I was born in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, and have since relocated to Sendai. Known for its mild winters and temperate summers, Sendai has been a welcoming abode, albeit with a recent trend of warmer summers. Two years prior, I embarked on a venture to cultivate a vegetable garden spanning approximately 70 tsubo in the vacant lot adjacent to our factory, employing natural farming methodologies. Despite grappling with scorching temperatures last summer, which hampered our initial efforts resulting in minimal yield, I remained steadfast in my conviction that meticulous soil preparation would eventually yield commensurate results. The endeavor demanded considerable time and energy, akin to the ongoing refinement of my company's corporate structure aimed at sustained global contribution.
Inception of the Company
At the age of 44, following two decades of service in a preceding organization, I took the decisive step to establish our present company. While today's entrepreneurial landscape boasts a thriving venture culture, the environment during my company's nascent stages lacked such fervor, with traditional banking institutions hesitant to extend financial support. Nevertheless, with the generous assistance of friends and well-wishers, I embarked on this journey. Over the ensuing 24 years since our incorporation, save for the initial two, the company has consistently operated in a profitable trajectory.
Preparation and Serendipity
Approximately 15 years ago, I found myself occasionally enveloped in dreams of soaring through the skies—a sensation of liberation amidst adversity. Managing a business, as I soon realized, mirrors the unpredictability of such dreams. A few years back, a peculiar sight of a snail defying gravity and ascending a tree trunk gripped my imagination, until I realized it was merely a vivid dream. Such anecdotes underscore the unforeseeable nature of entrepreneurship. Despite the inherent uncertainties, I remain steadfast in my belief that diligent preparation lays the groundwork for fortuitous outcomes. The recent establishment of our Shenzhen factory stands testament to this ethos, facilitated by a string of serendipitous events.
The Unseen Influence
The aftermath of the Tohoku Pacific Coast Earthquake has catalyzed a perceptible shift in the Japanese ethos. Reflecting on historical resilience, notably during the Meiji Restoration and post-war reconstruction, underscores the intrinsic strength embedded within Japanese culture—an ethos nurtured through familial traditions and education. Central to this resilience is an appreciation for intangible values, often obscured amidst material abundance. I contend that amidst contemporary abundance, the intrinsic capacity to recognize the unseen remains indispensable. My management philosophy, informed by diverse influences ranging from religious teachings to corporate experience, embodies this ethos. Notably, music—a realm of intangible expression—serves as a personal anchor amidst the tumult of entrepreneurship.
Encounter with Magnets
My fascination with magnets dates back to my formative years, encapsulated by a whimsical encounter with a mummy-themed toy featuring an isotropic ferrite magnet. Recalling this childhood fascination, I recognize the allure of the unseen—an intangible force that has since permeated my entrepreneurial journey.
In conclusion, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business, let us remain cognizant of the invisible forces that shape our endeavors, anchoring our pursuits in diligent preparation and an unwavering commitment to enduring values.
