Takafumi Sato: From Kitakyushu to the World, Filling the World with Happiness.

"A great restaurant that is delicious and lively"—this was my first impression of "Sukesan Udon." In March 2018, I assumed the position of President and CEO of Sukesan Co., Ltd., which operates the Kitakyushu soul food "Sukesan Udon." My first encounter with Sukesan was a few years before taking office, when a colleague invited me on a business trip, saying, "There's a delicious udon shop, let's go eat there." The happy smiles of all the customers in the shop are still burned into my memory today.

After graduating from university, I worked in various industries including Sony, BCG, and Uniqlo, but this was my first time in the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, I had no prior experience as a manager, and while I felt anxious, I have been able to make it this far supported by my experienced colleagues.

Looking back, I changed schools many times until elementary school. Even after entering Keio Futsubu School, I was a boy who would take on new things whenever I became interested. Seeking new experiences, I joined the American football club at Juku High School, and for university, I went to SFC, which had just been established. I have always challenged myself in new environments alongside my peers. "Challenging new things" may indeed be my starting point.

After taking office, every day was a constant confrontation with new walls. All employees of Sukesan are colleagues building the future together, and their existence is the driving force for overcoming those walls. However, the situation was completely different immediately after I took office. Several years had passed since the founder's death, and everyone was unable to imagine the future; they had fallen into the trap of past success and lost the courage to take a step forward. Therefore, we first gathered everyone from executive management to store managers and spent half a year discussing thoroughly where we were headed, creating the management philosophy "Filling the World with Happiness." At the same time, we focused on accumulating success stories one by one, such as opening stores in new regions, challenging ourselves with new products, and launching mail-order and SNS operations. As a result, confidence gradually sprouted, and I believe we have become a good team that is always ready to take on challenges. I believe that truly delicious food and good service can succeed anywhere. I want to deliver Sukesan throughout Japan and the world, filling it with happy smiles. Currently, we have expanded beyond Kyushu to open stores in Kansai, growing to 71 stores—nearly double the number when I first took office. Furthermore, we have decided to open a store in Tokyo this winter, and while busy with preparations, I feel the great expectations from everyone. While savoring the happiness of continuing to challenge at the forefront toward Japan and the world, I want to keep running toward the future with my colleagues.

*Affiliations and titles are those at the time of publication.