MT - ASHIATO

AEON inherits the Omi Shonin principle of 'sanpo yoshi' (good for seller, buyer, and society). Which decision best reflects this in modern retail?

• Lowering prices aggressively without regard to supplier sustainability
• Balancing affordable pricing, supplier partnerships, and community welfare
• Focusing only on maximizing shareholder returns
• Expanding market share through rapid store openings regardless of impact

Takatoshi Mitsui’s bookkeeping innovation emphasized transparency. Which AEON policy continues this ashiato?

• Clear ESG reporting accessible to customers and investors
• Minimal disclosure to protect company interests
• Annual reports focused solely on financial metrics
• Outsourcing reporting to avoid accountability

The concept of 'norenwake' encouraged sharing business knowledge. Which AEON HR policy reflects this?

• Restricting leadership training to executives only
• Developing mentoring programs to grow local managers
• Centralizing authority at headquarters to retain control
• Avoiding investment in employee development

The samurai ethic of 'messhihoko' was self-sacrifice for honor. How can AEON reinterpret this value today?

• Cutting corners in sustainability to save costs
• Prioritizing fairness and integrity even at the expense of short-term profit
• Focusing only on immediate market dominance
• Avoiding transparency to protect reputation

AEON draws lessons from American chain stores. Which misstep would contradict Ashiato values?

• Treating customers as transactions rather than long-term partners
• Adapting best practices while respecting cultural values
• Balancing efficiency with meaningful service
• Building shopping centers as community hubs

AEON introduces self-checkout machines but finds elderly customers struggle. Which approach reflects a positive ashiato?

• Maintain only machines to save costs
• Provide hybrid counters with staff support alongside technology
• Eliminate technology entirely to avoid confusion
• Ignore feedback since younger customers adapt

A customer reports food safety issues in an AEON store. Which response leaves the strongest positive footprint?

• Quietly replace the product without explanation
• Acknowledge the problem, compensate customers, and improve safety systems
• Blame suppliers without internal review
• Delay action until pressured by media

If AEON reduces staff training to cut costs, what long-term ashiato is most likely?

• Improved employee morale
• Weakened customer service and loss of trust
• Sustained competitiveness
• Higher loyalty among employees

AEON must decide between heavy promotions or investment in personalized service. Which action aligns better with Ashiato?

• Focusing solely on promotions for short-term sales
• Investing in service experiences that build loyalty
• Ignoring customer engagement to reduce costs
• Cutting service staff to increase margins

What footprint results if AEON treats customers only as numbers?

• Loss of trust and brand loyalty over time
• Improved long-term customer intimacy
• Enhanced community integration
• Positive legacy of service quality