“As I continued my journey as a business leader, both the tailwinds and headwinds grew stronger.

While more people came to join me along the way, venturing into new markets also brought resistance and criticism. Even so, my desire to transform the reality that ‘essential healthcare is still out of reach for some’ has remained my unwavering driving force.”

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Shizenkan University hosted the first session of its Leadership Night series at the Tokyo campus, welcoming Mr. Takashi Kawazoe, President & CEO of Carepro, Inc., as the guest speaker.

At Shizenkan, leadership education goes beyond the acquisition of business skills to foster the inner growth of individuals who embody the qualities of a whole-person management leader. Based on the belief that “leaders grow through action and challenge,” the Leadership Night series provides a platform where pioneering practitioners share their leadership journeys. Through these stories, participants gain valuable perspectives and frameworks that support them in taking action toward realizing their own leadership journeys.

During the session, Mr. Kawazoe spoke candidly about his path as both an entrepreneur and a challenger. From his upbringing and the founding of Carepro to the encounters that shaped his team, the challenges behind business growth, the moments of frustration and fulfillment — he shared his story with sincerity and depth, captivating the audience throughout.

A recurring theme in his talk was the importance of self-reflection and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change in society. His approach resonated strongly with the very leadership philosophy that Shizenkan advocates — that of leaders who deeply understand themselves and act to transform the world around them.

In the latter half of the session, participants actively engaged with thoughtful questions, and the room was filled with a sense of intellectual curiosity and emotional energy. Many attendees later shared that Mr. Kawazoe’s passion and vision inspired them to reexamine their own paths of leadership and purpose.

After the formal program, participants continued the dialogue with Mr. Kawazoe over drinks and light refreshments, engaging in further meaningful conversations late into the evening.

Shizenkan will continue to host Leadership Night on a monthly basis, inviting accomplished leaders from diverse fields to share their experiences. These sessions aim to create a space where participants can learn from one another, engage in deep self-inquiry, and take meaningful steps forward on their journeys as leaders.