What comes from a never-give-up heart

What comes from a never-give-up heart

It's now a pleasant season. I love mornings, which include my daily routine of offering thanks to the Buddhist altar and Shinto altar, watering the garden, and feeding the killifish.

If you spend many years busy every day, you can literally lose your mind, so I love this kind of luxury time.

As I frantically juggle work, child-rearing, and housework, the days pass by in a flash without me having time to look at nature. I'm so busy with work that I barely have time to catch my breath... One day, I suddenly notice the beauty of a small flower, or the beautiful clouds in the sky when I look up, and I remember the fun days when I used to look up at the sky with my friends and wonder what it looked like.

Now that I'm done raising my children, I suddenly realized that I have a little more free time in my mind! My goal, in fact, was to retire as president two years ago! But then came the unexpected and ferocious COVID-19 pandemic, and something completely unexpected happened in the world. Far from retirement...

Looking at this industry, it is common for the presidents to be quite elderly, with no handover to the next president, and they are hospitalized, become ill, and suddenly become the new president.There are also many cases of sudden, life-changing handovers, like mine.

In short, there are many situations in the world where a person has to go about their job as a president without being prepared.

Many of the female business owners I am close to are like this. Suddenly, the president ran away, leaving behind debts, or suddenly passed away...

However, it is women who are strong in such a last-minute situation!!! No wonder they overcome the painful experience of childbirth that men cannot go through... women are strong.

But, but, if possible, I would like to be prepared.

Running a business with only enthusiasm like mine is not good. I think to myself, "I've done well..."

(lol)

I initially declared that we aimed to become a 100-year-old company, and took on the role of president, and the company will soon enter its 92nd year since its founding 20 years ago.

Passion is important, but passion alone is not enough to run a business. It was a continuous struggle.

I once heard a story from a senior company president whom I respect.

"Nakae-san, I'm in this situation now, too. I tried and tried until I was 60, but nothing worked. I kept apologizing to the banks and somehow managed to keep going. If you work steadily and earnestly, you'll get results, and there will be people watching you. Work honestly and steadily, and do your best! There's absolutely no mistake in what you're doing. Move forward with confidence."

Those words from my great senior gave me courage. When I was at rock bottom of hardship and on my way home, I asked myself, "Who can show the next generation their back with confidence?" I asked myself that question over and over again. That's the way to choose hardship. That's the way to not give up.

I have been moving forward with this in mind, knowing that I can quit at any time, and that the meaning of life lies in continuing. Now, I am receiving support from many people.

And then, after seeing me for the past 20 years, my two sons, who last year advised me to quit my job, saying, "Mom, it's time to stop living this hard life! Why don't you follow the path you love?", are now lending me a hand after seeing the support of the customers around them. And even their girlfriends and friends... Such a scene is unfolding.

This is the view I saw when I didn't give up despite the difficulties.

We still have a long way to go, but we hope to grow and succeed as a bright light for the next generation, and continue to passionately spread the timeless craftsmanship of MADE IN JAPAN to the world.

The story of Yuko Nakae continues. Please enjoy.

We will continue to bring smiles to everyone's faces from our feet, so please continue to support us. Sunday, May 11th is a day to thank the mothers who brought precious lives to us, and until Wednesday, April 30th, we will be offering a 10% discount on purchases at the LINE Shop. Please show your gratitude to your mother from your feet. "Tsutsushita" will convey your daily gratitude to your mother. Leave it to us!!!