Strengthening Corporate Culture Through Reading: The Money Forward Approach
On October 17, 2025, Money Forward Co., Ltd. announced the release of a notable book titled "How Money Forward Strengthens Its Organization Through Reading Culture," authored by non-fiction writer Eriko Miyamoto. This book was produced with the support of interviews conducted with various members, from the CEO to frontline employees, capturing the essence of Money Forward's effective "reading management" strategy.
Unlike typical self-help literature, this book emphasizes practical implementations of reading within the corporate setting, presenting real case studies. Furthermore, it features an 80-book list at the end to assist readers in their future learning endeavors.
The Role of Reading in Money Forward’s Organizational Culture
From its inception, Money Forward has prioritized reading as a central element of its corporate culture. Employees from diverse backgrounds actively engage in discussions rooted in shared knowledge acquired from books. This collaboration aims to enhance decision-making and spur innovative ideas, making reading an essential tool for the organization.
Money Forward's commitment to fostering a learning environment through literature extends from management to all employees. The organization has established a leader training program known as the "Leadership Forward Program," where discussion based on assigned reading materials takes place, allowing for the enhancement of management skills. Starting in 2024, a new training initiative called the "Reading Session" will provide managers with designated topic-based books to share insights and foster connections across different leadership levels.
By having executives and leaders read the same books and discuss organizational challenges and strategies, they create opportunities for alignment across the organization. This commitment to reading transcends the leadership echelon and reaches frontline employees as well. Volunteer-run internal book clubs curate specific reading materials, offering spaces for cross-departmental exchanges of ideas. These discussions not only enhance individual performance but also improve overall organizational communication and knowledge sharing.
This culture of sharing insights through reading and deepening dialogue serves as a foundation for Money Forward's ongoing growth and commitment to diverse organizational management.
Book Details
- - Title: How Money Forward Strengthens Its Organization Through Reading Culture
- - Author: Eriko Miyamoto
- - Release Date: October 17, 2025
- - Publisher: Nikkei Publishing
- - Price: 1,870 yen (including tax)
- - Specifications: 248 pages, 4.5 x 7.0 inches
- - Link: Book Link
Table of Contents
- - Introduction: What Does It Mean for a Company to Be Strong Through Reading?
- - Chapter 1: The Secrets of Rapid Growth at Money Forward: It's All About Books
- - Chapter 2: "Reading Made Me a CEO" – Insights from Group CEO Yosuke Tsuji
- - Chapter 3: Classic Must-Reads for Continuous Learning Leaders
- - Chapter 4: What Do Department Heads Communicate Through 'Reading Sessions' to Strengthen Their Teams?
- - Chapter 5: Managerial Reading Techniques – Learning from Books Even with Limited Time
- - Chapter 6: A Culture of Reading Fostered by Employees – The Impact of Amazing Book Clubs
- - Epilogue: Growth Lies in Books That Don’t Fit Your Preferences
- - Acknowledgements and Afterword
- - Money Forward's Journey
- - Book List Featured in the Book
Author Profile: Eriko Miyamoto
Eriko Miyamoto is an acclaimed interviewer, non-fiction writer, and editor born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1978. After graduating from Tsukuba University, she joined Nikkei Home Publishing, contributing to various magazines like "Nikkei WOMAN." In late 2009, she began her freelance career, focusing on writing interviews centered on themes like work-life balance and family relationships. Miyamoto has produced numerous books and web content while also supporting the publication and promotion of works from business leaders and cultural figures. Notable publications include "Why Do Adults Work?" and "Family Business Management" (both by Nikkei BP), and "The Techniques of Interviewing that Creates Long Lines" (by Diamond Publishing). She also leads a family book project titled "Family Book Production."
About Money Forward Co., Ltd.
- - Name: Money Forward Co., Ltd.
- - Location: 3-1-21 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, msb Tamachi, 21st Floor, Tamachi Station Tower
- - CEO: Yosuke Tsuji
- - Founded: May 2012
- - Business: Platform service business
- - Website: Corporate Site