Our People Actively Taking Part
Promoting the creation of role models in workstyles and career development in each profession, from sales and design to on-site supervisor. Highlighting how many women are achieving personal growth, while expanding their range of activities.
Sales Manager
Case 1
Risa Ikuta
Joined in 2012
Since joining Sekisui House, Risa Ikuta has handled sales for more than 100 properties. After becoming Sales Manager in February 2022, she has focused on training exhibition hall members and overseeing sales office management. She is also a member of the Female Sales Staff Promotion Committee and is eager to help female sales staff establish themselves and become self-reliant within the company.
Departments and positions are as of September 2023
I Want to Use My Position and Experience to Give Female Sales Staff an Upper Hand
Finding motivation in the smiles and joy of our customers
Our job is to make customers’ greatest dreams come true. After 10 years of working in sales of custom detached houses, there have been many things that made me realize that point. We take into consideration all of the customer’s hopes and concerns for the construction of their home, and we propose concrete measures that help make their dreams a reality. Of course, I’m happy when a customer says they chose to go with Sekisui House because of my input, but when I hear customers say how happy they are that they chose Sekisui House or how comfortable their house is even years after construction, or even just seeing a happy family living in one of our homes, it always fills my heart with joy.
As Sales Manager and a member of the Female Sales Staff Promotion Committee, I’ve realized how difficult and satisfying it is to consider not just my own growth but what I can do to help others grow and achieve their goals, and how that helps move us all forward. I also think my experiences as a member of the female sales staff have helped me to better understand the needs of customers raising children and to create plans that meet their specific requirements. As careers and lifestyles change, so must our sales style. I’m also dedicated to using my current expertise and being honest with customers to adapt to those changes accordingly. I also look forward to growing with the times and seeing what my own future holds.
Design for Detached Houses
Case 2
Design Chief Manager, South Osaka Branch
Yuka Nohara
Joined in 2003
Yuka Nohara, having built a career in design, has experienced maternity and childcare leave twice. She became a certified Structural Planning Specialist in 2015*1, and a certified Chief Architect*2 in 2019. Following her experience in sales at DESIGN OFFICE, a team of Sekisui House specialists, she assumed her current role in August 2024.
Departments and positions are as of May 2025
Creating an Environment Where Everyone Can Grow and Enjoy Their Work
I actively observe the actions and expressions of younger team members, and check in to see if they have any concerns or need advice.
Whether it is proposing a plan that leads to a successful contract, collaborating with customers to shape their ideal living space, or witnessing their joy upon project completion. All these bring immense fulfillment in being a designer. During a class observation at my eldest son's elementary school, he once said, “I want to be an architect when I grow up because my mom seems to really enjoy her work.” While I often navigate complex requests and challenging conditions at work, I genuinely find joy in the homebuilding process. Knowing that my family recognizes this is something I deeply cherish.
Currently, in addition to managing design work for my assigned projects, I also handle administrative tasks, monitor KPIs, oversee talent development, and provide support to both sales and design team members in my role as Design Chief Manager. Through this role, I have come to experience firsthand that individual effort has its limits. By seeking support and working collaboratively, we can achieve far greater success and growth than we ever imagined. My goal is to cultivate an environment where every team member—including myself—remains committed to personal growth while maintaining a positive and engaged approach to daily work.
*1: A specialist based on an internal certification system. Denotes designers with highly safe and rational structural design capabilities, and expert knowledge and skills on structural planning.
*2: A role-based qualification based on an internal certification system. Denotes design specialists with advanced design and negotiation skills, and who have earned a high level of satisfaction and trust from customers.
Construction for Detached Houses
Case 3
Construction Director, Kinki West Branch
Akiko Oka
Joined in 2004
Akiko Oka, having built up experience in design, has been an on-site supervisor since August 2008. She became a certified Chief Constructor *1 in April 2015. Following her experience in technical information management at the Sales Administration Headquarters, she assumed the position of Construction Director in August 2024.
Departments and positions are as of May 2025
Continuing to Grow Alongside a Diverse Team with a Spirit of Challenge
As Construction Director, I closely monitor property conditions and track the progress of construction projects within my assigned geographical area.
I oversee the Construction Section, a team of on-site supervisors. We are a diverse group composed of junior staff, experienced professionals, and contract employees, each with different career backgrounds and lifestyles. We work together as a team, respecting each other’s values and embracing diversity, all while striving toward a common goal: building homes that satisfy our customers. As Construction Director, my responsibilities go beyond ensuring construction projects are completed on schedule—I also play a key role in meeting the branch’s various performance targets.
Over the past year and a half, my responsibilities have evolved rapidly, shifting from on-site supervision to headquarters staff and, most recently, to Construction Director. Although the journey has presented challenges, I have also come to appreciate the importance of embracing new opportunities and committing myself to mastering the tasks at hand. Furthermore, participating in the Sekisui House Women’s College gave me the opportunity to learn alongside many female colleagues striving for managerial roles. This experience broadened my perspective, encouraging me to consider what is best for our branch and company while taking proactive steps toward meaningful change. To continue delivering results in any role I take on in the future, I remain committed to pushing my limits, growing, and evolving.
*1: A specialist based on an internal certification system. Denotes site supervisors with advanced work implementation skills such as general construction management and supervision, and who have earned a high level of trust from staff and customers.
Group Company / Rental Operations Department Senior Manager
Case 4
Senior Manager, Rental Operations Department, Rental Sales Department, Sekisui House Sha Maison PM Tokyo
Yoko Inagaki
Joined in 1999
Since joining Sekiwa Real Estate, Yoko Inagaki has been involved in sales in the condominium sales business for more than 16 years. She previously served as Chief Manager at the Rental Sales Office, before transitioning to the role of Section Manager in the Business Development Department at Sekisui House Real Estate Tokyo. Later, she became Chief Manager in the Human Resources Development Office at the General Affairs and Human Resources Department. Since November 2024, she has held her current role as Senior Manager of the Rental Operations Department.
Departments and positions are as of May 2025
Creating a More Dynamic Organization That Fosters the Success of Female Sales Professionals
We conduct web conferences and meetings with our group companies.
In the Rental Operations Department, where I serve as Senior Manager, the primary role of my team is to strengthen corporate governance by providing auditing support to sales offices, driving rental operations, and streamlining business processes to improve efficiency. Our department assigns four operational sections to each geographical area. Led by four operational section managers, we collaborate closely with various sales and technical departments to manage our talent. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a manager is having team members seek my advice or rely on my guidance, even for small matters. I strive to be as helpful as possible by offering proactive solutions and meaningful direction.
Throughout my career at the company, I have had the opportunity to experience diverse roles across different departments. While transitioning to new positions initially felt daunting, I found that setting small goals and pursuing them with enthusiasm ultimately contributed to my personal growth. My goal in the rental business is to create a more dynamic organization and foster an environment where female sales professionals can build long-term careers and have the opportunity to advance into managerial positions.
In February 2025, Sekisui House Real Estate Group companies reorganized into “Sekisui House Real Estate, Ltd.,” which specializes in real estate and brokerage business, and “Sekisui House Sha Maison PM,” which specializes in rental business.
Active Participation of Diverse Personnel [Main Page]
International Business Headquarters (America, Australia)
Specific Initiatives: Workplaces Where Anyone Can Demonstrate Their Abilities
Diversity meet-and-greet events 2022
Diversity meet-and-greet events 2021
Specific Initiatives: Becoming an Industry Leader in LGBTQ Initiatives
Sales Manager, Nagoya Nishi Branch