2504: Kenji's Decision for a Brilliant Endeavor

December 20th marked a memorable day for GUC. One of our shisha staff members, Kenji Okamura—a university senior—approached me with a bold proposal: to join GUC as a permanent employee starting April 2025. This decision came after he chose to decline an unofficial offer from a major recruiting company.

Kenji’s reasons for this significant decision were clear and compelling:

1. A Passion for Shisha Craftsmanship
   Kenji expressed his desire to lead our "Zerobase" initiative and drive its success, leveraging the deep knowledge and passion he has cultivated over three years of mastering shisha crafting and creating enjoyable customer experiences.

2. Expanding Business Acumen
   He saw an opportunity to grow by learning from GUC’s consulting activities and business network, gaining exposure to diverse ventures beyond shisha operations.

3. A Sense of Responsibility
   Observing my increased workload as I embark on new professional activities in Osaka, Kenji recognized the need for a permanent team member to ensure sustainable and profitable operations at GUC.

At first, I hesitated. It’s not easy to commit to such a significant change, but Kenji’s reasoning struck a chord with me. He has demonstrated a deep respect for his own strengths and preferences, valuing hands-on experience over conventional career paths shaped by post-1950 norms. His dedication to shisha craftsmanship and his understanding of customer-centric operations convinced me that he is ready to hone his skills and build a professional future at GUC.

Moreover, Kenji’s vision goes beyond shisha. He aspires to immerse himself in the broader business landscape through consulting and entrepreneurial ventures. This kind of hands-on, multifaceted growth is something he wouldn’t experience in a large-scale corporation.

GUC, like any venture company, is a going concern, facing both challenges and opportunities. I promised Kenji that GUC would provide him with platforms to explore uncharted possibilities. However, I also reminded him of the reality: his growth and success depend on his willingness to embrace challenges and continuously enhance his skills.

“You’ll be an average-income employee unless you take on challenges and expand your knowledge,” I told him. “But with effort and passion, you could achieve a six-figure income before you turn 40. It all depends on how you grow the business and yourself.”

Kenji’s decision to commit to GUC is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his belief in our shared vision. I am confident that this partnership will lead to remarkable growth, not just for him but for GUC as a whole.

Here’s to the next chapter of GUC with Kenji leading Zerobase into a brighter future!