Two major discussions on the theme of nurturing Gen Z: “The future of human resource development” in conversation with a current university student and a leading expert in 1-on-1 discussions
WILLSORT Inc. Press Release: September 12, 2025 Two major discussions on the theme of nurturing Generation Z: “The future of human resource development” in conversation with a current university student and a leading expert in 1-on-1 Event held to celebrate the publication of “Leadership Skills to Transform Generation Z into a Valuable Workforce”
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-45cc120fdfd486401d2a22badfe7eecf-3336×2225.jpg Date and Time: Wednesday, August 27th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Toita Women’s Junior College (2-21-17 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo) Content: Panel discussion with authors and students Seminar related to Kaito’s book “We wanted to provide an opportunity to learn about what Gen Z thinks about the adult generation, what they expect from work and companies, and their real values and true feelings.” With these goals in mind, this event featured three members of “Kyaritan,” a student employment support team selected from Toita Women’s Junior College students who serve as a bridge between companies and the school. Toita Women’s Junior College boasts the highest number of junior college applicants in Tokyo and a 100% employment rate last year. We were able to borrow classrooms from our university where classes are held daily. Approximately 20 people, including corporate human resources personnel, recruiters, and managers, attended the event. It was impressive to see them listening intently to Kaito’s talk with the students. Here is an excerpt from the conversation. • Question ‘Do you think there are any characteristics of your generation? ” • Student Answer “Do your best with spirit! “I think they have a strong desire to work hard at things they’re interested in, rather than a desire to do whatever they want.” In response, a comment was made from the audience: “There may be a lot of athletic people in the adult generation who want to do everything!” Kaito also stated, “In the days before computers, the internet, and AI, it took more man-hours to do anything than it does now. There is a generation of adults who believe that the mere fact that they’ve spent man-hours to accomplish something is valuable.”
• Question ‘When do you feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re given a part-time job or other task? ” • Student Answers ‘When I was put in charge of training a new employee and they told me that the time they taught me was the easiest to understand.’ ‘When my ingenuity and ingenuity led to results.’ Apparently, getting feedback and seeing numerical results on the actions, choices, and teaching methods they decide on leads to motivation. “If we can encourage action with a certain degree of freedom, rather than just saying, ‘You’re young, so you’re probably not used to it yet, so just do as you’re told,’ I think that will motivate young people and encourage them to work hard.” Kaito commented, and the students seemed to agree. • Question ‘What is most important to you when choosing a company to work for? ” • Student Answers ‘Does the company value team unity?’ ‘Does it fit with my lifestyle, values, and what I value?’ ‘The personality of the HR staff’ One student said, “I want to be part of a team where we help each other and work together as one. I can’t do my job alone.” He said the original experience that led him to this was his own experience playing team sports, where he learned the comfort and joy of having teammates. In response to the question, “The personality of the HR person,” he said he believes, “The thinking of the top management should be passed down to their subordinates.” The student responded that during the interview, he would determine whether he and the HR person would be a good match, and based on that, whether he would be a good fit with the company and its management.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-03c534865e9a85a99f52ca56196ab756-2701×1801.jpg • Questions from visitors ‘When you’re job hunting, how much do you trust the information companies release? ” • Answers “I think their philosophy and stated goals are probably true, but I don’t trust anything else.” “I think review sites and the opinions of school teachers are more reliable.” “The opinions of people who work there are the most helpful, so sometimes the school introduces me to alumni.” The students’ honest answers elicited mixed reactions from the audience, some surprised and some convinced. The questioner commented, “I realized once again that convenient messages from companies don’t resonate with anyone.” Kaito concluded by saying, “It’s important to spread the company’s philosophy. To attract good talent, it’s important to be united.”
Through this conversation, it became clear that there are many different ways of thinking, with some differences of opinion among the three students and others shared by Kaito and the adult visitors. It was an opportunity to learn about the importance of “seeing the individual and interacting with them,” as Kaito emphasizes in his book, and to see that these young women each have their own positive ways of thinking. Dialogue 2. Miyako Kaito x Mr. Sakurai, a leading expert in 1-on-1 meetings
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-ccb2edc4fbf9fac2a6a760b56ac3509a-3000×2001.jpg Date and Time: Thursday, September 4, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Classica Omotesando (5-51-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) Content: Publication celebration party “First, listen carefully.” A conversation with author Masashi Sakurai As part of the publication celebration party, we held a discussion with Mr. Sakurai, CEO of Yell Inc. Approximately 50 people attended the party, including people from companies related to our company, Kaito’s acquaintances and friends, and people in the publishing industry. While working at her previous job, Sakurai founded an early childhood education NPO and obtained a childcare worker qualification. While working in business and early childhood education, she strongly felt the value and potential of listening, and began to seriously study communication, including psychology, coaching, and counseling. She joined Yell Inc. in February 2017 and became its representative director in October of the same year. The company provides companies with online 1-on-1 training programs with external talent.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-19c2ee0c0cc22b3ccfc178174336e6aa-3000×2001.jpg In this conversation, Sakurai and Kaito discuss what thoughts he had when writing his book, “First, Listen Properly,” the type of dialogue he recommends, and its importance. While it’s common to use the terms “listen” to describe what enters your ears unconsciously and “listen” to describe what you listen to consciously, Sakurai further
distinguishes between “listening” and “listening” based on whether it includes your own interpretation, defining it as “listening” only when it does not include interpretation. This, he says, allows you to empathize with opinions and thoughts that differ from your own, and allows you to empathize and accept others. Both Kaito and the audience strongly agreed with this idea of ”listening,” and many were seen nodding vigorously as they listened. Kaito also thoroughly read Kaito’s book, “Leadership Skills to Transform Generation Z into a Valuable Force,” and we were able to hear about the most memorable parts of the book. The cheerful conversation between the two friends, which occasionally erupted in laughter from the audience, created a relaxed atmosphere throughout the discussion. The discussion between Kaito, who has long worked with Generation Z and the generation that will nurture them, and Sakurai, who has established a one-on-one culture at numerous companies with a focus on “building trust between superiors and subordinates,” provided an opportunity for the entire venue to think about: “What does it mean to develop people through dialogue?” “What will be required of management in the future?” The party also served as a networking event, and after the discussion, lively conversations were enjoyed not only between Kaito and Sakurai, but also among attendees, creating a very lively atmosphere. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-cadae81218bf143aabe8c5e59386f4ee-3000×2000.jpg Miyako Kaito comment I want people to see Generation Z not as a “generation of uncertainty” but as a “mass of potential.” Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-b7e5d09fe283e946732909b544d09b2b-1536×2048.png I used to work as a salesperson for a gyaru clothing brand, so I’ve always worked with younger generations. What I’ve learned from that experience is that all generations share a desire for
self-improvement. Of course, Gen Z is no exception. As a consultant, when I speak with people from various companies, many of them tell me that they feel they face significant barriers to becoming more acquainted with Gen Z. And everyone struggles with how to understand the differences between them. When mentoring junior staff, I believe it’s essential to have a deep understanding of their values and communication styles. At the same time, I’ve seen them grow
exponentially by aligning their approach with the organization’s goals. We believe that a stance of “finding common ground and thinking together,” rather than simply “understanding differences,” is the key to promoting their growth and achieving long-term results. I want people to see Gen Z not as a “generation of unknowns,” but rather as a “mass of potential.” With just a few updates to the leadership methods we’ve cultivated, they can become a valuable ally and valuable asset. I hope that my experience and case studies will help leaders and managers who mentor the younger generation to engage with them and find effective training methods. I also hope to contribute in this field to many companies in general, not just the retail industry. About the book
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-4c0996b2e123595566ee763843f42085-1001×1503.jpg ■Book information■ Title: Leadership Skills to Transform Generation Z Author: Miyako Kaito Price: ¥1,760 (tax included) Release date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Publisher: Mirai Publishing
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/159252/7/159252-7-e67835d3271dea0f22307c996a3ccb53-842×595.png WILLSORT Co., Ltd. Human resource development company specializing in the retail industry Provides training and consulting for retail businesses and courses for experienced salespeople “Giving shape to the vision of people and organizations, we pave the way for the future together.” Company Name: WILLSORT Inc. Representative: Miyako Kaito Address: 4-28-26 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Website:
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