#Japan #Chiyoda #Aoba-BBT #Retty #Kazaya Takeda

Aoba-BBT Anniversary Project: Insightful Dialogue with Kazaya Takeda

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Aoba-BBT, the Attackers Business School (ABS), we are excited to announce a special online seminar featuring Kazaya Takeda, the founder of the real-name gourmet service Retty. This event is not just about sharing success stories; it dives deep into the strategies that propelled Retty to success in a market dominated by anonymous reviews.

1. Background: A Bold Decision Against Marketing Norms

When Retty launched its service in 2011, the gourmet website market was saturated with anonymous reviews and coupon strategies. The prevailing wisdom suggested that anonymity would drive engagement and growth. However, Retty made a contrarian decision to prioritize a real-name approach. Why did Takeda believe that user identification would be the most valuable asset in the future?

This seminar will explore the rationale behind focusing on building trust rather than chasing superficial metrics such as page views. Takeda will discuss how he positioned Retty for long-term success, valuing personal relationships over easily quantifiable indicators.

2. The Paradox of IPO and Crisis Management

Takeda's endeavors culminated in a significant milestone when Retty went public in October 2020. Yet, shortly after this achievement, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, freezing the restaurant industry and raising questions about Retty's relevance. In a moment fraught with uncertainty, what decisions did Takeda make to navigate through this crisis?

During this discussion, he will reveal not just the strategies employed but the emotional and instinctual processes that influenced his leadership during a time of national distress.

3. Overcoming the Literacy Barrier

Introducing a real-name policy was not without its challenges. Initially, the concept faced enormous skepticism, with many proclaiming it would never catch on. This session will delve into how Takeda overcame societal biases and literacy barriers to establish a culture embracing transparency in dining experiences. Discussing the philosophy and beliefs that drove his approach, Takeda will offer insights into how entrepreneurs can instill new values in their fields.

The Significance of This Dialogue

This dialogue aligns with the core themes of the Aoba-BBT Group's anniversary project: strengthening communities, visualizing role models, and fostering lifelong learning. By sharing successes achieved by alumni in real-world contexts, Aoba-BBT aims to accelerate key initiatives such as:

• - Revitalizing community networks
• - Creating a circular learning model for continuous personal development
• - Strengthening the pipeline for future leaders
• - Promoting global collaboration and international education

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is particularly useful for:

• - Marketers struggling between data-driven decisions and brand ideologies
• - Entrepreneurs contemplating how to penetrate saturated markets (red oceans)
• - Business Leaders wishing to uphold decisive judgement in times of crisis
• - Anyone disenchanted with conventional success philosophies looking for fresh perspectives.

Event Details

• - Date: January 29, 2026
• - Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (JST)
• - Format: Online (Zoom)
• - Cost: Free
• - Registration Deadline: January 28, 2026, 3:00 PM
• - Registration Link: Aoba-BBT Seminar Registration

Speakers' Profiles

Kazaya Takeda
Chairman of Retty Inc., a graduate of ABS and a prominent figure in the culinary landscape in Japan. Takeda's experience spans internet marketing, where he laid the groundwork for establishing Retty and making it a household name for food lovers.

Iwao Shibata
President of Aoba-BBT, a leader in international and recurrent education, Shibata has enhanced educational innovation in Japan. He successfully transformed schools and expanded educational offerings to meet diverse learner needs.

Join us for this informative session aimed at redefining success in the entrepreneurial landscape with unique insights and strategies!