Director Interview: Rie Shibuya

What do you feel you can apply to KIMOTO from your experience so far?

I feel that the experience of preserving the rice shop passed down from my grandfather's generation, and the attitude of actually going to the rice fields and valuing the front lines, can also be utilized at KIMOTO.
Furthermore, based on over 20 years of experience in both agriculture and management, I would like to take a new step forward together with everyone.

I would be happy if I could assist in turning not only my own experience but also the expertise everyone has accumulated into a great force by combining them.

Please tell us about any beliefs or values that have been cherished in your work so far.

I have valued the principles of 'front-line first' and the idea that 'working means making things easier for those around you.'

Actually going to the rice fields and listening to the voices of the farmers.
And listening to the voices of the staff who interact with customers.
I believe that on the front lines, there are 'living voices' that cannot be seen through numbers and materials alone.

Also, since long ago, my grandfather taught me that 'working means making things easier for those around you.'
I approach my work by valuing human connections, so that my work can be of help to someone and bring smiles to those around me, even if only a little.

As an outside director, what perspectives do you intend to value while engaging with the company?

As an outside director, I intend to engage while always being conscious of the 'perspective from the outside.'

How are KIMOTO's initiatives perceived internally?
And how are they received externally?
I hope to carefully grasp these differences and convey the value and challenges that can only be recognized from an external position.

Regarding KIMOTO Farm's rice cultivation in particular, I want to leverage my own experience to properly assess its strengths and potential and communicate them.

A scene from a visit to a rakugo theater

Profile

2001 Joined SoftBank Technology Corp.
2003 Joined Shibuya Corporation
2006 Appointed President and Representative Director of the company

How to spend your private time

I have always loved comedy, enjoying it by going to live comedy shows and rakugo performances or watching videos.
Laughing a lot is the best way for me to refresh.

*The above information is as of the time of the interview (May 2026).