e-Jan Networks Co.

Company overview

The widespread adoption of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the major challenge of ensuring the security of accessing internal systems from external locations. One solution to address this is “CACHATTO,” a corporate remote access tool provided by e-Jan Networks. Originally developed as a tool for accessing internal systems from external mobile phone devices, it was eventually expanded to support smart devices and PCs, and has grown to boast the no.1 market share domestically as a remote access tool for smart devices. A major strength is that our proprietary technology minimizes the risk of security degradation.
Since its establishment, the company has been recruiting overseas personnel for many years. The management has extensive international experience, and the research and development base is located in India. “Because it's an environment where Japanese and foreign cultures are constantly merging, we have been hiring talented individuals regardless of nationality” said Hiroshi Yamamoto (executive officer).
One such person who was hired is Joe from the Philippines. While enrolled in university, Joe started working part-time as an English conversation teacher at the same company. He was drawn to the company's strong sense of purpose and decided to join after graduating from university. Joe is now part of the Product Owner Group, where he serves as a bridge between the sales and technical departments, and is responsible for determining the direction for product development and improvement. Joe expresses a sense of fulfillment, saying: “There is a great responsibility, but that's why I find it rewarding.”

Work-life balance initiatives

The company regards not only business but also work-life balance as an “element for company growth.” Yamamoto relates: “It is important for manufacturers to create new value and present it to the market. That is why I believe we should make it easier to generate ideas by enriching life outside of work and promoting internal communication.”
As such, the company has a system that allows for freedom to choose the “time” and “place” of work. The company has greatly removed restrictions on working hours and locations by introducing a flex system with core hours from 10 AM to 3 PM, a “work from anywhere at home system” that allows remote work anywhere in Japan, and a “workation system” that permits working from anywhere for up to a maximum of 60 business days per year. Joe is also one of the employees who utilizes these systems to enrich his personal life. “In the morning, I play tennis and switch my mindset for working from home. I haven't used the workation system yet, but knowing I can visit my family overseas anytime gives me peace of mind to work,” said Joe.
Furthermore, the methods for promoting employee interaction are also unique. In the daily work report, an internal tool that allows for sending stamps and replies on social media, etc., is used, enabling easy communication regardless of differences in working hours or locations. And there are also opportunities for all employees to gather twice a year. Joe smiled and said: “By using the news I checked in the daily reports as icebreakers when meeting people in person, I was able to become friends with many employees.”

Human resource development initiatives

The company's vision is: “This is e-Jan—exciting and worth spreading.” ("e-Jan" is a form of Romanization for Japanese phrasing meaning “That's cool!” or “I like it!”) “In order to promote to society the things that employees themselves think are 'good,' I want employees to become the kind of people who can think and act independently,” stated Yamamoto.
Therefore, after completing the mandatory training to learn about the company's foundation, departmental structure, and business content, you can choose to take e-learning courses, external training, and language lessons that are necessary for your work. If it is useful for work, employees can create their own training programs, and they are free to decide the duration, location, and content. Joe, who attended the project management training, reflects: “I was able to learn how to improve actual work by exchanging ideas with other participants.” In addition, it seems that employees who engage in agriculture as a side job have conducted agricultural training with the aim of team-building for employees who joined the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. Creating training programs tailored to on-site challenges and having employees face those challenges through the training fosters their proactiveness.
On the other hand, in order for employees themselves to create something they think is "good," an understanding and improvement of their own company's products is essential. According to Yamamoto, “The daily tasks themselves are a process for improving our company's products.” Yamamoto relates: “The fact that we can even implement remote work is thanks to our own products. That's precisely why we can continually update features while maintaining a fondness for our own products on a regular basis.”

Message from our top executive

Executive officer, Corporate Planning Group, Corporate Management Group Hiroshi Yamamoto

Our future goal is to become the no.1 platform provider of remote access services, not only for smart devices but also PCs. We are strongly seeking individuals with a global perspective because we are considering not only the Japanese market but also the global market. Come and work with us in an environment where people of various nationalities and backgrounds join together.

Message from foreign talent

Project manager/Project Owner/Michael Jayson Yerro Col-long (Nickname: Joe)(Philippines)

In Japan, many people take responsibility and engage in their work, while during their off-time, they relax and have a clear distinction between work and leisure. For someone like me who wants to focus on work during work hours and rest during private time, this is the perfect environment. Especially at e-Jan Networks, because the company's vision is clear, I find it easy to understand what I should do and for what purpose, making it a comfortable place to work. If you're interested in Japan, don't get lost in preconceived notions; please come and see it for yourself.