
The Path Here
Could you tell us about your career so far and why you decided to join TAIMATSU?
After graduating from Waseda University, I joined TAIMATSU as a new graduate. During my job search, what I valued most was finding a company where I could grow the most and feel a sense of purpose in my work. I remember feeling incredibly excited when I first encountered TAIMATSU. At the time, TAIMATSU was in its first year of establishment, and many aspects of its foundation and systems were not yet fully established. However, I found that to be a major appeal. Instead of joining an already established environment, the prospect of directly contributing to the company's growth and system building filled me with great anticipation. The thought that "here, I'd be able to challenge myself with many different things" was a major reason I decided to join.
Leading the Day
What kinds of decisions and responsibilities do you take on as a manager on a daily basis?

My responsibilities include a wide range of tasks such as daily inventory management, coordinating procurement with suppliers, schedule management, liaising with stores and production departments, and quality control. Given TAIMATSU's numerous stores, extensive product lineup, and ongoing international expansion, I particularly focus on ensuring smooth on-site operations.

View from Both Sides
What differences or insights have you noticed between on-site work and management?
As a manager, my decision-making process has evolved to consistently prioritize what is best for the entire company, rather than just my individual interests or those of a single department. Recognizing that my actions can influence colleagues and the company as a whole, I make a conscious effort to act cautiously, prioritizing not just short-term gains but also a medium-to-long-term outlook.
Defining Moments
What has been the most impactful project or decision you have been involved in?

A particularly memorable project was the development of a system, in collaboration with our in-house engineers, that provides real-time visibility into inventory levels across all stores. Previously, inventory was managed using Excel, and with information scattered, even generating replenishment lists for stores was a time-consuming process. To address this, we centralized information, incorporating not only simple inventory counts but also trends of best-selling products analyzed from sales data, creating a system where anyone could quickly understand the situation. As a result, the speed and accuracy of inventory replenishment improved, leading to greater efficiency across all store operations.
Growing as a Leader
What do you feel has been your greatest growth as a leader?

I've learned not to fear failure, but rather to learn from it. Given my lack of experience, I've certainly made many mistakes. But I've always made it a point to reflect on each one and use it as a stepping stone for what comes next. I believe these experiences have significantly strengthened me mentally.

Looking Ahead
What challenges or goals would you like to take on at TAIMATSU in the future?
We aim to establish our own production system, further expand our lineup of original products, and build a stable supply chain. Simultaneously, we aspire to create an appealing company and environment that makes young craftspeople think, "I want to work here" and "I want to challenge myself in this industry."
If You're Thinking of Joining
What message would you like to share with people considering joining the company?

If you're someone who is driven to grow personally, eager to gain diverse experiences early in your career, aspiring to become a highly sought-after professional, and passionate about work that makes a significant societal impact, then this company is definitely for you. While it can be demanding, it's an environment where you'll gain unparalleled experiences and personal growth.
Beyond the Role
Could you tell us about your background and where you are from?

I grew up in rural Osaka and moved to Tokyo when I was nine. From junior high through high school, I attended schools with a large population of foreign nationals. Given TAIMATSU's similarly diverse and international culture, I felt a strong connection and decided to join the company.

Off the Clock
What do you enjoy doing outside of work, and do you have any favorite places you often visit?
Now that I'm living on my own, one of my favorite things to do on weekends is invite friends over and cook for them. I really love those moments when I can prepare healthy and delicious home-cooked meals for my friends – who, like me, work hard and often feel tired – and see them happy.


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