Medicine with a heart

There is an interesting medical company here in Japan. It is called Fujiyaki, which means Fuji Medicines. It was started after World War II by a man named Mr. Takayanagi. He realized that many people still were undernourished after the near starvation levels they had to maintain during the war. He knew they desperately needed vitamins and minerals. He also realized transport was minimal at best, especially in the rural areas. Of course, poor transportation added to the problem of proper nutrition. But he was a man of ingenuity. So, for him the difficult situation was a challenge that he eagerly embraced.

He collected a few people to help him and sent them out into the surrounding areas on foot. They carried their supplies on their backs and went from town to town, village to village, farm house to farm house selling their wares. All the ingredients were natural and affordable. At that time, they all came from Japan.

At first the company was very small, so it had to ask larger ones to make their medicines and supplements for them. But gradually it grew and the owner realized that in order to control quality and prices, it was more advantageous for his company to produce its own goods. So, he opened a company factory. Now the company is able to serve the entire country with the products it makes itself.

The company has expanded so much that now it imports ingredients from China and Europe, while still using many Japanese traditional materials. All the products are still natural. And also, although it has modernized, the structure of the company has not changed. That is, salesmen still go from door to door selling their medicines and supplements (by car these days!) Likewise, the company does not advertise, rather it depends on word of mouth. And that method has proved to be tremendously successful.

Each client has a “medicine box” in his or her home. It is filled with goods from the company. The “medicine man” comes round once ever four months or so to refill the supplies. Clients pay for medicines only after using them, which is another special feature of this company. So, for example, if someone gets a cold and uses medications from the “medicine box”, he or she will pay for those medicines when the company’s representative comes round again. If the medicines are not used, there is no charge for them. However, because of Japanese law, supplements must be paid for immediately. The difference between what is labeled as a supplement and what is a medicine depends on the ingredients.

The beauty of this company is that it truly has a heart. Human relations are paramount. It obviously trusts its clients because the “medicine men” leave not-yet-purchased medications with them. And the company considers each person as a long-term customer. Likewise, the salesmen come prepared to spend as much time as needed to answer each person’s questions, listen to and tell stories, and suggest items that might be helpful. It is not uncommon for them to stay three or four hours!

My “medicine man” is extremely busy, as they all are. After making rounds, he goes to the company to do paperwork. So, he works very long hours. But when he is here, he still takes time to chat with me, not only about the state of my health and his products, but also about personal things, like our families and weekend plans. As busy as he is, he never seems rushed.

My “medicine man” is named Mr. Sato. He is young and very friendly. He is also very knowledgeable. In fact, he always gives me a mini-lesson in healthcare whenever he comes. When I asked him where he got his knowledge, he told me he went to conferences several times a year, but mostly his clients’ questions and needs were the best motivator for him to learn as much as he could.

When he explains things, he adds very interesting little details. The last time he came, for example, he informed me that it was important to put eye drops in the outer corner of the eye. That is because the fluid will follow the direction of the tears and will eventually lubricate the entire eye. If drops are put in the center, which is what I usually do, they will not cover the eye completely.

He also explains how one joint supplement works compared with another, which cold medicines will be best for me in the long winter months, or which skin care item will stop my incessant itching. Of course, he emphasizes the importance of also eating well, exercising, getting enough rest, and thinking positive thoughts for optimum health. He sees the big picture about health and also about being a salesman. He knows that a good relationship with a client is a major key to success.

So, even though the cost of what I end up buying does add up, I know I am getting the best quality goods on the market. In addition, I understand about what I am taking and the effects it will have on me. I appreciate that, of course, but equally, I am grateful for being connected with this company that does not sacrifice human relations in order to make a profit. And in this day and age, that is a rare privilege indeed.