The Book of Value — Chapter 02← Contents
Chapter 02 — The Book of Value

What is a Life Philosophy Company?

/ Summary

A Life Philosophy Company is a way of running a business in which a philosophy of life, rather than products or services, sits at the center of management — a concept proposed by Value Village (INSTINCT BROTHERS Inc.).

  • First stated in: The Book of Value, the corporate constitution of Value Village (2026)
  • Trait 1: decisions are judged not by revenue but by four questions — happiness, health, trust, and the next generation
  • Trait 2: products are not the goal; they are a means of cultivating culture
  • Trait 3: the time horizon is one hundred years, not one quarter
  • Difference from similar ideas: unlike a brand book (rules of expression) or a mission statement (an internal declaration), the constitution is a philosophy of living that includes customers, communities and future generations

(As of September 2026)

Why create the concept of a Life Philosophy Company?

The world holds countless companies with excellent products, technologies and services.

But we asked one question: what is true richness?

Convenience. Longevity. Success. Are these alone enough to make a person happy?

We do not think so.

So we placed the question of how to live — not the product — at the center of our management. That is a Life Philosophy Company.

How is it different from an ordinary company?

Every decision begins with four questions.

"Does it lead to human happiness?"

"Does it protect health?"

"Does it build trust?"

"Can we be proud of it before the next generation?"

This order must never be reversed for the sake of revenue. That is our discipline.

How does it relate to The Book of Value?

The Book of Value is our constitution as a Life Philosophy Company: why we exist (WHY), how we act (THE WAY), what community we build (THE VILLAGE), and what we leave in one hundred years (THE FUTURE).

Eras change, products change, technologies change. This intention does not.

/ Sources

Source: The Book of Value (Value Village Constitution) — First Edition Published by: INSTINCT BROTHERS Inc. / Last updated: September 1, 2026