Nobuyuki Miyaji, Executive Officer and General Manager of ESG Promotion Division, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

On-site challenges to create a sustainable future

Executive Officer and General Manager of ESG Promotion Division, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.　Nobuyuki Miyaji(Nobuyuki Miyaji)

■ Profile
He joined CSK Corporation (now SCSK) in 1991. After joining Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. in 1994, he was seconded to IY Bank Ltd. (now Seven Bank) before transferring to Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. in 2006. He has been in charge of public relations, the CSR Management Department, and the Secretarial Office, and is currently Executive Officer and General Manager of the ESG Promotion Division, responsible for sustainability and governance.

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., which operates more than 2 stores nationwide, is working to solve various social issues, including reducing its environmental impact and collaborating with local communities. We spoke to Nobuyuki Miyaji, General Manager of the company's ESG Promotion Division, who is not just a retailer but also has a desire to make society better through everyday shopping.

■Career choices that allow you to "know the field"

Looking back on my student days, I realize that I had a very fulfilling time through my studies, part-time jobs, and solo travel.
I originally wanted to be a journalist, so I enrolled in the Journalism Department at Sophia University. Initially, I aimed to be like an anchorman who conveys the reality of society through interviews, and while participating in a seminar, I also worked on producing news programs. However, as I continued my studies, I began to feel that it was a little different from what I had imagined, so I gave up on aiming to work in the media industry.
At the time, the word "IT" was not yet common, but when I thought about the future of the world, I thought that keywords such as globalization, IT systems, and information would become major themes. That's when I chose CSK (now SCSK), an independent IT company. Having graduated from the journalism department, I applied for a position in public relations.
However, while continuing my PR work in the IT industry, I began to feel the limitations of "disseminating information without knowing the actual situation." I realized the importance of knowing the actual situation, and I felt a strong desire to gain more experience in the real world, rather than just staying in a PR position.
At that time, I happened to receive a call from a recruitment agency, which led me to discover Seven-Eleven Japan. At the time, I wasn't particularly interested in convenience stores, but I read a book about the philosophy of Toshifumi Suzuki, the de facto founder of Seven-Eleven, and the rapid growth of the company, and I was struck by his ideas. I was particularly attracted to the company's policy of allowing people to build their careers on the job.
I wanted to gain on-site experience before being involved in information dissemination and corporate activities, so I decided without hesitation to join Seven-Eleven. I started out working in a store, learning the basics of store management from scratch, including cash register operation, stocking shelves, shift management, and sales analysis. Through direct interaction with customers, I accumulated knowledge that can only be gained on-site.

■ The challenge of moving society from a real base

We believe that one of Seven & i Holdings' strengths lies in its "on-site capabilities." We have over 20,000 physical locations, and at 7-Eleven stores alone, approximately 920 customers visit each store every day. The entire group interacts with over 22.2 million customers in a single day. This overwhelming scale allows us to directly feel the results of our initiatives.
For example, if we improve a certain product, it immediately shows up in sales and customer reaction. Furthermore, by helping franchise owners improve their sales, we can directly see the smiles and words of gratitude from the owners themselves. There are two types of "customers" - customers and owners - and we can contribute to both. I believe that this closeness and real reactions are the best part of working in the distribution retail industry, and especially in the Seven & i Group.
In the area of ​​ESG promotion, which I am in charge of, we are working to create a sustainable society from the three perspectives of the environment, society, and governance.
In terms of the environment, we are working to reduce CO₂ emissions from our stores, promote the recycling of PET bottles and plastic trays, and reduce food waste. In terms of society, we are strengthening our support for those who have difficulty shopping through our mobile sales and delivery service "7NOW." We are also engaged in a wide range of activities, including preventing human rights violations in domestic and international supply chains and promoting fair trade products. In times of disaster, we also contribute to disaster-stricken areas through fundraising activities by the Seven-Eleven Memorial Foundation, and we receive generous donations from many customers.
I am currently exploring new ways to contribute to society that only a company with over 2 brick-and-mortar locations can do. For example, we could raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity protection in-store, gradually changing the awareness of each and every customer. We could also create a system where everyday shopping naturally leads to social contribution by expanding our range of products with donations and ethical products. In an age of evolving AI and information overload, I believe that the retail industry of the future will be required to provide products and services with a real "worldview" and "philosophy" that reach people's hearts.
As a company with over 2 real-world contact points, we aim to address social issues and create a better society through our products and services. We want to spread the small wonders of contributing to society through everyday shopping. We will continue to work with society and local communities to resolve social issues through our core business. We are not just buying and selling things, but creating a better future together with our customers. To that end, I would like to continue to keep an eye on the ground, sincerely address social issues, and work to provide sustainable value that is unique to Seven & i.

■Message to university students

Once you enter the workforce, the days pass by much faster than you can imagine. That's why I urge you to take the time during your university years to reflect on yourself and what you want to do in the future. Talk to your family and friends and take the time to reassess your strengths and interests.
I also recommend that you take the time now to improve your English skills and basic knowledge of finance. English will almost always be necessary, and understanding numbers is essential for corporate activities.
However, the most important thing is to enjoy your time at university to the fullest. Your student years are a special and shining time in your life. Make the most of everything, both in your studies and in your leisure time. These experiences will surely be a source of strength for you in the future.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on May 2, 2025 by Mai Wakao, a third-year student at International Christian University

Yuka Matsuzaka, fourth-year student at Keio University / Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University /
Karin Ishimatsu, a third-year student at Tsuda University / Mai Wakao, a third-year student at International Christian University