Creating new value
I will continue to take on challenges.

Graduates of the Department of Commerce, Faculty of Economics
President and CEO, Japan Management Association Management Center Co., Ltd. (JMAM)

Zhang Shiluo

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Since its creation in 1949, the Noritsu Techo (Nouritsu Planner) has been loved by many business people. Developed to improve the productivity of Japanese people by managing their time, this planner was reborn as "NOLTY" in 2013. The person who led this rebranding, which pursued the possibilities of planners beyond business and greatly expanded the target audience, was Shiro Zhang.

"The values of the times have shifted from 'time management' to 'time design.' NOLTY was born from the concept of how to design your own time to achieve a fulfilling life."

In 1986, he joined the Japan Management Association, the predecessor of JMAM. He was assigned to the marketing department, which was also his major during his studies, and was intensely inspired by the top leaders in the marketing world at the study sessions hosted by the association. After that, while conducting training for companies, he received many offers from other companies, but his desire to take on various projects at JMAM remained unwavering, and in the planner division, he accomplished the aforementioned major task within about six months of becoming the executive officer in charge.

Even now as president, he remains highly motivated to take on challenges, such as developing a unique notebook to deepen players' thinking as part of his support for developing amateur baseball players. When we explore the source of this drive, his experiences during his university days come to the forefront.

"I had intended to immerse myself in my beloved baseball at university, but that didn't happen. However, by taking that reality in a positive light, I discovered the charm of Obirin University, which is 'freedom,' and it led me to realize that whether I can make things interesting or not depends on myself. The lesson I learned from these experiences, 'give my all wherever I am,' is what always keeps me positive."

Things that make up Mr. Zhang

During my student days, I reveled in freedom. I enjoyed the snowy season with my now-deceased best friend, whom I met on a free and unrestricted campus, as well as with other close friends and my wife, with whom I still maintain a close relationship.

Designing your time with your favorite planner: A good way to use NOLTY is to write down not only your schedule but also your goals. This time-designing approach, where you think about what you need to do now based on your goals, is also recommended for students.

I believe that everything in the universe is a source of information, and I keep my antennae up every day. I learn about Japanese culture and philosophy by reading during my commute and lunch breaks.

Cho Shiro

He graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Department of Commerce in 1983. After transferring to Japan Management Association Management Center Co., Ltd., which was spun off from the Japan Management Association in 1991, he held various positions such as General Manager of the Human Resources Development Support Business and Director, and assumed his current position in June 2018.

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Japan Management Association Management Center (JMAM)

With the mission of "supporting growth," the company operates a human resource development support business for companies, a planner and calendar business represented by NOLTY, and a publishing business mainly focused on business books.

Interview date:
This was done in November 2021 for the university's public relations magazine, "JF Oberlin Tokyo No. 7".

Creating new valueI will continue to take on challenges.

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Things that make up Mr. Zhang

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Creating new value
I will continue to take on challenges.