Through Karate, Camp Foster Express Manager Finds Success at His Job
Butler Express Manager Toru Kiyan practices a basic style of Okinawa Kempo called “Seisan.”
OKINAWA, JAPAN – For Toru Kiyan, the disciplines of karate have served him well in life and throughout his 33 years with the Exchange.
Kiyan, manager of the Butler Express at Camp Foster, is a multilevel black belt karate sensei. As he worked his way toward becoming a karate expert, Kiyan also found success at the Exchange.
Kiyan started his career with the Exchange in the summer of 1985 as a part-time janitor.
“At that time (there were) very few computers…lots of paperwork,” Kiyan said. “I started by sweeping floors, stocking shelves and doing lots of manual work. Now as a manger, I spend more time thinking, planning, typing and writing.”
‘I love America’
Kiyan grew up in Okinawa when it was still under U.S. civil administrative control after World War II. As a young man, his decision to join the Exchange was a logical choice.
“I love America,” he said. “In Okinawa, we were under U.S. administrative control. We used the U.S. dollar, listened to American music. I was even a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.”
“I follow the standards set by the Exchange and try to build on those lessons taught to me over the years. Karate has helped me to be more focused while at work.”
-Toru Kiyan
However, on May 15, 1972, when Okinawa reverted to Japan, Kiyan started losing that American feel.
“When I joined the Exchange, I saw it as a chance to be a little closer to that American culture that I grew up with,” he said.
Patience and discipline
The study of martial arts can have many benefits, including physical, mental and even spiritual health. Kiyan has risen to high levels in the karate world — and to higher and higher levels of responsibility in the Exchange world.
His experience offers a glimpse at how those two worlds mesh in a very meaningful way for him.
“Karate has taught me patience and discipline,” Kiyan said. “I follow the standards set by the Exchange and try to build on those lessons taught to me over the years. Karate has helped me to be more focused while at work.
Butler Express Toru Kiyan trains Cashier Madoka Tomori.
“Work hard, and make sure you remind yourself that you work for the customer, and we are all part of the military family. I’m honored to help those in uniform and bring them a little piece of home.
“You make an impression within seven seconds of meeting someone, so you have to make it a good impression. I have taken that to heart when working with others and serving our customers,” Kiyan said.
Perseverance and dedication
Kiyan will be leaving the Exchange family sooner than some would like, due to the Japanese labor laws governing retirement age, but he will leave behind a legacy of diligent service and achievement. His is a story of success, perseverance, and dedication to setting and reaching goals.
Kiyan, 60, said he will retire next June.
“My dream is to keep working with and contributing to the Exchange until I’m 70 because I love the Exchange so much,” he said. “I started as a janitor with the Exchange and worked my way up to manager.
Do you know associates who have interesting stories about their work at the Exchange? Send their names and brief descriptions of their stories to the exchangepost@aafes.com for consideration.
