Canon Marketing Japan Inc. President and CEO Masachika Adachi

Providing new value through the three-self spirit of "initiative," "autonomy," and "self-awareness"

Masachika Adachi, President and CEO, Canon Marketing Japan Inc.

Born in 1960, he joined Canon Sales Inc. (now Canon Marketing Japan) in 1982. In 2007, he became General Manager of the Financial Sales Division of the MA Sales Division, before being appointed Director and Managing Executive Officer in 2015. He subsequently held positions including Representative Director of Canon IT Solutions Inc. in the Canon Marketing Japan Group and Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer of Canon Marketing Japan Inc., before assuming his current position in 2021.

From a product sales-based company to a value-creating company. Canon Marketing Japan creates new value in line with social changes and leads the way in resolving social issues. The challenges it has taken on up to now are the result of the efforts of each and every employee. We spoke to President Adachi about the company's progress and its outlook for the future.

　During my university years, I was in the Faculty of Economics, but because of my experience as a member of the baseball club in high school, I was appointed coach of the girls' softball club at the affiliated high school. At first, many of the members had just started playing softball, but we set a high goal of becoming number one in the Tokyo Division 2 League. We envisioned what we wanted the team to be like in the future, worked backwards, and worked hard, and three years later we were able to win the championship. During this time, I think I learned the difficulties, fun, and rewards of developing people, as well as the basics of how to improve a team's performance.

　During my job search, I had aspired to work in the financial field, but as I progressed, I realized that systems and technology would suit me better. In the end, I decided to value my own sensibilities and joined Canon Sales (then known as Canon Sales), attracted by the company's meritocratic yet friendly corporate culture.

　When I joined the company, it had just been listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the company was not as large as it is now, but I never dreamed that I would become president. When I was given a chance at work, I wanted to contribute something to those around me. It was natural to just do the work that was given to me, so I think that the fact that I always looked for things that excited me and always took on challenges has led to who I am today.

◾️Becoming a company that creates new value through solutions business

　Our company has changed a lot since the beginning. In the past, we mainly sold Canon products such as cameras and printers, and sales were mainly through distributors. However, since we changed our company name to the current Canon Marketing Japan in 2006, we have been accelerating our shift to a solutions business that combines the Canon product business with the IT solutions business.

　Currently, our company operates in a wide range of fields, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual customers. Our strength and differentiation from other companies is our ability to provide a wide variety of solutions, from selling products tailored to each customer, such as cameras, business equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing-related equipment, to SI (system integration) services and BPO (business process outsourcing) businesses.

　However, to achieve this, excellent human resources are essential. Even if you have great products, systems, and technology, you will never succeed without the right people. That is why we are serious about investing in human resources, defining the type of people and skills needed to expand our business, and providing education and skill acquisition.

◾️What goes beyond solving customer problems

　Our mission is not just to solve our clients' problems, but to solve the problems of society beyond that. We must be a company that is trusted, loved, and appealing, that people will say, "I want to trust this company with you." With this in mind, in January 1, we declared ourselves a "Future Marketing Company" and set our purpose as our social purpose: "Connecting ideas and technology to carve out a future beyond imagination." Having a strong area of ​​expertise is crucial. We will hone and develop our unique strengths, including knowledge, technology, and know-how. As part of this effort, we will tackle structural social challenges head-on in the areas of well-being and business transformation, centered around the R&B (Research & Business Development) team, which was launched at the same time. Armed with our technology, marketing capabilities, and passion, we will continue to provide new value to society. Our challenge has only just begun: to become a company that is chosen, a company that is relied upon, and a company that grows alongside society.

◾️Grow while having fun and not being afraid of failure

　We want to work with people who can put into practice the "Three Self Spirits" that we value: initiative, self-governance, and self-awareness, and who approach their work with a positive attitude. And don't be afraid to take on challenges. Failure in the midst of challenges is proof of growth.

　Furthermore, work must be fun and exciting. One of our strengths is that we have many earnest, hardworking employees, but we also want them to expand their "dreams" for the future. If employees are not having fun, that fun and the promise of a wonderful future will not be conveyed to customers. Furthermore, a company should not be too cozy. Harmony is born when individuals demonstrate their strengths while also respecting and caring for others. Harmony and caring are the foundations for building a strong team.

＊message＊

　Your twenties are the best time to broaden your horizons. Experience as many things as you can, and don't be afraid to fail. Your greatest strength will be your willingness to learn from your mistakes. Taking on new challenges, being curious about the unknown, and having the determination to keep learning. These are the things that will help you carve out your future. If you want to join us in tackling social issues and creating the future, the door is open. We wholeheartedly support your passion and potential.

Student Newspaper April 2025 Issue Meiji University Graduate School 4nd Year Student Sakai Yaku

Meiji University, 2nd year graduate student Yui Sakai / Toyo University, 3rd year Fuuka Ota / Toyo University, 2nd year Rinno Koshiyama / Nihon University, 4th year Junki Suzuki