notice

Release date: May 25, 2026

■Name:
MY

■Faculty and Major at the University of Tokyo:
Faculty of Liberal Arts, Department of Liberal Arts, International Japanese Studies Course (Late Admission) Graduated in Fall 2024

■Current employer:
Gakken Co., Ltd.
Website:https://hon.gakken.jp/

■How I spent my time in university
From the time I entered university until I decided to start job hunting, I aspired to become a school teacher, so I lived a life completely focused on "education." On campus, I took teacher training courses that were difficult to take in my faculty, and outside of school, I participated in education-related volunteer work and internships. I have no regrets, but I also feel that I should have explored other fields and the world more.

■My relationship with books and the university bookstore during my university years
I've loved mystery novels and manga since I was a child, and that didn't change when I entered university, but I also started reading essays. Away from home and with fewer opportunities to meet people due to the pandemic, I think I was comforted by the world as seen by others and their narratives, which I learned about through essays.
Unfortunately, I didn't actively use the university bookstore, only visiting when I knew what I wanted, such as to buy textbooks. Looking back now, I wish I had gone more often!

■ How I chose the publishing industry:
Throughout my life, I've felt that "words" and "books" have broadened my options, so when I started considering career paths other than being a school teacher, publishing naturally came to mind. Originally, my core desire when choosing a profession was to help increase someone's options, even if it was just by one (this might sound a little pretentious). As a way to achieve this, I was strongly influenced by "education" and "words," so I came to want to work for a publishing company that could be involved in those fields.

■What kind of work do I do?
As a sales representative for my assigned genre, I am involved in the distribution of books and magazines. Within the company, I work with the editorial department to consider prices and print runs, check covers and barcodes, and create order forms and POP displays to ensure that there are no distribution problems and that many people can get their hands on the books. Outside the company, I negotiate print runs with various distribution companies and consider implementing special promotional campaigns with bookstores.

■Characteristics and appeal of the publishing company I work
for Personally, the fact that "education" is at the core of the company was a major attraction for me. Since joining the company, I've also been drawn to the fact that there are many employees who are calm and serious, but also a little (in a good way) quirky. Many of them are pursuing their passions to the fullest, and I learn so much just by talking to them, so I'm happy to be able to help distribute the books and magazines they create.

■Thoughts on working in the publishing industry
I only recently shed the title of "new employee," so there are still many things I don't know, and I'm learning every day. Therefore, my knowledge of the publishing industry is far too superficial to speak about it, but I've learned that so many people are involved in creating a single book, making me realize how inexpensive the books and magazines I've bought as a reader were (compared to the effort put into creating them). I also feel that it's an industry that is caught between contributing to social significance and cultural richness, and, as a company, securing the necessary profits.

■ Job satisfaction and enjoyment
I find it interesting when I feel I'm gradually getting a grasp of the sales trends and movements of the genre I'm in charge of, or conversely, when the movements I anticipated are completely defied. In particular, the latter makes me feel the presence of "people" that cannot be fully predicted, beyond numbers and data, and it often reminds me of the existence of our readers. I also find it rewarding when I can communicate with the editorial department and feel that we are all moving in the same direction.

■Our company's recommended product and why
: "Always by your side" by Anxious Penguin ISBN:9784054070547
This book is sold by a senior member of the same team. It features comforting words from "Anxious Penguin" accompanied by cute illustrations. As a first-year employee who was overwhelmed, I was saved (and still am saved) by the words that made me realize it was okay to relax a little. Students may also find themselves comparing themselves to others or putting too much pressure on themselves during their research or job hunting. At times like these, I hope you will pick up this book.

■A book I want University of Tokyo students to read:
The Giver, Lois Lowry, Clarion Books, ISBN:9780544336261
　*Japanese translation: "The Giver: The One Who Pours in Memories" (translated by Yayoi Shimazu)
This is my favorite children's book. Although it is a children's book, I personally feel that it could also be considered a book on sociology or philosophy. It is a story of the struggles of a protagonist who is chosen as the only one to hold history and memories in a society where everything, such as family and occupation, is managed and there is no "choice" to be made.
I think that "choosing" for oneself is difficult and scary. When you enter university, you will find yourself in more situations where you have to make choices for yourself, including opportunities to choose that you have not had before. Making choices is scary, but there is richness in it, and I feel that this is a book that makes you realize that it is not something that is given equally to everyone, and that you should cherish even small choices.

■Message to University of Tokyo Students
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin” – Mother Teresa
Student life passes by much faster than you might expect.
Regretting yesterday and worrying about tomorrow. As a worrier, I still tend to dwell on the past and the future, but I feel it was a bit of a waste to spend my limited student years like that.
Living in the present in an uncertain society may actually be difficult.
Nevertheless, I sincerely hope that each of you will have days filled with activities you enjoy and are interested in.

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