Books You Should Read If You Want to Become a Consultant

Author: Kazuto Ataka
Release date: November 24, 2010
amazon

What is important for consultants is not processing vast amounts of information but the ability to correctly identify “the problem that truly needs to be solved = the issue.” This book presents a way of thinking that identifies high-priority challenges and maximizes the quality of intellectual productivity. Optimal for those who want to re-examine the starting point of their thinking in order to produce results without being swept along by busyness. The perspective that problem-setting is more important than problem-solving is an indispensable way of thinking for consultants engaged in strategy planning and proposal activities.

Author: Barbara Minto
Release date: March 4, 1999
amazon

A renowned book from which the “Pyramid Principle” — a method of logical thinking and document composition cultivated at McKinsey — can be systematically learned. Consultants are required to structurally organize complex matters and convey them clearly. This book explains in detail compositional methods usable in practice such as starting with the conclusion and hierarchically presenting grounds. By improving the technology of organizing thinking and communicating it, the proposal ability and credibility toward clients can be dramatically enhanced. Also recommended for those who feel weak at document creation and verbal explanation.

Authors: Hanako Teruya, Keiko Okada
Release date: April 1, 2001
amazon

An introductory book that cultivates the foundational ability for “step-by-step thinking” and “persuasive explanation” routinely required of consultants. Using thinking-organization frameworks such as MECE and So What/Why So, it explains methods for accurately structuring information and communicating logically. Practical logical thinking useful in work can naturally be acquired without becoming pedantic. Even those who feel weak at logical thinking can learn practically through abundant diagrams and real examples.

Author: Kazunari Uchida
Release date: March 31, 2006
amazon

Consultants are pressed for accurate judgments even without time to verify all vast amounts of information. This book introduces a way of thinking that rapidly derives solutions by repeating the “hypothesis → verification” process within limited time. By utilizing hypothesis thinking, unnecessary information gathering can be reduced and both quality and speed of judgment can be achieved. This way of thinking, which plays an active role in the initial stages of strategy planning and project advancement, is essential for those aiming to become immediately deployable consultants in the field.

Author: Yoshinori Saito
Release date: April 16, 2010
amazon

This book is a practical work that explains methods for consistently advancing from problem discovery to resolution, using diagrams and real examples. It covers everything required of consultants — “structural thinking,” “challenge organization ability,” and “planning and verification of solutions” — and the content not only covers theory but enhances ability to execute. In particular, the technique of using frameworks to simply organize complex challenges can be directly applied in consulting field work. Optimal for those who want to learn realistic problem-solving processes.

Author: University of Tokyo Case Study Research Group
Release date: September 18, 2009
amazon

Fermi estimation is a way of thinking that establishes rational assumptions from limited information to derive rough estimates, and is highly valued in consultant interviews and work. This book is written by the “University of Tokyo Case Study Research Group” composed of University of Tokyo students, and provides practical Fermi estimation training. Using familiar topics such as the number of customers at a restaurant or station users, solution patterns and thinking steps are systematically explained. It is the optimal book for business professionals wanting to sharpen their innate intelligence and consultant aspirants for training hypothesis thinking and numerical sense. Recommended for those who want to practically improve their logical thinking ability.

Author: Yoshinori Saito
Release date: December 1, 2001
amazon

This book, which focuses on “problem discovery” rather than problem-solving, cultivates the ability to see through to the essence from complex phenomena with conceptualization ability. What is required of consultants is not handling the problem in front of them but rather the ability to define true challenges from the overall structure and approach them strategically. This book introduces thinking processes, tools, and specific examples for this purpose, and allows thinking ability that fuses analysis and conception to be cultivated. Optimal for those aiming to become professionals with deep insight and an upstream perspective.

Author: Sachiyo Oshima
Release date: April 25, 2013
amazon

An author from McKinsey introduces in plain language the foundational problem-solving skills actually instilled during the new hire period. The thinking process necessary for consultants — from structural ways of viewing things, hypothesis construction, and cause analysis through to planning solutions — can be learned in sequence. In particular, it is characterized not only by abstract theory but by clarity on “what specifically should be done,” making it easy for beginners to practice. It is a must-read for consultant aspirants to cultivate problem-solving ability that works in the field.

Author: Kazunari Uchida
Release date: January 29, 2010
amazon

What is important for consultants is not producing correct answers but framing the correct question. This book focuses carefully on the starting point of thinking — “narrowing down the issue” — and explains the technique of identifying the essence of complex problems. In practice, one tends to be surrounded by vast amounts of information, but if issue thinking is acquired, it becomes possible to accurately cut into challenges within limited time. A book we want those wanting to sharpen strategic thinking and those struggling with how to frame hypotheses to read.

Author: University of Tokyo Case Study Research Group
Release date: September 17, 2010
amazon

This is a practical book focused not just on learning frameworks but on how to actually use them. For 50 business cases, it specifically explains which framework to choose and how to apply it. By “mapping” thinking, it becomes possible to organize without losing sight of the overall picture of the problem. Even those not accustomed to structural thinking methods can learn while working hands-on, making it very suitable as an introductory book for consultant aspirants.

Authors: Ethan M. Rasiel / Paul N. Friga
Release date: April 1, 2002
amazon

A standard work from which McKinsey’s thinking techniques — one of the world’s leading consulting firms — can be learned practically. Problem decomposition, hypothesis construction, and the design of analysis flows are explained step by step for techniques necessary in problem-solving, and the ability to establish thinking paths without relying on frameworks is cultivated. Recommended for those who have acquired the foundations of logical thinking and want to advance to the next stage. The foundation for becoming a practically strong consultant can be built.

Author: Koji Yamazaki
Release date: April 8, 2011
amazon

A book that practically unravels the difficulty of “thinking logically and conveying it to others.” From the basics of logical thinking through to document composition, material creation, and how to develop arguments, it explains carefully. Particularly focusing on the explicit presentation of logic and consistency of arguments — said to be areas where Japanese people tend to struggle — it is truly a must-have book for those wanting to train the ability to produce outputs as a consultant. The ability to think is also polished through writing.

Author: Masatake Ushiro
Release date: December 11, 1998
amazon

“Analytical techniques” that support decision-making — this book systematically explains thinking methods for problem discovery and resolution, providing specific approaches for logically decomposing challenges that business professionals face and deriving optimal solutions. It aims to improve practical thinking ability useful in management strategy and business improvement.

Author: Masaharu Kato
Release date: April 4, 2003
amazon

From the unique perspective of “tools for thinking,” this book introduces specific methods and tools for improving thinking ability. It presents diverse “thinking tools” useful when stuck in idea generation or problem-solving, providing hints for readers to advance their own thinking processes more effectively and creatively. A practical book for expanding the breadth of thinking and generating high-quality output.

Author: Takashi Nawa
Release date: July 12, 2018
amazon

This book comprehensively explains advanced problem-solving and value creation methods that transcend the framework of conventional consulting. Without stopping at mere challenge resolution, it provides thinking processes and frameworks for generating new value, helping readers acquire deep insights and practical skills to lead business transformation. It can be said to be a must-read for standing out in complex business environments.

Author: Consulting Firm Study Group Fermi Estimation / Case Interview Preparation Team
Release date: June 5, 2024
amazon

This book is specialized for preparation for the entrance examinations of foreign-affiliated consulting firms. Focusing in particular on Fermi estimation and case interviews that test problem-solving ability, it supports candidates in demonstrating high performance through specific preparation methods and practice problems. It is an important guide for cultivating practical skills and logical thinking ability and opening the path to the consulting industry — said to be highly competitive.

Author: Isao Hosoya
Release date: December 7, 2007
amazon

This book, centered on “Fermi estimation” — which logically derives answers from limited information — shows how to cultivate “innate intelligence” necessary for business. The author decomposes innate intelligence into three elements of “hypothesis thinking ability,” “framework thinking ability,” and “abstract thinking ability,” explaining that these can be wielded to flexibly handle even complex problems. Using typical Fermi estimation problems such as “how many utility poles are there nationwide in Japan?” as material, the process of deriving answers is explained carefully. It is characterized by presenting thinking patterns useful in daily work rather than being mere exam preparation. For consultant aspirants, it is a practical introductory book that is directly connected to case interview preparation skills while also becoming training in logical thinking for work.

Author: Takashi Mitachi
Release date: November 14, 2003
amazon

A book from the author from BCG — a major consulting firm alongside McKinsey — that explains strategic thinking methods in plain language. As the title suggests, it aims to “train the brain for thinking about strategy,” and specific approaches such as how to use data as a cut-in point and how to form hypotheses are abundantly introduced. The author emphasizes that “strategy is not something created only by a few geniuses but a technique that anyone can acquire through training.” Many cases and diagrams are used, making it easy for beginners to understand. It is optimal as an introductory book before systematically studying management strategy, and for readers aiming to become consultants it serves as an excellent training book for “training the muscles for thinking about strategy.”

Author: Kenichi Takano
Release date: August 10, 2016
amazon

This book further develops conventional “hypothesis thinking” to present “super hypothesis thinking” for speedily resolving highly uncertain business challenges. The author points out that the modern management environment has many questions for which correct answers don’t exist, explaining that conventional analysis-dependent approaches cannot keep up. The proposed approach is “boldly formulating hypotheses and verifying them quickly on a small scale.” The practical content, which also connects to startup lean thinking, uses examples to specifically explain how to formulate hypotheses and verify them. In particular, perspectives such as “making time an ally” and “viewing failure as learning rather than cost” are useful for cultivating the nimble thinking and action ability required of consultants.

Author: Tomofumi Takamatsu
Release date: July 31, 2023
amazon

A book by BCG alumnus Tomofumi Takamatsu for making “patterns” of thinking into weapons. Logical thinking is often thought of as “thinking,” but the author explains the importance of “memorizing” the thinking processes of professionals and using them reflexively. Furthermore, the techniques for producing deep, sharp “answers” without spending time are explained. A practical book that encourages readers that strategic thinking can be acquired by anyone through acquiring the right patterns, not through talent.

Author: Tatsuya Wani
Release date: November 17, 2021
amazon

A book specialized in the technique of “thinking organization” — organizing the chaotic worries in a client’s head and finding solutions. It explains a coaching-style approach of listening to and drawing out the other party’s story as a consultant and clarifying their vision, and four steps for translating this into a realizable plan. The method of clarifying the other party’s thinking through dialogue can be applied in all everyday situations — internal meetings, subordinate guidance, and so on.

Author: Andi Mochizuki
Release date: July 19, 2024
amazon

An ambitious work updating conventional logical thinking for the modern business environment. It places importance not only on mere logical consistency but on “conviction” — including consideration for the other party’s context and emotions. This enables obtaining multiple suggestions based on diversity. The book divides thinking into “discovery” and “demonstration” and explains the necessity of cycling through Q (question) → A (hypothesis) → D (implication) → I (conclusion). It presents a new way of thinking for generating substantive behavioral change, giving a fresh perspective to those who feel the limits of existing logic training.

Author: Boston Consulting Group
Release date: November 8, 2024
amazon

A book covering important themes related to near-future management proposed by Boston Consulting Group. ESG, AI, geopolitical risks, human capital management, and other challenges that companies will face from 2025 onward are discussed from multiple angles. Analysis is conducted from both global perspectives and the realities of Japanese companies, making it very beneficial for consultant aspirants wanting to overview the latest management challenges. It is packed with hints for future strategy planning.

Author: Globis Management School
Release date: March 17, 2017
amazon

An MBA-level practical book from which standard frameworks of management strategy can be systematically learned. It covers 3C analysis, SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, value chain, and others, with a structure that allows understanding to be deepened through actual business examples. Even beginners can understand it easily, and essential foundational knowledge for aiming to become a strategy consultant is acquired. The optimal book for those wanting to solidify consulting foundations.

Author: Takashi Nawa
Release date: December 7, 2018
amazon

Sustained corporate growth requires the will of management leadership and transformation of the entire organization. This book, by an author who has been involved in many corporate revitalizations, explains the principles of transformation and practical methods suited to Japanese companies in an easy-to-understand way. Innovation and corporate culture reform examples are also abundant, and the realities of transformation can be learned from both theoretical and front-line perspectives. An extremely insightful book for those aiming to lead corporate transformation as a consultant.

Author: Akiie Iriyama
Release date: December 12, 2019
amazon

A book attractive for its explanations that cover the main theories of management science while emphasizing application in practice. It introduces management theories spanning economics, social psychology, and organizational theory one by one carefully, also touching on the limits and application range of each theory. While it is substantial reading, deeply understanding the theories forms a foundation for enhancing the persuasiveness of consulting. Recommended for those who want to know the theoretical basis behind management strategy.

Author: Globis Management School
Release date: August 29, 2008
amazon

A standard book for business professionals that systematically organizes main management concepts. It covers a wide range of fields including strategy, marketing, organization, human resources, accounting, and finance, and foundational ability for holding an MBA-type perspective is acquired. For consultants, foundational management knowledge is indispensable for understanding the overall picture of client companies. It helps cultivate the groundwork for being able to handle projects spanning diverse domains.

Author: Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Release date: May 18, 2001
amazon

A business novel that questions the “ultimate purpose” of a company. It introduces the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in story form, showing how to improve productivity and achieve goals through discovering and improving bottlenecks in factory operations. It provides ways of thinking for management improvement utilized by many companies and gives insights for maximizing business results.

Authors: Yuta Namiki, Masaaki Aoyama, Kohei Fujikuma, Eisuke Shirai
Release date: May 27, 2022
amazon

A unique guidebook introducing over 100 books actually read or recommended by active consultants. It provides a carefully selected list for deepening broad knowledge indispensable for consulting work — business strategy, problem-solving, logical thinking, leadership, and others — navigating readers so they can efficiently encounter good books.

Author: Tadashi Mieda
Release date: December 26, 2022
amazon

The latest edition summarizing the “Strategy Professional” series, known as a masterpiece of management strategy. The author focuses on “strategic originality” actually useful in the management field and compiles practical knowledge beyond conventional textbook strategy theory. Since it is developed in story form it is easy to read, and the impact strategy has on corporate management can be learned with a sense of immediacy. In particular, the perspective that “a strategy has no meaning unless it has the power to move the field — not just something on paper” gives strong suggestions to those aiming to become consultants. It is a book that allows both strategy planning and execution from a management perspective to be experienced, and provides practical guidelines for avoiding ivory-tower theorizing.

Author: Koji Mitani
Release date: April 27, 2013
amazon

A unique book that organizes the history of strategy theory from both “person” and “theory” perspectives. The theories of strategy theorists such as Ansoff, Porter, and Kotler are surveyed in chronological order, and it is revealed what era background and problem awareness gave birth to each. Not merely explaining theories, practical perspectives such as “which theories work in the modern era” and “in which situations can they be used” are also emphasized, and it can be read with the feeling of obtaining a toolbox for strategic thinking. While it is a substantial work of nearly 600 pages, diagrams and stories are extensively used with consideration given to readability. For those aspiring to become strategy consultants, it is a book that allows the ability to rebuild strategy from a historical perspective to be cultivated simultaneously with building a foundation of knowledge.

Author: Takashi Kanemitsu
Release date: January 24, 2025
amazon

A much-talked-about work that puts into words the approaches and thinking of the top tier who continue to produce overwhelming results. It focuses not on differences in skills or IQ but on the “sense” aspects that are difficult to quantify — such as the height of one’s perspective and empathy at the level of identification with clients. It is packed with hints for leaping toward the top — AI-irreplaceable human insights, the mindset for being trusted as the right hand of management, and more.

Author: Akira Moriki
Release date: May 27, 2016
amazon

A book that approaches the core of finance — how to measure a company’s value. Representative valuation methods such as the DCF method and multiples method are explained in an easy-to-understand manner from theory through to practical application. It is packed with knowledge usable in diverse fields where consultants are involved — investment decisions, M&A, and new business evaluation. Even those not confident in finance can understand it easily, making it optimal for those aiming to become number-savvy consultants.

Author: Katsunori Kunisada
Release date: February 12, 2021
amazon

The connections between the three financial statements — Income Statement (P&L), Balance Sheet (BS), and Cash Flow Statement (CF) — can be intuitively understood through diagrams and story format. Even complex-looking financial information, when viewed as a whole, can be read three-dimensionally to understand a company’s management state. Even those who feel weak with finance can read through it easily, making it the optimal first step for aiming to become a finance-strong consultant.

Authors: Hirokazu Yamanashi / Akira Sugawara
Release date: February 3, 2005
amazon

Price is the most important factor that determines revenue, yet the reality is that many companies are unable to fully leverage its potential. This book systematically explains “pricing strategy” advocated by McKinsey and introduces practical approaches for revenue improvement together with abundant examples. It provides content learnable from both analysis and strategy planning perspectives — the impact that price revision brings to companies, segmentation, and price sensitivity analysis. For consultants supporting corporate growth, having a pricing perspective becomes a major strength.

Editor: PwC Advisory LLC
Release date: September 20, 2018
amazon

A specialized book systematically explaining from a professional perspective the practice of “business due diligence” — important in the initial stages of M&A projects. Methods for increasing the success probability of deals through investigation and analysis of non-financial aspects such as market environment, competitive situation, business model, and profitability are explained in detail. For consultants supporting the decision-making of client companies, it is a book directly connected to practice for those wanting to understand the foundational knowledge and process of M&A support.

Author: Hiroki Nakayama
Release date: September 25, 2020
amazon

A practical book emphasizing the perspective of not ending conventional due diligence at mere risk assessment but connecting it to growth strategy after acquisition. How to form hypotheses in the upstream phase of M&A and design value creation scenarios aligned with acquisition objectives is explained carefully. As strategic approaches with PMI (integration processes) in mind are required in recent times, the perspective of giving consistency to the entire deal is also important for consultants. Recommended for those wanting a medium-to-long-term perspective even within M&A support.

Author: Katsunori Kunisada
Release date: February 12, 2021
amazon

The latest edition of a long-selling book that explains the three financial statements — Income Statement (P&L), Balance Sheet (BS), and Cash Flow Statement (CF) — in an easy-to-understand manner using extensive diagrams. Eliminating the stiffness of conventional accounting books, it features a structure that allows understanding of how numbers move and how they connect to corporate management through a “story.” In the new edition, the latest accounting standards and examples have been added, further enhancing practical applicability. Financial analysis is an indispensable skill for consultants, and this book is optimal as an introduction to it. Since the “connections” between numbers directly connected to management strategy and business evaluation can be intuitively grasped, the content is approachable even for those who feel weak with numbers.

Author: Takahisa Takada
Release date: February 1, 2004
amazon

A book explaining techniques for “proposals that get through” cultivated as a strategy consultant. From organizing discussion points and constructing structure through to wording that resonates with the other party, it is compiled practically and systematically. Rather than being a mere technique for creating presentation materials, it places importance on logic construction for giving persuasiveness to proposal content and motivating the other party to act. Recommended for those wanting to train output ability to convince clients.

Author: Shu Yamaguchi
Release date: October 19, 2012
amazon

A practical book summarizing in 23 patterns diagram techniques for conveying information “clearly, quickly, and accurately.” In addition to logical compositions such as pyramid structure and MECE, actual slide examples are also abundantly included, and the technique of creating visually appealing materials can be learned. Since it is not merely a design discussion but focuses on “what to convey and how,” it is must-have content for consultant aspirants required to create logical materials. Also recommended for business professionals wanting to improve internal and external proposal ability.

Author: Seiji Sugano
Release date: December 22, 2017
amazon

A book systematizing presentation techniques aimed at “moving the other party’s heart and promoting decision-making,” based on abundant experience as a foreign-affiliated consultant. From the angle of how to appeal to emotions and draw out empathy in situations where logic-heavy approaches alone don’t get through, story design and visual expression ideas are widely explained. Useful not only for those wanting to improve the quality of proposals as a consultant but also for all business professionals wanting to acquire persuasive presentation skills.

Author: Tetsuyuki Oishi
Release date: June 26, 2009
amazon

This book includes many Fermi estimation and logic puzzles and case interview problems actually asked in interviews at foreign-affiliated consulting firms. Not only problem-solving ability and logical thinking ability but also “reflex thinking” — accurately thinking within limited time — is trained. Optimal for interview preparation that cannot be avoided in aiming to become a consultant, and it can also be used practically in self-study. With explanations of interview tendencies and evaluation points as well, it is recommended for job seekers wanting to improve the quality of preparation.

Author: Makoto Tanihara
Release date: June 22, 2010
amazon

A book explaining in an easy-to-understand way, from the practical experience of a lawyer, persuasive conversation techniques based on logical thinking. Rather than defeating the other party in argument, the compositional ability, questioning ability, and tips for conveying in a way that “convinces” can be acquired. The ability to summarize key points in a short time and how to construct accurate rebuttals are skills routinely required of consultants. Recommended for those wanting to polish practical conversation ability immediately useful in business settings such as meetings, presentations, and negotiations.

Author: Marc Cosentino
Release date: December 1, 2021
amazon

The latest Japanese edition of the world-famous case interview preparation book “Case in Point.” It includes many typical examples of case interviews and Fermi estimation conducted in selection examinations at strategy consulting firms, carefully explaining response processes and how to use frameworks. It includes problems actually asked at firms such as McKinsey and BCG, enabling exercises with a sense of immediacy. It is also characterized by the purpose of polishing the attitude of thinking through problems logically and communication ability — not merely memorizing “correct answers.” It is a must-have book for consultant aspirants and receives high evaluation as practical training for breaking through selection processes.

Author: Tetsufumi Takimoto
Release date: June 26, 2012
amazon

A book systematically explaining thinking methods and techniques useful in various negotiation scenes that consultants and business professionals face. The book views negotiation as a combination of “logic and psychology,” aiming to draw out better results by balancing both the psychological aspect — reading the other party’s emotions and intentions — and the logical aspect — building objective data and grounds supporting one’s own arguments. It also explains that the perspective of building long-term relationships — such as increasing the other party’s options and doing favors for them — is important for successfully completing negotiations.

Author: Tetsuro Kondo
Release date: September 29, 2018
amazon

The business models of famous companies such as GAFA and Uber are broken down into elements such as “who,” “what,” “how,” and “how money is obtained,” and introduced in a format that can be visually understood through diagrams. With over 100 company examples included, the attraction is being able to survey the latest business model trends. It is also effective as a reference book for generating ideas in new business development and consulting fields, and is practical material for cultivating the ability to grasp the overall picture of business.

Author: Megumi Abe
Release date: August 7, 2025
amazon

A technical book on “explanation” for delivering information to listeners without causing stress, taught by a former announcer. To resolve the worry of having long talks that don’t get through, it imparts “patterns” for organizing information and speaking concisely, and professional “tricks” such as tone of voice and timing. By honing expressive ability in speaking that naturally enters the other party’s ears, in addition to the logical composition required of consultants, persuasiveness in presentations and meetings can be elevated.

Author: Kohiko Tanaka
Release date: August 27, 2025
amazon

A practical book disclosing the “patterns (templates)” that consultants use when conveying “difficult things to say” or “complex things.” Compositional plans for various situations — reporting, requests, meetings, sales, and so on — are prepared, and by fitting into these, intent can be conveyed without misunderstanding. It is packed with highly immediately effective techniques for eliminating communication waste and reaching consensus without causing stress to the other party.

Author: Hans Rosling et al.
Release date: January 11, 2019
amazon

A renowned book for cultivating the ability to calmly view the world based on data. Mistaken perceptions about global issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and population are organized as 10 “assumptions” and overturned with actual statistical data. It is perfect for training the attitude of facing complex realities as a consultant and making judgments from facts. Recommended for those wanting a truly fair perspective unbounded by assumptions.

Authors: Charles A. O’Reilly / Michael L. Tushman et al.
Release date: June 24, 2022
amazon

The revised edition of a masterpiece explaining that for companies to grow long-term, “ambidextrous management” — simultaneously conducting “exploitation” of existing businesses and “exploration” of new businesses — is indispensable. Through cases of companies such as Google and P&G, the difficulty of coexistence and the organizational design and leadership that overcome it are carefully discussed. For those wanting to learn corporate strategies that adapt to changing times and consultant aspirants involved in transformation support, the content is extremely practical and rich in suggestions.

Author: Tetsuyuki Oishi
Release date: July 30, 2014
amazon

A book systematically compiling the basic skills and work techniques actually instilled in new hires at foreign-affiliated consulting firms. Logical thinking, hypothesis construction, information organization, presentation material creation, time management — the content is useful for all business professionals, but in particular for consultant aspirants it is optimal for learning the practical sense of the industry. It is an introductory book that allows growth from both thinking and behavioral aspects, such as “how to conduct oneself as a professional” and “an attitude of being particular about results.”

Author: Tomofumi Takamatsu
Release date: February 1, 2023
amazon

This book focuses on 99 skills to be acquired and 5 challenges to be faced in the early period of a consultant’s career — particularly the “first 3 years.” It specifically explains the knowledge, mindset, and practical skill sets that form the foundation for success as a consultant, and guides new hires on points where they tend to stumble and growth opportunities. A book that serves as a compass for young consultants.

Author: Tomofumi Takamatsu
Release date: November 15, 2023
amazon

This book focuses on 79 skills, ways of thinking, and pride (principles and beliefs) required when a consultant is promoted to manager. Going beyond mere practical skills, it aims to cultivate advanced insight and leadership for leading teams, deeply understanding clients, and maximizing business results. A book that serves as a valuable guideline for those aiming to become the next generation of business leaders.

Author: Men Goku
Release date: March 27, 2023
amazon

A book compiling practical know-how for surviving the consulting industry. It provides specific strategies and mindsets on how to produce results and build one’s own career in the consulting firm-specific environment of heavy workloads, human relationships, and pressure. It conveys the “reality” of the industry and guides valuable survival techniques for those aiming for and currently working in the consulting industry.

Author: Globis Management School
Release date: July 15, 2025
amazon

A guidebook for acquiring business fundamentals at around age 27 similar to what one would learn in an MBA. Management strategy, marketing, accounting, organizational theory, and other knowledge and ways of thinking essential for business professionals are explained using the Globis-style systematic approach. The optimal book for building the foundation for understanding the overall picture of business and improving practical ability.

Author: Shu Yamaguchi
Release date: January 15, 2015
amazon

Based on experience at foreign-affiliated consulting firms, a book compiling the “techniques of intellectual productivity” for efficiently and creatively producing results. The author systematizes the process from information gathering through thinking organization to output, and discloses the “patterns” that consultants practice daily. Specifically, many techniques directly connected to practice — such as issue thinking, hypothesis setting, and storyline construction — are introduced and can be applied as highly reproducible methods. It is also characterized by placing importance on “impactful output” rather than mere efficiency, and the true essence of intellectual productivity connected to business results can be learned.

Authors: Atsushi Fujii, Tsuyoshi Kaneji, Gen Tanabe, Takumi Yanagida
Release date: December 10, 2025
amazon

A practical book by authors from McKinsey and BCG explaining “the basics of work” for young consultants. It covers the specific protocols required at project sites — from how to create materials and the importance of being conscious of goals through to hypothesis verification cycles. In particular, ways of thinking required when working as a team are explained in detail. A textbook for removing anxieties immediately after joining and accelerating growth.