A Reversal from 100 Million Yen in Debt and 2 Employees. Why Angelux, which overturns common sense in the esthetics industry, was selected as "No. 6 in Great Place to Work® National Ranking"? Featured in a new book by Shinano Mainichi Shimbun!
Angelux Co., Ltd. announced that its journey of organizational reform, which led to it being ranked 6th nationally as a 'Great Place to Work,' was featured in a new book by Shinano Mainichi Shimbun. The company's dramatic recovery from 100 million yen in debt and only two employees, and its shift to 'people-centric management,' have been recognized.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 19:10
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NAGANO, Japan – The organizational reform journey of Angelux Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture; Representative Director: Midori Osugi) has been featured in a new book, "Won't You Come to Our Company? Learning from 15 Companies in Shinshu on How to Create a Workplace Where People Don't Leave" (released on April 25, 2026), published by Shinano Mainichi Shimbun.
In an era where severe labor shortages are a societal issue, the company's achievement of being ranked 6th nationally in the 2026 edition of the "Great Place to Work®" ranking for "Companies with a Great Place to Work," and being selected for a total of seven times, is attributed to a transformation towards "people-centric management," which was desperately sought after overcoming a devastating state of 100 million yen in debt and only two employees.
We have made our journey public with the hope that this book will provide hints for solving problems and the courage to take a step forward for business owners and leaders of companies that, like the former Angelux, are struggling with severe labor shortages and staff retention.
Released by Shinano Mainichi Shimbun on April 25, 2026
■ Three Reasons Why Angelux Breaks Through the "Darkness of the Esthetics Industry" and Continues to Be Chosen
Rebuilding from the Bottom and Restoring Trust
In 2010, the "master-apprentice" relationship, which involved an average of 11 hours of work per day, reached its limit, leading to a massive departure of employees. From a collapsing state of 100 million yen in debt and only two remaining employees, the company abandoned old industry customs and shifted to a management style of "fulfilling promises to employees one by one." This gritty restoration of trust became the starting point for the current strong organization.
"Human Potential" Education That Doesn't Rush Results
Instead of treating employees as immediate assets to be used up, the company prioritizes character education that teaches a way of thinking that enriches life, without demanding sales results for the first two years. By redefining skills not just as "tasks" but as "a lifelong, proud profession," each staff member finds clear meaning in their work, forming a professional group supported by customers who feel "fulfilled to the core."
Objective Evaluation by "Great Place to Work®"
Seven awards in the ranking by the survey organization, which operates in approximately 170 countries worldwide. In the latest 2026 edition, the company received 6th place nationally in the "Great Place to Work" ranking (small-scale division) in Japan. The pursuit of creating a place where employees can truly feel happy, without resorting to the ambiguous term "job satisfaction," has been objectively proven as a result that overturns industry norms.
■ Creating an Organization Where Technology and Pride Resonate, "Changing the Future of the Esthetics Industry"
What Angelux values most is an "environment where estheticians can work with pride and job satisfaction, and in a positive manner."
The happiness and smiling faces of the members themselves lead to providing the best service to customers. Therefore, the company goes beyond mere skill acquisition, striving for each individual to be sincere, cultivate character, and become a trustworthy presence. Under the belief that "esthetics is a wonderful profession with the power to make life more beautiful and positive," the company and its members share a common vision and foster a culture of mutual gratitude. This accumulation has led to a "chosen workplace" with more than double the industry average in personnel, creating a virtuous cycle that enriches the lives of employees.
■ Seven Times Awarded "No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction" in Japan. Unwavering Customer Support Backed by Overwhelming Technical Skill
The company's growth is supported by uncompromising technical skill, which has been maintained since its founding. Its capabilities have been proven in "Esthetic Grand Prix," one of the most authoritative competitions in the esthetics industry.
Customer Satisfaction Division: First in history, awarded 7 times nationally.
Technical Division and Model Salon Presentation Division: Received numerous top awards, including the Grand Prix in 2025.
Challenge to the World Competition: At the 2026 World Competition in France, the unique technique "Yamato Nadeshiko Beauty Method®" was highly praised by judges, and the company achieved a top 10 (finalist) position as a Japanese entrant.
Cultivating true professionals who make customers say, "I'm glad I met you." The coexistence of this "pride in technology" and "ease of work" is the source of Angelux's strength.
■ A Unique System Where "Gratitude" Circulates, Leading to High Retention
Amidst the severe labor shortage, the company's ability to achieve both "high-level technology" and a "stable organization" is due to a modern organizational development system that has moved away from the "apprenticeship system" that forced unreasonable labor.
"Guidelines for Growth" to Assess Aptitude
Through 360-degree evaluations and regular interviews, the company identifies strengths and aptitudes that individuals may not be aware of, creating a place where they can shine together. More than just evaluation, multi-layered dialogues that are close to individual careers support the ability to work positively and authentically.
Introduction of "Unipos" to Visualize the Culture of Praise
An environment has been established where members of all stores can share "thank you" messages at any time through an app, fostering a culture of contribution.
In an era where severe labor shortages are a societal issue, the company's achievement of being ranked 6th nationally in the 2026 edition of the "Great Place to Work®" ranking for "Companies with a Great Place to Work," and being selected for a total of seven times, is attributed to a transformation towards "people-centric management," which was desperately sought after overcoming a devastating state of 100 million yen in debt and only two employees.
We have made our journey public with the hope that this book will provide hints for solving problems and the courage to take a step forward for business owners and leaders of companies that, like the former Angelux, are struggling with severe labor shortages and staff retention.
Released by Shinano Mainichi Shimbun on April 25, 2026
■ Three Reasons Why Angelux Breaks Through the "Darkness of the Esthetics Industry" and Continues to Be Chosen
Rebuilding from the Bottom and Restoring Trust
In 2010, the "master-apprentice" relationship, which involved an average of 11 hours of work per day, reached its limit, leading to a massive departure of employees. From a collapsing state of 100 million yen in debt and only two remaining employees, the company abandoned old industry customs and shifted to a management style of "fulfilling promises to employees one by one." This gritty restoration of trust became the starting point for the current strong organization.
"Human Potential" Education That Doesn't Rush Results
Instead of treating employees as immediate assets to be used up, the company prioritizes character education that teaches a way of thinking that enriches life, without demanding sales results for the first two years. By redefining skills not just as "tasks" but as "a lifelong, proud profession," each staff member finds clear meaning in their work, forming a professional group supported by customers who feel "fulfilled to the core."
Objective Evaluation by "Great Place to Work®"
Seven awards in the ranking by the survey organization, which operates in approximately 170 countries worldwide. In the latest 2026 edition, the company received 6th place nationally in the "Great Place to Work" ranking (small-scale division) in Japan. The pursuit of creating a place where employees can truly feel happy, without resorting to the ambiguous term "job satisfaction," has been objectively proven as a result that overturns industry norms.
■ Creating an Organization Where Technology and Pride Resonate, "Changing the Future of the Esthetics Industry"
What Angelux values most is an "environment where estheticians can work with pride and job satisfaction, and in a positive manner."
The happiness and smiling faces of the members themselves lead to providing the best service to customers. Therefore, the company goes beyond mere skill acquisition, striving for each individual to be sincere, cultivate character, and become a trustworthy presence. Under the belief that "esthetics is a wonderful profession with the power to make life more beautiful and positive," the company and its members share a common vision and foster a culture of mutual gratitude. This accumulation has led to a "chosen workplace" with more than double the industry average in personnel, creating a virtuous cycle that enriches the lives of employees.
■ Seven Times Awarded "No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction" in Japan. Unwavering Customer Support Backed by Overwhelming Technical Skill
The company's growth is supported by uncompromising technical skill, which has been maintained since its founding. Its capabilities have been proven in "Esthetic Grand Prix," one of the most authoritative competitions in the esthetics industry.
Customer Satisfaction Division: First in history, awarded 7 times nationally.
Technical Division and Model Salon Presentation Division: Received numerous top awards, including the Grand Prix in 2025.
Challenge to the World Competition: At the 2026 World Competition in France, the unique technique "Yamato Nadeshiko Beauty Method®" was highly praised by judges, and the company achieved a top 10 (finalist) position as a Japanese entrant.
Cultivating true professionals who make customers say, "I'm glad I met you." The coexistence of this "pride in technology" and "ease of work" is the source of Angelux's strength.
■ A Unique System Where "Gratitude" Circulates, Leading to High Retention
Amidst the severe labor shortage, the company's ability to achieve both "high-level technology" and a "stable organization" is due to a modern organizational development system that has moved away from the "apprenticeship system" that forced unreasonable labor.
"Guidelines for Growth" to Assess Aptitude
Through 360-degree evaluations and regular interviews, the company identifies strengths and aptitudes that individuals may not be aware of, creating a place where they can shine together. More than just evaluation, multi-layered dialogues that are close to individual careers support the ability to work positively and authentically.
Introduction of "Unipos" to Visualize the Culture of Praise
An environment has been established where members of all stores can share "thank you" messages at any time through an app, fostering a culture of contribution.