Executive Profile
Maruhan was founded in 1957 in Mineyama, Kyoto prefecture and, through everyone’s support, has since continued to develop for over 50 years. Since our foundation, we have taken to heart our company mottos of Originality and Ingenuity, Sincerity and Effort, and Trust and Service, and have each day put into practice our foundational spirit of never forgetting our sense of gratitude and continue to think from the other person’s point of view. The road until today has definitely not been without bumps. However, by continuously pursuing customer satisfaction with a sense of urgency and vigilance, we have come to embody a spirit of always facing up to challenges without being complacent about existing circumstances. While the world economy turns increasingly severe, the environment surrounding our industry also continues to change at a faster pace than ever. I feel that the fact Maruhan exists today with continuous growth in such an environment is a result of the support of all our employees, who have been committed to uphold Maruhan’s principles and have been working to the utmost of their abilities, our customers who are such devoted Maruhan fans, and our business partners who we can always rely on.
Not settling on our present success, we look forward to the next 50 years and feel driven to take on new challenges not just in our current locations but elsewhere as well. At the same time we are resolved to strive to the best of our ability, to never neglect our core business but rather to adhere to our company’s principles of contributing to society and changing the pachinko industry, as we seek to create a company which is recognized as an industry leader in the business community and to develop leisure facilities that are familiar to the ever growing number of customers. We look forward to receiving your strength and support in this effort.
Incumbent Titles
- Administrative Director of the Han Tetsu Foundation, approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Director of the Kyoto UNESCO Association
- Administration Officer of the Kyoto Chapter United Nations Association of Japan
- Member of R.I.D.2650 Rotary Club of Kyoto Heian
- Director of Tokyo Philharmonic
Titles in South Korea
- Chairman of the World Federation of Korean Association of Commerce
Career
| May 1957 | Foundation |
|---|---|
| Dec. 1972 | Foundation of current Maruhan Corporation; assumed the position of President |
| May 1999 | Assumed the position of Chairman (incumbent) |
Prizes
| June 1972 | Won the Japanese prize, “Medal with dark blue ribbon” from Japanese prime minister. |
|---|---|
| Dec. 1987 | Was conferred the Order of “Sports Merit Cheongryong Medal” from South Korean government. |
| Mar. 1991 | Presidential Citation (18th Commerce and Industry day; South Korea) |
| Mar. 1994 | Invited to the banquet at the Imperial Palace for Emperor and Empress welcoming Mr. Kim Yong-sam, President of Republic of Korea, and Mrs. Kim Yong-sam. |
| Feb. 1995 | Was conferred the Order of Civil Merit “Mugunghwa Medal” from South Korean government. |
| June 1995 | Rewarded as an honorary citizen of Mineyama-town (Kyoto) where Maruhan was founded. |
| May 1996 | Granted an honorary degree of Doctor of Economics from Kyungnam University, South Korea. |
| Mar. 1998 | Won the 6th Korean Overseas Compatriots' Prize by KBS (Korea) |
| Nov. 1999 | Was conferred the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon from Japanese government. |
| Feb. 2004 | Was conferred the Medal for the Most Distinguished Service from Republic of the Marshall Islands. |
| Jan. 2006 | Was granted an honorary degree of Doctor of Business administration from Pusan National University, South Korea. |
| May 2008 | Was granted the Royal Order of Cambodia, Grand Cross with First Style Ribbon. |
| Jun. 2009 | Was granted an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Dong-A University, South Korea. |
| Oct. 2009 | Was granted an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea. |
| Oct. 2010 | Was awarded the first Honorary Citizen of Sacheon City, South Korea. |
| Dec. 2010 | Was awarded “CEO of the Year” by Korea Economic Daily. |
Since our foundation, Maruhan has aimed not only at a commercial growth but also at becoming a company that is needed and respected by society.
One can however hardly claim that the pachinko industry found acknowledgment in our society. This is, I believe, the exact reason that we always need to actively fulfill our social responsibilities towards society. Accordingly, we consider it our permanent duty to be a driving force behind Corporate Social Responsibility.
As many companies become embroiled in scandals these days, we find ourselves at a point in time where we must ask ourselves the role and responsibility of a company. Maruhan consider this issue not just to improve the company’s image itself, but as the very essence of what we should actually embody, such as strict legal compliance, active information disclosure which is satisfactorily reliable, faithful service to customers, sound relationships with business partners and clients, active employee training, and the building of trustful relationship with employees—all of these are values we consider absolutely essential. We consider our mission is to honestly deal with society’s issues, keep fulfilling our responsibilities as a good corporate citizen. We always strive to improve our company, in order to foster harmonious coexistence with our society, as well as to make active contributions, which are important roles for us as a company.
It is our intention to maintain a rock-solid, sound management foundation, while striving to be a company recognized as making a valuable contribution to society.
Career
| Apr. 1961 | Joined National Securities Corporation |
|---|---|
| July 1964 | Joined Maruhan Corporation |
| Dec. 1972 | Assumed the position of Director |
| Dec. 1975 | Assumed the position of Managing Director |
| Oct. 1988 | Assumed the position of Vice President |
| May 1999 | Assumed the position of President |
| June 2008 | Assumed the position of Vice Chairman (incumbent) |
As the leading company in our industry, Maruhan recognizes it has a profound responsibility. Our vision is to bring about change in industry, and to take on the challenges awaiting us with unwavering determination. Furthermore, we are aware that it is “people” who are the driving force behind our growth and our willingness to take on challenges.
- “People” who share Maruhan’s dream and vision and participate in making them come true,
- “people” who take on challenges without fear of failure in order to pioneer Maruhan to the next generation,
- “people” who join together as one, sharing in other’s joy, helping each other, and striving together towards improvement.
We can accomplish the ambitious goal of reforming our industry and creating new forms of entertainment only through the power of these “people.” Furthermore, we believe the established current strength of Maruhan entirely owes to these people. To change the pachinko industry is an extremely daunting task, but we are convinced that by continuously raising the quality of our customer service, the people of Maruhan will indeed be able to change this industry and we consider it our duty to do so.
Changing our industry is, as far as we are concerned, merely the opening chapter of our saga as we strive in earnest to realize our dream of becoming a world-class entertainment company.
Career
| Apr. 1988 | Joined Chisan Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Feb. 1990 | Joined Maruhan |
| Feb. 1992 | Assumed the position of Director, Shizuoka Sales Division Chief |
| Oct. 2001 | Assumed the position of Director, Business Executive Chief |
| Apr. 2005 | Assumed the position of Managing Director, Sales Division Chief |
| Apr. 2006 | Assumed the position of Vice President |
| June 2008 | Assumed the position of President (incumbent) |






