Carlos Kasuga: Promoting Values and Education in Mexico

Carlos Kasuga Osaka is a certified public accountant from the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial. He is the president of Yakult, a company that manufactures fermented dairy products. He has been actively involved in industrial and sociocultural activities, serving as the president of various organizations, including the Asociación Mexicana Japonesa. In 2011, he was honored by the Imperial House of Japan.

Carlos Kasuga Osaka expresses gratitude to Universidad Unitec for inviting him to share his experiences as an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality towards visitors to Mexico and introduces himself as the son of Japanese immigrants who established a successful business in Mexico.

Carlos Kasuga Osaka recounts his entrepreneurial journey, starting at the age of 20 with a small factory producing inflatable toys, beach balls, and lifebuoys. He proudly mentions manufacturing the five Olympic rings for the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Currently, he leads Yakult, a company selling over 3.5 million daily products in Mexico.

Carlos emphasizes the importance of building quality individuals and institutions, starting with oneself and one's team. He outlines four essential steps: punctuality, doing things well, being disciplined, and showing care. He illustrates the impact of punctuality on productivity and emphasizes the value of doing tasks well from the beginning.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of well-being, urging individuals to treat others with respect and kindness. He mentions that those who follow the steps of 'being well, doing well, and well-being' will eventually achieve prosperity. The speaker advises young people not to seek quick and easy success without doing things well and feeling good about themselves.

The speaker criticizes the national educational system of Mexico, stating that it focuses solely on imparting knowledge without addressing values and character development. He points out that the system lacks formative education and values, highlighting the importance of instilling moral principles alongside academic knowledge.

During the 80th anniversary of Japanese migration to Mexico, a group of Mexican-Japanese community leaders decided to express gratitude to Mexico by establishing educational institutions. They identified the need for schools in the country and subsequently built the 'Hiso Mexicano Japonés' in southern Mexico City. This institution focuses on providing formative education and has attracted students from prominent families, including children of presidents, education secretaries, and governors.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching cleanliness to children, highlighting that cleanliness is the foundation of quality, productivity, health, and ecology. He criticizes the practice of associating cleaning with punishment in schools, leading to a negative perception of cleanliness among students.

The speaker asserts that cleanliness is the noblest virtue a human can possess. He urges the audience, particularly students, to respect and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, emphasizing the obligation not to litter and to uphold cleanliness as a fundamental value.

The speaker criticizes the stark contrast in hygiene standards between executives and workers in Mexican companies. He highlights the lack of dignity and pride afforded to workers due to unequal treatment in restroom facilities, leading to a lack of loyalty towards their employers.

The speaker discusses the concept of time as a valuable resource, comparing it to a bank account with 500,000 hours of life. He contrasts individuals who waste time with those who invest it wisely through education, work, and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of utilizing time effectively for personal growth and success.

The speaker expresses gratitude to the audience for investing their time in listening to him, hoping that the discussion will be productive for their personal development, families, businesses, and the future of Mexico. He acknowledges the date as July 19, 2012, and encourages the audience to continue striving for improvement.

People only have 24 hours in a day, which cannot be saved for future use. This emphasizes the importance of making wise choices with time, whether for holidays, retirement, or investments.

Good leaders, managers, and executives should lead by example. They should not impose strict rules like penalizing employees for minor lateness while they themselves arrive late. Leading with integrity and setting a positive example fosters respect and discipline in the workplace.

Despite Japan's economic prowess, Mexico, being five times larger in size, has significant natural resources like oil, iron, copper, and gold. Mexico exports millions of barrels of oil daily at competitive prices, making it richer in resources than Japan. The speaker highlights the disparity in wealth and resources between the two countries.

Mexico is portrayed as a rich country with abundant resources like fruits, metals, and minerals. The speaker emphasizes the importance of gratitude and proper utilization of Mexico's natural blessings. Despite the wealth, the speaker notes a lack of appreciation and a tendency to ask for more without recognizing the existing abundance.

During last Christmas, the speaker had a touching encounter with a neighbor who expressed love and appreciation, emphasizing the richness and diversity of Mexico's territory, resources, and people.

The speaker challenges the perception of poverty in Mexico by highlighting the prevalence of obesity alongside malnutrition, suggesting that the true poverty lies in the mindset of feeling inferior and undeveloped despite the country's wealth.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of national pride and effort, criticizing the lack of motivation and dedication in Mexican society, particularly in education and sports, where the country often fails due to a lack of commitment and determination.

The speaker draws a comparison between Mexican workers and circus elephants, highlighting how the majority of the workforce is trapped in low-paying jobs out of fear and necessity, preventing them from becoming entrepreneurs and breaking free from economic constraints.

The speaker laments the loss of respect for teachers in Mexican society, noting how anyone, including parents, can now disrespect and mistreat educators without consequences, leading to a culture of fear and inhibition in the education system.

In the discussion, it is highlighted that students coming out of university often lack the confidence to start their own businesses. There is a humorous anecdote shared about a student asking a teacher for advice on becoming an entrepreneur, to which the teacher responds that if they knew how to run a successful business, they would already be the teacher of entrepreneurs.

The speaker emphasizes the perfection of human beings, citing an example of a child who instinctively knows how to react to danger. It is mentioned that humans are capable of creating their own antibodies and vaccines, but excessive protection can hinder this natural process.

There is a discussion about overprotecting children, with an example of a child being allergic to mangoes and not being exposed to them. The speaker warns against treating children like 'greenhouse plants' that wither when exposed to the outside world.

The speaker talks about the cultural differences in Japan, mentioning the respect for the elderly and sick. It is noted that in Japan, no planes fly over residential areas during the night to avoid disturbing the sleep of the residents.

The discussion shifts to the work ethic in Japan, where people leave their belongings unattended without fear of theft. It is mentioned that individuals can leave their bikes or motorcycles unlocked at train stations and find them untouched when they return.

The speaker challenges the audience to test the honesty and efficiency of the Japanese education system by conducting an experiment involving leaving money in a shirt pocket at a laundromat. The speaker expresses confidence in the integrity of the Japanese people based on their cultural values.

The speaker highlights the communal trust and responsibility in Japanese society, where individuals freely use shared resources like umbrellas and bicycles without fear of theft. This sense of community responsibility is contrasted with the speaker's observations in Mexico.

If you find a cellphone, wallet, or watch that doesn't belong to you, it must belong to someone else, whether it's at a university, a party, or in a public place. This principle applies to both young people and adults, emphasizing the importance of returning lost items to their rightful owners.

The speaker highlights the societal impact of education on fostering a sense of responsibility and honesty. By instilling the principle that 'if it's not yours, it must belong to someone else,' educational institutions can contribute to creating a more honest and accountable society, reducing the need for extensive security measures in businesses and institutions.

The lack of investment in educational values like honesty and responsibility leads to increased security costs for businesses and institutions. The speaker emphasizes that promoting these values is not solely the responsibility of schools or universities but requires collective effort from Mexican society to create a culture of honesty and accountability.

The speaker illustrates the importance of teaching values through practical actions, such as returning a lost item found at school. By encouraging children to understand the concept of ownership and responsibility from a young age, parents and educators can instill essential values that contribute to a more honest society.

The speaker criticizes a cultural tendency to prioritize materialistic achievements over moral values. Boasting about circumventing rules or obtaining benefits through dishonest means is highlighted as a prevalent attitude that undermines the importance of honesty and integrity in society.

A comparison is drawn between the crisis response in Japan and other regions during disasters. While Japanese citizens exhibit resilience, orderliness, and a sense of community by helping each other and maintaining dignity even in dire situations, other cultures are portrayed as resorting to looting and selfish behavior during crises.

The speaker praises the collaboration between generations in addressing challenges, citing the example of young technicians and elderly retirees working together to mitigate the effects of a nuclear disaster. This collaboration showcases the importance of combining youthful energy and experience to tackle complex problems effectively.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of values over knowledge in education, citing personal experiences. He mentions how he used to buy newspapers from young vendors in Mexico, paying them generously and instilling values of honesty and integrity. These young vendors later became executives in his companies, showcasing the long-term impact of instilling values in youth.

The speaker highlights the significance of values in business, stating that having employees with strong values such as honesty, punctuality, and teamwork is crucial. He stresses that even with multiple degrees, individuals who lack these values can cause harm to a business. The speaker emphasizes that values, not titles or degrees, define the quality of individuals, families, companies, and countries.

The speaker questions the utility of knowledge by asking how it has served individuals. He criticizes the misuse of knowledge to take advantage of others and highlights the importance of values in preventing such exploitation. The speaker argues that being knowledgeable is meaningless if one lacks values like honesty and integrity.

The speaker discusses the transformative power of leadership in creating positive environments. He contrasts the impact of leaders who inspire their teams to excel and go beyond their duties with those who only demand and criticize. The speaker encourages individuals to uplift others through appreciation and positivity, creating paradisiacal environments.

The speaker urges the audience to practice appreciation and positivity in their daily interactions. He suggests complimenting family members and loved ones sincerely to create a positive atmosphere. By acknowledging and appreciating others without being prompted, individuals can inspire self-improvement and create harmonious relationships.

At 11 years old, Claudia excitedly prepares for her first dance, but her confidence is shattered by her aunt's harsh criticism about her appearance, causing her to lose self-assurance and trust in herself. This incident marks the beginning of Claudia's insecurity and self-doubt.

Despite initial setbacks, Claudia's confidence is restored when she receives positive and encouraging comments from another family member, leading her to triumph at the dance. This transformation highlights the significant impact of positive reinforcement on an individual's self-esteem and success.

The speaker emphasizes the profound influence of words on individuals, citing examples of how negative labels and criticism can lead to failure, while positive affirmations and encouragement can foster success. This underscores the importance of fostering a culture of positivity and support to nurture individuals towards achievement.

The concept of the Pygmalion Effect is discussed, illustrating how positive feedback and compliments can transform individuals by boosting their self-image and confidence. By consistently providing uplifting remarks, individuals can experience a positive change in their behavior and outlook, leading to personal growth and enhancement.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of generating positive energy in the workplace, highlighting how individuals can influence the atmosphere in their companies. Using a hypothetical scenario involving the director of UNITEC, the speaker illustrates how negative energy can be created from small incidents, such as a bad morning experience. The example progresses to show how negative energy can escalate from minor frustrations to conflicts with neighbors, ultimately affecting one's entire day.

The speaker addresses three critical problems facing Mexico's youth, particularly those at UNITEC. The first issue highlighted is Mexico's lack of self-sufficiency in food production, being major importers of grains. The speaker, drawing from personal experience as the former president of the Pan-American Dairy Federation, expresses concern over the country's dependency on expensive imports, such as water being more costly than milk. This reliance on imports not only affects farmers but also contributes to rural depopulation and migration.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of Mexico becoming self-sufficient in food production to maintain its freedom and dignity as a nation. He highlights the need to pay fair wages to primary farmers who work tirelessly under the sun to cultivate the blessed land of Mexico. The lack of self-sufficiency leads to economic struggles for Mexican farmers, preventing them from providing modern amenities like televisions, microwaves, and education for their children.

The speaker addresses the lack of respect for the teaching profession in Mexico, questioning who will educate the youth of the nation. He emphasizes the importance of instilling values and principles in children, warning that a society that does not respect its teachers, parents, and ancestors will face decline. The speaker highlights teaching as a vocation, drawing parallels to historical figures like Socrates and Aristotle who have shaped humanity through their teachings.

The speaker criticizes Mexican society for prioritizing material possessions over personal development and education. He laments the decline in respect for teachers, pharmacists, and priests, noting that contemporary heroes are those with wealth and power. The speaker highlights the societal shift towards valuing possessions over personal growth, contrasting it with the reverence for educators and community figures in his childhood.

The speaker discusses the negative influence of parental behavior on children, citing examples of parents praising material wealth over character development. He criticizes the societal admiration for individuals based on their possessions rather than their values or contributions to society. The speaker emphasizes the need for parents to set positive examples for their children and prioritize virtues over material wealth.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of education for wealth generation, citing a lesson from their father: 'If you want wealth for a year, sow maize; for 10 years, plant fruit trees; but if you seek wealth for yourself and your people, sow education.' They highlight the necessity of various forms of education like technological, moral, civil, and nutritional, attributing Mexico's challenges to a lack of education.

The speaker recounts an anecdote involving President Salinas de Gortari and a Japanese minister, illustrating the importance of education and punctuality. The Japanese minister expresses the value of primary and secondary school teachers in Japan, where they are the best-paid in the bureaucracy, contrasting it with Mexico's system. This highlights the cultural differences in valuing education and punctuality between Japan and Mexico.

The speaker contrasts Japan's focus on investing in education for future generations with Mexico's current state of unrest and lack of foresight. They stress the importance of molding children for the future, as Japan does, to ensure they become the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers. This comparison serves as a call to action for Mexico to prioritize education and long-term planning.

The speaker discusses the impact of free trade agreements, specifically mentioning the NAFTA treaty with the US and Canada. They highlight the lack of concern among the population regarding the origin of products they consume, pointing out the dominance of foreign goods in Mexican markets. This lack of awareness raises questions about the country's economic independence and the need for greater attention to trade agreements.

The speaker urges the audience to support Mexican products by purchasing items labeled with the nomenclature 750, indicating they are made in Mexico. This support is emphasized as crucial for creating local jobs and ensuring a sustainable future for the country.

Three main challenges facing Mexico are highlighted: lack of self-sufficiency in food production due to inadequate payment to Mexican farmers, insufficient basic values education, and neglect of job opportunities. These issues are seen as critical for the country's progress.

The speaker shares their vision for advancing Mexico without being a candidate, emphasizing the importance of addressing key issues to propel the country forward.

A comparison is made between personal care for a tree planted by parents and indifference towards a tree planted by a former city official. This highlights the importance of personal responsibility and care for public resources.

The speaker criticizes the state of education in Mexico, pointing out neglected public schools with broken facilities and lack of maintenance. The importance of instilling values and responsibility in students is emphasized.

The speaker advocates for a collaborative approach to school maintenance, citing the example of Japanese schools where parents, teachers, and students come together annually to paint, organize, and improve school facilities. This collective effort is seen as essential for fostering a sense of ownership and pride in educational institutions.

A call is made for voluntary sacrifice and contribution towards the betterment of Mexico, emphasizing the importance of selfless actions for the nation's well-being. True love for the country is described as the willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.

The speaker discusses the stages of building a business, likening it to the growth of a child. He mentions the initial stage as 'the honeymoon phase' where dreams are formed, followed by the 'marriage certificate' signing, setting up the business as 'pregnancy', and the inauguration as 'birth of the baby company'. The first three years require round-the-clock dedication to ensure the business grows healthily.

The speaker highlights the Japanese business philosophy of long-term investment without immediate profit-taking. He mentions the moral rule of 1 to 7, where the owner can only earn seven times the lowest-paid employee. This philosophy emphasizes efficiency, cost reduction, and increasing sales to sustain the business.

Drawing parallels between parental and business investment, the speaker emphasizes the emotional, time, and financial commitment required for both. He questions the audience on how much their parents invested in them compared to the investment needed to grow a successful business, stressing the importance of continuous investment and dedication.

The speaker underscores the necessity of investing, sacrificing, and lovingly nurturing a business for it to thrive. He compares the growth of a business to raising a child, emphasizing the need for continuous investment without feeling the burden of sacrifice. This approach, coupled with dedication and passion, is crucial for achieving business success.

The speaker shares his practice of inviting employees to dinner at his home every Thursday, creating a sense of camaraderie and family within the company. By fostering a positive company culture and personal relationships with employees, he aims to instill a sense of belonging and loyalty, ultimately contributing to the company's success.

Mexican workers face uncertainties in their jobs, with the main concern being job security. They live in constant fear of being laid off, leading to anxiety and stress similar to a scared dog always ready to flee. Employers like Kenia aim to provide a sense of security to their workers by treating them like family, focusing on education, development, and growth. However, there are instances where employees are let go due to reasons such as tardiness, absenteeism, intoxication, divulging confidential information, or negligence.

Mexican workers often lack moral recognition for their efforts. They rarely receive acknowledgment or praise for their hard work, leading to a sense of underappreciation. Employers mistakenly believe that monetary compensation is the primary motivator for employees, but in reality, moral recognition plays a more significant role in boosting morale and loyalty among workers.

Providing moral support to employees is crucial for motivating them. When workers feel valued, respected, and loved, they become incredibly loyal and dedicated. This emotional connection and sense of being needed are more powerful motivators than monetary rewards. By making employees feel necessary, respected, and loved, employers can cultivate a loyal and committed workforce.

Contrary to traditional marketing principles, Kenia emphasizes the importance of prioritizing suppliers over customers. She believes that building strong relationships with suppliers, such as treating them to meals and gifts, is more crucial than focusing solely on customer satisfaction. Kenia's approach challenges conventional marketing strategies by highlighting the significance of supplier relationships in business success.

The speaker mentions sending a package via DHL, but humorously states that they will send only crows. They discuss the delay in receiving caps for a convention, highlighting the importance of treating suppliers well to ensure timely deliveries and good prices.

Emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive relationship with suppliers by paying well, treating them with respect, and making them feel valued. This approach leads to better prices, early access to new products, and consistent supply, ultimately attracting customers organically.

Discusses the speaker's belief that treating suppliers well is more crucial than focusing solely on customers. They illustrate this point by emphasizing the need to prioritize suppliers who pay well and treat the business respectfully.

Reflects on the 1968 Mexico Olympics, describing it as a remarkable event that showcased Mexico's cultural and sporting prowess. The speaker highlights how the Olympics attracted Japanese entrepreneurs to Mexico due to the country's high-quality workforce, rather than just low wages.

Explains why international companies choose Mexico for manufacturing, attributing it to the exceptional quality of the Mexican workforce. The speaker uses a metaphor of soup flavors across different Mexican regions to emphasize the diverse yet consistent quality of Mexican labor.

Compares the cultural similarities between Mexico and Japan, particularly in religious practices observed at the Villa de Guadalupe. The speaker notes the shared traditions of pilgrimages, drumming, dancing, and selling religious items, highlighting the commonality in spiritual beliefs.

Japanese unions present petitions requesting fewer work hours, more vacation days, late arrival permissions, absence permissions, increased bonuses, more food allowances, and triple pay for birthdays. They contrast this with their offers to be more punctual and reduce errors in manufacturing.

Emphasizing the importance of quality total and timely delivery, the speaker highlights the significance of offering and requesting in achieving success, stating that the powerful one is the one who offers and demands.

Drawing a parallel to nature, the speaker stresses the importance of maintaining balance to prevent turning the land into a desert. They emphasize the need to return the land to its natural state, a concept understood by teachers from a young age.

Highlighting the significance of offering rather than demanding, the speaker underscores the role of the one who offers in relationships and interactions, emphasizing the power of generosity and giving.

Discussing Japanese society, the speaker notes that it comprises individuals with significant wealth. They attribute this wealth to early teachings about life's seasons, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the 'winter' phase of life.

The speaker delves into the concept of life's seasons, urging the audience to consider how they want to approach the 'winter' phase of life. They stress the importance of preparing for this phase by understanding and navigating the different stages of life.

Encouraging a graceful approach to old age, the speaker references the character from 'Karate Kid' as a model for aging peacefully and gratefully. They caution against entering old age burdened by debt, loneliness, and illness, highlighting the need to learn from life's seasons.

The speaker reflects on how young individuals often prioritize physical appearance over intellectual growth, spending four hours daily at the gym to impress others. However, as individuals age, they transition through different life stages likened to the seasons of nature. From ages 20 to 40, likened to summer, individuals are at their peak, getting married, having children, and working tirelessly. The autumn of life, from 40 to 60, sees changes akin to trees shedding leaves, such as hair color changes and physical decline. The winter of life, post-60, is a time to reflect on how one wants to age, ideally being financially secure to travel and enjoy life without being enslaved to work.

The speaker highlights the challenges of aging, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and self-care. He warns against reaching old age unprepared, facing the harsh reality of minimal pensions, healthcare struggles, and deteriorating living conditions. Encouraging listeners to save 10% of their income from an early age, he stresses the significance of self-reliance and financial independence in later years.

Using the metaphor of nurturing a tree, the speaker discusses the importance of long-term investments and consistent effort. He compares the growth of a tree nurtured over time to financial stability in old age. By consistently investing time and resources, individuals can enjoy the 'tranquility' of a well-grown tree in their later years, providing both security and warmth for future generations.

The speaker emphasizes the value of patience and long-term planning, highlighting the principle of reaping what one sows. He advises the audience to focus on long-term goals and investments, as success and stability are not achieved overnight. Encouraging a mindset of delayed gratification, he underscores the importance of consistent effort and perseverance for future rewards.

Jeff encourages the students to give their best every day, emphasizing the importance of representing Mexico's tourism and hospitality industry. He highlights that the beauty of a country depends on its people, their smiles, and their attention, making the students the ambassadors of Mexico.

Jeff stresses the importance of responsibility in the tourism sector, mentioning that even small actions like overcharging by a taxi driver can harm Mexico's tourism reputation. He urges everyone to work together to make Mexico the top tourist destination by showcasing its diverse landscapes, beaches, history, traditions, and customs.

Jeff discusses the significance of maintaining a positive spirit, comparing it to a car battery that needs to be charged with positivity. He emphasizes the need for young people to have courage, discipline, and a positive outlook to achieve success in the tourism industry.

Jeff expresses pride in the students' choice of careers and encourages them to feel fortunate to work in various regions of Mexico, each offering unique landscapes, gastronomy, traditions, and culture. He urges them to be proud of Mexico's history and to showcase it to the world.

A story is shared about a forest where many animals lived. When the forest caught fire, all the animals except a little sparrow tried to put it out. The sparrow, despite being advised by others, decides to help by dropping a few drops of water. Eventually, with the sparrow's determination, a heavy storm extinguishes the fire, and the forest regrows, making everyone happier than before.

The speaker compares the forest story to Mexico's current political, economic, and social challenges. Urging everyone to contribute like the sparrow, by working hard and studying diligently to bring positive change to Mexico.

The speaker expresses gratitude to the audience, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication for the betterment of Mexico. Encourages unity and personal responsibility towards the country and oneself.