Interview and text: Asa Suzuki / My Navi Woman Editorial Department
Photography: Sachiko Horasawa
On the way home after a long day at work, something that makes you want to drink... that's right, beer! No matter how exhausted you are, the moment you pop open a can of beer is an uplifting feeling. Some people may be working for this moment.
I think everyone has their own favorites, but I'm someone who is particular about not only the taste, but also the packaging and branding. When I see such troublesome products at convenience stores and supermarkets, I can't help but pick up Yoho Brewing products such as Yona Yona Ale.
This time, we interviewed Manami Kawazu, who is in charge of promotions at Yo-Ho Brewing Co., Ltd., which manufactures and sells craft beer.After changing jobs four times, Mr. Kawazu joined Yo-Ho Brewing.
History of continuing to challenge interesting things
Thank you for your time today. I heard that everyone at Yo-Ho Brewing calls each other by nicknames. Can I also call Mr. Kawazu "Maru-chan" (the company's common name)?
of course. Please call us!
thank you! I was surprised to see Maru-chan's career. It sounds like you're having a very interesting experience.
First of all, I was involved in entertainment activities from the third year of junior high school and belonged to an agency. At that time, I wanted to do comedy, so I joined an entertainment agency, but rather than entering a training school and doing my best as a trainee, I realized that I was better suited to grow by feeling the difference between myself and those around me. After that, I joined a major advertising company as a new graduate.
Why did you join the company ?
Because I thought it would be an environment where I could put it into practice as soon as possible! From the moment I actually entered, I went to work without knowing how to hand over business cards (laughs). And the first incident caused a big fire...But my boss smiled and said, "The general manager is here to apologize," and it was a good company culture.
It's an environment where you can grow. After that, I heard that you moved to a venture company. Did you have any concerns about moving from a major company to a venture company?
It was a big company, so it was stable, but I was worried that it wouldn't change. As society continues to change, seeing the unchanging attitude of the company made me wonder if it would be all right for me to stay here, so I changed jobs on a wild instinct.
After that, after going through a venture, you are also active as a freelancer.
That's right! It was a foreign-affiliated venture company, but I heard that it would withdraw from Japan immediately after joining the company, so I quit. After that, I used my experience from my previous job to work as a freelance director and writer.
Amazing career... I'm already full (laughs). After working as a freelancer, I heard that you changed jobs again.
yes. Instinctively, I was accepted into something that I thought was interesting, such as a professional wrestling group or the Enoshima Aquarium (laughs). As a result of various things, I finally entered a human resources company.
It's amazing because even if you think you're interested, you won't be able to take it easily...! What made you finally decide to work for a human resources company?
The interviewer was funny! The reason I joined the company was that he spoke openly to me, and I thought that I could do a good job with him.
From job invitations to job interviews
After all, the people you work with are important. And I heard that you will finally join Yo-Ho Brewing.
I was working as a promotionist at a human resources company, and I didn't have any major complaints, but I often had questions about existing promotion methods... What kind of promotions move people's hearts? When I was looking into it, I arrived at Yo-Ho Brewing.
At first, I wondered if we could do something interesting together, so when I approached him as a job, he said, "We don't have enough people, so it's impossible" (laughs). However, I was told that there was an event to think about the future of Yoho Brewing with the fans, so please come there. From there, I decided to join the company...
Oh my God...! I can only say that there was a connection to the flow of joining the company from work sales. What was the atmosphere like at the interview?
First, the interviewer will give you a nickname. And then I was asked what nickname I wanted to be called... I was shocked because it is not normal. However, I could feel that he was looking at me properly, and I was able to speak honestly, which was good in the end.
Another big reason I joined the company was that I sympathized with the company's mission of "Adding flavor to beer! Happiness in life!"
Unconventional opinions become the seeds of “interesting projects”
It's an interview that will ease your nervousness. Maru-chan, what kind of work do you do at Yo-Ho Brewing?
Currently, I'm working on a promotion to get people to become fans of Yona Yona Ale. Last year, we held an event called "BAR Embarrassment".
" BAR shame", the name is also catchy and worrisome.
With the slogan "Shame is a taste here," the MC reads out the "shameful episodes" that have been recruited, and it is an online event where you can sublimate your embarrassment while drinking beer. At the end of the event, there is also a content where a can of Yona Yona Ale is launched into space.
Eh, cans in space !? What do you mean?
That's what it means (laughs). Yona Yona Ale limited design “Yona Yona Peace Can” will be flown into space and the video will be distributed.
Provided by: Yo-Ho Brewing
What a big deal ...!! How did you come up with such a big idea?
At Yo-Ho Brewing, we carry out cross-departmental cross - departmental projects, where members from various departments come together to carry out projects . So, there are a lot of beginners in planning, so a lot of unconventional opinions come out. Rather, only unconventional things come out (laughs).
That unconventional opinion is a valuable seed!
After all, you want to cherish whether the planner really thinks it's interesting or not. If it is a project that goes to the aim, the customer will be able to convey that feeling. In promoting the project, we place importance on whether we find it interesting!
Is there a moment when you feel that your previous work experience is useful in your current work?
At every company, I worked with a focus on "moving people's hearts ", so that axis hasn't changed, and I think that way of thinking is still alive in my current work!
First of all, it is important to challenge "what you like" without thinking too much
When I listen to the story, I can tell that they are having a lot of fun working! Maru-chan, who has experienced various workplaces, is there a standard for a "good company" that you feel?
I think it 's harder to be happy at work than to be successful at work . After much thought, I came to the conclusion that it is important to mix public and private matters. I think it's important to maintain an instinctive feeling at work and work in an environment where you can say you like what you like and dislike what you don't like. In short, I think that a company where you can work happily in your own way is a “good company”.
Even if you want to change jobs, I think there are many people who can't move to action due to anxiety. Do you have any secrets to enjoy working at any company like Maru-chan?
I think it's best to work for a company that you like this product or that you feel is a good company. Of course, once you enter, it may be different from what you imagined, but you can think about it at that time. First of all, try working wherever you like without thinking too much !
After all, I think the interview is the most important thing. Tell me exactly what you don't like. Don't fix it. That's important! If you think that they hired you after showing your true intentions, that alone gives you a sense of trust.
We tend to try to look good no matter what, but it's important to challenge yourself naturally. informative! Please tell us about Maru-chan's future vision.
I don't know if I can say this, but I want to work as if I'm not working (laughs). I want to enjoy working without being too preoccupied with work.
I can only sympathize (laughs).
Also, I would like to come up with a plan to change someone's life, even if it's just one person. I don't want to say something difficult like wanting to change the lives of many people ...
I'm sure there are people who have changed their lives with " BAR Shamisarashi"! As a fan, I'm looking forward to more wonderful projects. Thank you for today.
