To Everyone at 7-Eleven｜A Note from President Akutsu on Learning Through Mistakes

Hello everyone!
My name is Tomohiro Akutsu, and I have recently assumed the role of President & Representative Director of Seven-Eleven Japan.
I recognize that my appointment may have come as a surprise to many. To me, it signals a clear and deliberate message: that meaningful change must be driven not simply by continuing the past, but by bringing a fresh perspective to the future. With a strong sense of purpose and anticipation, I approach this role and its responsibilities each day.

Let me first tell you a bit about myself.
My desire to work at Seven-Eleven Japan began in my high school days. When a close friend's family converted their liquor store into a 7-Eleven, I was deeply impressed by the quality of the products and service. I remember thinking, "This is a job that truly brings joy to people." That experience left a lasting impression and ultimately inspired me to join the company after graduation. Ever since, I've walked this path with pride, firmly believing that 7-Eleven plays a vital role in the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.

I'm truly grateful to the franchise owners and store employees I've worked with over the past 30 years across Japan. My time in on-site management counseling has taught me countless valuable lessons—especially through failures, which often offered the most meaningful insights.
One of the earliest and most important came at age 24, when I was assigned to my first store as an OFC(Operation Field Counselor). That's when I learned the value of empathy and the power of building trust through consistent actions.

In the beginning, I pushed my own ideas without fully considering others' perspectives, and as a result, I couldn't contribute to the store's sales or growth. I felt isolated and discouraged.
But those struggles forced me to reflect deeply on communication—and eventually, I changed my approach. That shift led to stronger relationships and better store performance.
I'll never forget when the owner said to me, "We're lucky to have you—you're a godsend to our family." It was one of the happiest and most meaningful moments of my career.


Our company's growth has long been rooted in a culture of rigorous commitment, driven by top-down leadership. But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, society has changed dramatically—values, lifestyles, and ways of working have all evolved.
We are now in an era where the old ways alone are no longer enough—change is essential. In this context, what we need most is for each individual to think independently and act proactively. Your ideas, and your courage to challenge the status quo, are key to shaping the future of our company.

That's why the phrase I want to share with you is: "Error & Learn."
Every challenge comes with the risk of failure—but it's often through failure that we learn the most. Challenge, learn, and move forward. I believe it's through that powerful cycle that we truly grow and unlock new possibilities.


To foster more direct communication, I've been holding roundtable sessions with employees across the country. I've also created a space on the same floor as everyone else, outside the president's office, called the "President DJ Booth," where I spend about half my work time. Please feel free to stop by and say hello!

Let’s speak openly beyond our job titles, take on new challenges, and build the next generation of 7-Eleven together!

Tomohiro Akutsu
President & Representative Director