Add One Inc. Launches to Revitalize Japanese SMEs with New Management Book

Add One Inc. Takes a Bold Step to Revitalize Japanese SMEs

In a significant development for the Japanese business landscape, Add One Inc., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, was established in January 2026 to take on the pressing challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As the country grapples with inflation, a shrinking workforce, and the urgent need for digital transformation (DX), Add One aims to provide robust support and sustainable growth strategies tailored to the unique needs of Japanese SMEs.

At the heart of Add One's mission lies the introduction of their pioneering management philosophy, known as 'Shin-Nihonshiki Keiei' or 'New Japanese Management.' This approach integrates traditional Japanese business values with modern technology and logical frameworks to create a comprehensive system designed to empower SMEs.

The Foundation of Add One

Over the past three decades, many Japanese companies have looked to Western business theories, adopting principles such as merit-based pay, job-type employment, and various analytical models. However, this has often led to misalignment with the existing workplace culture, undermining the intrinsic strengths of Japanese companies—most notably their 'genba' (on-site capabilities) and 'wa' (harmony).

Add One acknowledges the so-called 'lost 30 years' not as a failure, but as a testament to the resilience of Japanese businesses that have successfully maintained employment stability during tough times. The relationships built in the trenches of this struggle now serve as vital assets in navigating the challenges posed by inflation.

Innovative Solutions from Add One

Add One presents three core solutions aimed at reinforcing the operational framework of Japanese SMEs:

1. Triple 3 KPI Management Diagnostics: This system merges the philosophies of notable historical figures, such as Tōdō Heisuke and Eiichi Shibusawa, adapting their principles into contemporary numerical targets. The focus areas include:
- Safety: Achieving a minimum of 30% equity ratio for solid financial health.
- Efficiency: Aiming for a 30% increase in labor productivity, combining DX with lean methodologies.
- Growth: Targeting a 30% increase in sales through strategic investments.

2. GISOV Execution Method: Add One introduces a common language (Goal, Issue, Solution, Operation, Value) tailored for on-site implementation, enhancing organizational execution without complexity. This strategy aims to streamline communication and foster effective action.

3. Empathetic Sales Transformation: Shifting from a hard-selling approach to one that deeply understands and resonates with customers' past, present, and future. This 'empathetic' sales style helps companies build a compelling brand that avoids the pitfalls of price competition.

Coming Book Release

In conjunction with its establishment, Add One will release a new book titled 'Shin-Nihonshiki Keiei: Creating Japan's Winning Patterns with Wa and Sai.' Scheduled for release on January 26, 2026, as an Amazon Kindle edition, the book aims to disseminate valuable insights and methodologies that define the company's approach.

Key Details of the Book:

- Author: Yuichi Usami, CEO of Add One
- Price: Available on Kindle Unlimited or for 720 yen (tax inclusive)
- Overview:

- Chapter 1: Redefining History - Why 'Japanese-style' Now?
- Chapter 2: Core Thought - How Unyielding Defense Inspires Bold Aggression
- Chapter 4: Tactical Execution - GISOV and On-site Streamlining
- Chapter 5: Sales Approach - Transitioning from Hard Sell to Empathy

Profile of CEO Yuichi Usami

Yuichi Usami is a graduate of Kwansei Gakuin University, having built a robust career at Mitsubishi Electric across various sectors for 25 years, including production management and supply chain initiatives
increasing efficiency across operations. Following his tenure at the Japan Management Association, he utilized his extensive experience working across over 30 projects in manufacturing and service industries to establish Add One Inc. His goal is to bridge theory and practice effectively to empower SMEs.

A Vision for the Future

In a visionary statement, Usami emphasizes Japan's inherent capability to refine foreign philosophies and technologies to create world-class products. He advocates for the emerging leaders of this revolution to be the SMEs that know their field and their people, not just large corporations or government entities. Instead of trying to turn back to earlier times, Usami urges businesses to harness existing untapped value within to embrace a bright future facilitated by technological advancements. 'Let us explore this new era together,' he states, 'by adding the wisdom of Add One.'