Discovering Akita’s Appeal Through the Voices of Young Employees
Orbray Growing Together with the Community

Last Modified:2026/08/28 Published:2026/08/28 2026/08

For this roundtable discussion, we spoke with five young employees working at Orbray’s Yokote and Yuzawa factories in Akita Prefecture. Representing a variety of departments, including Quality Assurance, Human Resources & General Affairs, Communication Strategy, and Regulatory Affairs, they shared their thoughts on what they love about Akita Prefecture and how Orbray connects with the local community.

As Orbray prepares for the relocation of its new headquarters to Akita, its focus extends beyond business growth alone. The company is committed to being rooted in the Akita and Yuzawa communities, creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and connect, and where future generations will be inspired to contribute to the region. The new community collaboration facility embodies Orbray’s desire to remain an active and supportive member of the local community.

So how do the young employees who work here view Akita? What emerged from the discussion was not a picture of Akita as a tourist destination, but rather its appeal as a home. Nature, food, festivals, and personal connections all came up repeatedly. Within their everyday experiences lies what could be called Akita’s “quiet richness.”

What Young Employees Love About Akita

The discussion began with stories about their hometowns. Some had lived outside the prefecture before returning, while others had spent their entire lives in Akita.

Since you’re all from Akita Prefecture, are there moments when you feel glad to be working here?

Employee A: I’m from Yokote, and many of my coworkers are from either Yuzawa or Yokote as well. We always get excited talking about local topics. Often we discover mutual friends or unexpected connections. Those close ties make it easy to ask for help or advice, even outside of work.
Employee B: I went to university in Sendai (Miyagi Pref.). Having experienced the challenge of adapting to a completely new place, I really appreciate being able to come back and immediately connect with people through shared memories, whether it’s about school, local events, or festivals. Life also feels much less rushed than in larger cities, which makes it easier to relax.
Employee C: I spent two years in Morioka (Iwate Pref.). When I returned to Akita, I realized how comforting it is to have family and longtime friends nearby. Having people you can talk to about your worries and challenges at work is something I truly value.

Nature, Food, and Festivals: Discovering the Joys of Everyday Life

The conversation then turned to favorite places and weekend activities. Rather than recommending famous tourist attractions, employees shared the simple pleasures that come from living in Akita.

If you were showing Akita to someone from outside the prefecture, where would you take them?

Employee A: Fishing is my hobby, so I’d definitely talk about Akita’s natural beauty. Inland, I’d recommend Oyasukyo Gorge and Dakigaeri Gorge. Along the coast, watching the sunset at Unosaki Beach in Oga is incredible. The views from Mount Kanpu and Mount Chokai are amazing too. There are so many places I’d love visitors to see.
Employee C: I absolutely love Yokote yakisoba. During our new employee training in April, I took colleagues from all over Japan to try it. They loved it, which made me happy.
Employee B: Yuzawa has a lot of affordable restaurants that serve excellent food. There’s a yakiniku restaurant a senior colleague introduced me to that offers high-quality meat at reasonable prices. There’s also a sushi restaurant where sushi is half-price every fourth Saturday. Compared to major cities, living costs are lower, and great food is easy to enjoy. That’s one of Akita’s strengths.
Employee D: I’d recommend a café in Taiyu, Yokote. They have a wonderful selection of cakes and delicious lunches. It recently gained attention because Rina Ikoma (a popular actress, singer, and model), who is from Akita, visited there.
Employee E: I love miso ramen and visit my favorite shop with my family about once a month. Akita has so many ramen restaurants, and the quality is consistently high.
Employee B: And of course, there are the festivals. Events like Yuzawa’s Tanabata Picture Lantern Festival and Inukko Festival, and the Obon Festival traditions in Yokote are a big part of life here. Having these local traditions is one of the joys of living in Akita.

Local Connections and Warm-Hearted People

Akita’s appeal extends beyond natural beauty, festivals, and food. The sense of warmth and security people find in everyday interactions is equally important.

Employee E: After graduating from high school, I lived alone in Tokyo for several years. Now, coming home from work to a prepared meal and hearing someone say “welcome home” means so much to me. Having family nearby is incredibly reassuring.
Employee D: Actually, when I was in high school, I wanted to work outside the prefecture. But now I’m really glad I joined Orbray. Everyone is warm and supportive. Some senior employees look out for younger staff almost like parents would. As a new employee, that kindness helped me feel comfortable quickly.

What makes Akita’s people special?

Employee C: People here are humble and considerate. Whenever I ask for help, there’s usually someone willing to explain things patiently.
Employee E: Compared with Tokyo, people here are more relaxed and less hurried. Even at work, conversations often start with casual check-ins rather than jumping straight to business. You can really feel the thoughtfulness and kindness behind those interactions.
Employee D: When I traveled out of the prefecture on business, I noticed that people mainly communicated through chat apps. Back in Akita, phone calls are still common. This experience reminded me of the value of direct, personal connections.

The Orbray Spirit Rooted in the Community

The close relationships found within the local community seem to be reflected in Orbray’s workplace culture as well.

How would you describe Orbray’s corporate culture?

Employee B: We have a company value of “One company, one family.” To allow work to proceed more smoothly by avoiding excessive hierarchy, people generally don’t call each other by titles like President or General Manager. Everyone is approachable, and it’s easy to start conversations whenever you need help.
Employee A: I was surprised to learn how much local companies cooperate with one another. They actively share knowledge and support each other. There’s a real sense that everyone wants to improve together.
Employee B: I also feel proud when relatives or family members recognize the company name. Even if they don’t know “Orbray,” they often recognize our former company name and immediately know who we are. It reminds me how deeply rooted the company is in the region.

Creating an Open Space for the Community

As Orbray prepares for its new headquarters, the company is exploring ways to strengthen its relationship with the community. It aims to serve as a meaningful part of local life, instead of being just a manufacturing facility.

Are there activities that make you feel the company is growing together with the community?

Employee B: The site of the new headquarters will include a community collaboration facility. Even now, spaces such as [TRAD] are used for local events, including audio-related workshops organized by the city. Creating places where local residents can gather and participate is a significant initiative.
Employee E: People sometimes think factories are closed-off places, but Orbray actively shares what it does with the public. Every year, we host a manufacturing event for children called Summer Discovery. I hope local children will remember visiting the company where their parents work and become interested in manufacturing.

Discovering Akita’s “Quiet Richness

Finally, what message would you give to young people who think there’s “nothing in Akita”?

Employee C: Akita has four distinct seasons, abundant nature, and wonderful food. I’d encourage people to experience that richness firsthand.
Employee A: As someone who loves the outdoors, I think Akita is an amazing place. Whether nearby or farther away, there are beautiful landscapes everywhere if you take the time to explore. And there are great fishing spots throughout the prefecture. I hope people discover their own ways to enjoy it.
Employee B: The cost of living is low. With a car, you can easily travel throughout the Tohoku region. There’s really no need to see living here as a disadvantage.
Employee E: Most importantly, having family nearby is invaluable. It might not seem that way when you’re younger, but once you spend time away from home, you realize how important those relationships are.
Employee D: Until I graduated from high school, I also thought there was nothing in Akita. But after joining Orbray, my senior colleagues introduced me to great restaurants and beautiful places, which broadened my perspective. Recently, I’ve come to realize that Akita may not be flashy, but it offers a quiet kind of richness.

We thank these five young employees for their candid comments in the roundtable discussion. As they attested, Akita may not be a place of bright lights and constant excitement, but it offers a deep sense of comfort, connection, and fulfillment woven into everyday life. Rooted in this community, Orbray will continue to help sustain the qualities that make Akita special, and nurture future generations to work hand in hand with the local community to assure regional prosperity.

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Discovering Akita’s Appeal Through the Voices of Young EmployeesOrbray Growing Together with the Community