Summary of Message to New Tokyu Group Employees for FY2026 by Hirofumi Nomoto, Chairman of Tokyu Corporation
At the 2026 Tokyu Group entrance ceremony, Chairman Hirofumi Nomoto encouraged 1,487 new employees from 52 companies to realize their dreams with a strong will, comparing work to 'digging a well' that requires teamwork and perseverance. He stressed the importance of independent thinking, taking on challenges, and valuing encounters, citing the group's ongoing development projects in Japan and abroad as fields for their future contributions.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 01:00
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[Realize Your Dreams with a Strong Will, by Thinking and Acting for Yourself]
For over 100 years since its founding, the Tokyu Group has been developing businesses in a wide range of fields closely related to our customers' daily lives, including transportation, construction, real estate, lifestyle services, and hotels and resorts. Our overseas business is also expanding year by year.
I often compare 'working' to 'digging a well.' A well can never be dug by one person alone; water will not come out unless you have companions who share the same determination and persevere in digging. Above all, an attitude of taking on challenges and a heart that does not give up are essential. The same is true for community development. The charm and value of a town are nurtured only when many forces come together, from planning and development to management and engagement with the local community. The many businesses of the Tokyu Group have also been realized in this way, together with many people.
Our founder, Keita Goto, left us with the words, 'It is important to always strive to be the foremost authority in the work you are currently engaged in.' You will all be undergoing training and assigned to your respective departments, but you may not necessarily be able to engage in the work you desire from the very beginning. I ask you not to be overjoyed or dejected simply based on your assignment, thinking 'I was lucky' or 'I was unlucky.' True luck is not something that is given to you; it is something you attract through your own actions, something that someone else may bring to you. You will have many encounters in the future—with the company, with your work, with your colleagues. I hope you will attract luck by cherishing these encounters and connections.
You will all be engaged in various jobs from now on. In any job, I want you to think for yourselves and act, taking on various challenges by asking questions like, 'What is the purpose of this?' 'Why must it be done this way?' 'What if I were the boss?' or 'What if I were the customer?' Even when things do not go well, it is important not to give up and see it as a failure, but to learn from it positively as a valuable experience and connect it to your own growth. Experience enriches your imagination and forges your ability to respond to risks and your creative prowess.
Currently, the Tokyu Group is undertaking development projects throughout Japan, including the redevelopment of Shibuya, and community development in Nihonbashi and Niseko. Overseas, we are also developing businesses in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia, utilizing our expertise in Japanese-style community development.
Furthermore, our participation in the 'GREEN×EXPO 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027),' to be held in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture from March 2027, has been confirmed. This will be a valuable opportunity to embody our Group's purpose: 'To create a beautiful living environment, and pursue a harmonious society and the happiness of each individual.'
No matter the business, it is difficult to advance with the power of one person alone. It only becomes possible when there are colleagues who act with the same determination. For that reason, I hope you will not only study various fields but also gain a lot of experience, actively communicate with your seniors, superiors, and colleagues, and build a large circle of supporters and cheerleaders.
Anyone can have 'dreams' or 'hopes,' but 'realizing your dreams' is impossible without a strong 'will' (shimei/ambition) and the initiative to think and act for yourself. Please have a 'dream' for the future and connect it to concrete actions to make that dream a reality. And I hope that the realization of some of your 'dreams' will be something the world needs and will also contribute to the development of the Tokyu Group.
In closing, I would like to leave you with the words, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.'
For over 100 years since its founding, the Tokyu Group has been developing businesses in a wide range of fields closely related to our customers' daily lives, including transportation, construction, real estate, lifestyle services, and hotels and resorts. Our overseas business is also expanding year by year.
I often compare 'working' to 'digging a well.' A well can never be dug by one person alone; water will not come out unless you have companions who share the same determination and persevere in digging. Above all, an attitude of taking on challenges and a heart that does not give up are essential. The same is true for community development. The charm and value of a town are nurtured only when many forces come together, from planning and development to management and engagement with the local community. The many businesses of the Tokyu Group have also been realized in this way, together with many people.
Our founder, Keita Goto, left us with the words, 'It is important to always strive to be the foremost authority in the work you are currently engaged in.' You will all be undergoing training and assigned to your respective departments, but you may not necessarily be able to engage in the work you desire from the very beginning. I ask you not to be overjoyed or dejected simply based on your assignment, thinking 'I was lucky' or 'I was unlucky.' True luck is not something that is given to you; it is something you attract through your own actions, something that someone else may bring to you. You will have many encounters in the future—with the company, with your work, with your colleagues. I hope you will attract luck by cherishing these encounters and connections.
You will all be engaged in various jobs from now on. In any job, I want you to think for yourselves and act, taking on various challenges by asking questions like, 'What is the purpose of this?' 'Why must it be done this way?' 'What if I were the boss?' or 'What if I were the customer?' Even when things do not go well, it is important not to give up and see it as a failure, but to learn from it positively as a valuable experience and connect it to your own growth. Experience enriches your imagination and forges your ability to respond to risks and your creative prowess.
Currently, the Tokyu Group is undertaking development projects throughout Japan, including the redevelopment of Shibuya, and community development in Nihonbashi and Niseko. Overseas, we are also developing businesses in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia, utilizing our expertise in Japanese-style community development.
Furthermore, our participation in the 'GREEN×EXPO 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027),' to be held in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture from March 2027, has been confirmed. This will be a valuable opportunity to embody our Group's purpose: 'To create a beautiful living environment, and pursue a harmonious society and the happiness of each individual.'
No matter the business, it is difficult to advance with the power of one person alone. It only becomes possible when there are colleagues who act with the same determination. For that reason, I hope you will not only study various fields but also gain a lot of experience, actively communicate with your seniors, superiors, and colleagues, and build a large circle of supporters and cheerleaders.
Anyone can have 'dreams' or 'hopes,' but 'realizing your dreams' is impossible without a strong 'will' (shimei/ambition) and the initiative to think and act for yourself. Please have a 'dream' for the future and connect it to concrete actions to make that dream a reality. And I hope that the realization of some of your 'dreams' will be something the world needs and will also contribute to the development of the Tokyu Group.
In closing, I would like to leave you with the words, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.'
FAQ
What is the key point of the Tokyu Group representative's message to new employees?
Using the metaphor of 'digging a well,' it emphasizes the importance of having a strong will, thinking and acting for oneself, and collaborating with colleagues to realize one's dreams.
What businesses is the Tokyu Group currently focusing on?
In addition to the Shibuya redevelopment and community development in Niseko, the group is expanding its business in countries like Vietnam and Thailand, utilizing its Japanese expertise.
What major event is the Tokyu Group scheduled to participate in?
The group plans to participate in the 'GREEN×EXPO 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027),' which will be held in Yokohama starting March 2027.