Shizuoka

There are many legendary titles like Tenno Heika (Emperor), Seijin (Saint), and Kousou (High Priest) in Japan, but Shogun (General) can be the most strong and mysterious name. Above all, Tokugawa Shogun, which lasted 15 generations, is the most powerful one. We have lots to learn from them.

Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine is the Tokugawa Family Temple in Shizuoka City from the day of Ieyasu TOKUGAWA, the 1st shogun. Shizuoka city has been developed as one of the core cities for manufacturing, logistics, sightseeing, etc.

At the foot of Sacred Mount Fuji ( World Legacy ), many family businesses emerged, playing important roles for Japan and the world today.

Our guests can be fascinated by several distinguished family businesses guided by Professor Mr. Toshio GOTO, the Japanese family business research guru, and his team.

The view from the NIHONDAIRA Hotel never stops visitors from being fascinated. Panoramic scenery takes you to the days of the Edo Period (1600 to 1867).

Agenda as of SEP 30, 2024

Host: Professor Toshio GOTO

Mr. Toshio Goto is a Research Professor at the Graduate School of Management, Japan University of Economics, Tokyo, Japan, with a seasoned background both in academia and business management in various capacities worldwide. He is concurrently Chairperson of, Research Institute for Family Business Succession, Director, Shibunkai (Research Institute for Confucianism), and Executive Director, Japanese Civilization Institute.

He holds a Bachelor’s (Economics) degree from the University of Tokyo and an MBA from Harvard University.

With rich and balanced expertise, he’s pioneered family business research in Japan and actively participated in IFERA (International Family Enterprise Research Academy), with a special focus on family business longevity, governance, and succession. He has been invited to deliver keynote speeches in Singapore, Amsterdam, Taipei, and other major cities worldwide.

Professor Toshio GOTO

Family Visit 1: Tamiya Family

Since entering the hobby business in 1948, rising from the ashes of the Pacific War, Tamiya, Inc. and the Tamiya family have unswervingly striven to be “First in Quality Around the World.” This refers to excellence in product quality and, more importantly, to our dedication to the hobby industry.

While Tamiya has become the leader in the hobby world and now operates on a global level, we remain true to our basic values: from planning, design, mold construction, molding, and production to the various forms of graphic design employed in our products, everything is done in-house. This process allows reproduction in the super-detail, indispensable to pursuing the ultimate hobby experience.

The phrase “Tamiya Standard” is praised among modeling connoisseurs and is often followed by the compliment that our products are so precise as to be “Museum Items.” This stalwart commitment to perfection of quality continues to propel Tamiya into a promising and exciting future.

Nobuhiro Tamiya is the fourth generation of the Tamiya family to lead the company. As president, he aims to lead Tamiya, Inc. into a brave new era.

Mr. Nobuhiro TAMIYA (4th Gen)

Family Visit 2: Yazaki Family

Winner of the Global Family Business Award in 2007

Yazaki Group began with the establishment of Yazaki Electric Wire Industries Co., Ltd. in 1941.

We started manufacturing electric wires for automobiles based on technologies gained over the years through our electric wire business, and today, we claim one of the top market shares worldwide.

In addition, we have expanded our businesses into construction and architectural wires, general transportation systems, gas appliances, air conditioners and solar thermal appliances, agriculture, nursing, and recycling. We operate in 46 countries and regions, with approximately 240,000 employees working at 141 companies domestically and overseas.

In the countries and regions where we have expanded, we stay close to the local communities and contribute to society by our corporate policy of “a corporation in step with the world” and “a corporation needed by society.”

Family Visit 3: Suzuki Family

Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. has a history of more than 220 years, during which time we have developed various businesses focusing on logistics.

This was made possible because we have managed to adapt to changing times and have kept relevance through self-innovation to be an entity always needed by society in accordance with the spirit of "Tomoiki (Symbiosis)"—the backbone of our business.

We will continue this effort of challenge and innovation and contribute to our customers and, eventually, to society as a whole.

Kenichiro Suzuki, President & CEO (9th Gen)