I started working part-time around 1980. Half of my job was clerical work, and the other half was unpacking at the warehouses. At that time, the number of employees was limited. Daiso was very home-like even then, and all the employees were like family. The former president (Hirotake Yano, the founder) treated us like members of his own family and invited my husband and children for barbecues. His house was an annex to the office, so he was like, “I’m cooking curry rice for dinner, would you care for some?”

The former president worked very hard. He moved around all day long. His vigor pushed everyone forward.
The employees were generally serious and earnest.

Here’s an episode. My name is Tsuyuko. One of the employees went to sell merchandise in Kyushu or somewhere. He told Mr. Yano that he found Tsuyukusa (Japanese name for dayflower) and because he remembered me, he tried not to accidentally step on it. I heard that later from the former president. He said, “I’m pleased.”
Those people in sales were warm-hearted. I was surrounded by nice, considerate people. I really think so.