Nishikigoi, often referred to as "swimming artworks" or "swimming jewels," are increasing in popularity not just in Japan but also internationally. It is not uncommon for foreign enthusiasts to participate in auctions, with some koi being sold for tens of millions of yen. Mr. Kentaro Sakai is the breeder behind a koi that sold for a record-breaking 203 million yen. His breeding techniques, sparing no effort or time, are highly respected in the industry. Mr. Sakai shared with us his passion and philosophy towards the care of koi.
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Narita Koi Farm, with its commendable track record, annually sells approximately 300,000 Koi to over 30 countries worldwide. At the 54th All Japan Combined Koi Show, a Kohaku, categorized under section 95 and nurtured by Narita Koi Farm, clinched the overall grand championship, solidifying its status as the world's number one in the realm of Koi. We had the privilege of speaking with Ryuki Narita, who vigorously promotes Koi both domestically and internationally, about the allure of these magnificent creatures.READ

Aderans is known among the middle-aged and elderly population for its men's wigs, but it has now expanded beyond just wigs to aggressively venture into wellness businesses that cover beauty, health, and medical care. It is a global company with a network of 67 companies across 19 countries and regions. We spoke with Yoshihiro Tsumura, who leads Aderans, about his management techniques for turning the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic into opportunities for growth.READ

Looking back on his own success in becoming a billionaire through his abilities regardless of his academic background, Takatoshi Maruo has gained the sympathy of many people by teaching the importance of "earning power" as well as how to be a good person and the importance of moral values. Many young people visit Bali because of his generous contributions to society, and he is affectionately called "Bali's Aniki (Big Brother)". What message does Aniki send to Japanese who have lost their vitality?READ

In this interview, Mr. Takashi Shimokawa, who runs the preparatory school "Bulkan Juku" and is also the pioneer behind "Kyushu Jangara Ramen," a renowned tonkotsu ramen chain, shares his insights. In 2021, he ventured into blending ramen with vegan cuisine by opening "Vegan Bistro Jangara," contributing to the popularization of vegan food. He discusses his hopes and fears for the children who will shape Japan's future, the life lessons learned from managing businesses in the vastly different fields of education and food service, and what he believes is necessary for achieving happiness.READ

Hiroyuki Sasaki has never let failure stop him. Having rebuilt his business from the ground up, he talks about retaining a spirit of altruism and his company's raison d'être, its future, and his drive to become the world's leading inner beauty expert.READ

Masaaki Miyazawa, a distinguished figure renowned for his versatile photography in photo books, magazines, advertising, and fashion, has recently expanded his artistic horizon by capturing the serene beauty of Ise Jingu and Japan's pristine landscapes through his lens in both photography and film. In this interview, Mr. Miyazawa shares his profound experiences photographing Ise Jingu and expresses his hopes and insights for the younger generation.READ

Since 2012, Timothy Cottrell has headed the ‘Iolani School, a renowned school with more than 150 years of history in Hawaii. We sat down to hear about how his visionary leadership and experience has driven ‘Iolani further into the 21st century.READ

John Gotanda leads Hawai‘i Pacific University, the largest private university in the state, helping students build skills to succeed in the future.READ

In 1973, George Ariyoshi became the first Asian American to serve as a U.S. governor. A champion of fairness and justice, Hawaii’s longest-serving leader sits down to talk business, politics, leadership, and the future of Hawaii as he sees it.READ

At 27, Naoki Kusano found himself ¥5 billion in debt after the bankruptcy of his father’s ramen business. We sat down to find out how that experience led him to invent his “Ramen Franchise System” in an attempt to transform an entire industry.READ

Nahoko Ishikawa is a specialist in creating health foods that women need to keep glowing. We had a chance to meet the source of her passion, which is her ageless beauty.READ

Isao Aoki is a legend in the world of Japanese golf. Having played more than 1,250 rounds, we spoke with him about how he used his experience to achieve his goals and make his dreams come true.READ

Awarded the 2017 Best Japan Resilience Award in Medical Manufacturing, Takaharu Futaeda shares his passion for business and how he went on to invent Hikari-reidan, his novel heating and cooling system.READ

Tomio Taki, a permanent fixture in the fashion and apparel industry, says that the success is all in how you relate to other people. Here, he shares his essential strategies for effective education and communication.READ

Don Konishi, fashion designer and sharp-tongued fashion critic, is a man who knows what it means to start over. Having once lost it all, he spoke with us about what he considers to be a life worth living.READ

Entrepreneur and sauce magnate Junki Yoshida is proof that the American dream is still alive and well after heading up several successful businesses in his adoptive home of the United States. He shares his views on contemporary Japan from an American perspective in this interview, a dream ten years in the making for Daisuke Sugiyama, My Philosophy’s editor-in-chief.READ

Suntory Beer Limited was established as a new company on October 1, 2014. Its first president, Tetsu Mizutani, is the man responsible for the hit "Kaku Highball." Tracing his career and the paths he chose, we can find hints about how to approach our own jREAD