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 feelings of appreciation and continuing to think from the customer'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 rising up to challenges that is never complacent about existing circumstances. While the state of the world economy turns increasingly severe, the environment surrounding our industry too continues to change at a faster pace than ever. I feel that the fact that Maruhan exists today and is able to continue to grow in such an environment, is the result of the support of all our employees who are committed to upholding our company's principles and work to the utmost of their abilities, our customers that are such devoted Maruhan fans and the business partners who we always rely on.
Not settling on our present successes, 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 not neglect our core business but rather to adhere to our company's principles of contributing to society and changing the industry, as we seek to create a company that is recognized in the business community as an industry leader, 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
Titles in South Korea
- Member of the Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification
- Chairman of the World Federation of Korean Association of Commerce
- Honorary Director of the Kyungnam University in South Korea
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. |
| Nov. 1995 | Rewarded as an honorary citizen of Los Angeles (California) for contribution to amity of Japan, US and South Korea. |
| 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. |
| June 2003 | Appointed as a goodwill ambassador of Arkansas (US). |
| 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. |
Since our foundation, Maruhan has aimed not just at commercial growth but also at becoming a company that is needed and respected by society.
One can however hardly claim that the pachinko industry always finds approval in the world. This is exactly why we believe that we as an industry 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 regardless of industry affiliation.
As corporations become embroiled in scandals, we find ourselves at a point in time where we must ask ourselves what the role and responsibility of a company should be. Our company is not taking this issue on merely to improve its image, as we believe the very essence of what we want to embody should be involved here. Complete legal compliance, active information disclosure and information reliability, good-faith interactions with customers, healthy relationships with business partners, employee training, and building relationships of mutual trust with employees—all these are values we consider absolutely essential. We consider it our mission to honestly deal with society's issues, fulfilling our responsibilities as a good corporate citizen. We strive to improve our company everyday, recognizing that fostering harmonious coexistence with society, as well as making active contributions to society, are important roles to us as a corporation.
It is our intention to maintain a rock-solid, sound management foundation, while striving to be a corporation recognized as making a valuable contribution to society.
Prizes
| 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 our 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 the Maruhan dream and vision, and who participate in making them come true.
- People who take on challenges without fear of failure in order to pioneer the Maruhan of the next generation.
- People joined together as one, sharing in each other’s joy, helping each other, and striving together towards improvement.
We can only accomplish the ambitious goal of reforming our industry and creating new forms of entertainment through the power of these people. Furthermore, we believe the strength of our company too lies entirely with these people.
Changing 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) |