Kozo Kako's New Book 'What History's Elite Learned from Their 'Mentors'' Released Today! Why Do Elites Seek 'Mentors' Instead of Self-Learning?

Cross Media Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koichiro Kobayakawa), which primarily publishes business and practical books, released the book 'What History's Elite Learned from Their 'Mentors'' on April 2, 2026.

This book is the 'history edition' of the 'World's Elite' series, following 'What the World's Elite Do on Their 'Days Off'' (over 200,000 copies sold) and 'What the World's Elite Talk About in 'Small Talk'' (over 60,000 copies sold).

It explains the technique of learning from a 'mentor,' which is essential in the age of AI, through examples of historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Ino Tadataka. Historian Kozo Kako analyzes the mentor-disciple relationships of historical elites—why they learned from 'mentors' instead of 'self-study,' and how they utilized what they learned—and proposes these as skills applicable to modern times.

◆Related URLs (Our website, etc.)

https://cm-publishing.co.jp/books/9784295411895/

Amazon　https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4295411892/

Rakuten Books　https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18516337/

●Why a 'Mentor' is Necessary in the AI Era

With the development of AI technology, anyone can easily obtain information. However, precisely because of this, it has become crucial to enhance 'human capabilities' (personal growth and the demonstration of charm as a person). AI can provide correct answers, but only living human beings can enhance the dignity and the root of human creativity.

Looking back at history, Sakamoto Ryoma learned from Katsu Kaishu, Oda Nobunaga from Sawaki Soon, and Tokugawa Ieyasu from Takeda Shingen, each achieving great feats that left their names in history. What they learned from their mentors was not just knowledge and skills, but also how to live as a person and judgment. Especially in this AI-dominated modern era, the value of learning from a living human mentor is being re-evaluated.

●Choosing the Right Mentor Can Change Your Life 180 Degrees!

This book reveals six characteristics of a good mentor through examples of historical figures. These are: "finding and nurturing the disciple's strengths," "being able to foresee the trends of the times," "being a person of integrity," "being able to overlook shortcomings," "being able to communicate clearly," and "keeping the disciple engaged."

On the other hand, examples of mistaken mentor choices, such as Ishida Mitsunari, Hijikata Toshizo, and Akechi Mitsuhide, are also introduced. Their failures further highlight the importance of a mentor. History eloquently tells us that encountering a good mentor can significantly influence one's life.

●Four Ways to Utilize What You've Learned

There are four ways to effectively utilize what you've learned from a mentor: "absorbing a lot with a humble attitude," "imagining in advance what to use it for," "starting immediately with what you understand," and "utilizing existing skills."

The book introduces detailed examples of individuals who practiced these methods, such as Kido Takayoshi, Tokugawa Hidetada, Tanuma Okitsugu, Shibusawa Eiichi, and Ino Tadataka. These contents are highly relevant and useful for modern business professionals. By practicing these, one can maximize learning from a mentor and significantly move one's life forward.

▼This book is perfect for:

・Business professionals who want to thrive in the 100-year life era

・Managers struggling with guiding subordinates and juniors

・Students and working adults who want to acquire effective learning methods

・Those interested in the success principles of historical great figures

▼Book Structure

Introduction: Precisely because of the AI era, a 'mentor' is necessary

Chapter 1: Then and now, wise people learn from masters

Chapter 2: Why learn? What is the elite's purpose-driven thinking?

Chapter 3: Smart ways to choose a mentor that unlocks potential

Chapter 4: Those who utilized what they learned from their master, and those who didn't

●Author Profile

Kozo Kako

Historian and writer. Born in Osaka City in 1958. After graduating from Nara University's Faculty of Letters, Department of History, and serving as a researcher at the same university's Faculty of Letters, he currently lectures at universities and companies while engaging in writing activities based on his unique historical perspective. He is a lecturer for the Internal and External Affairs Research Council, the Small and Medium Enterprise University, and the Political and Economic Discussion Group. His major works include 'Leaders, Train Your 'Tactics' More Than Your 'Strategy'' (our company), 'Toyotomi Hidenaga: The Strongest Style of a 'Helper'' (Business-sha), and 'The Great Prophecy of the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches' (Kasama Shoin), among many others. His work 'Kozo Kako Tried to Make a Taiga Drama in Yanagawa on the Theme of Tachibana Muneshige' (RKB Mainichi Broadcasting) received the 57th Galaxy Award for Excellence (2019). He also supervises and appears in many TV and radio programs.

●Book Information

'What History's Elite Learned from Their 'Mentors''

Author: Kozo Kako

Price: 1,815 yen (1,650 yen + tax)

Format: Shirokuhan / 272 pages

ISBN: 9784295411895

Publisher: Cross Media Publishing Co., Ltd. (Cross Media Group Co., Ltd.)

Release Date: April 2, 2026

◆Related URLs (Our website, etc.)

https://cm-publishing.co.jp/books/9784295411895/

Amazon　https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4295411892/

Rakuten Books　https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18516337/

▼Link List (Cross Media Group)

Cross Media Publishing Co., Ltd.　https://cm-publishing.co.jp/

Cross Media Marketing Co., Ltd.　https://cm-marketing.jp/

Cross Media Group Co., Ltd.　https://cm-group.jp/