Solving SME Recruitment and Retention Challenges with Paint: Energizing Japanese Companies for a More Attractive Society

We support the 'April Dream' initiative, which encourages sharing dreams on April 1st. This press release is Takara Toryo's dream. Guided by the philosophy 'Spread some paint!', Takara Toryo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nishinari-ku, Osaka; CEO: Kazuma Ohno) dreams of solving the serious social issues of 'recruitment difficulties' and 'turnover' faced by SMEs across Japan through the power of paint. Why is paint a savior for SMEs? Many SME owners face the reality of receiving no applications despite spending heavily on recruitment ads. We once faced the same problem. We realized that job seekers prioritize the 'first impression' of a company when visiting or searching on Google Maps. A dark, old exterior or cluttered space makes it hard to feel like 'I want to work here.' We want to solve this 'appearance' issue through 'Workplace DIY' and transform SMEs into 'companies of choice.' 1. Creating a 'beautiful' and proud workplace: We propose 'Workplace DIY,' where you paint entrances and interview rooms in your brand colors. Fostering attachment and pride: By painting the workplace ourselves rather than hiring contractors, we create attachment to the space and a sense of pride. It also strengthens teamwork across departments. Low-cost branding: Instead of expensive renovations, you can transform into a 'stylish company' for just a few tens of thousands of yen. Takara Toryo has continued this for over 5 years, consistently hiring 2-5 new graduates annually with minimal ad spend. 2. Solving 'heat' to prevent turnover: For manufacturing and logistics sites, summer heat is a serious issue that drains employee health and motivation. Heat-shielding paint: Our heat-shielding and insulating paint reflects over 91% of solar heat, reducing attic temperatures by over 14°C. Showing a 'protecting employees' stance: By improving temperature control, we reduce air conditioning power consumption by up to 40%. This is not just cost-cutting; it gives employees peace of mind, serving as the best welfare benefit to prevent turnover. Our vision for a more attractive Japan: Our dream is for every SME in Japan to have the confidence that they can improve their environment themselves. 1. Zero companies struggling with recruitment: We will create a society where even the smallest companies can maximize their appeal and meet ideal talent. 2. Filling streets with art and vitality: We will root a culture of protecting and updating old buildings as assets, realizing a future without vacant houses or shuttered shopping streets. 3. A country where the next generation can have dreams: By improving environments and energizing companies, all workplaces in Japan will shine. That is the 'future where everyone can live with peace of mind' we aim for. From 'old, hot, and no one comes' to 'beautiful, cool, and want to work here' with just a coat of paint. Takara Toryo will continue to paint our dreams one step at a time to energize Japanese companies.