Career Story from Japan: Discovering Fibox Japan through Yukie Shimokawa’s journey

Fibox Japan – A small team with big growth potential

Fibox Japan Ltd. was established in 2012, with Mr. Mitsutoshi Takeda serving as Office Manager until his retirement in 2019. Over the years, several people have joined and left the company, and today the office consists of two dedicated members: Mr. Shogo Akita, responsible for sales and customer inquiries, and Ms. Yukie Shimokawa, Office Manager overseeing administration and operations.

Running such a compact office comes with both challenges and rewards. Because there are only two of us, we need to handle a wide range of tasks. It can be demanding, but it has also helped me grow a lot, Yukie reflects.

Despite its size, the team continues to find new opportunities in the Japanese market. In recent years, globalization has advanced rapidly in Japan, and the demand for high-quality enclosure solutions has increased. Fibox products have earned strong recognition among industrial customers, particularly those with global operations.

Yukie notes that in Japan, quality is often valued even above price. Once a product is trusted and adopted, it tends to be used for many years – as long as quality and delivery remain reliable, she says. This long-term perspective is one reason Fibox stands out: consistent product quality, reliability, and stable supply have built strong customer confidence and lasting partnerships.

It’s rewarding to see how our efforts, even as a small team, contribute to customer satisfaction and strengthen Fibox’s global reputation, Yukie concludes.

A journey that led to Fibox

Before joining Fibox, Yukie gained diverse experience across Asia. After graduating from university, I worked in trade administration for YKK zippers in Kobe, taught Japanese in Shanghai, managed general affairs at a university in Kyoto, and worked in sales for Panasonic semiconductors in Seoul, she recalls.

This international background led her naturally to Fibox. I felt my experience would be valuable in a role involving international connections. The warm atmosphere at the Japan office also made me want to work here.

Yukie joined Fibox in 2017, taking on a broad range of responsibilities including accounting, HR, customer service, and order management. In 2023, she became Office Manager, overseeing operations and coordinating closely with colleagues in Asia.

Balance, teamwork, and achievement

Yukie’s calm and thoughtful approach to both life and work reflects her belief in balance and continuous growth. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in art and nature: visiting museums, admiring paintings, swimming in the sea, and relaxing in natural hot springs. I’m not a painter myself, but I feel the power in the brushstrokes and sense the atmosphere of each landscape, she says. Seeing beautiful art relaxes my heart and gives me strength to move forward.

That same sense of reflection and renewal guides her professional life in Fibox Japan’s two-person office, where flexibility and teamwork are essential. What one person can accomplish alone is limited, she explains. By understanding others and being understood ourselves, we can meet halfway and move things forward.

Her proudest moments often come from simple but meaningful achievements. Delivering products to customers without any issues gives me the greatest satisfaction, she says. She recalls one memorable moment: Even during a major typhoon in Japan, our boxes stayed watertight while others flooded. We received immense gratitude from our customers.

Looking ahead

Yukie believes in steady improvement – both at work and in life. My motto is ‘Time is money’ and ‘No use crying over spilled milk’, she says. If trouble arises, I solve it quickly. And even if something unpleasant happens, I reset the next day and start fresh.

Her next goal is to learn more about marketing and strengthen Fibox Japan’s visibility. Our brand recognition in Japan is still low, but I believe we can grow by taking small, steady steps, she explains.

Running a small office in a large global company is not always easy, but Yukie stays positive and solution-oriented. We may be a small team, but we’re proud to represent Fibox in Japan and to contribute to the company’s global success in our own way.

Her advice to others is simple: Taking on new challenges can be tough, but if you enjoy the experience, it will lead to growth. Just keep learning and enjoy life.