#Japan #Tokyo #Retail Management #Goldratt Japan #The Goal 4

Launching a New Era in Retail Management

On October 13, 2025, Goldratt Japan, based in Minato, Tokyo, will officially kick off the Retail Management Research Group in celebration of the release of the comic edition of 'The Goal 4: The Magic of Inventory Management.' This new initiative aims to gather leaders from the retail industry who are instrumental in driving reforms at the operational level and making sound managerial decisions. The goal is to create a continuously growing business environment that promotes pride among employees.

With Japan's retail market exceeding 160 trillion yen, it serves as a backbone to the nation's economy when including supply chains and service industries. Yet, the sector has long been challenged by structural issues such as fierce price competition, labor shortages, and excessive inventory, leading to poor morale and declining profit margins. What is needed now is not just a shift towards efficiency and digitalization, but a fundamental change in management models that foster lively workplaces and create sustainable value for society.

The Retail Management Research Group aims to be a forum for innovative ideas and insights, supported by the wisdom of experts and the success stories of practitioners. The inaugural meeting will take place at the picturesque Canal Cafe in Iidabashi, Tokyo, and will continue as a recurring event moving forward.

This event marks the beginning of a new phase where enjoyable work environments and profitable companies can coexist in retail.

Event Overview

Launching of Retail Management Research Group

Date: November 13, 2025 (Thursday) 16:00 - 20:00
Venue: Canal Cafe
Capacity: 50 participants (tentative)
Participation Fee: 8,000 yen (5,000 yen for seminar only)
Cash payments will not be accepted at the venue.
Special Gift: Comic edition of 'The Goal 4: The Magic of Inventory Management'.
Register here: Retail Management Registration

Program Schedule

• - 16:00 - 16:30

Introduction to the Retail Management Research Group
Jon Kishi, the producer of the comic edition of 'The Goal 4,' will discuss how retail can outperform IT ventures in profitability.

• - 16:30 - 18:00

Keynote Lecture:
'Lessons from the Comic Edition of The Goal 4: Creating Enjoyable Workplaces and Profitable Companies'
Featured speakers include Takahiro Saito, a fashion retail consultant and author of 'Uniqlo vs. Zara', and Motoi Hida from Goldratt Japan.

• - 18:00 - 20:00

Networking Party

Speaker Profiles

Yuji Kishi

CEO of Goldratt Japan & Producer of the comic edition of 'The Goal 4'. Kishi has implemented the Theory of Constraints (TOC) across various industries and sectors. Credited with numerous successful projects, his work has earned international acclaim. His engaging and practical seminars have drawn significant attention, leading to a best-selling publication series appreciated both domestically and internationally.

Takahiro Saito

A seasoned fashion retail consultant, Saito specializes in transforming excess inventory into profits and cash flow, focusing on organizational structure and operational methods tailored to the fashion industry. He has supported over 30 businesses, including helping seven brands exceed annual sales of 10 billion yen. Saito aims to optimize inventory across retail chains by leveraging AI technology.

About the Goldratt Group

Founded by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, author of the global bestseller 'The Goal,' the Goldratt Group employs the Theory of Constraints to assist organizations in their management reforms. The group strives to provide breakthroughs for clients around the world while advocating for workplaces that employees look forward to. Learn more at Goldratt Group.