Former Idol Entrepreneur Kurumi Akishino’s Book Hits No.1 in Business Rankings!

Kurumi Akishino: From Idol to Entrepreneurial Success

In an exciting turn of events, Kurumi Akishino, a former idol and now a successful entrepreneur, has captured the attention of the business world with her groundbreaking book, 'How to Create Your Company's 'Zero Impression' to Foster Growth'. Published by Business Press, the book has not only received acclaim but has also achieved the top ranking in major bookstores such as TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Marunouchi and MARUZEN Nagoya Main Store. With its rapid success, Akishino's work is gaining recognition as a definitive guide in navigating the intricacies of first impressions in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Achievements in Business Rankings

Since its launch in Spring 2026, Akishino's book has sparked considerable interest among business owners and self-employed individuals, particularly within Japan's bustling business sectors of Tokyo and Nagoya. The book’s focus on crafting a powerful 'Zero Impression' — the impression one leaves before even meeting a person — is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where first impressions can determine the trajectory of business relationships.

As part of its accolades, the book has achieved the following rankings:

- TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Marunouchi: No. 1 in Business Book rankings
- MARUZEN Nagoya Main Store: Weekly No. 1 in Business Book rankings
- Sanseido Nagoya Main Store: No. 1 in Business Book rankings

The book's exposure received a significant boost from an advertisement in the Nikkei Shimbun, further elevating its credibility and attracting the interest of business circles.

Celebrating Success with Nationwide Events

To celebrate the book's release, Akishino has actively hosted publication parties and seminars in key areas including Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama, and Kyushu. These events have drawn crowds of business leaders and professionals eager to learn practical methods to expand their customer base and enhance their recruitment efforts through effective use of social media.

Participants have expressed their enthusiasm with comments such as, “I can apply this immediately,” and “I was able to rediscover my company's unique appeal, eliminating my uncertainties about social media.” Each meeting serves as a forum for networking and exchanging ideas among peers and experts alike.

Corporate Engagements and Speaking Requests

Reacting to the enthusiastic response to her book and nationwide events, Akishino's company, Milk Co. (based in Nagoya), has established a dedicated contact point for corporate and organizational speaking requests. Numerous inquiries from chambers of commerce, corporate training divisions, and educational institutions have flooded in, confirming the relevance of her insights.

Some of the proposed speaking topics include:

- Self-Production in the Age of Social Media and the Creation of a 'Zero Impression'
- Boosting Recruitment and Sales: A Social Media Branding Workshop for CEOs
- Community Building Strategies from a Former Idol Turned Entrepreneur

These talks are adaptable to cater to the audience's needs, whether they are corporate executives, employees, or students.

Future Prospects: Launching a Branding Academy

Furthermore, to meet the growing demand for practical learning experiences, plans are underway to launch the 'Zero Impression Branding Academy' in the fall of 2026. This initiative aims to provide participants with hands-on training in the branding methods discussed in her bestselling book. Detailed curricula and enrollment information are expected to be announced later in the year.