From Part-Timer to Executive Officer: Meet the Woman behind Komiya Shoten’s Transformative Change

Komiya Shoten is renowned for its Western-style umbrellas, each carefully crafted by artisans using Koshu-ori umbrella fabric produced around Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Not only is Komiya Shoten recognized as a quality Japanese manufacturer, but it is now also in the spotlight for addressing the shortage of skilled artisans by promoting women’s career advancement. At the forefront of this transformation is Ito Yuko, who joined as a part-time employee in 2013 and now serves as an executive officer.

“I left my previous job to care for a family member and was looking for work with flexible hours when I came across an accounting ad at Komiya Shoten. I was already familiar with numbers from my former job, and, as a kimono enthusiast, I was intrigued by the business of crafting umbrellas with woven fabric,” Ito explains.

However, back then, Komiya Shoten was struggling due to competition from cheaper foreign-made umbrellas. Most of the employees were veteran men in their 50s and 60s, and the company’s workforce of artisans was limited to two elderly men, highlighting the urgent need for successors. With Ito at the helm of efficiency improvements, a major turning point came in 2014 when the company ventured into retail. They brought in a young woman in her 20s with a background in department stores, who took charge of store operations, focusing on attentive customer service. Ito led product planning and created promotional items like gift bags, while strengthening Komiya’s online and social media presence. Her fresh approach to store management drew in a younger female clientele, resulting in sales that far exceeded expectations.

“Veteran employees were delighted and vocally expressed their appreciation for a woman’s influence. This made me realize once again that men and women see things from different perspectives. From there, the company actively began hiring women. However, it’s a disadvantage for both the company and the employees if high-performing individuals leave due to marriage, childbirth, or caregiving. I came to see the need for a proper employment policy, even for a small company like ours,” she says.

Once her caregiving duties were completed, Ito became a full-time employee, managing recruitment and other tasks in the management planning department. She volunteered for a human resource training program and organized internal workshops to share insights on promoting women’s careers. Ito also conducted anonymous surveys to encourage open feedback and implemented a new employment policy with options for shorter work hours and remote work. Throughout these reforms, Ito was careful not to focus solely on promoting women.

“Since women experience life events like childbirth, we need employment policies to establish a level playing field with men. However, if this isn’t explained carefully, it may seem like preferential treatment for women. By using terms like ‘work-life balance,’ I aimed to convey that we’re working toward a comfortable environment for both men and women, and that continued work is a life choice for women, just as it is for men.”

By actively sharing these initiatives on the company website, Komiya Shoten has attracted not only women but also younger male employees, with the workforce tripling in size. The artisan team has also grown to 11 members, effectively solving the succession issue. Ito highlights that a wide age range among the staff is one of Komiya Shoten’s strengths. The younger staff members even interview veteran employees about the company’s history and product characteristics, publishing these articles on the website to reflect the mutual respect within the team.

The most significant impact of this diverse workforce has been product development inspired by different perspectives, which has positively influenced sales. “Bouquet,” launched this year, features a glossy plain outer surface with a mimosa pattern inside, making it so popular across age groups that it quickly sold out. The stylish “TwoPly,” designed by employees in their 30s and 40s, includes nuanced colors that pair well with both casual and business attire, making it appealing to a broader customer base.

By fostering a culture where everyone can work comfortably, Ito notes that the workplace atmosphere has brightened, leading to more employees who take initiative. Komiya Shoten’s work-style reform has not only upheld a tradition of quality craftsmanship and preserved its heritage but also laid the groundwork for developing innovative umbrella ideas. All eyes are on what unique umbrellas will be opening up for Komiya Shoten in the future.

＊Prices as of time of writing