Interview with Tokizumi
The joy of working surrounded by beloved mt
What kind of conversations do you have with the staff at the stationery stores and agencies you visit?
Tokizumi
I often ask about what products are currently selling, trends, and tendencies.
Fortunately, many of the staff love mt, so I always feel like I'm listening to fans when I talk to them. I often ask questions like, "What do you think of this design?" as if I were gathering opinions from fans.
Since I also love mt, the time spent talking with customers who share that love is enjoyable.
It sounds wonderful to have a job where you can sell what you love.
Tokizumi
Yes, I really enjoy my work.
Rather than selling products, it might be closer to the feeling of sharing what I love. I'm happy when my favorite things reach more people!
While working, when do you feel a sense of fulfillment?
Tokizumi
At the "strong>Kami Haku in Okayama" event held at Convex Okayama in February 2025, I was in charge of planning for the first time.
I thought about what products would please customers and based on the theme I decided, I was involved in the production of mt. The result was a design featuring Okayama's local specialties depicted on stamps.
Since it was a stationery event held in Okayama, I created a design that mixed Okayama motifs with stationery motifs.
On the day of the event, when customers picked it up and said, "This is cute", I felt a sense of fulfillment. It was wonderful to see customers happy with the mt that was born from my idea. That is the most rewarding part of my job.
Also, the time spent talking with mt fans during events is incredibly enjoyable. I often learn a lot from customers, such as stories from events before I joined and new ways to use masking tape, which is very educational.
Conveying the charm of mt beyond sales
It sounds like you also have a lot of planning-related tasks.
Tokizumi
We hold some kind of event about once a month, so there may be a lot of planning work.
The Consumer Department has 13 members, including branches in Tokyo and Osaka, and everyone is involved not only in sales but also in event planning and on-site sales and customer service.
There are challenges with the wide range of tasks, but the sense of accomplishment after an event is completed is rewarding.
Since you frequently hold events across Japan, I feel that 13 members is a small elite team.
Tokizumi
I was also surprised to find out how few people were in the department before I joined. I thought, "There are so few of us."
In the Consumer Department at headquarters, there are only two of us, myself and one senior colleague, so I learn all the work from that senior. I do talk with seniors from other branches online, but since there are many events, I meet face-to-face much more often.
I sometimes consult with people from other departments, and everyone is kind and willing to teach, which I appreciate.
Did you experience any gaps between your expectations before joining and the reality after joining?
Tokizumi
I was surprised by how many business trips there were.
Before joining, I thought I would mostly work around Okayama, but I ended up traveling as far north as Fukui Prefecture and as far south as Yamaguchi Prefecture. I think this is because mt holds events all over Japan.
I enjoy going to unfamiliar areas, so I'm happy to be able to sell mt across Japan.
If you turn your "likes" into work, you can surely overcome challenges
Is there something you are currently working hard on?
Tokizumi
Actually, I'm not good at talking to people and I'm shy... But since I work in sales, where I have to talk, I set goals for myself to make sure I can talk.
For example, on days when I have events, I set a goal like, "Today, I will try to talk to 5 customers!" If a customer approaches me, it doesn't count, and I aim to "initiate conversations and promote mt."
I think the goal-setting has paid off, as I feel I can talk more than when I first joined.
Thanks to the trust that the seniors have built with customers, I will continue to work hard to maintain that trust.
You speak so well that I didn't think you were shy. It must have taken courage to get into sales...
Tokizumi
I had some anxiety, but I thought that if it was a job where I could handle what I love, I could overcome some difficulties, so I jumped in.
I believe that no matter what job you choose, it won't always be fun, so even if there are tough times, the joy of handling what you love will prevail.
Finally, please share a message for your generation.
Tokizumi
KAMOI KAKOSHI has been in business for over 100 years and is currently working hard towards the next 100 years. I believe it is a company that challenges new things while preserving the history it has built up.
I feel that the entire city of Kurashiki is somewhat similar, having traditions like the Bikan Historical Area while also updating in various ways.
While valuing both the old and the new, I want to work together to create a city that is easy for young people to live in.
For newcomers, there may be people with new perspectives that are not present in current Kurashiki. By incorporating such ideas, I hope to further invigorate Kurashiki!
Conclusion
Surrounded by fans and clients who love mt, Tokizumi works in an environment where they can engage with what they love. Their expression is lively, and I believe this is one of the ideal ways to work that brings fulfillment.
Perhaps because they are a fan themselves, they can capture what other fans want.
KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.'s recruitment site states, “The foundation of manufacturing is to solve customer problems and meet their requests.”
Continuously creating what society demands in line with the times is certainly not an easy task. However, KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. has been a long-established company in Kurashiki for over 100 years, continuing such efforts.
Let’s continue to watch the activities of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. as it aims for the next 100 years.
Young People Weaving the Kurashiki Work Story Back Issues
Data of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
| Organization Name | KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing and sales of industrial and insect-catching products / masking tape for stationery and miscellaneous goods |
| Representative Name | Kamoishi Naoshi |
| Year Established | 1923 |
| Address | 236 Katashima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 710-0805 |
| Contact | 086-465-5811 |
| Website | KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. |
