Career Support Cafe 'KiiTOS' Transferred to Axe Career, Rebranded as 'BOTTO'

The career support service 'KiiTOS,' known for its 'Career Cafe' model, operates by focusing on face-to-face, extensive self-analysis with each job seeker.

Originally launched by IKI&IKI Co., Ltd. (President: Yoshihiro Hashimoto), KiiTOS grew as a joint project with Axe Career in Suwa, Nagano. Recently, Axe Career (Headquartered in Suwa, Nagano) acquired the business and rebranded it to 'BOTTO,' which means 'immersion.' Taisei Fukushima, the founder of KiiTOS, has moved with the business to Axe Career, assuming the role of President. Building on three years of operations in Chino, the new leadership structure aims to scale the service nationwide.

■ Overview
- Brand Transition: KiiTOS -> BOTTO
- Former Structure: Joint project between IKI&IKI and Axe Career.
- Business Transfer: Transferred from IKI&IKI to Axe Career.
- New Management: Founder Taisei Fukushima becomes President of Axe Career; former President Kenji Mizoguchi becomes Chairman.
- Key Feature: 'Founder-led succession,' where the founder moves with the business to ensure continuity.
- Track Record: Over 300 members registered at the 'Chino Station' branch (opened May 2023) over three years.

Fukushima launched KiiTOS as a director at IKI&IKI and will retain that position, acting as a bridge between the two companies.

■ The BOTTO Service
BOTTO is a service designed to 'produce environments where people can thrive.' We believe that performance is determined by environment rather than just effort or talent. Since most of our lives are spent working, finding an environment where one can be truly immersed is crucial.

BOTTO's approach defies industry norms:
- For Job Seekers: Conducts five 60-minute self-analysis sessions over 1–2 months to align work with their life goals.
- 'Visit First' Policy: Encourages visiting and experiencing the workplace before applying.
- For Companies: Thoroughly interviews every company before referral.
- Recruitment: Relies on word-of-mouth and social media rather than traditional job advertisements.

■ Succession and New Structure
- Transferor: IKI&IKI
- Transferee: Axe Career (Suwa, Nagano)
- President: Taisei Fukushima
- Chairman: Kenji Mizoguchi

Yoshihiro Hashimoto, President of IKI&IKI:
'KiiTOS was born out of genuine dedication to people. I am pleased to entrust the business to a place where its core mission will best flourish. We look forward to continuing our partnership to scale this across various regions.'

Kenji Mizoguchi, Chairman of Axe Career:
'Together with Fukushima, we will deliver 'environments for immersion' from Nagano to the rest of Japan.'

■ Message from Founder Taisei Fukushima:
'As a former engineer in the manufacturing industry, I once felt trapped by niche technical skills, believing I had no future outside my role. I struggled not because of a lack of effort, but because my environment simply didn't fit.'