Meet Japan’s number one astrologer, Keiko.
Tell us about a day at work you'll never forget!
One day, I was stopped at a stoplight while riding in a taxi and a woman came up and knocked on the window. I opened the window and she said to me, “Keiko, I love using all your products!” It was a very moving moment.
How do you prepare for negotiation conversations?
I always put together a list of services that I can provide to the person I am negotiating with.
Did you ever agree to something in a negotiation you now regret doing?
No, never.
What’s one tip would you tell your younger self about negotiating?
For starters, begin by liking the person you are negotiating with.
What's your advice about growing a brand or a personal brand?
1. Go for the gold doing whatever you are the best at.
2. Don’t waver.
3. Create your own original things.
4. Make swift decisions.
5. Don’t waste time hesitating. (If you have to hesitate about something then just don’t do it!)
Can you tell us about a time you experienced imposter syndrome and how you overcame it?
When my sales go down I definitely feel deflated, but I take this as a sign that if things aren’t going well then change is needed. In fact, making bold changes to products and direction allows for new development opportunities to come into view.
Has there been one person instrumental to your growth and success? How did they impact you?
A past boyfriend. While he was still a university student, he started a very successful company and he always spoke enthusiastically about new business ideas. His influence is without a doubt what led me to recognize that business is interesting.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
There isn’t anyone person in particular. However, for some reason, a lot of good ideas and inspiration seem to come to me when I am drying my hair after washing it. I have no idea why.
Once when I was drinking with a director of a publishing company, I casually mentioned this to him and the next day, I received a brand new Dyson hairdryer in the mail lol.
Who has taught you the most about knowing your value in the workplace?
Readers of my books and my editors. In addition to running a company, I have sold over 1.3 million books in Japan, and the comments that I receive from my readers every time I publish a book have been the most valuable source of advice because they tell me about my strengths.
Do you have a routine or habit that you practice that allows you to do what you do?
One of my habits is to do yoga for about 20 minutes before I go to sleep. I have been doing this for over two decades (!) now.
What has been your biggest or best failure and what did you take from it?
When I started my company, I partnered with someone who was unfamiliar with internet business practices. I realized that partnering with someone lacking knowledge of the internet was akin to corporate suicide.
What's your personal quirk or point of difference that has helped you to excel in your field?
When I am making decisions, I trust my intuition, and I trust the information that comes from my five senses. For example, if I feel my skin starts to crawl then I immediately stop, but if I feel a warm fuzzy sensation in my stomach then I go for it.
What's the worst piece of advice you've been given and why was it so awful/useful?
Generally speaking, they say “think carefully before acting” but in my opinion, this doesn’t apply at all to business. That’s because intuitive and instant decisions are what lead to success.
Can you describe how you have got to this point in your life and career?
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a natural connection with the Universe. I could read astrology charts without anyone teaching me. It was just a gift that I was born with.
So eventually, after leaving my job at the largest advertising company in Japan, I started writing horoscopes and sharing them on my blog and newsletter. Before I knew it, I had tens of thousands of followers, and they started to ask me if I could teach them the logic behind my readings. However, traditional astrology can be very complicated. I wanted to find a way to simplify it so that anyone could learn and use it.
That’s when I thought of the Moon. It’s the closest celestial body to the earth, and it also helps explain 80% of all astrological events. This is why I decided to base my teaching on the Moon and call it “Lunalogy.”
What would you be doing if you weren't on your current path?
I would be in Greece helping my friend run a company.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaires do.” By J.P. Morgan
Are you reading or listening to anything at the moment?
I recently read The Analects of Confucius. It caught my eye when I went into my deceased father’s study, so I grabbed it. I was very impressed by Confucius’ teachings, and it made me realize that what is important as a person has not changed for several thousand years.
You can check out Keiko’s awesome work here on Instagram & their website.
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