![[Circular Project Dialogue Vol.2] Starting from ASNOVA’s Culture, Envisioning the Future of “Circulation” Through Diverse Perspectives](/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3V6A9768-scaled.jpg)
[Circular Project Dialogue Vol.2] Starting from ASNOVA’s Culture, Envisioning the Future of “Circulation” Through Diverse Perspectives
- Circular Economy
- Butterfly Diagram
- Loftwork
- Circular Business
- circular economy
PROFESSIONAL
A place where you can be yourself. The future of ASNOVA is colored by female sales staff.
When you hear about sales staff in the scaffolding industry, many people probably imagine men.
Although most of ASNOVA's sales staff are male, the number of female employees is actually increasing.
This time, a roundtable discussion was held with three of them (Ms. Sasaki from Nagoya Sales Office, Ms. Kurihara from Tokyo Sales Office, and Ms. Tanaka from Osaka Sales Office).
We delved deep into the real lives of female sales employees at ASNOVA, from what they keep in mind at work to work-life balance and career development.
Text: Sayaka Mitsuda
Photo: Sho Kobayashi
INDEX
PROIFILE
- Emi Sasaki
- Sales Department, Nagoya Sales Office. Joined ASNOVA in 2022. Involved in the rental and sales of wedge binding type scaffold mainly in the Chubu region.
- Aiko Kurihara
- Sales Department, Tokyo Sales Office. Joined ASNOVA in 2022. Involved in the rental and sales of wedge binding type scaffold mainly in the Kanto region.
- Moe Tanaka
- Sales Department, Osaka Sales Office. Joined ASNOVA in 2023. Involved in the rental and sales of wedge binding type scaffold mainly in the Kansai region.
The appeal is the "ease of working" and "people"! An environment where you can devote yourself to both your hobbies and work
Q. Please introduce yourselves and tell us why you decided to join ASNOVA.
Sasaki: I'm Sasaki from Nagoya Sales Office. I joined the company in February 2022. I happened to find out about ASNOVA while I was looking for a new job. The company had a lot of holidays and little overtime, so I thought I could work with a good balance between work and leisure, and so I went for an interview. I already had sales experience in my previous job, so I didn't have any reservations when I heard I would be selling scaffolding.
During the interview, I spoke with the executives and my superiors, and they were very friendly and easy to talk to. On the other hand, they were serious when they talked about the company, and I liked their seriousness. Also, this is strange, but as I was talking, I could imagine myself working at this company in the future. That was the deciding factor, and I decided to join the company.
Kurihara: I'm Kurihara from Tokyo Sales Office. I joined the company in March 2022. I also worked in sales in my previous job, mainly selling new products. However, at one point, I started to think, "I want to spend more time building relationships with each customer and grow into a sales representative who can make better proposals," so I decided to change jobs to a company where I could have a deeper relationship with customers. I found out about ASNOVA when I was introduced to it by a recruitment agency. The superiors who interviewed me had a very friendly atmosphere and I felt that it fit my sensibilities, so I wanted to work here.
In new sales, while it was rewarding to get new contracts, there weren't many opportunities to interact with customers afterwards. Now, I really enjoy deepening relationships with each and every customer.
Tanaka: I'm Tanaka from Osaka Sales Office. I joined the company in April 2023. Like the two of you, I was in sales in my previous job. It was a rewarding job, but the working environment was not exactly good... I wanted to work at a company where I could rest well on my days off and have a fulfilling work and private life, so I changed jobs.
I learned about ASNOVA just around the time it was listed on the Nagoya Stock Exchange (April 2022). Even though it is a dynamic company, everyone who interviewed me was friendly, and I found this down-to-earth nature attractive. This positive gap was what made me decide to join the company.
Q. What are the attractions and good points of ASNOVA, and what makes it a good place to work?
Tanaka: I think it's the fact that I can feel free to ask about taking paid leave. At my previous job, there was a bit of a psychological hurdle when trying to take paid leave, and I found it difficult to apply. On the other hand, at ASNOVA, there is a culture of proactively taking paid leave, and you can take paid leave by talking to your supervisor about it without hesitation. It's a small thing, but it was something I'd never experienced before, so I was thrilled when I took my first paid leave!
Sasaki: I like the fact that I can achieve a good work-life balance. There is almost no overtime, so I'm very happy that I can use my time as I like after work. Of course, at work, my superiors, senior colleagues, equipment center staff, and the customers are all nice, so I enjoy every day. I don't often have any problems at work.
Kurihara: I think the appeal of ASNOVA is the people. My previous company had a high ratio of female employees, but at ASNOVA, there are more men around me than at my previous workplace, so I feel like they are more likely to explain things clearly. They also answer my questions in a logical manner, which suits my personality.
Sasaki: Speaking of "people," I think everyone at ASNOVA is kind and reliable. Even after I started working independently, whenever I had any worries or problems dealing with customers, I was able to consult with my seniors right away, and sometimes they would accompany me to visit customers' offices.
Tanaka: It's true that people are a big part of helping us. When I first joined the company, I couldn't get rid of the mindset from my previous job and I was so enthusiastic about getting contracts that I was pushing myself a little too hard. But my boss told me, "You don't have to push yourself so hard," and that made me think, "At ASNOVA, it's okay to work the way ASNOVA does," and "I'll think about the customer and make the best choice," and I felt a little better.
Q. You are blessed with a great working environment and great people, and you are enjoying your work. Is there anything that you find difficult about being a woman in a male-dominated environment?
Kurihara: It's not a big deal, but when I went to greet a customer with my boss, he was surprised and said, "It's rare to see a woman like that!" I guess it's rare for a woman to be selling scaffolding rentals in this industry. My boss, who was with me, also said, "This girl is reliable, so you'll be fine," and we've been able to build a good relationship without any problems. Now we have a relationship where we can joke around casually with our customers!
Sasaki: When I first started working with a client, I went to see the client together with a senior salesperson, but when we got to the details of the contract and the price, I realized that the senior salesperson was talking to me instead of me. That's when I thought, "It's times like these that we really need to be trusted!" and I became motivated. I wanted to gain more knowledge and experience and become a full-fledged professional as soon as possible.
Imagine your future self at ASNOVA. A workplace where you can be yourself
Q: What do you value most in your work?
Tanaka: I always keep a smile on my face and try to liven up the workplace with a bright and calm attitude. Customers and superiors have told me that it's nice to have a lively atmosphere at the workplace or in business negotiations, and that it's nice to have a relaxed atmosphere, so I think that in these situations I can make the most of my femininity in a good way. It's been a year now, so I want to absorb more knowledge and do my best to gain the trust of my customers.
Kurihara: For me, it's about working with a sense of speed. Previously, when a customer asked me for an estimate, they said, "Tomorrow is fine," but I wanted to provide it as soon as possible, so I created and submitted it on the same day. Then, the customer said, "That was quick, that's a relief! I'll ask ASNOVA for help next time." I realized that responding quickly to the other party's requests also contributes to the company.
Sasaki: I try to respond to each customer in a way that suits them, rather than following a manual approach. There are some customers who need to be well prepared and have a detailed proposal, and there are also some customers who need to have casual conversations to pick out their needs and then lead to a business negotiation.
Another thing, although it's basic, is to not say or do anything that makes the other person uncomfortable. Even when I have become close with a customer, I try to be mindful of my appearance and behavior.
Another thing, although it's basic, is to not say or do anything that makes the other person uncomfortable. Even when I have become close with a customer, I try to be mindful of my appearance and behavior.
Q. There may be women who admire people like you and think, "I want to work in sales at ASNOVA!" Please give a message to such future colleagues.
Tanaka: Most of the people working at ASNOVA, including myself, are new to the industry. Even if you make mistakes or feel anxious about something you don't understand, everyone is kind to you, saying, "That's the path we've been through." You can learn about the industry and the manners of a working adult after joining the company, and the customers are all kind, so don't worry.
I also want to become the kind of person that when you all join the company, makes you think, "I want to learn from and emulate what Mr. Tanaka does!"
I also want to become the kind of person that when you all join the company, makes you think, "I want to learn from and emulate what Mr. Tanaka does!"
Sasaki: Don't judge the "scaffolding industry" with preconceived notions. First, take a look at the ASNOVA website. If you read the company's purpose and owned media, you will understand what we aim for and the atmosphere of the company. If you think, "I would like to try something here," please join us.
I think that some women, especially, worry about changes in their life stages, such as marriage, childbirth, and child rearing. At ASNOVA, some female sales staff are currently taking childcare leave, and I myself would like to continue working at ASNOVA while taking advantage of such a system. Let's work hard together, making our work and private lives more fulfilling!
I think that some women, especially, worry about changes in their life stages, such as marriage, childbirth, and child rearing. At ASNOVA, some female sales staff are currently taking childcare leave, and I myself would like to continue working at ASNOVA while taking advantage of such a system. Let's work hard together, making our work and private lives more fulfilling!
Kurihara: "Come if you want to grow as a person and as a member of society!" That's all I can say! I think the scaffolding industry is still a rare industry for women to thrive, but there is a lot to learn every day and it is a very interesting industry. Personally, I hope there will be more female sales staff throughout the industry.
I would be very happy if I could have female juniors at ASNOVA in the near future. To achieve this, I think what I need now is to "verbalize." Even when making a proposal to a customer, I think about the reasons why it worked or didn't work, and use that to set my next goal. As I develop the habit of verbalizing things myself, I hope to one day welcome you all as "reliable seniors."
I would be very happy if I could have female juniors at ASNOVA in the near future. To achieve this, I think what I need now is to "verbalize." Even when making a proposal to a customer, I think about the reasons why it worked or didn't work, and use that to set my next goal. As I develop the habit of verbalizing things myself, I hope to one day welcome you all as "reliable seniors."
INDEX
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