This September, Apex celebrated a major milestone, our 15th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, our team gathered for a ceremony at our Ebisu office, followed by a celebratory BBQ in Toyosu.
A Look Back at Our Journey
The office was filled with a celebratory atmosphere, featuring a timeline that highlighted our journey. Everyone reminisced over pictures of the founding directors in their younger years and the company's first office in Nishi-Shinbashi.
The ceremony began with messages from our five directors and a commemorative video recapping our history. This was followed by a traditional kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening), symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings.The directors wore traditional happi coats with the yoshiwara-tsunagi motif. This pattern, which symbolizes the strong connections and unity between people, perfectly represents the spirit of Apex. With sake in hand, everyone raised a toast to the next chapter.
Speech from Our Managing Director
Our Managing Director’s speech was a highlight of the ceremony. Reflecting on the company's beginnings, he became emotional, and the room fell silent as everyone listened intently. Here is an excerpt from his speech.
"I am truly delighted to celebrate Apex's 15th anniversary with all of you, as one united team. When we started in 2010, it was right after the Lehman Shock, a very difficult environment. Despite that, the hard work of our founding members led to early and tangible success."
"Starting with just a few desks in a small office, we faced many challenges, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and the pandemic. But each time, we came together as a team and overcame them. From the very beginning, we have prioritized integrity to build trust in the recruitment industry and placed teamwork and transparency at the forefront. In a highly competitive industry, it is not uncommon for companies to suffer from internal discord. However, at Apex, we have always grown by respecting and supporting each other."
"Looking back, we have had many peaks and valleys over the past 15 years. Still, I am incredibly proud that four of the founding members are still on this journey together. And now, moving to the next stage with over 150 colleagues is the greatest joy of all. These past 15 years are just the beginning. The journey of Apex continues. Thank you all so much. Cheers!"
Celebrating Together
Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at a BBQ venue in Toyosu. Employees from different teams and roles had a chance to connect and enjoy conversations over grilled food. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
As we reach this 15-year milestone, Apex renews its commitment to the spirit of teamwork, integrity, and a challenging mindset. We are deeply grateful for the support of everyone who has been a part of our story, and our entire team looks forward to continuing to reach new heights together.
