INTERVIEW

"Since I joined, Takagi Building has been in a state of constant evolution. It has been a rare privilege to witness and participate in the company’s transformation from a conservative 'building management firm' into a company that challenges itself to 'create new value in real estate.'
We have a very free corporate culture with no rigid manuals. This means you have to find your own sense of purpose and identify problems to solve on your own. Just as the company challenges itself, I find myself taking on new challenges every day. Because of our size, we can do things that large corporations simply cannot. I would say it is the perfect environment for someone who finds joy in creating real value for the world."

"Because we see ourselves as professionals, to be frank, it is a demanding environment. We are a lean, elite team, and the volume and variety of work we handle is immense.
There are days when I quietly pull weeds at one of our company-owned apartment buildings in coveralls, and the next day I am in a suit dealing with a construction project at one of our office buildings. The range really is that wide. In order to raise client satisfaction, we work closely with our partners while maintaining a strict, professional stance and are always looking for win-win solutions.
The kind of people I want to work with are those who do not give up easily. Because we are a small team and each person takes on a variety of roles, we need people who approach their work with a strong sense of professionalism and who can find real fulfillment in that."

"Sometimes, when I am weeding the grounds at an apartment building, a resident will pass by and thank me. Moments like that make me incredibly happy and satisfied.
Before joining Takagi Building, I worked at a gas station for over ten years. That is actually where I met our current President, Mr. Takagi. At the time, he was working there part-time while pursuing a career as a professional musician."

"That's right. And at the time, I was the store manager, so I was actually his supervisor! (laughs)
Working at a gas station is physically demanding and tough, but it doesn't end with just pumping gas and washing cars. You have to anticipate what customers need and act proactively, or they won't come back. Even when you're exhausted, when a customer arrives, you greet them with a smile. That's something not only I value, but President Takagi does as well. I think that mindset has become the core of this company: the commitment to creating new value that goes beyond just real estate.
I joined this company with no experience in the real estate industry. Honestly, there are still times when I feel uncertain, but drawing from my previous job and past experiences, I've approached my work with the intention of bringing 'perspectives that don't exist in the real estate industry.'
Now I work with buildings. There are many people who work in these buildings, and I think about 'how can we make their work experience as comfortable as possible?' To put it in grander terms, isn't that an important part of supporting the Japanese economy? I approach my work every day hoping that we can be a place where that kind of contribution is possible."

"I pride myself on having done more of the 'thankless tasks' than anyone else. I have always been willing to do the odd jobs and grunt work that no one else wants to do. Perhaps that dedication to the background work is my '1°.' Although, honestly, I think I've been leaning forward at about 125°. I've been throwing myself into the work so fully that I am ready to drop at any moment, and I would not have it any other way (laughs)."