Hiro This time, we interviewed Mr. Kurebe, the president of CRECOS Inc. (https://www.crecos.co.jp/).
CRECOS is a cosmetics brand company that makes products in-house. Mr. Kurebe is also the president of cosmetics related companies such as Aldebaran and the president of i-style subsidiary companies.
Now, let’s ask him questions.
What is the meaning of the name of CRECOS?
It’s because of Kurebe’s cosmetics. I guess it’s very simple.
We heard that you succeeded this company from your mother. Why did you decide to take over?
When my mother started her company, I was a university student and I helped her part-time. She was very busy in the first few years. I did job hunting but I ended up working at CRECOS and succeeded after all.
We heard that your company is active in SDGs. How do you want to contribute to society through SDGs?
It’s been 27 years since I started CRECOS. I have been making organic cosmetics since the beginning, and what I have felt is that by being able to relate to people who make the plants that are the basis of making cosmetics, the issues (Depopulation is increasing, there are few places to work, etc.) that exist in the area will emerge. Therefore, in the process of making our own cosmetics, we want to solve such problems and change society.
In addition to the activities related to SDGs, we heard you are also active in hiring people with disabilities. Why?
Nowadays, children with disabilities and normal children are often isolated from the elementary. That means healthy people don’t get to meet people with disabilities. But isn’t that strange? That’s why I try to integrate people with disabilities into society by hiring them at chocolate shops where I’m involved. I believe that by increasing opportunities for people with disabilities, we can create a better society.
What are you careful about, when you interact with local people who cooperate in making new products?
By discussing with local people various things such as why they wanted to make cosmetics, we can learn what we didn’t know. I am always thinking about how to reflect each person’s thoughts in cosmetics and revitalize the local community, and that is a challenge.
What is your perception of cosmetics?
Cosmetics are not only for the purpose of beautifying people, but also for the purpose of beautifying society as a whole through the processes and backgrounds involved in manufacturing products.
What are your future plans?
We want to gather a lot of people from small regions and make a big impact on the cosmetics industry. I think even small things can be a big help.
What is your motto?
The motto is “Is your motivation good? Is it not self-serving?” (by Kazuo Inamori). I always ask myself if the motive for what I’m trying to do is good, and if I’m sincere.
Editor’s Postscript：
My perception towards cosmetics has changed greatly through this interview. I had nothing to do with cosmetics, so at first I was worried if I could ask questions properly during this interview, but as the interview progressed, I started to realize the value of cosmetics. In particular, the talk about beautifying society as a whole through the use of cosmetics really shows the values of cosmetics. In the future, I would like to describe my work in a wonderful way like Mr. Kurebe did.
Thank you so much, Mr. Kurebe, for your precious time!
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