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Inaugural TOP MANAGEMENT CLUB: A Convergence of Business Leaders

On December 19, 2025, C&R EVERLASTING STORY (C.R.E.S.) hosted the first edition of the "TOP MANAGEMENT CLUB," a focused seminar designed for business leaders to share insights and strategies on management challenges, succession planning, and corporate growth. The event, held at C.R.E.S. headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, attracted 25 prominent figures including board members of public companies and owners of private enterprises.

The TOP MANAGEMENT CLUB serves as a platform for executives to engage in meaningful dialogues about pressing management issues and the often complex topic of business succession. Under the leadership of C.R.E.S., this closed community offers business owners a chance to receive advice from seasoned executives with extensive experience in leading large corporations.

Insights from Experts

During the event, key presentations were delivered by industry veterans, including Yoshio Shimo, the former chairman of Hino Motors and currently CEO of bioventure Organtec. Additionally, C.R.E.S. President Junji Yamamoto shared insights related to succession matters, facilitating a candid exchange of ideas among attendees. This setting encouraged participants to express genuine concerns and to explore actionable resolutions.

As a community, the TOP MANAGEMENT CLUB is committed to directly addressing the varied challenges associated with business continuity and succession planning. C.R.E.S. aims to provide hands-on management support tailored to the unique needs of business owners, from strategic planning to effective personnel allocation.

The Importance of Succession Planning

The significance of such gatherings is underscored by alarming statistics; in 2024, a staggering 87,003 workers lost their jobs due to company closures, many attributable to a lack of successors. The departure of a business can lead to more than just economic loss; it signifies the loss of founders' dreams, employees' livelihoods, and valuable regional cultures. C.R.E.S., recognizing this reality, positions succession support as a core societal responsibility.

The challenges of transitional leadership are multifaceted and require nuanced strategies. Some of C.R.E.S.'s affiliated companies arose from zero-startups, while others were formed through M&A and business successions, reflecting a continuous commitment to preserving the stories and legacies of these enterprises.

Encouraging Active Participation in Succession Support

Participants in the TOP MANAGEMENT CLUB were bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDA) to ensure fruitful and honest conversations about real business challenges. The discussions pivoted around shared struggles of business owners contemplating succession, while also showcasing case studies facilitated by C.R.E.S. This format allowed attendees to share practical insights borne from their respective experiences, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between past practices and future goals.

Feedback from attendees indicated a strong desire for such initiatives, with many reporting that the event rekindled the intensity and urgency reminiscent of their own executive pasts. A participant remarked, "The stakes of decision-making are real again, sparking critical thinking. This theme is particularly relevant for those of us with operational backgrounds."

A Vision for the Future

Moving forward, C.R.E.S. plans to sustain its efforts in drawing inspiration from its community, providing ongoing opportunities that catalyze the next chapter of leadership. The organization is determined to create a program that will serve as a springboard for business owners to foster their legacy and ensure continuity within their companies.

This initiative is part of C.R.E.S.'s broader mission to cultivate leadership capabilities and secure the future of businesses navigating transition. Their dedication is evident in their recent announcement of the C.R.E.S. Academy, set to commence in early 2026, aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders.

For further insights into the TOP MANAGEMENT CLUB and C.R.E.S.'s mission, stay tuned for the forthcoming issue of a magazine dedicated to pro executives, which will publish a detailed report on the event. Readers can find this and more resources through C.R.E.S. channels, including their YouTube platform, dedicated to sharing the organization’s stories and insights.

About C.R.E.S.

C.R.E.S. operates under a philosophy of merging legacy with growth by prioritizing the values and stories tied to each business. Their network of over 410,000 professionals and comprehensive management support is structured to maintain not just economic continuity, but a commitment to the very identity and spirit of each company they engage with.

For more information about C.R.E.S. and their initiatives, visit their website at C.R.E.S..