The Setouchi Startup Flag (Setofura) podcast continues to spotlight entrepreneurs and successors from Japan's Setouchi region. In its 127th episode, the show features Takamasa Takatsuji, director of Yamadaya Co., Ltd. and the 6th-generation successor of the historic confectionery brand Yamadaya Manju.
Takatsuji's journey is anything but conventional. Formerly a TV Tokyo employee, he left the broadcasting industry to take over the family business, which has been operating since the early Edo period—over 300 years ago. The episode delves into his transition from media to managing a traditional sweet shop, balancing heritage with innovation.
Hosts Yamada and Fujita, both venture capitalists from Setouchi, guide the conversation. The show also includes a segment called 'Ask Fujita Yamada!' where they answer the guest's questions.
Setofura is actively seeking information about sexual harassment and problematic adult behavior in the startup ecosystem, encouraging anonymous tips. The podcast is featured in the June issue of Forbes JAPAN, now on sale.