Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Eri Ando and Yuto Fukushima from our Talent Acquisition team at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan . They offered invaluable insights into RGF's distinctive culture, core values, and what makes our company a great place to work. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:

How would you describe RGF's culture?

Eri: I think RGF has a balanced culture, friendly but challenging. It combines the structured approach of Japanese companies with the flexibility of foreign firms. The people here are genuinely nice, and everyone agrees on that.

Yuto: I completely agree. RGF offers a unique blend of Japanese and western work culture. Even those unfamiliar with foreign environments can adapt easily, and vice versa. This balance is quite rare. With Recruit’s DNA, it’s also a great fit for ambitious individuals who want to grow quickly.

What are RGF's core values?

Eri: RGF has 7 core values : Integrity, Kaizen, Respect, Accountability, Teamwork, Boldness and Fun. I personally really like "Integrity".

Yuto: I admire individuals who, despite not being fluent in English, find the courage to excel in global environments, or those without prior recruitment experience who embrace 360 recruitment. This courage consistently leads to personal growth. For me, "Boldness" truly embodies the essence of RGF.

Why do you think RGF is a good workplace?

Eri: RGF offers opportunities that match your skills and efforts. I’ve held three different positions (consultant, planning, TA) each pursued and achieved through the company’s support of my ambitions. Here, everyone who is committed and puts in the effort has equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

Yuto: I agree. I also appreciate our communication style here. Having worked at two Japanese companies previously, I find RGF's communication much more open. Here, you can have casual conversations with everyone regardless of their position, including our CEO. This aspect really reflects our culture.

Why did you join RGF and why have you stayed?

Eri: I chose RGF because of its people. After receiving the offer, my manager invited me to dinner with other team members, and despite being a guest, I was treated no differently. I immediately felt comfortable; age and status seemed irrelevant in this environment. Eight years later, I'm still here because, in my opinion, there's no better place than RGF. The blend of half-gaishi and Nikkei cultures, our expansive database, and the opportunity to use English are all factors that allow me to leverage and develop my skills fully.

Yuto: Before joining RGF, I had lunch with some of the team and was struck by their talent. I felt that working alongside such capable individuals would be a great opportunity for my own growth. Throughout the interview process, I also found everyone to be genuinely nice. Now, as I enter my fifth year here, I continue to believe it offers the best balance among companies I have considered. Despite seeing other opportunities, I haven't found another company that matches RGF's appeal. Some members even come back after leaving, which speaks volumes about the environment here.

Working at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan

What type of person thrives at RGF?

Yuto: Self-learners. Since we don’t have a registration system, and our managers don’t micromanage, I think those who can think and act independently will succeed here.

Eri: Ambitious individuals. Someone with personal or professional goals who can move toward them and think independently will thrive.

In your opinion, what is the common trait of RGF's top performers?

Eri: I think it's their consistent excellence in the basics. They set clear goals and work diligently to achieve them. Success comes from steady, daily efforts and a strong sense of determination. They are proactive in seeking feedback and continuously improving their skills. There’s no magic—just hard work, resilience, and a commitment to professional growth.

What support is available for new joiners at RGF?

Eri: Besides the L&D team's support, new joiners also benefit from dedicated On-the-Job Training with their managers and teammates support, who offer guidance and mentorship to facilitate professional growth. Additionally, regular casual meetings with the TA team are held to foster communication and alignment, ensuring that new joiners feel supported and equipped to succeed at RGF from day one.

How does RGF promote work-life balance?

Yuto: At RGF, we truly value work-life balance. We support this by offering flexible working hours (with a core time), allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively. We also provide hybrid work options, enabling a mix of remote and in-office work. Additionally, we offer a lot of paid leaves, which can be used easily to ensure our employees have the time they need for rest and personal activities.

What advice do you have for people considering joining RGF?

Yuto: I would recommend having a casual meeting with us or participating to one of our webinars first. This will help you understand our culture better.

Eri: During interviews, we focus on personality and motivation, so just be yourself.

Why should people join RGF and help shape our future?

Yuto: While RGF is well-established in several Asian countries, our presence in Japan is still growing. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team and play a pivotal role in expanding our impact in the Japanese market.

Eri: Together, we would like to elevate RGF's influence as a leading player in the gaishikei/global market sector within Japan. Your contribution will be instrumental in shaping the future success and growth of RGF on a global scale!

We hope this interview has given you a glimpse into what makes RGF a unique and rewarding place to work. If you are looking for a dynamic work environment that values ambition, integrity, and boldness, RGF might be the perfect place for you.

We are actively hiring and invite you to apply to join our team. Explore the opportunities at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan and take the next step in your career with us!