TOMODACHI Generation: Yasushi Takahashi

Yasushi Takahashi gained skills and perspectives to reconstruct local culture, and found a new adaptable way to sustain traditional ways of knowing for the next generation through the TOMODACHI FIRST Program.

Takahashi was born and raised in Iwasaki, Akita, where he now works as the Managing Director of Takano & Corporation/Yamamoto Miso and Soy Sauce Brewing Company, founded in 1867 by his family. His dream is to have his family’s company be known internationally for its innovative business model, bringing new design and cultural trends to local traditions. 

Takahashi is the 7th generation of family leadership in the company. His original path was to be an architect, however, after studying and exploring the field, he realized that his passion was to integrate the “new and old,” something that could be practiced through the family business.

With serious depopulation issues in various regions of the Tohoku area, Takahashi desires to bring courage and inspiration to Tohoku by restructuring his company. He believes that an ideal company is not just a scaling operation, but an organization that is nimble and adaptable, especially in a traditional industry.

• To read about this program, click here