“Work from Anywhere, at Anytime” (WFA) was introduced about a year ago. In this “WFA Special” series, we offer insights into solving the challenges of working remotely by sharing some practices our colleagues have adopted.
Today we are pleased to introduce you to Hiroshi, who has taken up an interesting initiative thanks to WFA.
Hiroshi Shiratori
Human Resources Department Payroll Team
Payroll Team, Human Resources Department
Hiroshi joined PayPay in January 2020 after working in the manufacturing and entertainment industries. He is a member of the Human Resources Department and in charge of employee benefits and secondment-related matters between group companies. He is also a certified labor and social security attorney.
What I always wanted to do
After moving to Tokyo for university, I’ve simply been busy with life in the metropolis, but somewhere in my heart, I’ve always been concerned about my hometown and the tea plantation I left behind…
My family are tea farmers and my grandfather has diligently cultivated tea fields since before World War II, but because I chose to work in Tokyo, no one was able to succeed him. My life in Tokyo and my grandfather’s plantation were both very important to me, so I was faced with a difficult choice. When my grandfather passed away, my family decided to stop farming.
But one day after that decision, one of my old classmates, Shigeta, offered to rent a part of my family’s tea farm.
It was against that backdrop, when I was also thinking about what I could do, when PayPay’s WFA started. With it, I was able to realize my dream of being involved in my hometown while being based in Tokyo. I’m so grateful for the WFA system!
Inspiration and synergy through PayPay and local activities
On weekdays, I work at PayPay in Tokyo, but I regularly return to my hometown in Shizuoka to talk with Shigeta about the future of the plantation. Going back and forth between two different places, Tokyo and Shizuoka, has created something like a bubbling cauldron within me, producing various new ideas. On top of that, I’ve also made new connections with people, found new values, and widened my perspective.
I want to expand my world through PayPay
While working at PayPay, I’m always thinking about what I can do for society. My conclusion at this point is to be the bridge between two different things. For example, between Shizuoka and Tokyo, between tea farmers and tea sellers, or going online to create new sales channels, and so on.
No matter the situation, I try to think about how I can contribute to the development of both parties and act accordingly.
One instance of me trying to walk the talk is, I’ve been sending out information and sharing photos of the plantation both inside and outside the company. Fortunately, that led to some colleagues who have seen the pictures wanting to help in any way they can. I’m really grateful to them. Also, a company in Tokyo that helps us sell our tea decided to adopt PayPay. I definitely plan to continue this kind of activity going forward.
I want a lot more people to drink the tea that Shigeta lovingly and conscientiously grows in my grandfather’s tea farm. It would be even better if we can hear the “PayPay” sound when purchasing the tea. That’s one step closer to achieving one of my dreams.
[Finally]
How was the first edition of “WFA x My Case”?
I was impressed by Hiroshi’s ability to produce various synergies through his activities in Tokyo and Shizuoka. We hope this will be an inspiration for you in fashioning your unique work style.
Authored by Hiroshi Shiratori / Edited by Tak
* The information given is as of the time of the interview. * The content of this article is confidential.
