Eight Steps to Build an Invincible Team

[Small paperback 'Novella' version, 5 x 8 inches, 127 x 203mm] This book draws on the author's long career and experience as an elite Japanese rugby player to give an insight into the leadership and management of Japanese companies, and other organizations in the wider society. For many years he was employed by Kobe Steel and played as an amateur for that company and the Japan national team. He also captained both teams. His perspective and knowledge is uniquely valuable to students of management, organization and leadership theory. He discusses and compares companies such as Sony, Nintendo, Kyocera and Apple.
About the author
Toshiyuki 'Maru' Hayashi was born in Tokushima prefecture in 1960. He began playing rugby at the age of 13, and was selected at the age of 17 to tour Australia with a Japan high schools team. He played for Doshisha University, then Kobe Steel (now Kobelco Kobe Steelers) and was part of the team which won seven consecutive All-Japan championships (1989-95). He represented Japan for 13 years at lock starting in his third year at university, and at the first and second Rugby World Cups in 1987 and 1991. From 1989 he studied at Oxford University and played for Oxford in the 1990 Varsity Match against Cambridge. He is a member of the Barbarians. He is the founder and president of the HEROES NPO which promotes rugby for Japanese schoolchildren and organizes the nationwide annual HEROES CUP. He gives lectures at universities and motivational seminars for company employees.
The introduction is by Ian Williams, a former Wallaby and teammate of Maru at Kobe Steel, with help from other foreigners who have played for the team and/or know Maru.
The English translation is by Ian Ruxton, a long-term Japan resident who has done several other book translations. He says that he wanted to translate this book for the insight it offers into the Japanese 'sports mentality' and leadership style as they relate to rugby, companies and other organizations in the wider society. He adds: "The many examples drawn by the author from his deep knowledge and experience of Japanese culture (the business world, religion, philosophy, history etc.) should be of interest and enlightening to many readers."
Publication is timed to coincide with Rugby World Cup 2023 beginning in September. Also available in Kindle, large paperback (6 x 9 inches) and hardcover (6 x 9 inches) versions.