Philippine Edition

M A I N P A G E : News & Events
Sayonara Sogawa-San, You Koso Yamazaki-San
Three years have passed so swiftly and Sogowa-san had to bid everyone in YAS Cebu goodbye to tackle a new challenge in his professional life waiting for him in Japan. Having finished the 3-year assignment, YAS Japan has called him back to take the post as Branch Manager at YAS Nagoya. Sogawa-san, the manager, the father, the colleague, the unfailing comrade in the challenges YAS Cebu employees faced for the past years. As typical happy Cebuanos, we have prepared a festival of Filipino dance presentations to make sure that the YAS Phils, particularly YAS Cebu and most especially Filipinos will forever etch in the mind and heart of our very dear Sogawa-san. The occasion was graciously honored by the presence of YAS Phils Executive Vice-President, Mr. Takatomo Ito and YAS Phils Operations Manager, Mr. Allan Baraoidan. The excitement actually kicked off with a very sexy belly dance Indian style performed by Ms. Donna Sitoy and Ms.Irene Hife, then YAS Cebu staff in very colorful authentic Filipino costumes provided a mini-cultural show to everyone’s enjoyment: · Ifugao Festival – by the CS and Admin Staff · Banga - solo number by Donna Sitoy · Pandango sa Ilaw – solo number by Irene Hife · Singkil - solo number by no less than LRA · Pasayawa ko day – by the Cebu Mancom Members The Mini Cultural Show was concluded by all performers rendering an interpretation of the song “Cebu”. Indeed, it was a very memorable night for all.. which was made more momentous when each department started to give personal gifts to Sogawa-san.. gifts that reflect what is Sogawa-san to us, how we know and will surely remember him, gifts that will hopefully make Sogawa-san remember us for the longest time. Sogawa-san for his part was deeply touched by YAS Cebu’s effort and the message of the presentations made especially for him. He delivered a very emotional parting speech thanking everyone for the support that made him effective and very successful in this assignment. Farewell Sogawa-san…… All the best in your new assignment….. Nevertheless, goodbyes do not end with goodbyes here. With Sogawa-san’s farewell, we say hello to the next person to whom he passes Cebu’s torch; who is now in charge to continue in keeping it aflame, so welcome to YAS Phils, welcome to YAS Cebu Yamazaki-san! By: Lydia R. Agustin / Branch Manager - Cebu
1	1

Sayonara, Mr. Kyoshi Sogawa

     Professionalism is described as a character of a person who…..
            - possesses the expertise in his field of endeavor,
            - values honor and integrity,
            - accepts accountability and responsibility for his action,
            - cares and communicates very clearly with his fellow employees and customers,
              regards everyone customers and colleagues, all strata of the organization with high respect,

- takes the leadership to ensure that each unit is driven to the goal of the organization.

In that case, I do describe our very own Sogawa-san, the person who has the highest degree of professionalism.

Fondly called by everyone as Sogawa-san, Mr. Kiyoshi Sogawa joined YAS Cebu in April 2002, as the Asst Branch Manager. He was assigned by Yusen Japan to the Phils direct from YAS Nagoya office where he was a sales manager.

Immediately, he immersed himself to learn the peculiarities of processes in the Phils, which is in so many ways different from Japan, i.e. on line releasing of cargoes which is not the way in the country. In the same manner, he familiarized himself with our existing accounts and right away gained the confidence of Japanese executives from various accounts because of his hardwork, dedication and unique charisma.

In so short a time, Sogawa-san definitely had delivered his primary objective of taking care of our Japanese accounts, expanded the businesses with them and what’s more…. added more accounts that put YAS Cebu in the YAS Phils map as the branch office with the highest growth rate both in terms of productions and returns.

Sogawa-san, indeed has instantly endeared himself with the Japanese community in Cebu; for the first time YAS Cebu became a member of the elite Cebu Mitsumi Friendship Circle, an elite organization started by Cebu Mitsumi and composed of its Japanese officers and those of their suppliers (mostly PEZA companies) and Japanese forwarders, and that of the Cebu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

But, how’s Sogawa-san as officer of YAS Cebu?

Well, for us in the office, Sogawa-san is the embodiment of a true leader.

He is a very punctual person. Not only is he in the office before 0830H but always make sure that he is in his appointment before the appointed time.
He is strict and serious. He is strict in the sense that given a service failure, he will require a good explanation such that he will be assured that the reason is not because you do not understand the job, but rather just a case of human frailty. It is along this line that the famous “Why, Why, Why” evolved. It is almost always his first line every time he calls a staff to explain something. He has displayed seriousness in his job by being directly involved in handling the global accounts. He, in fact went to the pier one time, together with a processor to ensure that a critical cargo was released. He would even advance his own money to expedite the release and delivery of a shipment as promised, that way, client is very satisfied and definitely creating not a single or slightest dent in YAS Cebu’s integrity as a forwarder.
He has a good memory. It is so surprising on how he remembered everything to the least detail. He made sure the employees do remember as well their own lapses in the past, and therefore avoid committing the same.
He is very compassionate as an individual. When there was a service failure of which the employees would shoulder part of the cost incurred due to his mistake of a staff, he volunteered and absorbed the share of the employees. He took pity on employees having to take money out of their own pocket.
He is very passionate golfer. He is a single-handicapped player with an average score of 75. He would really give a run for your money if you dare challenge him. But that definitely endeared him more to fellow Japanese golf enthusiast.
He loves music. He has a portable piano in his condominium and all to himself played and hummed his favorite tunes during his free time.
He loves Italian food. He frequented La Tegola in Cebu whenever he palate for something other than his first love Japanese food.

Truly, Sogawa-san has left indelible mark not only in our workplace but most especially in our hearts. He lifted our spirits and our dignity by being simply himself, a man of character, integrity, compassion and utmost professionalism.

To our dear Sogawa-san, thank you for sharing us your valuable moment and your own true self and congratulations to your new appointment as YAS Nagoya Branch Manager. We’ll all miss you here in Cebu.

<< Back to Main Page Next >>

By: Lydia R. Agustin / Branch Manager - Cebu