"I am convinced that when women are empowered, families and society also thrive."
These are the words of Shou Shimizu, Executive Officer of Merone Co., Ltd.
Mr. Shimizu began to think about family happiness after facing complex family issues and was active in the bridal industry.
Later, he started his own business but fell victim to fraud, ending up with a debt of 150 million yen.
However, through encounters with people, he re-evaluated himself and is now active at the forefront of business again. We explored Mr. Shimizu's roots and his vision for a barrier-free future for women.
*Information confirmed and partially updated as of March 13, 2026.
1. What is Merone Co., Ltd.?
Merone Co., Ltd. is a company with the mission of "supporting women's independence through education."
The company aims to increase women's life choices through educational projects and create a barrier-free society where they can shine as themselves.
The home-based sales school "Re:che" focuses on educating sellers, contributing to society by selling manufacturers' and brands' discarded and unwanted items. It provides sales know-how to help women earn an income of 100,000 yen a month in their spare time, supporting their independence.
Additionally, the school offers a range of benefits, including monthly study sessions, individual LINE support, and free consultations with lawyers and tax accountants, with over 1,000 students learning together.
1-1. Social Barriers Women Face
[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Mr. Shimizu]
Akaishi: Can you tell us about the social barriers women face?
Mr. Shimizu: In society, there are still attitudes like "Can women really work?" and at home, some partners might say, "Women should just stay quiet and do housework." These are still prevalent and are seen as social barriers.
As a result, many women face significant mental and economic challenges due to these differing perceptions from society and family.
We aim to provide sales know-how to such mothers, helping even those who want to work but can't, to become independent.
Akaishi: What have you felt while supporting women?
Mr. Shimizu: Through supporting over 1,000 women, I've realized that women's potential is limitless.
To create a flow where families, men, and society become vibrant, it's essential to have an environment where women can live as themselves.
However, the reality in Japan is that many women are still economically and mentally cornered due to regional and wealth disparities.
For these women, we want to expand Re:che as a third place they can always return to.
1-2. Promoting Women's Independence with the "Re:seller" Value
Akaishi: What is the "Re:seller" value?
Mr. Shimizu: Generally, the image of sales is often associated with unethical practices like hoarding products to sell at high prices, disrupting normal product distribution.
However, we define "Re:seller" as a way to solve the social issue of product waste by selling unwanted items cheaply through e-commerce or buying and selling items destined for disposal, enriching oneself as a result.
We can source products that other companies can't because of the support from companies that agree with our philosophy.
Therefore, by providing proper education to sellers, we aim to clean up the sales industry and create sales activities by involving new companies.
2. Who is Shou Shimizu?
During his middle school years, Mr. Shimizu witnessed complex family issues firsthand, prompting him to think about family happiness.
In college, he studied "family sociology," focusing on family dynamics and human behavior. He joined a bridal company to contribute to family happiness, supporting over 20,000 couples annually.
His desire to support families beyond marriage led him to entrepreneurship. However, this journey was filled with events that continue to shape his roots.
2-1. Career and Achievements
・Born in 1986. Studied family sociology at Keio High School/University Faculty of Letters
・After graduation, launched new businesses at Best Bridal Co., Ltd., serving as the only executive assistant
・Worked at Macromill, Inc. and SONY Life before becoming independent
・Founded FAMILY Co., Ltd.
・Provided wedding consulting services to 100 couples in the first year through word of mouth
・Simultaneously released beauty version Uber "careL" as CMO at MOSOmafia Co., Ltd.
・Raised 10 million yen from @cosme
・Fell victim to fraud, incurring a debt of 150 million yen, facing social and mental challenges
・Founded Roppongi Members-Only Bar RAIDON
・Founded Pipic Co., Ltd., leading the development of a matching app as Founder
・Raised 90 million yen from individual investors nationwide
・Joined Kanry Co., Ltd. as CRO
・Achieved 15,000 store installations in one year and doubled agency negotiations in three months
・Appointed Executive Officer at Merone Co., Ltd., overseeing all business divisions from business strategy to store operations
2-2. Facing a 100 Million Yen Debt After Entrepreneurship
Akaishi: What prompted you to start your own business?
Mr. Shimizu: I experienced divorce at the age of 28.
At that time, despite wanting to create a happy family, I unexpectedly went through a divorce, feeling like my life wasn't going well.
However, this strengthened my desire to dedicate my life to important things like family and home, and I found my purpose.
Subsequently, I decided to start a consulting business to continuously support families and ventured into entrepreneurship.
Akaishi: How did you end up with a 100 million yen debt?
Mr. Shimizu: My business involved proposing life planning, including weddings, to couples. I suggested investments to use important assets for future child-rearing and home purchases, introducing them to an asset management company we collaborated with.
However, later, that company absconded with the money, resulting in about 150 million yen in funds from those I introduced not being returned.
It was tough from there. I took responsibility and repaid the debt, but there were times when debt collectors waited outside my home, and for two years, I was constantly pursued until I repaid it.
During that time, I was desperate to repay the money, engaging in businesses I didn't truly want to do, leading to mentally challenging days.
Akaishi:
