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Discover the World of Consulting with Hidekazu Watanabe's Works

A unique book fair is currently being held at Junbundo Bookstore, Ikebukuro from April 11 to April 24, 2026, showcasing the insightful works of Hidekazu Watanabe, the CEO of Concord Executive Group, a leading career design firm in Japan. This event features two key titles: Consulting Industry Research 9th Edition and Classes on Careers that Create the Future.

Event Details

• - Date: April 11 (Saturday) to April 24 (Friday), 2026
• - Location: Junbundo Bookstore, Ikebukuro, 1st Floor near the cashier
• - Featured Books: 15 displays focused on two significant works

Featured Titles

Consulting Industry Research 9th Edition

• - Authors: Hidekazu Watanabe, Rio Yamamoto
• - Publisher: San-gakusha
• - Release Date: January 15, 2026
• - Price: 2,530 JPY (tax included)

This edition has sold over 250,000 copies and has become a must-read for those interested in career transitions and employment in the consulting field. It provides comprehensive insights into the evolving structures of the consulting industry in the age of AI, changes in job responsibilities, career paths post-consulting, and effective strategies for securing offers. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, it has achieved the number one ranking in the Job and Public Service category at the University of Tokyo's Co-op bookstore in February 2026.

Classes on Careers that Create the Future

• - Author: Hidekazu Watanabe
• - Publisher: Nikkei Business Publications
• - Release Date: October 3, 2017
• - Price: 858 JPY (tax included)

This book was chosen as the textbook for Tokyo University’s first official career design course, “Career Market Design,” in 2017. It details the strategies necessary for crafting a successful career, drawing on the experiences of over 1,000 business leaders and showcasing Watanabe's expertise, who received the MVP award at the Japan Headhunters Awards. Since 2025, this book has also been utilized as a textbook for the course “Career Management” at Hitotsubashi University.

About the Author

Hidekazu Watanabe
As the CEO of Concord Executive Group and visiting professor at Hitotsubashi University, Watanabe has a rich background in strategic consulting. He graduated from Hitotsubashi University and began his career at Sanwa Research Institute (now Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting) as a strategist, eventually rising to lead various new business development projects.

In 2008, he founded Concord Executive Group, which has successfully aided thousands in transitioning to senior roles within consulting firms like McKinsey & BCG and leveraged their expertise in transitioning from consulting to executive positions. Watanabe has also played crucial roles in academic settings, overseeing courses that design career paths for students and contributing to the broader understanding of career strategies through various literature. His commitment to education extends through the introduction of CareerPod, a platform advising students on career design.

Author's Message

As we enter the AI era, traditional career norms are evolving, prompting individuals to reconsider their futures. Watanabe expresses his hope that his books can assist readers in addressing essential questions such as, “What skills are in demand in the AI age?” and “How should I plan my career path?” He feels privileged to have his work featured at Junbundo Bookstore, a space where many discover invaluable books. He invites everyone to explore these works as a catalyst for their next steps in career development.

About Concord Executive Group

Concord Executive Group stands out as an award-winning career design firm that specializes in transformational career shifts for candidates aspiring to enter top consulting firms or transition from consultancy to executive roles. Their contributions to career strategy theories are well-documented through publications with reputable publishers. Additionally, they actively engage in educational initiatives, offering career design courses at prestigious universities and participating in business conferences, fostering the growth of future leaders.