Alumni who started their own businesses encourage current students in a special lecture attended by 136 students

Mr. Hiraishi speaking to students

On October 17th, we welcomed Nana Hiraishi, CEO of Hospitalite Co., Ltd., to our Tokyo Kioicho Campus to give a lecture on the "Career Development Subjects - Career Planning B" course. On the day, she gave encouragement to 136 current students, including for their own careers and the upcoming job hunting process.
 

Hiraishi is an alumna who graduated from our university's Faculty of Management and Information Sciences in 2019. After graduation, he worked for a general company while preparing to start his own business, and founded the apparel company Hospitalite Co., Ltd. in 2020. He is currently active on the front lines of business as a manager, pursuing diversified business ventures such as select shop and restaurant businesses.
 

This time, he spoke in two parts: "How did you spend your time during your time at university?" and "What were your thoughts when you decided to start your own business?" He talked about how he broadened his horizons through various opportunities while at university, such as studying abroad and actively participating in internships, and how he developed his communication skills and network through part-time jobs and extracurricular activities.

Regarding starting her own business, Hiraishi spoke about the spirit of hospitality that is reflected in the company name, her thoughts on the traditional Japanese textile industry, the "mottainai" spirit that she inherited from her grandmother, and her support for women to play a greater role in society.

A common thread in all of their talks was a bold spirit of challenge. Hiraishi spoke passionately about how his motto, "Fall seven times, get up eight," and Steve Jobs' words, "If you're afraid of failure, you can't do anything," support his current activities. He also said, "Friends are a great asset to me, and they're a great asset to me" as he takes on these challenges. Hiraishi concluded his talk by saying, "I hope that current students will cherish not only their friends at university, but also the people they meet in various places, such as part-time jobs and extracurricular activities."

A student (center) asks Mr. Hiraishi a question

Participating students commented, "I strongly felt that what is important as a member of society is 'initiative,' 'persistence,' and 'spirit of challenge,'" and "I think it's great that he has the attitude to see what he wanted to do through to the end, even though he started his own business immediately after graduating from university." I believe that Mr. Hiraishi's lecture this time was encouraging for current students. I look forward to seeing the future challenges that current students will take on, inspired by this lecture.