Autobiography of Naoki Sakai, the legendary marketer who created huge hit cars with concepts alone, without design! What is the "reset method" from rock bottom that transformed countless "failures" behind success into "assets"?

My life has been a series of peaks and valleys. But what truly holds value is the time spent in the valleys.

Peaks are determined by others. Media and clients enthusiastically promote things, which eventually leads to boredom.

Valleys are different. External voices fade, and only the sound of one's own breathing remains. It is there that the next weapon is sharpened.

Be-1 and Brand Data Bank were both born in the valleys. The valley is the fertile ground for creation.

When one is in a valley, they are not noticed.

That is why one can quietly sharpen their weapons. That accumulation supports the next peak.

(From the main text)

Naoki Sakai, the Original Concepter, Reveals His Unconventional Survival Strategy

Naoki Sakai, who handled the concept design for Nissan's "Be-1," "Pao," and "Figaro," established a new professional role of "concepter" in Japanese manufacturing. However, this book is not merely a memoir of a successful person.

It is a candid record of failures and regeneration that can only be revealed now, at the age of 78. Economic hardship due to the collapse of the bubble economy, rent arrears, and even unwarranted suspicion in the "Odajima incident"... Furthermore, the indescribable deep sorrow of losing his beloved son. How did he take the first step towards resurfacing from a state where he had lost everything, during a period when he was walking through life's "valley"?

This book describes the "reset methods" for rising again and again from rock bottom, derived from his real-life experiences of overcoming countless despairs. It offers highly practical "survival strategies" that only an author who has alternately experienced success and failure can articulate. This book is a must-read not only for business professionals and creators but also for anyone struggling with their career or life, those who are at the bottom of the valley.

● Author Profile Naoki Sakai / Concepter Representative Director, Waterdesign Inc. / Board of Directors, Speedy Inc. Born in 1947. After entering Kyoto City University of Arts, Department of Design, he moved to the United States. Established Tattoo Company in San Francisco and sold "Tattoo T-shirt." After returning to Japan, he worked as a textile designer. In 1987, he handled the concept design for Nissan's "Be-1" and launched it into the world. Subsequently, he was involved in product development both domestically and internationally, including the Olympus "O-Product" which is permanently preserved at MoMA, creating numerous hit products. Former Professor at Keio University. Presides over "Design Management Club / DMC" at DMM Online Salon.

Book Title: "ピークではなく、谷を歩く。 Walking the Valley — A Life Built with Failure" ■ Author: Naoki Sakai ■ Release Date: April 17, 2026 ■ Book Price: 3,300 yen (3,000 yen + tax) ■ Kindle Price: 2,640 yen ■ ISBN Code: 978-4-7711-1085-4 ■ Publisher: Speedy Inc.

AmazonURL: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4771110859 KindleURL: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H1C7K2JC