joined the company (329 from universities and colleges, 145 from high schools).
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the company's first original product development. Strategically, the company aims to strengthen its global operations while maintaining its headquarters in Miyagi. The ceremony theme, 'From Miyagi to the World,' featured surprise guests Ryubi Miyase, a Miyagi-born actor and artist appearing in Iris Ohyama commercials, and Takahiro Ogata, a comedian from the trio 'Panther,' also from Miyagi.
The group reported its second consecutive year of increased revenue and profit for FY2025. In FY2026, the company plans to focus on food and healthcare businesses, expanding exports to the US and ASEAN. To support this, a capital investment of over $16.5 million has been allocated to global facilities. In recruitment, the company exhibited at overseas job fairs for the first time to secure global management candidates. Furthermore, to attract and retain talent, the company implemented its 7th consecutive year of starting salary increases and introduced a scholarship repayment support system for the first time.
### Message from Kentaro Ohyama, Chairman of Iris Group (Excerpts)
'The world economy is in turmoil, and Japan faces challenges like population decline and inflation. However, we are meeting these challenges with "Japan Solutions." Our workforce is young, with an average age of 32, providing us with the agility to adapt. I expect you to contribute to society through proactive action as part of our group.'
### Message from Akihiro Ohyama, President of Iris Ohyama (Excerpts)
'We are strengthening our transformation as social conditions change. From robotics to food and consumer goods, we continue to propose innovations beyond traditional boundaries. I hope you will drive this change with your youthful energy and contribute to the development of Miyagi and the Tohoku region.'
### Wage Revision and Starting Salary Increase
From April 1, 2026, Iris Ohyama will raise starting salaries and implement an average wage hike of approximately 6.3% for all regular employees. This marks the 7th consecutive year of base-up increases since 2020. The starting salary for university graduates will increase from 255,000 yen to 270,000 yen.
### Surprise Guest Messages
Ryubi Miyase: 'As someone from Miyagi and the same generation, I want to support you. Even if you stumble, keep moving forward, and your path will open up.'
Takahiro Ogata: 'Don't be afraid to fail. Those who work hard and step forward are the strongest. Go from Miyagi to the world! Thank you!'
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the company's first original product development. Strategically, the company aims to strengthen its global operations while maintaining its headquarters in Miyagi. The ceremony theme, 'From Miyagi to the World,' featured surprise guests Ryubi Miyase, a Miyagi-born actor and artist appearing in Iris Ohyama commercials, and Takahiro Ogata, a comedian from the trio 'Panther,' also from Miyagi.
The group reported its second consecutive year of increased revenue and profit for FY2025. In FY2026, the company plans to focus on food and healthcare businesses, expanding exports to the US and ASEAN. To support this, a capital investment of over $16.5 million has been allocated to global facilities. In recruitment, the company exhibited at overseas job fairs for the first time to secure global management candidates. Furthermore, to attract and retain talent, the company implemented its 7th consecutive year of starting salary increases and introduced a scholarship repayment support system for the first time.
### Message from Kentaro Ohyama, Chairman of Iris Group (Excerpts)
'The world economy is in turmoil, and Japan faces challenges like population decline and inflation. However, we are meeting these challenges with "Japan Solutions." Our workforce is young, with an average age of 32, providing us with the agility to adapt. I expect you to contribute to society through proactive action as part of our group.'
### Message from Akihiro Ohyama, President of Iris Ohyama (Excerpts)
'We are strengthening our transformation as social conditions change. From robotics to food and consumer goods, we continue to propose innovations beyond traditional boundaries. I hope you will drive this change with your youthful energy and contribute to the development of Miyagi and the Tohoku region.'
### Wage Revision and Starting Salary Increase
From April 1, 2026, Iris Ohyama will raise starting salaries and implement an average wage hike of approximately 6.3% for all regular employees. This marks the 7th consecutive year of base-up increases since 2020. The starting salary for university graduates will increase from 255,000 yen to 270,000 yen.
### Surprise Guest Messages
Ryubi Miyase: 'As someone from Miyagi and the same generation, I want to support you. Even if you stumble, keep moving forward, and your path will open up.'
Takahiro Ogata: 'Don't be afraid to fail. Those who work hard and step forward are the strongest. Go from Miyagi to the world! Thank you!'
FAQ
What is the new starting salary for university graduates?
The monthly starting salary for university graduates has been increased by 15,000 yen, rising from 255,000 yen to 270,000 yen as of April 1, 2026.
What are the details of the overseas investment?
The company has committed over $16.5 million to its global operations, focusing on strengthening facilities and infrastructure in the US and ASEAN markets.
Are there any new employee benefits?
Yes, for the first time, the company has introduced a scholarship repayment support system for new hires from universities and colleges.