“It is people who transform hospitals.” — This is the belief of Seiichi Okada, President & CEO of Okada Medical Investment Co., Ltd. After beginning his career at a trading company, Okada shifted into ...READ

“Being ‘colorless’ is its greatest individuality.” This is how Masato Kato, President of Bechstein Japan, describes the sound of C. Bechstein, one of the world’s three great piano makers. Resonating w ...READ

“I used to think that a president was someone special.” So says Akiko Yamamoto, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Japan. After joining Van Cleef & Arpels, she was appointed president in just six years—a ...READ

The moment she sits at the piano, something changes. Her gentle gaze sharpens, and each note is infused with spirit, reviving the composer’s intentions in the present day. This is pianist Akimi Fukuha ...READ

The fierce competitive spirit forged during his apprenticeship in Shimane, the refined technique honed at Osaka’s prestigious “Momotaro,” and the courage to venture into New York at its most turbulent ...READ

Ryotaro Muramatsu, founder of NAKED, INC., is known for large-scale works such as the projection mapping at Tokyo Station. Over the years, he has worked across film, television, advertising, and spati ...READ

Singer-songwriter lecca, who will celebrate the 20th anniversary of her major-label debut in 2026, has consistently produced hits and successfully performed at the Nippon Budokan. She also has experie ...READ

In a world where travel experiences can often exclude marginalized communities, John Tanzella, President and CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), advocates for a vision that emp ...READ

In a male-dominated world of classical music, Marin Alsop broke ground as the first woman to lead a major American orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony. Her journey from an unconventional childhood in a ...READ

The first person in the world to recognize rope as an “art form” is Kinoko, Japan’s leading rope specialist. His work goes beyond tying people—he also ties trees, rocks, and even entire natural or arc ...READ

From the son of a barber to a leading expert in LGBTQ tourism, Shintaro Koizumi's life is as colorful as a rainbow. With the belief that “you are responsible for all your actions”, he continues to tak ...READ

At the age of 14, George Fujisawa moved to Hawaii and encountered surfing. His surfing career began in Hawaii and eventually became a major influence on the Japanese surfing scene. As we celebrate our ...READ

"Jewelry is a sacred art," says Kazumi Arikawa. For over thirty years, Arikawa has devoted himself to collecting jewelry, aiming to share its profound artistry and spirituality with a global audience. ...READ

Leslie Kee, born in Singapore, is a photographer who operates globally with bases in Tokyo and New York. Rising from a background of poverty, he transformed adversity into a source of energy, explorin ...READ

From an Executive Officer and Advisor at Mitsubishi Corporation to the Ambassador to Albania, Mitsuyuki Takada is now striving to connect Albanian and Japanese companies. Moving from big business at M ...READ

Koji Sato began his apprenticeship as a chef at the age of 18. The inspiration behind this decision was the popular television drama “Dear Mother” (aired on NTV at the time). After 17 years, the young ...READ

Krishna Ramachandra is a former corporate finance lawyer whose transformative journey has taken him from chasing social expectations and financial success to fostering a deeper sense of purpose and co ...READ

You wouldn’t think the future of the Japanese telecommunications industry would involve the story of Jewish immigrants to Ohio, but that’s just one of the ways analyst Marc Einstein can surprise you w ...READ

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 partic ...READ

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 sectio ...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, a ...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 ...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 ...READ

This year marks the 47th anniversary of the establishment of "CLUB GRÈS," a prestigious, long-standing club in Ginza, which was taken over by Ms. Sayuri Yamaguchi at the age of 29, becoming the second ...READ

"I am serious about wanting to change the world. I want to create a society that does not prioritize academic background or seniority. Taking risks and continuing to challenge, I have achieved top dom ...READ

Shigetoku Itoku, has had an incredible influence on numerous politicians, business leaders, top athletes, and the youth. , Every word he speaks is filled with soul. For our landmark 100th edition, we ...READ

Mr. Ikusei Murano emphasizes the importance of everyone pondering "Why was I born?" and the spirit of "Taigi," which the Japanese have cherished. He shared his insights on navigating the era ahead, es ...READ

In conversations with Mr. Hiroshi Yaegashi, the words "choice" and "excitement" often come up. As a catalyst and business creator who has launched many new businesses, produced hit products, and achie ...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 ...READ

As the third-generation proprietor of a confectionery store, Mr. Tetsushi Yamaguchi navigated a challenging decade before facing the inevitability of closing the business. However, he found his true c ...READ

Ms. Hideko Suzuki, who first introduced the Enneagram (a theory of nine personality types) to Japan, asserts that "There is no greater happiness than in the mundane everyday." We had the opportunity t ...READ

Mr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa, who has been active in various fields such as healthcare, education, and policy, shared his insights on what is necessary for Japan's education system as we enter a new era, draw ...READ

This year (2019) marks the 40th anniversary of the painting career of Hiroshi Senju, a Japanese painter. He has produced over 10,000 pieces to date. Yet, he continues to discipline himself with the be ...READ

Professor Takashi Yamane always asks, "What would I do?" He believes that strategy is essential in management and is dedicated to nurturing true business professionals. Considering teaching his callin ...READ

Mr. Kazuo Noda, who has been involved in the translation of Peter Drucker's "Practice of Management" and the establishment of numerous universities and research institutions, specializes in corporate ...READ

One year after the sudden death of his father, he was holding his eldest daughter in his arms. He arrived at a turning point where the deaths and births of family members intersected, and the question ...READ

Mr. Tatsumitsu Yamazaki, who organized the "Nippon Challenge for the America's Cup" and competed three times in the America's Cup, the world's premier yacht race that has been held since 1851. We had ...READ

Rick Blangiardi coached college football for seven years before starting his career in broadcasting. He is now the General Manager of Hawai‘i News Now, a role which allows him to continue his life of ...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 d ...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, leadersh ...READ

Hawaii holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese people. It is not only a popular destination for travel, but also a place where many dream of living someday. Mr. Taro Yoshida became enamor ...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 ...READ

Mr. Akira Kawashima, author of "A Doctor's Guide to a Happy Death (Ishi ga Oshieru Kofukuna Shinikata)" and "What You Can Do Today to Smile on the Last Day of Your Life (Jinsei Saigo no hi ni Egao de ...READ

Reika Asai, who began her journey as a meridian chiropractor after the indescribable experience of caring for her partner during their final months, when her partner was given only two to three months ...READ

Undeterred by obstacles and without considering personal gain, Seiji Hayashi has always given his all to the work in front of him. We traced the source of his values, rooted in his belief that 'gratit ...READ

In junior high school, Shinichi Inoue became fascinated with China and later studied abroad at Peking University during his university years. After joining Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a new graduat ...READ

Katsuyoshi Fukuyama, an inventor and president of a fishing tackle company. Despite claiming that he's not proficient in English, he effortlessly travels abroad for both work and leisure, finding intr ...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

Ten years ago, on a day when Shin Yamagishi was thriving as a photographer, he was forced to be hospitalized due to cancer. It was during this time, while contemplating how to live the rest of his lif ...READ

Mikio Kawai, Japan's first professional surfer, has contributed to the development of Japanese surfing techniques and culture for many years. As he turns 70 this year, we asked him to reflect on his s ...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

Norihiko Sasaki, who made a surprising move from being the editor-in-chief of "Toyo Keizai Online" to "News Picks," a popular economic news sharing app, shared his insights. We asked him how he views ...READ

"Hanashi no Tokushū," published from 1965 to 1995, was a magazine that featured many leading cultural figures of its time. Yazaki Yasuhisa, who founded the magazine and served as its editor-in-chief, ...READ

Since 2006, Michael Anthony has brought a fierce seasonality to Manhattan's Gramercy Tavern, culling his experiences in Japan and France to create a new template for what he calls "contemporary Americ ...READ

Kenji Takenaka, a flower designer based in New York, USA, is renowned for his simple yet luxurious floral designs, earning him the title of "Poet of Flowers." What inspired Mr. Takenaka to step into t ...READ

Daniel T. Ebihara, the head of the 'Ken Zen Dojo' in New York, continues to impart the spirit of the sword. After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States alone, expanding his networ ...READ

As a Reuters journalist and film director, Kyoko Gasha lives in the concrete jungle of New York. Having experienced 9/11 firsthand and continued reporting afterward, she reflects on the emotions she f ...READ

At the age of 22, Casey Taniguchi left behind his career as a dental technician and took a leap of faith, heading to the US. He is now the president and editor-in-chief of Yomitime, a leading cultural ...READ

When faced with the illness of cancer, can a person still be free-spirited and happy? Can they continue to dream? In New York, a city where dream chasers gather, Misao Ito continues to write. What she ...READ

The single character "菓" prominently displayed on the paper bag is striking. Originating from Hakata, the traditional Japanese confectionery from Suzukake has now gained nationwide recognition as a po ...READ

Known in Fukuoka as the “birthplace of chocolate in Hakata,” Chocolate Shop is a specialty chocolate store with a 75-year history. After the passing of the founder, who navigated through the pre-war a ...READ

Toshiaki Kurosaka, founded Porsche Japan and has led Porsche in the Japanese market for 33 years, including the Mitsuwa Motors era. Currently, he is the only local subsidiary president in the world. W ...READ

What lies ahead for Taro Saito, who has continuously addressed corporate and service challenges in the field of communication design, including the branding of Suntory Whisky such as 'Kaku Highball,' ...READ

Mr. Hideyuki Murakami, who has devoted his career to the department store industry, shared his experiences from his time in New York and his aspirations for the future. ...READ

Michelin's Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years, and hailed as an "Italian that brings excitement" restaurant, Azabu Juban's popular establishment 'Ristorante La Brinca' is helmed by owner-chef Yo ...READ

Rika Yukimasa, a culinary researcher, has expanded her activities to include planning and managing a children's portal site, offering recipe apps, and running restaurants. We spoke with her about the ...READ

Kazuko Tōdō, who has elevated the members-only club "Royal Box" to national prominence, joins us for the 58th installment of our series. In this interview, we explore her diverse activities beyond clu ...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

In an interview with Kengo Kuma, he shares a remarkable journey that seems almost destined. Inspired to pursue architecture after witnessing the first Tokyo Olympics, Kuma found himself directly invol ...READ

August Hergesheimer, is an anti-aging specialist known for creating health and beauty products such as the superfood "Vege Power Plus" and the acai drink "Kousanka." He is remarkably youthful at 55 ye ...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 an ...READ

Mr. Tadashi Okura, President and CEO of Torikizoku, a nationwide yakitori chain known for its "Uniformly Impressive at 280 Yen" concept. We spoke with him about his views on work and his future goals, ...READ

In November 2016, Japanese painter Hiroshi Sugimoto dedicated his ceiling painting "Autumn Leaves" at the guest hall of Taimadera Nakanobo in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. We spoke with Mr. Sugimot ...READ

Aureana Tseu, a hula dancer admired by many, including numerous fans in Japan. What message does she wish to convey through the art of hula? ...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 liv ...READ

Sachio Senmoto, who has always been ahead of the times by founding companies such as DDI, eAccess, and eMobile, shared his profound insights and the essence of venture management with young entreprene ...READ

Naoyoshi Amari, the chief priest of the Jodo Sect temple Senshuji and the principal of Senshu Kindergarten, where the children of the editor-in-chief of "My Philosophy" attended, shared his thoughts o ...READ

Takashi Maeno, who conducts research on "happiness" from the perspective of System Design Management, shared his insights on the mechanisms for achieving happiness. ...READ

Tomizo Yamaguchi, the third-generation head of the long-established Kyoto confectionery “Suetomi,” founded in 1893 (Meiji 26). As a successor of the traditional Kyoto confectionery craft and spirit, h ...READ

Toshiharu Kokubun, a charismatic entrepreneur who introduced a unique franchise system into the beauty salon industry and grew his business into a leading group in the sector. We delved into the inner ...READ

On September 9, 2016, Keita Obara takes on the world for the first time. We asked him about his determination ahead of his title match against the world super lightweight champion, Eduard Troyanovsky, ...READ

The innovative combination of manga and wine was brought to life by the creators of "The Drops of God,” Yuko Kibayashi and Shin Kibayashi. Their approach to work and their mindset as communicators can ...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 share ...READ

Mr. Seisei Hanayama has reached a certain conclusion regarding the shape of the human body. In the 41st edition, we interviewed Mr. Hanayama, who aims to promote home remedies for physical ailments, a ...READ

Yoshiharu Sekino, who completed the "Great Journey," a voyage tracing the footsteps of humanity that spread across the globe after the birth of our planet. From his stories, we gain insight into the i ...READ

Mr. Masaki Yokokawa, the representative of DEAN & DELUCA JAPAN, who has established a new style of specialty shop of food products in Japan, and the president of WELCOME Co., Ltd., which develops vari ...READ

In the 38th edition, we welcomed Tamami Sunoda, the CEO of NOZZE, a major marriage consulting agency, who passionately discussed marriage while also addressing societal issues. ...READ

The "Tsuji Method" of mental training, which is utilized not only in sports but also in the fields of business and music, is likely to resonate with many people. Its developer, Dr. Shuichi Tsuji, has ...READ

Mr. Yuichiro Miura, who achieved the summit of Everest, the highest peak in the world, at the age of 80 years and 224 days, becoming the oldest person in the world to do so. We inquired about the futu ...READ

In this edition, we welcome Mr. Nobufumi Matsunaga, the acclaimed author of the bestseller "Mothers Who Help Their Sons Thrive. Points They Do Things Differently! (Otokonoko wo Nobasu Hahaoya wa Koko ...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 c ...READ

Yukino Kikuma, who transitioned from a successful career in broadcasting to the legal profession, constantly embraces new challenges. Where does this driving power come from? We spoke with her about h ...READ

Keiko Kouda, the founder of AsMama, a service that has garnered attention on TV, newspapers, and magazines for its one-coin childcare sharing, discusses the business potential of sharing services. AsM ...READ

Under the concept of "Communication Art," White Ship Inc. is engaged in various project developments and art activities. We spoke with Takami Hasebe, the company's representative, about the current de ...READ

Hotel Niwa Tokyo, renowned for its Edo-era ambiance and lush garden-centric setting, offers guests a uniquely immersive experience. Recognized in the Michelin Guide's hotel category as a “comfortable ...READ

Clara Komazaki, with a captivating smile, possesses a passionate heart and a strong will. She is deeply committed to supporting the second careers of cabin attendants. In this interview, she shares st ...READ

Nobuko Tsutsumi, who started her career as an announcer at Fukuoka Broadcasting and has now reached the 30-year mark as a freelancer, shares her insights with us. Over the years, she has expanded her ...READ

Portrait photographer Yu Kaida expertly captures the inner strength and charm of his subjects. We spoke with Mr. Kaida, who has a unique style of photography, about his experiences photographing busin ...READ

Two years ago, at the age of 44, Mr. Manabu Miyasaka was appointed as President, a major promotion that garnered much attention. With "explosive speed" as his slogan, he has been leading the organizat ...READ

Born as the eldest son of the sixth-generation president of Ginza Kimuraya Sohonten, Mr. Shuichiro Kimura chose the challenging path of entrepreneurship without any support from Kimuraya in order to s ...READ

Mr. Yohei Sadoshima, who left a publishing house where he edited popular manga to establish his own company, is striving to establish the creator agent business in Japan. Having transitioned from an e ...READ

Mr. Toshiaki Kanda, active as an IT journalist and social media consultant, has engaged in a wide variety of activities. We heard from him about his experiences and his thoughts on the current state o ...READ

As the Japanese representative for "Change.org," Emmy Suzuki Harris is working to shift the consciousness of Japanese people who are not accustomed to speaking out. We had the opportunity to discuss t ...READ

We spoke with Masakazu Yanagisawa, who is actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at creating an LGBT-friendly society. We discussed his experiences with coming out and his goals for the future. ...READ

As a founding member, Mr. Fumio Tateishi has walked alongside the growth of OMRON Corporation. Currently serving as the Chairman, Mr. Tateishi spends his days busily. We had the opportunity to speak w ...READ

Mr. Nobuyuki Idei has been instrumental in leading Sony Group to global prominence and continues to be a central figure in Japan's economic arena. We had the opportunity to discuss episodes from his t ...READ

Rowland Kirishima, who excels beyond the typical framework of a photographer, takes on roles such as planning and directing for magazines, advertisements, and promotional videos, as well as product de ...READ

Ms. Junko Masachika has established and popularized the profession of personal stylist in Japan. She passionately discusses everything from her feelings about fashion to what she learned during her ti ...READ

Kumiko Otsuka, who took over the family business to become president, has had a deep connection with furniture since childhood, far more than most. We discussed her passionate views on everything from ...READ

Having made a name for himself as a commercial producer, Mr. Tsugihiko Fujiwara assumed the role of president at the young age of 44. We had the opportunity to hear his views on the roles and skills o ...READ

Mr. Hideaki Inoue has grown Aoyama Flower Market to over 80 stores nationwide and has boldly ventured into new businesses, including specialty stores for greens and triathlons. We asked this ever-evol ...READ

Edward Suzuki, an architect who has been independent for 35 years, continues to energetically create new works to this day. With deep knowledge in atomism, philosophy, and science, he also vigorously ...READ

Mr. Hiroshi Kato has played a central role, as an economist, in the theory and practice of Japan's economic policies. We had the opportunity to speak with him about what is currently needed in Japan a ...READ

I interviewed Mr. Shimada, who has extensive experience working overseas in countries such as the United States, Italy, and Mexico, and has demonstrated his business acumen both domestically and inter ...READ

As a human rights lawyer, we spoke with Ms. Kanae Doi, the Japan representative for the international NGO Human Rights Watch, about her dedication to the activities of Human Rights Watch and what she ...READ

Recently, Facebook has seen an increase in users in Japan as well. We spoke with Ms. Hitomi Kumasaka, whose book on case studies regarding the use of this social media in business has become a bestsel ...READ

Yuriko Takahashi, who launched her career from an unexpected job offer and has since accumulated a wealth of accomplishments, shared reflections on her career journey. She discussed her approach to wo ...READ

Mr. Kazuhiro Hasegawa, the head of the Corporate Power Institute, has been involved in the restructuring of over 2,000 companies, successfully turning around the majority of them from deficits. We had ...READ

As a foremost expert in caricature in Japan and a globally recognized artist, Mr. Kage has made a name for himself not only as an entertainer who brings joy to people of all ages but also as a compass ...READ

We spoke with Mr. Fumi Sasada of BRAVIS INTERNATIONAL, who has designed the packaging for many products we see daily, such as "Nodogoshi Nama", "KIRIN Hyoketsu", and "Bulgaria Yogurt", about the proce ...READ

In 1997, at the age of 28, Kota Matsuda opened the first Tully's Coffee Japan store in Ginza. As of 2008, Tully's Coffee Japan has expanded to 300 stores nationwide. We asked about the motivation and ...READ

In July 2007, Professor Shigeru Uchida, who received the first Medal with Purple Ribbon as an interior designer, shared with us the concepts that have been important to him in his interior design acti ...READ

In 1990, Keio University established the Faculty of Policy Management and the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, interdisciplinary faculties that integrate humanities and sciences. By 201 ...READ

As a venture capitalist known for discovering leading domestic venture companies, including Tully's Coffee Japan, Mr. Hitoshi Suga has a track record of uncovering prominent startups. We asked him abo ...READ