Former TBS Announcer Hiroki Kobayashi Appointed MC! Pro Talent Institution and Yano Research Institute Launch Monthly 'Third Place' Debate Series for 'Retirement New Graduates' at Snack Tamachan

Spin-off event of 'Snack Yano Kei': Host Takahashi Tetsu (right), MC Hiroki Kobayashi (left)

Pro Talent Institution Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kei Takahashi), which supports corporate transformation through talent mobility, will co-host a monthly discussion event titled 'Akira and Seniors Howling Night' starting July 28, 2026 (Tuesday) at 'Snack Tamachan Akasaka' (Minato-ku, Tokyo). This spin-off initiative is launched in collaboration with Yano Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Takashi Mizukoshi), targeting senior business professionals aged 50 to 70.

Hiroki Kobayashi, former TBS announcer, will serve as the event's MC. The inaugural session will focus on 'Snack Culture Theory,' featuring Matsushima Katsuhito, Head of X-Division and Snack Yano Kei Project Lead at Yano Research Institute, as guest speaker. The discussion will deeply analyze what modern business professionals seek in a 'third place'—authenticity and emotional relief.

Background: Redefining Retirement Not as a Crisis, but as a New Beginning—'Retirement New Graduate'

In Japan's Reiwa era, amid declining birthrates and aging populations, the urgent challenge is how to return the vast 'experience assets' held by seniors back to society—especially with calls for employment up to age 70 and business succession to the next generation.

At our company, we redefine retirement not as a 'loss of title (crisis)' but as a new opportunity for stage transition—what we call the 'retirement new graduate.' We view the post-retirement preparation period as a second 'job-hunting phase,' where individuals shed past successes and pride (unlearning) to build new careers. This event is launched as a public awareness campaign to collectively support the challenges of these 'retirement new graduates.'

Precisely because 'snacks'—Showa-era social spaces—lack vested interests and ensure psychological safety, they function as a 'third place' where executives and business professionals, freed from corporate titles, can speak candidly and take their next steps.

Former Announcer Hiroki Kobayashi to Facilitate the Inner Voices of 'Retirement New Graduates'

The event's host is Kei Takahashi, President & CEO of Pro Talent Institution, a 'flagbearer of retirement new graduates' who has conducted over 20 years of interviews with more than 30,000 senior executives as a specialist headhunter.

As MC, Hiroki Kobayashi—former TBS announcer, current CEO of a strategic consulting firm, and expert in psychology and communication—will facilitate unscripted, passionate discussions. He will empathetically engage with the complex emotions of 'retirement new graduates' struggling to unlearn their former selves.

A socially conscious documentary space will emerge, where real, unfiltered 'ways of life among seniors' intersect—a must-see for the media.

Profile of Hiroki Kobayashi

Hiroki Kobayashi

Graduated from Keio University, joined TBS Television in 2018. Served as commentator and host for programs such as 'New Year Ekiden,' 'N Studio,' and 'Akko ni Omakase!'. After leaving TBS, worked as a manager at a foreign consulting firm before becoming independent.

Currently, as representative of ZeNo Consulting, he supports listed companies in mid-term management planning, AI, and DX strategy. Recently served as overall MC for 'SEIBU New Leaders Summit 2026.'

First Event: 'Snack Culture Theory'—Why Are Business Professionals Heading to Snacks Now?

The first guest is Katsuhito Matsushima (Senior Research Fellow, Xbusiness, Yano Research Institute; Head of Snack Yano Kei), who continues to explore the potential of 'business meets snack' culture.

How effectively do snacks function as 'third places' for senior and managerial demographics prone to loneliness? Based on Matsushima’s rich insights and the journey of 'Snack Yano Kei' so far, the social value of 'snacks' in the modern era will be thoroughly unraveled.

🔳 Event Details

Name: Snack Yano Kei Spinoff 'Akira and Seniors Howling Night' Episode 1: Snack Culture Theory

Date & Time: July 28, 2026 (Tue) 18:00 – 20:00

Venue: Snack Tamachan (102, B1F Dia City Akasaka, 4-2-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Speakers: Host: Kei Takahashi (Representative Director, Pro Talent Institution) Guest: Katsuhito Matsushima (Yano Research Institute) MC: Hiroki Kobayashi (Former TBS Announcer)

Participation Fee: ¥13,200 (tax included) ※ All-you-can-drink, snacks, and materials included

Capacity: Up to 20 people (first-come, first-served)

Details: Official Snack Yano Kei website

https://www.yano.co.jp/xbusiness/sunatama/akira/howling_night_lp.php

Register for 'Akira and Seniors Howling Night'

※ Registration via Yano Research Institute’s application page

※ Media professionals are welcome to attend for interviews and observation (including camera filming). Please feel free to contact us.

Future Event Themes (Planned)

Episode 2: Senior Careers — 'Can Senior Experience Really Be Sold? How to Build Market Value After Retirement?'

Episode 3: The Day I Took Off the Big Company Badge — 'What Did I Feel When Emails Stopped Coming? How Did I Shed My Pride?'

Katsuhito Matsushima, Senior Research Fellow, Xbusiness, Yano Research Institute

Guest Speaker on Snack Culture from 'Snack Yano Kei'

'We operate 'Snack Yano Kei (Business Seminar),' a new venture by Yano Research Institute’s innovation division. Snacks are social spaces where everyone becomes equal, free from titles. We aim to redefine the Showa-era concept of 'ideas and connections born over drinks' within today’s business context. We’ll also share highlights from the Tokyo Snack Summit 2026 on July 20.'

Message from Kei Takahashi, Representative Director of Pro Talent Institution

Kei Takahashi, President & CEO, Pro Talent Institution

To all 'retirement new graduates':

'For over 20 years, I have witnessed mid-career and senior professionals at career crossroads, primarily among executives. Many seniors express anxiety upon reaching mandatory retirement, saying, 'Do I still have value?' I have always maintained that retirement is an opportunity. I believe retirement is a chance to reflect on the past and challenge new ways of living and working. The term 'retirement new graduate' resonated deeply with me. Those in their 50s approaching retirement are essentially entering a 'job-hunting' phase. While tailwinds are blowing for seniors today, challenges remain. Let’s speak openly and honestly about these experiences.'

About Yano Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1958, an independent comprehensive marketing research firm. Joined the Kyodo News Group in 2018. Publishes over 250 market reports annually across all industries and undertakes more than 600 commissioned research and consulting projects, contributing to client growth with advanced research capabilities, rich marketing data, and innovative business vision.

Pro Talent Institution