Takahiro Takayama, renowned as the founder of Japanet, recently marked the ten-year anniversary of his departure from the company he created, reflecting on his legacy and future aspirations.
At 76 years old, Takayama remains an influential figure, having built Japanet from humble beginnings. He fondly recalls his days as the charismatic host of the company’s television shopping programs, where his distinctive voice and fervent product pitches captivated audiences nationwide.
"I have been involved in selling various products through mail order, yet one area where I have struggled is IT," Takayama said, expressing his views on leadership technology demands. He emphasizes the need for modern leaders to embrace new technologies, admitting to his self-professed inadequacies relating to the digital age. "If I had stayed at the company, I would have likely been seen as outdated," he added with a laugh.
Following his resignation as CEO, Takayama didn’t retreat from public life. He established his office, "A and Live," where he currently keeps light office hours, only working three to four days per week. Despite his reduced role, he stays connected and continues to mentor those who seek his advice.
Takayama credits much of his success to the support he received from his wife, Keiko, who served as Japanet's vice president for years. The couple resides together in the home they built after Takayama’s 60th birthday. "My wife has very specific tastes, and I seldom shop for myself," he humorously remarked, reflecting on his minimal interest in fashion and material goods.
With ten grandchildren to his name, Takayama relishes family interactions. "We all get along very well, and our family group chat is quite lively!" he said, noting the consistent communication they maintain. These connections keep him grounded and motivated.
His tenure at Japanet did not only encompass retail; under his leadership, the company became synonymous with groundbreaking marketing efforts, reaching over ¥170 billion ($1.6 billion) annually. Takayama feels immense pride reflecting on his career path, which began when he helped at his family's camera shop before establishing Japanet Takata.
He started his entrepreneurial career independently at the age of 27, establishing the company officially as Japanet Takata in 1999 and extending its reach through groundbreaking television shopping. Such endeavors were pivotal, as they transitioned traditional sales methodologies to the televised platform, making Japanet one of the leading names in retail.
Reluctant to claim any solo accomplishments, Takayama insists, “Nothing special was done. I simply worked hard on the daily tasks and aimed to communicate effectively.” This philosophy paved the way for the significant growth the company encountered.
Now, with his future vision intact, Takayama expressed his desire to live passionately for another 40 years, aiming for 117. "I cherish the words, 'Keep dreaming and keep striving,' and I hope to continue living with vitality and enthusiasm," he conveyed.
While he has passed the torch to successors at Japanet, who have carried on the work and opened exciting new ventures such as the Nagasaki Stadium City, Takayama remains deeply proud of their collective achievements.
His successor, Mr. Akito, has successfully steered Japanet, exhibiting growth and innovation tenfold. Takayama remarked, “I’m thrilled to see the company expand significantly and reach new heights.”
Even though his days on camera may be behind him, Takayama’s presence continues to be felt through the thriving business he built. He remains optimistic about the future, both personally and professionally, embodying the spirit of relentless pursuit of dreams, effective business practices, and family connections.
Reflecting on his decade away from Japanet, he says, "The important part is the foundation of dreams and the daily efforts to realize them, and I hope to keep this ethos alive for many more years to come."