An interview with CEO Noriko Ishizaka was published in Japan Post’s newsletter

A conversation between Japan Post Co., Ltd. President and CEO Kunio Yokoyama and Representative Director Noriko Ishizaka was published in the Autumn 2017 issue of Japan Post Co., Ltd.’s newsletter, “One to One.” In this conversation between the representatives of Japan Post Co., Ltd. and Ishizaka Sangyo, two companies that have undergone major transformations, they passionately exchanged views on the vision, ingenuity, and necessary skills required for the reforms.

When a company changes, what should it focus on and how should it act? Ishizaka Sangyo achieved reforms to become a company beloved by the local community through a drastic change in business direction, while Japan Post worked hard to maintain its public nature while seeking profitability through privatization of the postal service. “When innovative reforms are called for in the postal service, we must not forget that our social mission is the basis of reform.” Yokoyama feels a mission to protect the “warmth of letters” even in the digital age.

And to bring about change, one needs the ability to continue to “see it through.” “When you want to accomplish something, you can’t do it by trying to do everything at once. First, you have to build up one thing at a time.” Breaking through each task one by one and “seeing it through” leads to achieving your goal. When the enthusiasm of management is conveyed to employees, they also work responsibly and take pride in their work. To create this kind of virtuous cycle, Yokoyama says, “I want to achieve growth for the company by valuing the employees’ excitement and the desire to always think of new ideas, and by having all employees continue to grow.”

It was a passionate discussion aimed not only at business managers but at all working people.