It seems like it's easy to understand the job of a bookstore manager, but it's difficult to imagine it in detail, but what kind of things do you do in most cases?

This shop offers a "lifestyle" that sells not only books, but also miscellaneous goods and holds events, so we do a lot of different things. In terms of the flow of the day, we had a morning assembly, checked sales the day before, and checked the sales floor. In between, I had meetings with the facility director and those who wish to use the event space. The rest is creating shifts.

Will they also be creating a sales area?

One of the features of Tsutaya Bookstore is that it has staff in the store with editorial authority on the sales floor called "Concierge." The concierge selects products with their own authority, creates corners, and also plans and manages events.
Rather than being concerned about the product line, the main role of the store manager is to "create an environment where staff can work comfortably" and "make the space comfortable for customers."

Is there anything you are valued in the position of uniting staff?

This means creating an environment where staff can grow. I often receive inquiries like, "I want to try this kind of project," but I try to avoid saying it's "no good." As long as it doesn't violate the law (lol). I think there is a lot to learn from experience even if you fail.
On the other hand, while the spotlight tends to be on staff who can create projects like concierges, we would like to ensure that sales staff who serve customers and counters every day are also appreciated. With that in mind, we have been working to create a path that allows part-time sales staff to step up.

Will Motojo-san himself ever be at the cash register?

yes. I think facing customers is essential to creating a comfortable store, so I try to stand as much as possible.

There are times when you have to take a break due to events or illnesses for your child, so what are your options for you?

Since the team works by organizing shifts, I think it's easy to adjust.

With a shift system, I think that holidays and working hours may be irregular. What kind of support does your home look like?

In fact, my husband is a former colleague and he understands my situation very well. I'm currently changing jobs and working at another job, but since I work remotely, I'm able to take both my children to and from my child, and I also put them to bed on the days I get late. When my younger child asked, "Who do you want to sleep with, dad or mom?", he answered immediately, "Daddy!" (laughs).

That's encouraging. What kind of place do you go when you go out with your family?

I go to roadside stations. There is a space for children to play, and the rest is also available to choose vegetables with the children.

They'll look at the vegetables together!

Surprisingly, they're having fun shopping. If you choose them together, they will also eat vegetables you don't normally eat.

I felt that there was a lot of children's books, but do your family come to the store?

there is. When I hold events for children such as picture book planning on weekends, I find it difficult to take a break, so I take my children to work and have them participate in the event (laughs). When we have half a day off, we meet up and go home together.

I think the brains used are different for work, housework, and childcare, and I think it's necessary to switch between modes, but how do you switch between these things?

I have quite a lot of commute time, so I often order online supermarkets there, but as I do that, I feel like I naturally switch over.

How do you set up refreshment times other than work and housework?

It's like putting them to bed and watching a drama or drinking together. And then there's a bath with my youngest child. It's interesting to talk about a child about this (3 years old) (lol)

Please let me know if you have any items you have been using to raise your children or recommend to readers.

It's a bookstore after all, so this is it. The board book for "Hungry Caterpillar" (photo left). This is actually something I used, and even though my three children were pulling it, it's still strong. The numbers are also memorable and I recommend it.
I also often bring this finger puppet book (right of the photo) with me when I went out.

Finally, please let us know if you have any thoughts you would like to be like this as a store manager or mother.

This is how I can work full-time as a store manager. I would like to do a job that I can be proud of in my family who cooperates with me. We would like to create a shop where not only adults but also children can come and enjoy books.