#Sales Skills #Shinkansen #Kumiko Moki

Kumiko Moki's Inspiring Journey

Kumiko Moki, renowned as the charismatic salesperson of the Yamagata Shinkansen, has recently gained renewed attention with her book, "Why I Became a Charismatic Shinkansen Seller from a Gal," now in its fourth edition. Published by Nikkei BP in November 2014, this long-selling book has captivated readers for over a decade, particularly in an age where AI and automation are becoming increasingly common. Moki's insights on the power of personal interaction in customer service resonate more than ever.

Initially, Moki didn't envision herself as a successful salesperson. She was once considered an underperforming “gal,” yet through her experiences on the shinkansen, she came to understand that the essence of effective sales lies not in following a strict manual but in empathetic engagement with customers. Her approach focused on asking herself, “What can I do to make my customers happy?” This attitude sets her apart from the many who only rely on sales tactics.

Her transformation from a struggling salesperson to achieving daily sales of 500,000 yen speaks volumes about the trust and emotional connections that can only be fostered through sincere interactions with customers. As the prevalence of self-service kiosks and automated checkouts increases, Moki's methodology serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable value of personal customer engagement. Her lectures, which she has delivered over 150 times a year since her retirement in 2012, have ignited passion and motivation within countless individuals and organizations.

The renewed interest in her book signifies a collective yearning for human connection in sales, especially when convenience often overshadows genuine interpersonal relationships. Readers are drawn to Moki's central message: "When you focus on making others happy, the results will naturally follow." This principle stands in stark contrast to the impersonal nature of transactions in the digital age and provides a refreshing perspective that challenges the status quo.

Moki's talks frequently evoke strong emotional responses from attendees, with people expressing how their views on work have shifted. They recount experiencing joy in their roles after listening to her share her journey and philosophies. Feedback from organizations that have adopted her training highlights transformations within their staff, showcasing a newfound motivation to engage actively.

The essence of Moki's teachings emphasizes that as automation and efficiency dominate the modern workplace, the value of direct human interaction in customer service remains paramount. The release of the fourth edition of her book aims to spread her message of the power of personal connection further into various workplaces and industries.

In her own words, Moki shares her humble beginnings: "I was not a born salesperson or an exceptional individual. I was simply a gal who eventually realized the joy of making customers happy and the fulfillment that work could bring. I have no special formula for success. By not pushing for sales but instead deepening relationships with customers, sales naturally increased."

In this automated era, she asserts, understanding the profound value of human interactions is essential. Through her book and her engaging lectures, Moki strives to convey the message that experiencing the joy of serving customers can lead everyone to appreciate their work significantly. She hopes to inspire many to embrace the path of fulfillment in their professional lives.

As we continue to navigate a world increasingly driven by technology, Kumiko Moki reminds us of the timelessness and importance of connecting with others, proving that excellence in sales—and in service—stems from genuine human connection.

Author's Profile

Kumiko Moki was born in 1980 in Yamagata Prefecture. After graduating from Yamagata Jōhoku High School, she began her career as a shinkansen onboard salesperson in 1998. Moki hit a remarkable milestone in 2005, achieving sales of 500,000 yen on a single round trip between Tokyo and Shinjo. Her high sales performance earned her recognition and, in 2006, she became the youngest chief instructor in her field. Celebrated as the