MBA Young Executive 31/2 students visited Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan on a study tour.

November 3, 2025: Day 1 of the “Hokuto City Office and Wakamiro” activities.

In the morning, the students traveled by bus from Tokyo to Hokuto City, a city surrounded by the abundant natural beauty of the Yatsugatake Mountains and the Southern Alps. They were warmly welcomed by Mr. Kunihiko Oshiba, Mayor of Hokuto City, at the City Hall before checking into “Wakamiro,” the city’s only ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with a history spanning over 40 years.

In the evening, the students and faculty changed into “yukata,” traditional Japanese clothing, and attended a lecture by Mr. Koji Yamashita, the manager of Wakamiro ryokan. The room, constructed with Akita cedar wood, offered a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture. Mr. Yamashita discussed the city’s strengths and challenges, and reiterated Wakamiro’s unwavering commitment to its mission. “Creating a ryokan that is a source of pride for the community and local people” included sharing approaches to developing hotels focused on welcoming groups of international tourists to stimulate the local economy and tourism in Hokuto City.

Afterwards, the students enjoyed a Kaiseki meal, prepared with local ingredients in the traditional Japanese Washoku style. This experience not only opened up new perspectives on managing cultural tourism businesses, which can be used to enhance future business management skills and experience, but also reflected “Omotenashi,” the heart of Japanese service that emphasizes attention to detail.

“ARSOA KEIO GROUP”

On the second day of the study tour (November 4, 2025) in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, the students of the MBA program, Junior Executive Class 31/2, visited ARSOA KO Group, a Japanese business group focused on sustainable beauty and health under the concept of "Harmony with Nature." Their headquarters are located amidst the pristine natural surroundings of Hokuto City.

The ARSOA brand was founded in 1972 during Japan's rapid economic growth. However, many Japanese women experienced skin problems from using chemicals in cosmetics. This inspired the development of natural products, leading to the creation of "ARSOA Queen Silver" black soap. This soap combines the power of minerals + natural nutrients (onsen) + pure charcoal, which helps absorb impurities and toxins from the skin and naturally restores balance and strength to the skin from within. This has become the company's signature product and the heart of ARSOA's presence with consumers for over 53 years. In 1998, the company decided to move its headquarters from Shibuya, Tokyo, to Hokuto, Yamanashi, to align with its corporate purpose: "When people and nature coexist in harmony, it leads to true health and happiness." This move marked a turning point from a cosmetics company to expanding into the supplement and health food business. It began with the establishment of an organic canteen for employees, operating according to the Macrobiotic principle, emphasizing minimizing waste, using local ingredients, and balancing cooling and warming foods. Later, it expanded into agriculture based on three key elements: food, agriculture, and soil, where food enhances quality of life, agriculture coexists with nature, and soil is sustainably restored.

In terms of the environment, ARSOA prioritizes water conservation and ecosystems, collaborating with communities to plant forests, maintain the cleanliness of rivers and streams, and utilizing rainwater within its sustainably designed headquarters building. The company has been recycling 99% of its production process waste since 2014, and has also developed shampoo products that... The microorganisms are 100% biodegradable and have no impact on aquatic life.

In addition, ARSOA continuously engages in SDGs activities such as:

(1) Assisting street children worldwide through a charity calendar-making project;

(2) Encouraging Japanese youth to climb Mount Fuji to boost morale after the earthquake; and

(3) Reducing water, oil, and energy consumption in the production process.

The headquarters building is also an award-winning example of ecological design, featuring rainwater harvesting tanks and efficient use of natural resources in its construction, truly reflecting the concept of “living in harmony with nature.”

What has allowed ARSOA to endure for over 50 years is the power of its ARSOA Silver product and its strong relationships with distributors and communities. Its MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) sales system thrives on the genuine trust of users – “It works well, that’s why I recommend it to my friends” – coupled with the gratitude of management towards employees, customers, partners, and nature, which is the heart of sustainable growth. Currently, the company has expanded its investments to Taiwan and China, with ARSOA managing directly in Taiwan. Maintaining standards equivalent to Japan, ARSOA collaborates with local partners in China to open retail stores under the ARSOA name, aligning with Chinese consumer behavior.

ARSOA's Mindset:

“What’s good for the body is good for the skin, and what’s good for the mind is good for the environment and the world.”

This study visit provided the students with an overview of an organization that seamlessly integrates beauty, health, and sustainability, and helped them understand why ARSOA exemplifies a business that beautifully and sustainably coexists with nature.

In the afternoon, the MBA students attended a lecture on "Suntory Philosophy and Sustainable Initiatives," a fundamental aspect of Suntory's socially and environmentally responsible business practices. This included an emphasis on water conservation and groundwater management, crucial to the company's products and reflecting its commitment to the "Mizu To Ikiru – Living with Water" philosophy. By 2030, Suntory aims to reduce water intensity per unit of production by 35%, achieve 100% bottle-to-bottle recycling, and reduce GHG emissions at the factory level and throughout the supply chain by up to 50%.

Following this, the students visited the Suntory Natural Mineral Water Plant to learn about the systematic process of mineral water production and bottling. The day concluded with a visit to the Suntory Hakushu Distillery & Whisky Museum, located within the same area, allowing them to appreciate the expertise in whisky production closely linked to the purity of forest water.

This study visit to Suntory enriched their perspectives on sustainability and natural resource management. And approaches to creating world-class quality products.

On the third day of the study tour (November 5, 2025), in the morning, the MBA students of the 31/2 cohort, participated in a study tour at Seisen-ryo to learn about concepts and philosophies of work that can be applied to effective organizational management.

The activities began with a study of the history of Dr. Paul Rusch, the founder and key figure in developing the "Do Your Best" concept, a philosophy reflecting commitment, simplicity, and sincerity in working for society. This is the core of Seisen-ryo's operations to this day.

A key activity of the study tour was nature education and hiking, focusing on deep observation of the surroundings and building understanding of the environment through the use of the five senses. Seisen-ryo is considered the first nature education center in Japan, where schools and teachers often bring students for field trips to instill a love and respect for nature.

In addition, the group studied the creation of business value through the concept of "quality and sustainability," with examples of products using high-quality raw materials from organic Jersey farms to create distinctive and unique products. This study tour therefore not only provided an experience in nature but also reflected a strategic approach that integrated a work philosophy with quality and sustainable business management.

Day 4 of the Study Visit (November 6, 2025)

At Hashimoto Sogyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan

The students of the MBA Young Executive Program, Batch 31/2, were warmly welcomed by the President and management team of Hashimoto Sogyo Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese organization renowned for its excellence in logistics, integrated business management, and creating shared value with all sectors of society.

The presentation provided an overview of the organization and its business approach under the philosophy of “Value for All Stakeholders,” with key strategies including Challenge 10 / 3 Fulls / 7 Mirai Projects. These reflect the company's commitment to creating value for all parties in the supply chain, from producers to the final consumer. The company emphasizes continuous improvement through the concept of Evolving Activities and the establishment of the Mirai Academy to promote learning, skill development, and personnel training under the principles of sustainability in economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Furthermore, Hashimoto Sogyo has implemented a restructuring from a top-down to a bottom-up system to foster self-reliance among its employees and encourage inclusive growth alongside the organization.

HAT (Hashimoto Advanced Technology)'s core goals are:

To become the number one organization in the region and achieve maximum customer satisfaction.

To strengthen the internal group network (Mirai Group Strengthening).

To strive to become a distinctive company using the 7 Mirai concept.

Executives also shared their perspectives on current industry challenges, both globally and nationally, such as the "Global Trump" situation and "Japan Takaichi," the new Prime Minister of Japan. This has led HAT to focus on strengthening its internal capabilities and adapting with the "Renovate – Reform & Renewal" concept for sustainable growth in a rapidly changing market.

During the field trip, students participated in hands-on activities involving pipe joining, cutting, and welding, fostering teamwork and understanding the application of technology in a real-world industrial setting.

Key takeaways from HAT:

"Honest, Empathy, and Commitment"

Sincerity, keeping promises, empathy, and dedication to work are the foundation of lasting relationships and networks.

In terms of technology, HAT places great emphasis on AI and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to integrate design information, simulation (VR/Mock-up/Animation), and material analysis to improve construction efficiency and project management.

HAT's training center utilizes a solution-based learning approach, providing equal opportunities for everyone to learn and develop skills. Its pilot project, Model-T for Solar Power, exemplifies the application of innovation towards sustainability.

This study visit not only provided knowledge on organizational strategy and management but also inspired the students to recognize the value of "caring for and creating value" for people and society—the core of Hashimoto Sogyo and a key concept for sustainable growth in today's business world.

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