The First Day in Motion: Scenes from the 2026 Entrance Ceremony
On April 1, 2026, Seven-Eleven Japan welcomed 109 new recruits into its ranks. Across Japan, this day marks a shared professional milestone, with companies holding ceremonies to welcome fresh graduates.
Moving away from the rigid formality typical of these events, this year SEJ introduced a theme of collective participation. Over six months of preparation, teams from across the organization worked together to craft an experience designed to leave a lasting impression on the next generation of talent.
How the Ceremony Was Redesigned
In many countries, the transition from academia to professional life is flexible. In Japan, it follows a more structured path. Students typically begin job hunting while still at university and often secure positions before graduating, with most joining their companies on April 1 as part of a shared starting point.
Against this backdrop, corporate entrance ceremonies have traditionally been formal occasions where new members spend hours listening to speeches. For 2026, SEJ redesigned the program to emphasize interaction. During the morning session, new members were seated at tables alongside senior staff and executives, creating opportunities for informal dialogue and direct connection.
Delivering this approach required close coordination beyond the Human Resources Division. Specialists from Merchandising, Marketing, and Communications collaborated to ensure the event reflected the company’s direction.
Suzuki, Recruitment Officer, Human Resources Division, Seven-Eleven Japan
Suzuki, who led the project, emphasized that creating a comfortable atmosphere was a priority. The seating plan was meticulously designed to ensure balanced conversation while considering the background of each participant.
Connecting New Employees with Products and Operations
The transformation continued in the afternoon as the new cohort attended a major product exhibition held on the same day. This provided an immediate opportunity to explore the specific items they will manage, while gaining insight into the company’s merchandising strategies and business goals.
Watanabe, Recruitment Officer, Human Resources Division, Seven-Eleven Japan
Watanabe noted that seeing the recruits engage with the displays confirmed the value of the initiative. The preparation involved extensive discussions with various stakeholders, a process that reflected the event’s theme.
New employees listening to product explanations from senior staff
Voices from the Cohort
From left, Kamei, Mizuno, and Shibuya, new employees who joined Seven-Eleven Japan in April 2026
“Sharing a table with senior staff and executives helped ease my concerns and made it easier to ask questions,” Kamei said of her first day.
The experience resonated in different ways. Shibuya found meaning in trying new products, which made her feel part of the company from the outset.
For Mizuno, it was a moment to reflect on his future role, prompting him to think more seriously about how he can contribute to both society and the company.
Taken together, these responses gave the organizing team a clear sense of how the day was received.
A Shared Sense of Completion
Watanabe and Suzuki, who led the planning of the ceremony
For the organizing team, the event marked the end of six months of preparation. Seeing new employees feel more at ease after speaking with senior staff stood out as a meaningful outcome, Suzuki said.
As the day concluded, the team watched the new employees take their first steps in the company. For Watanabe, their expressions during the event left a lasting impression, along with a sense of expectation for their future growth.
A Shared Starting Point
Speech by representatives of the new employees
This year’s ceremony represented a new direction for both the new employees and the colleagues welcoming them. By building the event together, the entire organization took part in shaping a shared starting point.
The memories created during this milestone are intended to serve as a foundation for their careers at Seven-Eleven Japan. Their journey begins here, supported by an environment that values people and mutual growth.
