"I Even Disliked Myself"…27-Year-Old Stylish Security Boss [Japanese Side]

27-Year-Old Security Company CEO Tasaki Sugata Spotlighted by NHK
Transformed Uniforms, Tools, and Flag-Waving Movements to Look 'Cool'... Changed Perceptions Alongside

We often make many assumptions based on a person's appearance. And we tend to think and believe that what we see is mostly everything.

In Japan, the image of security company workers is not very positive. There is a strong perception that the work is tough and involves long hours. Recently, however, a "stylish security company boss" has appeared in Japan, attracting attention. He is a 27-year-old boss who, with the idea of "changing people's perceptions and making the work more enjoyable," changed everything from the uniforms to the vehicles used to get to the sites. NHK also reported on this, and it has started to gain attention.

Mr. Tasaki Sugata waving the flag. (Photo by NHK)

Today, we share the story of Mr. Tasaki Sugata, known as the "Oshare Security" stylish security uncle.

Mr. Tasaki is the boss of a security company in Nagasaki Prefecture. He has about 30 employees.

What stands out is the uniform. Rather than looking like typical security company attire, it is closer to the fashion favored by young people these days. Mr. Tasaki said, "I thought appearance was important, so I measured every dimension to make the uniform look stylish when worn, and paid attention even to the logo and sticker styles."

His obsession with style does not end there. He completely renovated the office, making it hard to tell whether it is a security company office or an interior design company. His philosophy is, "If you change the atmosphere, your mindset changes too."

Tasaki's company office. (Photo by Tasaki Sugata Instagram)

Why is he so particular about style? The trigger was that he took over the company's management shortly after joining six years ago. The company was suffering from poor performance due to a shortage of staff, and young people were not joining.

Mr. Tasaki also wandered without finding fulfillment in his work. Above all, he hated the uniform that made it obvious to everyone that he was a security company employee. He said he worked thinking he disliked even himself.

Since he could not continue working without motivation, Mr. Tasaki decided to tackle the situation. He had a hobby of collecting secondhand clothes and interior coordination items, and decided to apply this to his work. First, he started changing the tools used by the security company to designs he liked. He began by changing the traffic control flags. He thought that if the everyday tools were made stylish, the employees would start to feel attached to their daily work.

He also began researching stylish ways to wave the flags. For example, he developed flag-waving methods that make it easier for drivers to recognize at construction sites, and stylish gestures needed to safely guide pedestrians.

Tasaki demonstrating waving a flag. (Photo by Tasaki Sugata Instagram)

Most importantly, the key rule is to speak politely and observe the surroundings carefully. Since they have to block or redirect paths, they strictly greet drivers and pedestrians and always wear smiling faces. In an interview with NHK, Mr. Tasaki said, "It’s necessary to avoid stressing the drivers. We are professionals at work, so sometimes we get annoyed too." As a result, many emails praising the company have poured in from local residents saying, "They are so kind that it even lifts my mood."

Since these changes, young talents have been flocking to this company one after another. Many young people have also transferred here from other companies. People who used to "wave flags absentmindedly" now work with pride.

(Photo by NHK)

He concluded the interview saying, "It’s about working stylishly and coolly. I hope to let the world know that this is a job with dreams."

His attempt to find joy in work through his hobby and change perceptions has attracted attention from the Japanese media. Of course, we hope for a society someday where Mr. Tasaki’s very worries about how to break prejudices no longer exist.