Sumitomo Corporation Dormitory Living: Young Employees Discuss How Dorm Life Promotes Growth

Why did you decide to live in the Urayasu Dormitory? Could you share why you decided to opt for dorm life?

Keiji The biggest reason for me was the sense of security. Moving to Tokyo and starting work came with many first-time experiences, and I thought it would be reassuring to live in a dorm with fellow colleagues. A lot of my peers also chose to live in the dorm, so it was great for bonding outside of work.

I was also drawn by the low cost of dormitory living. If I lived alone in Tokyo, rent would be high, but living in the dorm reduced the financial pressure, which was reassuring when I first moved to the city.

Kazuki For those of us coming from the regions, it's common not to know anyone in Tokyo. I was in the same situation, so living in the dormitory felt very supportive.

Seiya It’s reassuring to have fellow dorm mates. After work on weekdays, we all gather in the dining hall and relax together. One of the things I really appreciate about living in the Urayasu Dormitory is the gym and large public bath. There's always hot water, which is perfect for someone like me who loves a good soak. Sometimes I take three baths a day (laughs).

It sounds like you moved in with high expectations. How did it feel once you actually settled in?

Kazuki The open, relaxed atmosphere is just amazing. The gym, large public bath and meals – everything is great, and it’s really easy to live here. The building is beautiful, and because it's located close to a popular theme park, we can even catch fireworks sometimes at night from inside the dorm.

Seiya Shin-Urayasu doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of the city, and there aren't any overhead power cables, so the view feels open. I also enjoy the buffet breakfast here.

Keiji There’s even a laundry box, where you can put your shirts and have them sent for cleaning, which is a convenient service for business people. The dormitory staff can receive deliveries for you, so you don’t have to worry about missing packages during the day. This dorm is very convenient and comfortable.

It seems like you all get along well. How have you deepened your relationships with other employees?

Keiji Whether it's while eating in the dining hall or relaxing on the couch, dorm life naturally creates opportunities for spontaneous conversations with people you're meeting for the first time. The "accidental connections" that happen are actually one of the great benefits of dormitory life. At first, I was anxious about communal living, but I’ve built great connections with people like Seiya, and now I’m enjoying my time here.

Kazuki At the dorm, I end up talking to people from different departments I wouldn’t normally interact with. Even during breakfast, I often meet someone new. Since there are so many different roles at a trading company, dormitory life offers a rare and valuable opportunity to hear about the diverse career paths of other people in a natural, uncontrived way.

Seiya actively tries to connect with new people, even when simply crossing paths in the dormitory. I first met him in the elevator. He saw that I was heading to the gym and said, "Hey, you working out? Want to hit the gym together?" I remember how casual and friendly he was. He is a very dependable dorm leader who actively tries to connect other residents.

Keiji I completely agree. I doubt there is anyone in their first year in Urayasu who doesn’t know Seiya. He’s really well loved by everyone.

Seiya Thank you, I’m very glad to hear that. Since the dorm is a place where employees from different departments and seniority levels come together, I really hope some good relationships and connections will be formed here. I want the Urayasu dorm to be a place where we can connect without worrying about hierarchy. That’s why I make a conscious effort to reach out to others.

How do you spend your weekends? What activities help you unwind?

Keiji I often spend my weekends playing golf – one of my hobbies. There’s a large personal storage space near the entrance to my room where I can store my golf bag and surfboard, which is really convenient. I also keep my camping gear there, another activity I enjoy with my dorm mates. Since work can be frenetic, taking the time to do nothing at all camping in the outdoors is a great way to recharge.

Seiya I usually spend my weekends weight training at the gym or studying. Kazuki and I are close friends as gym buddies.

Kazuki We often study together at a café in the morning and then head to the gym. I teach Seiya about accounting-related topics, and he teaches me what he knows about his area of expertise. By studying together, we complement each other's knowledge and make use of each other’s strengths.

When you live in the dorm, you can share the same environment with like-minded people outside of work. When you’re challenging yourself with something new, it’s motivating to have your dorm mates around.

Finally, could you share what you find most appealing about living at the Urayasu Dormitory?

Keiji The best part is that everyday life is enjoyable. One of my favorite moments was when we all watched the Paris Olympics together. People naturally gathered around the shared TV, and it felt like a public viewing event. It was really fun. I’m not great at setting exact meeting times, but in the dorm, even if we don’t make formal plans, it’s easy to meet up and enjoy some laid-back time together.

Kazuki Sometimes after work, I’ll get in touch with my dorm mates and say, "Hey, should we head home together?" Sharing time and going through ups and downs together in the dorm creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Keiji "Having the same place to return to" is an unbeatable benefit to dormitory living. After a drinking party, we can all head back to the dorm together, and when we’re tired from work, we can relax with our dorm mates. It’s a great environment for achieving work-life balance.

Seiya I agree completely. The best thing is finding people who share common interests or hobbies, and I've also had the chance to meet some respected seniors who've already moved out. The bonds I’ve built through dorm life are irreplaceable. I hope that the Urayasu Dormitory will continue to foster new connections in the future, and I will always cherish the relationships I started here.