This is the third version of dialogue. Part 2 by Mr. Yoshimasa Hoshiba.Mr. Isosaka, who sympathizes with Brunello Cucinelli’s management philosophy, and says that the future map is colored, talked with Mr. Hoshiba, who is actually close to Mr. Cucinelli, about the ideal image of the company going forward.

The moment to get colored in a dream

Mr. Isosaka :In the previous part of the talks, I touched on the brand of Brunello Cucinelli.。In the conversation with Mr. Taro Hakase, he is close friends with Mr. Hoshiba, I was impressed by Mr. Cucinelli’s management philosophy and his emphasis on the happiness and well-being of employees. And I was convinced that what I had envisioned in company management as the ideal form and objectives that should be together with such philosophy and thoughts.

Mr. Hoshiba : A management policy based on the principle of “”human being first,”” which is not an existing capitalistic management, but to work in a human-like manner.Mr. Cucinelli has his respect for the craftsmen who make products, and his belief is clear that the happiness of the employees who work with him is important.The fact managing a brand that is supported by many people in possessing completely different values from a company that has always sought to expand its business, presents one model for the future of a company.

Mr. Isosaka : I chose Brunello Cucinelli, which is high-quality and renowned, because I thought it was necessary for me to know and experience high-quality products in order to aim for a high-quality company.The shape, material, comfort, and atmosphere are all very wonderful. Just it.It’s truly an inspiring product.
At that time, one shop clark said, “”Please read this. then I got a book filled with Mr. Cucinelli’s philosophy,The moment I read the book, I got inspired.I was moved Mr. Cucinelli, when I learned his character and acehivement.
When I took over as the CEO position of the Kawashima Packaging Machinery Ltd. , I kept thinking about what to do with the company. There was something like a future map of black-and-white painting., but that was the moment when I suddenly noticed and get the color of it.

Mr, Hoshiba : People come first, isn’t it.

Mr. Isosaka : That’s right.It’s strange, but it’s something like encountering either people or book by a strong desire to realize.Then I was moved to tears when I saw a video of Mr. Hoshiba’s trip to Mr. Brunello Cucinelli in Solomeo village in YouTube.I was impressed about that feeling of air and style as a company.

Mr. Hoshiba: I understand.I was overwhelmed by the fact that I experienced in the place.I was made to think about what a company is and what is important in life and work in seeing their respect for the employees’ happiness and human dignity and the life well-being .
I assume that Mr. Cucinelli is creating an ideal place for human beings, and he is not thinking about the good in now, but rather in the future.

Ms. Isosaka : That’s right.By inspiring of it, I dream of the idea of creating “”Kawajima Village,”” here in Kawashima headquater is located. like the Solomeo Village created by Mr. Cucinelli.

Mr, Hoshiba : Great.You have a vision like that.

If Kawashima Packaging Machinery Ltd. creates a “”village””,The future drawn on the Future Map.

Mr. Isosaka : Actually, we asked our employees for their opinions on what they would like to do in the future, and they dream of having a farm where organic vegetables are made in the factory, and a cafeteria where everyone can eat at lunch, and people in the neighborhood can come to have a meal.In fact, We also made its painting.

For more information on the Future Map, click here.

Mr. Hoshia: It’s wonderful, isn’t it?There is a dream in the concept of one enterprise creating communities, becoming villages, and becoming regions.I would like you to make it happen.

Mr. Isosaka : It’s a grandeur story, but that is what the dream get colored.This may be a reckless dream.However, by taking on the challenge, we should be able to surely approach the goal, and I believe that the passion and process of trying to achieve is worthwhile.
I want employees to see me to take the lead in taking on challenges, and I want to increase the number of colleagues who “”want to challenge together because it looks interesting,”” rather than colleagues to say “”what are you talking about?

Mr. Hoshiba : It is a dream which seems to be reckless.It’s wonderful.At first people might think, “”What are you talking about?”” but the beginning of many great achievements is always so.Mr. Cucinelli has built a church on a ruined land, created a soccer field, and made it an attractive village.If you have dreams and beliefs, your companions will gather.

Mr. Isosaka : I often tell my employees.Let’s abandon the idea because it’s this company after all and me after all.After all, the word is forbidden.If you say it, you can’t get out of the range or limit.I believe that the future will change depending on the concept.

Mr. Hoshiba : I agree”The coolest thing is unprecedented.It is important to set high goals, isn’t it?As Mr. Isosaka just mentioned, there are many things that can be gained in the process even if it cannot be realized.

Harmony between the theory of subtraction and nature

Mr. Isosaka : I have two perspectives on manufacturing and management. One of them is the theory of subtraction.That’s the image and product at our entrance you just saw.By eliminating the unnecessary functions and designs without decoration, it is possible to find out the essential quality.
Another is, indeed, inspired by Cucinelli, It is “”harmony with nature.

Mr. Hoshiba : It means coexistence.

Ms. Isosaka : That’s right.Telework has become popular due to the influence of corona, making it difficult for employees to communicate as closely as ever before.In that context, we have renewed the design of our offices that will require as much comfortable space as possible in a limited time.
I want them to gain new ideas and perform well in an environment working in nature, such as using trees, putting it in fireplaces, and so on.
Especially in our case, the machinery we handle tends to be metallic and inorganic, so we have created a floor that incorporates nature, with a view of balancing.

Mr. Hoshiba : That is this floor we are in right now.

Mr. Isosaka : I was always conscious on the co-existence of conflicting things, such as balance, but I also came to understand this after reading Cucinelli’s book.Beautiful things are no unbalance.The ratio of men to women in the company is also so, and the balance between work and private too.I am always aware of the balance.For example, I hope that employees will not be overloaded with work, and that they will enjoy life itself.

Mr. Hoshiba : Italian companies and nationality may be the model.There is a phrase that expresses Italian character, “” Mangiare(eat), Cantare(sing), and Amore (love).”””It doesn’t apply to all Italians, but it is different　from　Japanese.It is the spirit of enjoying daily and life, and work is also important.It is also interesting to learn about the products and companies that such people make.

Mr. Isosaka : The superb like Ferrari are probably born because they are such a culture.As expected, it is important to come into touch with various values.

Concern about Corona outbreak.The number of experiences helps to be authentic

Mr. Hoshiba : I agree.Italian companies are not the only hints, but there are leading manufacturers and brands around the world, touching many things and people with a multi view.
I have been inspired by visiting a hundred and several dozen countries and meet a variety of people from the age of 20 till now.Now I can’t go out because of the Corona ..that there are many things that can be gained by visiting the site. I am concerned this situation is not only for myself but also for the young people who will make the future.

Mr. Isosaka : Experience is the very thing that enhances humanity, isn’t it?In this way, this is an experience and a learning opportunity for me to talk with Mr. Htoshiba.We would like our employees to be stimulated by touching wonderful people and things.How can we create such an opportunity without making an excuse for Corona? That’s a challenge of management, isn’t it?

Mr. Hoshiba : On the other hand, the impact of the Corona disease has created a trend of take care of the things in the world, hasn’t it?The flow of sustainability and SDGs is also so.But this was not really something that started now, but there is some people who knew it long time ago.
I also wrote in the preface to the book I published entitled 『“”Just only this, good men’s clothing,””』 introducing on Prince Charles of the United Kingdom, his motto is “”Buy a Good Thing (Buy Once, Buy Well.)The selected good items are cared and used for a long time, while “”repairing it.”””This is the authentic style, and you want to make things that are so loved.

Mr. Isosaka : Our products also want to be like that.We will continue to take on the challenge of becoming a product or company that “”we need Kawashima!””I learned a lot today.Thank you very much.

Yoshimasa HOSHIBA
Born in Tokyo in 1973.He was the editor-in-chief of 『“”FORZA STYLE”” 』(Kodansha), a fashion director.
After editing magazines such as “”MA-1,”” “”Mono Magazine,”” and “”Esquaia Japanese Edition,”” he has been involved in popular men’s magazines such as “”LEON”” and “”OCEANS”” since its first publication, and has created a “”””older and fashionable man”” boom.
In 2010, he became independent and established Style Clinic Co., Ltd.Besides serving as editor-in-chief of Sette Mari, a gender magazine that loves marine travel, he is also active in a wide range of areas, including TV, magazines, radios, and talk events, as well as brand production.He also engages in 「MINIMALWARDROBE」and「SIMPLE-LIFE」 on-line select shops that collect only what he likes.
Instagram @yoshimasa_hoshiba is also popular.

Picture:Takahiro Yamada
Text:Cross Media Marketing