『夢』は大きく　『念い』は熱く

　何回も何回も言っていますが、反省とは行動です。いくら反省文を書いても、いくら反省の言葉を言っても、次には同じミスはしないと思っても、思っているだけでは何の意味もありません。思うだけ、反省するだけなら誰でもできます。失敗をしたあと、どうするかです。思っているだけでは必ず次に同じミスを繰り返します。先日の社員の日報に、「行動しようと思います。」という言葉がありました。これも同じです。心が文章にも表れます。「思います」と言っているうちは、きっと何も変わりません。「思います。」ではなく「行動をします」行動するのです。

　失敗は悪いことではありません。失敗は成長するチャンスです。その失敗をチャンスに変えるには、弱い自分と闘い、行動をして、自分を変えていくしかありません。失敗は成功のもと。考えている暇はありません。思ったら、行動あるのみです。反省は行動で示してください。気づいたら直ぐ、今行動です。



Reflection is Action

I have said this again and again but [let me say it one more time]: reflection is action. No matter how many reflections you write or say, no matter how much you think about how to avoid making the same mistake, if all you do is think there is no meaning in it. Anyone can think. Anyone can reflect. The question is what to do after you have failed. If all you do is think you are doomed to repeat the same mistake. In a recent daily report from one of my employees, she wrote, “I plan to act.” This is the same as simply thinking and it shows what is going on in her heart. As long as you are saying things like “I plan,” nothing will change. Instead of “I plan,” it should be “I will act.”

Failures are not bad things but rather opportunities for growth. In order to turn a failure into an opportunity, you have no choice but to fight against your weak points and act to change yourself. Failure is the root of success. There is no time to think. Once you think of something, there is only action. Show your reflections through your actions. Once you notice something, act immediately. Act now.

　先週末も、ヴァンフォーレ甲府の試合がありました。４対１で勝ち私もとてもうれしいです。先日もジットのブースでインクの販売を行いました。そして、先日おにぎりを持ってきてくださったお客様が、また足を運んでくれました。先日社員がおいしいと言って食べてくれたのでということで、またおいしいおにぎりを作ってくださったそうです。本当に有難うございます。今回もおいしく、うれしく頂きました。それに加えて、娘さんが作ってくれた飾りも頂きました。とても可愛く、とてもうれしく拝見しました。大切に飾らせて頂きます。



　ヴァンフォーレ甲府の試合の度に、ジットブースを設置をさせて頂いてから、本当に多くに方に足を運んで頂いています。応援の度に足を運んでくれたり、空のカートリッジをもってきてくれたりと、気にかけてくれる人がたくさんいます。感謝の一言です。気にかけてくださって、応援してくださる人がいるというとはとてもありがたく、嬉しいことです。期待に応えられるように、そして少しでも感謝の気持ちを伝えられるように、もっともっと全力で、良い商品を作っていきます。皆さんも行動あるのみです。感謝の気持ちを行動に移してください。



The JIT Booth

Recently, Ventforet had another soccer match and won, 4 to 1. This made me very happy. [As per usual,] JIT once again sold ink from our booth at the stadium and, once again, the man who recently made and brought our employees onigiri visited the booth. Claiming that he was moved by our employees’ enthusiasm over the onigiri he brought last time, he made and brought us more delicious rice balls. Thank you so much, sir. These onigiri were also delicious and brought us tremendous joy. In addition to the onigiri, he also brought us the placards you see below, a gift from his daughter who made them [in school]. We will treasure these adorable gifts.

Every time we sell our ink at the Ventforet games, we are honored by the many people who visit the booth. Whether they come to support JIT, to return used ink cartridges, or simply out of curiosity, we are grateful for the many people who come. This is something for which we are truly happy and grateful. We will continue to put our all into creating good products, through which we hope to fulfill others’ expectations and express our gratitude. We are nothing without action. Please infuse your actions with gratitude.

　先日もご縁を頂き、以前より会いたかった方にお会いする機会を頂きました。また、わざわざ東京まで同行をして頂きました。先方様にも、ご縁を頂いた社長様にも本当に感謝いたします。

　縁は必ず廻り廻ってきます。両親を始めとして、先祖が一生懸命に話をし、周りの人とかかわり、縁を大切にしてきたから、今私がこうして沢山の方よりご縁を頂いています。幸せも、お金も、縁もすべて廻ってきます。今、この時だけをみれば損だと感じることがあるかもしれません。でも、違います。何年後、何十年後、何百年後に必ず自分や自分の息子や娘、子孫に返ってきます。良いことをすれば、良いことが返ってくるし、悪いことをすれば、必ず悪いことが返ってくる。それが縁です。

　自分のため、人のため、社会のため、山梨のために今を全力で、人と人との繋がりを大切に生きてください。 やがて日本、地域社会、家族、子孫が幸せになります 。今のこの一瞬一瞬を大切に、行動をお願いします。



The Bonds of Karma

The other day, I was blessed yet again to connect with someone. I have wanted to meet this person for a while and was finally given an opportunity to do so when he came all the way to Tokyo. I am truly grateful to both the people who set up the meeting as well as the person I met.

The bonds of fate have certainly circled back to me. It is because I heard the strong stories of my ancestors, beginning with my parents, and because I valued these connections that I now have bonds with so many people. Whether it is happiness, money, or bonds [between people], all things [in life] rotate in a cyclical fashion. If you look only at what is happening right now, you will probably feel a sense of loss or disadvantage. However, such feelings are wrong. No matter how long – whether several years, several decades, or several centuries – [whatever you lost] will come back to you. If you do something good, something good will come back to you. [Conversely,] if you do something bad, something bad will, without fail, come back to you. This is karma.

Please, for yourself, for those around you, for society, and for Yamanashi, please live right now with your entire being. Live valuing your connections with others. Eventually Japan, your community, your family, and your descendants will be happy. I ask that you value each moment and act.

　問題や改善がないということは一生ありません。あるとしたら、その時が人生の終わりです。決してゴールはありません。
　何か問題が起きたら、きちんとその事象に目を向けください。なぜ失敗したのか反省をして、次に同じ失敗をしないように行動をしてください。叱った人の目を見てその人の様子を伺うのではなく、起こった事象をみるのです。問題が起きたら、自分に置き換え、行動するしかありません。それが成長です。全てのことを謙虚に受け止め、日々改善、成長をしていってください。

　今や誰もが知っている家電量販店様も、今の社長様が１代で築きあげ、これだけの大企業になっています。
　何においても、全員にチャンスが与えられています。将来どうしたいか、しっかりとした夢を持ち、どれだけ一生懸命頑張れるかでその人の人生が変わります。どれだけ強く思うか。強く思えば行動をします。１人の時間に勉強をします。１人の時間を大切にしてください。将来どうしたいか、しっかりとビジョンを持ち、強く思って行動をしてください。努力は必ず実を結びます。どれだけ弱い自分に打ち勝てるかです。一人一人が行動をすれば必ず、会社が成長します。夢は叶います。行動をお願いします。

Strong Thought and Action

“Problems” are not the same as “a lack of improvement.” The day those two are the same is the day life ends. It is not the goal.

Whenever a problem arises, please focus on the issue. Think about why the failure occurred and what you should do to avoid repeating the same mistake. Look at the eyes of someone who has scolded [someone else] and you will see not their appearance but rather the problem that occurred. When a problem arises, there is nothing to do but act. That is growth. Please take things in a humble manner and daily seek improvement and growth.

The president of a well-known high-volume electronics company built a huge company in the space of one lifetime. At this company, all employees are given a chance at anything. “What do you want to do in the future?” The person’s life changes based solely on how hard he works toward this dream and on how strongly he wants it. If you are passionate about something, act [on it]. Use your time to study. Value your time. Hard works breeds results. It’s all about how well you can overcome your weak points. If each of us acts, our company will certainly grow. Our dream will come true. I ask that you act.

　半年ほど前に読んだ本の中に「声を聞けばその人がどういう状態かがわかる」と書いてありました。その時はよくわかりませんでしたが、最近は少しわかるようになりました。

　以前お仏壇のはせがわの長谷川会長様が来社された時、朝の全体朝礼でお話をして頂きました。その時の長谷川会長の声は本当に大きく、心に響いたことを今でも鮮明に覚えています。あれほど大きいく、みんなの心を揺さぶったのは、そこに長谷川会長様の念いが詰まっていたからです。一生懸命お話をしてくださったからあれだけ心に残っているのです。

　小さい声で、無表情では何を言いたいのかわかりません。魅力がる人、この人についていきたいと思う人、応援したいと思う人は、絶対に一生懸命な人です。そしてそういう人は必ず声が大きいです。声は気持ちを伝える方法の１つです。声はとても大切です。いつでも大きく、張りのある声で、一生懸命行動をしてください。念いを周りに伝えてください。



Voice

Roughly six months ago I read a book that talked about how “through listening to a person’s voice you can know what he is feeling.” At the time I did not have a firm understanding of what the author was saying; however, lately I have begun to understand.

A few months ago, a Buddhist leader named Mr. Hasegawa visited our office and gave a talk at our all-staff morning assembly. His voice at the time was very loud and I can still recall clearly the words that struck my heart. The reason his voice was so loud and his words shook the hearts of those listening is that his speech was full with his thoughts and feelings. It was because he spoke fervently that his speech remains in my heart as much as it does.

I cannot understand what a person says when he speaks in a small, expressionless voice. Attractive people, those who wish to be attractive people, and those people who want to help others are, without fail, hard working. Moreover, such people unfailingly have big voices. The voice is one way of communicating your feelings [and as such] is very important. No matter when, please work hard and have a loud, full voice. Communicate your thoughts to those around you.

　先日ある会社のバイヤー様に弊社へ来社頂き、工場見学をして頂きました。とてもうれしいことです。遠いところからわざわ有難うございました。

　弊社の品質保証部、製造部のトップから、製品の説明をさせて頂きました。また会社を一通り、総務のものよりご説明をさせて頂きました。弊社は１９年の
１０月に新社屋へ引っ越しをしてきました。この社屋のコンセプトはショールームです。沢山の方に生産現場を実際に目でみて、耳で聞き、肌で感じてほしいと思っています。そして何より社員をみてほしい。どんな人が、どういう思いで、どうやって作っているのかを知って頂き、少しでも安心して、ご購入頂ければと考えています。



　年間１００組を超えるお客様にご来社を頂き、見学通路に飾ってある、記念写真の数も増えました。是非みなさんも１度来社をして頂き、肌で感じて頂けたら幸いです。



　バイヤー様から、「社員のあいさつや笑顔がとてもよかった」、また「社員全員が、私でなく、きちんとエンドユーザーのことを考えて行動をしていることがとてもよく伝わってきて関心した。安心して販売できます。帰社したら一人でも多くに人にジットの製品に対する想いを伝えます。」という温かいお言葉を頂戴しました。本当に有難うございます。皆さん期待をしてくださっていることを忘れずに行動をお願いします。　嬉しいです。



Visitor to Our Factory

The other day, a buyer from another company paid our offices a visit. His visit to our factory made me very happy. To this buyer who came from so far away: thank you.

The heads of our QC and manufacturing departments thoroughly explained not only about our products but also about our company. In October of 2007, JIT moved into its new location [here in Minami Alps]. Our new offices and plant were designed as a showroom so that many people could experience JIT for themselves: seeing through their own eyes, hearing with their own ears, and feeling through their own skin. More than anything, I want people to see our employees. I would be very happy if people could know for themselves how our products are made: what kind of people are making them, what kind of thoughts go into each product, and how each product is made. I believe that such an experience would provide customer’s with at least a little peace of mind and would lead them to purchase more from us.

Over 100 customers visit our factory in a year. Please, everyone, visit our factory once and feel for yourself [what JIT is].

The buyer who recently visited our offices told me that “the greetings and smiles from the employees were great;” moreover, he could feel strongly that “when making the cartridges, the employees do not think only of the buyer but also of the end user. I feel safe buying from JIT. Once I return to my company, I will tell many people about JIT and its products.” I am so very grateful to this man. Please do not forget the hopes and expectations [of people such as this buyer] as you go about your work. I am happy.

　先日、地元にあります増穂商業高校からご依頼を頂き、３年生の生徒の前で講演する機会を頂きました。皆さん本当に真面目に聞いてくださり、本当にうれしかったです。有難うございました。



　これから社会に出るにあたって、大切なことを私なりにお話させて頂きました。夢を持つこと、努力は必ず実を結ぶということ、絶対に諦めないこと、失敗はいっぱいした方がよいこと、掃除ができる人は仕事もできるということ、人間に不可能はないということ、親へ感謝をすること・・・言いたいことは沢山ありました。１時間の中で話せることを一生懸命思いを伝えました。

　１番伝えたかったことは「人」と「人」、「心」と「心」の繋がりの大切さです。一生懸命、諦めずに頑張っていれば必ず周りが応援をしてくれます。努力は絶対に裏切りません。絶対に諦めないで行動し続けてください。どんな会社もはじめは小さい時期がありました。最初から１００点を取れる人などいません。まずは１点です。１点１点の積み重ねがあるからこそ今の会社、自分がいます。失敗は沢山してください。失敗した数だけ、苦労をした分だけ、強くなれます。そしてどこへ行ったとしても絶対に３年間は頑張ってください。

　これは皆さんに共通して言えることです。毎日を一生懸命、全力で生きてください。そして何があっても諦めずに挑戦し続け、周りのみんなの幸せのために行動をしてください。先祖に両親に家族に感謝です。




Lecture at Masuho High School

A few days ago, I received an invitation from Masuho High School to come speak in front of their seniors. I was so happy to see the solemn, serious faces of the students as their listened intently to what I had to say. I thank them.

I was priviledged to talk to these students about what is important as they prepare to enter society, for instance: having a dream, the results of hard work, what happens if you don’t give up, the fact that it’s better to have many failures, only those who can clean [well] will be able to work well, the fact that there is nothing humans cannot do, the importance of gratitude toward one’s parents, etc. There were many, many things that I wanted to talk about and during the hour that I was given I worked hard to convey my thoughts and feelings.

The thing that I most wanted to communicate to these students was the importance of the connection between people, between hearts. If you work hard and do not give up, those around you will certainly cheer you on. Hard work will never betray you. Please do not give up [but] continue in your actions. No matter the company, they all started as something small. There is no one who can start from 100. [Everything] begins at one. It is precisely because of the accumulation of these singular points that my company and I am here today. Please fail many times. It is only through failures, only through hardships that you can grow strong. [Finally,] no matter where you go, please work hard [there] for three years.

This can be said to everyone. Please live everyday working hard with your entire being. Moreover, no matter what happens, do not give up [but] continue to fight and act for the happiness of all those around you. Be grateful to your ancestors, yoru parents, and your family.

　６月４日の山梨日日新聞の「社長室」というシリーズに私を取り上げて頂きました。とてもうれしく、光栄です。朝から、関係会社様、先輩、後輩、友人、社員と沢山の方よりメールや電話を頂きました。本当に有難うございます。

　社長室兼会議室には、沢山の亀の置物が飾ってあります。



　私は何をするにも１番に、「スピード」をモットーに走り続けてきました。私はうさぎのつもりで、走り続けてきました。しかしその姿は周りからみれば「いのしし」だと言われたことがありました。まっすぐしか見えずに、一心に突き進む。まわりからはそう見えていたようです。考えていればその通りだと思います。だから、周りにも目を向けて、一歩一歩確実に歩けるように、そして「地道に事業を継続する」という決意を忘れないように、カメを集め続けています。今では、家族や社員からもお土産にもらうことも多々あります。現在集めたカメの数は２００個以上。これからも「１歩を大切に」という気持ちも忘れずに、精進していきます。



Treasure Each Step

In the June 4th edition of Yamanashi Daily, I was part of a series entitled “President’s Room.” I felt very happy and honored [to be featured]. Beginning that morning, I received many e-mails and phone calls from companies connected with JIT, from superiors and inferiors, friends, and employees. Thank you very much.

In my office (which also doubles as our board room), there are many turtle figurines.

[Until now] I always thought of myself as a hare, always running everywhere under the motto of “speed” as the ultimate [goal]. However, I was told by those around me that I appeared to be more like a boar, always plunging forward thinking only of myself, unable to see anything but what is directly in front of me. This is what those around me saw in me. If I think about it, I see the truth in that image. Therefore, I am going to shift my attention to those around me and, never forgetting my determination to be an honest business, will continue to collect turtles. Many of them are presents from my family and employees and the total number of figurines is over two hundred. I will continue to “treasure each step” as I zealously go forward.

　昨日２年生社員とお昼を食べました。160名の従業員が6~７名に分かれ年に２・３回ずつ社長室兼会議室に招き一緒に食事をし、普段なかなか聞けない悩みや相談、提案を聞く機会を設けています。毎回たくさんのことに気づかされていますし、勉強になっています。特に新入社員の意見は素直で鋭い意見が多くてとても嬉しいです。

　赤ちゃんは３歳で人格が決まるといっても過言ではありません。３年間でその子の性格や自己が形成されます。だから３年間は特に両親の深い愛情が必要です。新入社員も同じです。はじめの３年間がとても大切です。だから新入社員が人として成長するか、しないかは、社長を含める上司で決まります。

　子供は１滴の血で騒ぎます。しかし大人になるにつれ、これくらいはいいやと気に留めなくなります。新入社員のようにいつも素直に問題を捉えて、騒いでください。１つを大切に、危機感を持って行動をしてください。素直な心が１番です。皆さんも初心を忘れずに、一生懸命行動してください。

The Spirit or Feeling With Which You Began

Yesterday I had lunch with several of our second year employees. Our 160 employees are divided into groups of 6-7 people each and are invited to have lunch with me in my office 2-3 times each year. As we eat, I ask them to share with me concerns or thoughts that I am unable to hear at other times. It also serves as a time for employees to offer suggestions.  Each time affords me an opportunity to study through what is brought to my attention. In particular, the new employees with their frank, unprejudiced opinions make me very happy.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that a child’s character is decided by the time it is three years old. In those [first] three years, the child’s personality and self are formed; therefore, it is during those first three years that deep affection from the parents is important. The same is true for new employees. The first three years are very important: whether they will grow or not is decided by their boss and superiors.

Children are alarmed by one drop of blood. However, as you become an adult, you begin to realize that [such a small amount] is fine. [However,] like the new employees, please always be alarmed by problems. Treasure even the small things and have a sense of danger. An unprejudiced, frank, obedient heart is the best thing. I ask you all to not forget your original spirit as you zelously act.

　３月に母校である甲府工業の卒業式に出席をさせて頂きました。その時、卒業生が歌う校歌にとても感動しました。私はその声が大きいから感動をしたのではありません。声の大小ではないのです。一生懸命さに心を打たれ、感動し、涙がこぼれました。
　朝礼も同じです。本日も下を向いて元気がない人が数名見られました。朝礼で一生懸命できない人が仕事も、そうじも一生懸命取り組めるはずがありません。仕事ができる人は朝礼も、掃除も一生懸命です。『今』も『いつも』全力投球です。だから多くのことに気付けます。朝礼もそうじも気付きです。一生懸命取り組んでいれば必ず何かに気付けます。

　朝礼でしか一日に全員の顔をみれません。しっかりみんなの顔をみて、みんなに一生懸命な顔を見せてください。パワーを与えるくらいの気持ちで取り組んでください。すべて自分との戦いです。『ライバルは自分自身』　自分に打ち勝って、どんどん成長していってください。私も毎日弱い、ずるい自分と闘っています。みんなが居るから、夢があるから闘えます。



Fervor

In March, I attended the graduation ceremony of my alma mater, Kofu Manufacturing [School]. During the ceremony, I was deeply moved at hearing the graduates sing the school song. I was not moved because they sang in loud voices. It wasn’t about the volume of their voices but rather because I felt in my heart their zeal and it brought me to tears.

The same can be said about morning assembly. Today, as before, there were employees who stared at the ground and whose voices were listless. People who cannot be zealous or fervent toward morning assemblies are not zealous about their work or cleaning. People capable of work are those who give their all in morning assemblies and cleaning. Their live “right now” and “all the time” with their entire being. Therefore, they are able to notice many things, both at morning assembly and in [the morning] cleaning. If you are working hard, you will surely be able to notice things [around you].

Aside from morning assembly, there is no other time in the day when you can see the faces of all the employees. Take a thorough look at those around you and present to them a zealous face. Please work hard with a spirit to empower others. It is entirely up to you: you are your own rival. Please conquer [your weaknesses] and quickly grow and mature. I am also struggling daily against my own weaknesses and flaws. I am able to fight because of all of you and because I have a dream.