Because "I’m Not Alone," I Can Do My Job— Hoshino’s Story from Seven-Eleven Japan, Maebashi District Office

"The reason I started playing table tennis was because I wanted to beat my dad (laughs). When I was in elementary school, I couldn’t even come close to beating him, so in middle school, I joined the table tennis club to win."

In junior high, surrounded by kind and supportive senior teammates, Hoshino gradually became more drawn to the fun of the sport itself—rather than just trying to beat her dad.

After that, Hoshino enrolled in a high school known for balancing academics and sports. Her passion for table tennis remained strong, and she joined the school’s table tennis club without hesitation. It wasn’t enough for her to just participate in the school club—she also attended a sports club dedicated to table tennis.

"I spent my high school days completely immersed in either table tennis or studying, even on weekends. There wasn’t much time for anything else. When we did have some free time, my friends and I would hang out at Poppo in Ito-Yokado. That might’ve been the closest thing we had to a typical teenage youth. Oh, and by that time, I had become stronger than my dad."

During those high school years, another significant turning point in Hoshino’s life came through her encounter with bookkeeping, a subject that would later shape her career.

"My first impression was that it seemed difficult. At first, I thought bookkeeping was just about recording income and expenses. But as I continued studying, I realized it was much more than that—it’s about tracking the flow of money and goods. Once I understood that it forms the foundation for supporting a company’s management, I naturally started to find it interesting. "

Hoshino, who gave her all to both her studies and sports, embodying the concept of a balanced life, chose the path of employment after graduation. Deep inside her, she had a strong desire to "become independent as soon as possible."

"Looking back now, I suppose going to university could have been an option. But both of my parents became independent at an early age, so it felt natural for me to think, ‘I want to become independent as soon as I can, too!’"

Hoshino’s first job after graduation was at a local-based credit union. She chose it because of the image of financial institutions as places where customers entrust their important money with trust and stability, along with her desire to be "of service to others."

However, after about three years, Hoshino began to seek a new environment.

"Handling customers’ money came with a lot of responsibility, but that also made the job rewarding. I had the opportunity to work with utility bill payment slips, as well as review companies’ profit and loss statements (PL), balance sheets (BS), and other financial documents. I think those experiences gave me a solid foundation for the work I do now.
That said, there weren’t many colleagues around my age at the office… I didn’t really have anyone I could casually turn to for advice."

It was around that time that Hoshino happened to come across a job posting from Seven-Eleven Japan.

"I applied right away. Actually, I’ve always been a huge fan of Seven-Eleven—I used to go there all the time in high school, especially for lunch. I’d say at least 80% of my body was probably made of Seven-Eleven food back then."

That’s how Hoshino began her new chapter as an accounting staff member at the Maebashi District Office of Seven-Eleven. At first, she found the fast-paced environment a bit overwhelming.

"I was honestly worried whether I’d be able to keep up. But there were lots of senior colleagues around my age, which made it really easy to talk and ask questions. I wanted them to see me as someone worth mentoring, so I gave it everything I had."

Not only was Hoshino supported by senior colleagues, but she was also fortunate to have encouraging supervisors. Surrounded by such a warm and welcoming environment, and through her sincere efforts, Hoshino gradually put down roots at the Seven-Eleven Maebashi District Office.

It’s been 15 years since Hoshino joined Seven-Eleven Japan. One of the most significant turning points in her career came with her two periods of maternity and parental leave.

"I was really anxious before taking my first maternity leave. There were so many things on my mind—giving birth, being away from work… But then my coworkers surprised me with a video full of encouragement. It included photos of us together and heartfelt messages from each of them. I was completely surprised and deeply moved. I realized just how much they cared about me. My heart was full."

At the Maebashi District Office, colleagues support one another like family. Thanks to that warm and caring environment, Hoshino was able to go on maternity leave with peace of mind.

However, as her return to work approached, she began to feel a different kind of anxiety than she had before taking leave.

"After more than a year away, the way we work and the systems we use can change. I worried about whether I could keep up with those changes, or even remember how to do the job in the first place. There was so much on my mind. But the support system was solid, and I was able to return smoothly. I think it was thanks to the senior colleagues who had taken maternity leave before me and paved the way."

A new turning point came for Hoshino a few years after she returned from her second parental leave.
She was appointed Assistant Manager, taking on the role of leading her team.

"I truly believe that working as a team is incredibly important. Back in my student days, when I was competing in table tennis tournaments, the cheers from my teammates gave me so much strength. I was the one on the court, but I never felt like I was fighting alone. I could play my best because I was supported by everyone around me. That feeling is something I’ve carried into my workplace today. I’ve always tried to be a leader who brings the team together."

Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed—Hoshino was promoted to Assistant Manager. Now, one of the things she values most is communication.

"In any workplace, I think there are moments when it’s hard to ask for help, just like I once struggled to carry everything on my own. That’s why I try to create an environment where we can support each other when needed. I focus on expressing gratitude to my team and communicating in a way that helps them see things in a positive light."

Of course, communication isn’t limited to just her team members.

"I interact with many different departments on a daily basis, and through that, I get exposed to different ways of thinking and values. Sometimes I come across ideas I never would have thought of on my own. In those moments, I really feel how our work is part of a larger network—part of the company and the organization as a whole. It’s obvious when you think about it, but we really can’t do our jobs alone.
Also, during one of our department meetings in fiscal year 2024, I learned about something called ‘help-seeking’—the idea that asking for help is a proactive part of working together, especially when you’re facing challenges. Honestly, I didn’t know the term before, but as I looked into it more, I realized it aligns perfectly with what I’ve always valued—whether it was through playing table tennis in school or my early impressions of teamwork when I first joined the company. Teamwork really is the foundation of everything I do."

While continuing to grow in her career through a work style that reflects her true self, Hoshino is also a mother of two. Balancing work and parenting, she says, is anything but easy.

"My partner often comes home late, so I can’t rely on him much during the week. There were times when I felt uneasy about whether people at work would understand if I wanted to take time off for my kids’ events. These days, it’s become easier to take time off without worrying so much, but even now, I still wish I had a bit more time to spend with my children—time to really look into their eyes and talk with them."

Despite these challenges, Hoshino actively participates in her children’s school events. In the mornings, she volunteers as a crossing guard at the school gate. On her days off, she takes her kids to the park or out to eat at Denny’s. She throws herself wholeheartedly into motherhood—and that same commitment extends to her career.

"I honestly don’t know what lies ahead for me after the role of Assistant Manager. But I do feel that I still have room to grow. I want to deepen my knowledge and expertise in accounting."

Even now, just like in her high school days, Hoshino keeps moving forward with determination.
At the end of the interview, we asked her to express her work style in a single color.

"I’d say yellow. I always try to look at things positively. Maybe that’s why people often describe me as cheerful or fun."

As she spoke, her expression radiated a warmth and brightness—just like a sunflower.

"Some people might feel that it’s too hard for women to keep working while raising children, or even think it’s better to give up. But I believe that if you keep moving forward with a positive mindset, you’ll naturally find your place. If my story can help even a little, that would make me happy."

Hoshino’s story in "Yellow" will continue—always forward, always positive.