Today's book is "Throw Away Business Books, Go Out Into the City" by Yohei Takayama, chairman of Okuri Bant.
I first read this book in June 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Above all, there's Mr. Takayama's striking visual presence, and his title as a "professional drinker" who drinks out 360 days a year. He's also humorous, posting "training" sessions on Twitter while eating ramen, for example. He's an interesting character from all angles, and he's my undisputed number one celebrity I want to meet.
At the time, I was busy with work and didn't fully absorb the content of this book. Three years have passed since then, and now that I've launched WAITER-U SHOP, something I truly wanted to do, rereading it hit me with a barrage of resonant ideas.
Here are a few of the many episodes introduced in this book.
Manga is the best business book
First, this book follows a story where a boss, worried about a serious employee named Manabe who takes his sales results too hard, purposefully sends him to Mr. Takayama. Through dialogue, Mr. Takayama guides Manabe on sales and work mindsets.
In this context, what Manabe first witnesses is Mr. Takayama openly reading manga for a long time at Renoir during work hours. And he says, "Manga is the best business book."
Certainly, people deeply involved in business tend to unconsciously gravitate towards the business book section at bookstores. However, since business is built on human interaction, I found myself oddly convinced that perhaps more useful knowledge for business situations could be gained from manga instead.
Mr. Takayama recommended "Oishinbo" and "Mejibana Detective Tachibana" to Manabe. Whether it's the importance of humility in acknowledging delicious food, even for a top chef at a high-end restaurant, or topics that could be used in business dinners, such as how eating eel on the Day of the Ox originated in the Edo period, there's something to be gained for anyone who reads them.
Souvenir Stamp Rally
When people go on vacation using their paid leave, most will buy local souvenirs to bring home, but how many seriously put thought into their selection? What's amazing about Mr. Takayama is that he turned this into content, transforming it into an innovative communication tool for connecting with colleagues he doesn't usually talk to. It's called the "Souvenir Stamp Rally."
For example, Shiroi Koibito for Hokkaido, or Torimon for Hakata; he collects famous sweets from all 47 prefectures like a stamp rally. And he goes around the office himself. Isn't that amazing?
This makes it a very innovative initiative because it motivates those preparing souvenirs to think, "I'll buy this for that person." And there's more.
Keep all seasonings on your desk
Apparently, various department members gather at Mr. Takayama's desk during lunchtime, seeking seasonings to enhance their bentos. From olive oil to Crazy Salt, soy sauce to various sauces. What's more, he even did PR activities via the company mailing list, suggesting that adding a little olive oil to Cup Noodle Seafood flavor is delicious. My hat is off to him. In the book, this was called the "Matsuya Theory." Anyone who has been to Matsuya might be able to imagine it.
When in a pinch, be POP.
This book doesn't offer direct, concrete advice like "do this for difficult bosses," but it's packed with the underlying mindset needed to persevere and not crumble in a crisis.
As the title of this book suggests, rather than just studying by reading webinars and books, isn't there more to learn by going out into the city and experiencing firsthand what people are thinking, buying, worrying about, wanting, and fearing?
