Bio
Born in Sakhalin in 1944. I was repatriated to Sapporo when I was three years old.
My childhood was a hand-to-mouth life, living in a unit house for repatriates and helping with the housework.
I always struggled with academia, from elementary school to university. After graduating from university, I got a job at an advertising company, but I was let go after six months.
Since no one hired me, I started business by myself with 1 million yen ($8,339) which I borrowed from my father and friends. I chose to manage a furniture store because there was no competitor around the area.
Now in my 70s, my hobbies are karaoke and golf.
Information
Education/Awards
- 1966: Graduated from Hokkai Gakuen University, Faculty of Economics
- 2005: Awarded Blue Ribbon Medal
- 2015: Awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor)
Experience
- Founder and Chairman of Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Vice-Chairman of Japan Chain Stores Association
- Vice-Chairman of Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Areas of Expertise
What have been the main lessons you have learned in your career and how do you implement them in your management?
- In 1972, a business trip to the US was all it took to change the course of my career. I was very startled by how chain stores enrich people’s lives, so I aimed to recreate the chain store system in Japan.
- In 1978, I joined “Pegasus Club”, a chain store study group sponsored by the leading authority of the Japanese chain store industry, Mr Shunichi Atsumi. Nitori is now contributing to the construction of a fully-fledged chain store management system.
Mentors
- Mr Shunichi Atsumi: the President of Japanese chain store study group “Pegasus Club”, who has had a great impact on my thoughts and Nitori’s management policies.
Quotes
- “You live young as long as you keep going on the offensive. You grow old fast once you become defensive.” – Professional’s essentials. The attitude to challenge new things without being afraid of failing makes both a company and its employees to grow up.
- “Think and act like a customer – not a retailer.” – Nitori’s slogan. Always put yourself in your customer’s shoes to find a way to resolve frustration and inconvenience. It is the iron law of business to take all possible steps.
