About me
I grew up in Utsunomiya, Japan, where I pursued kendo, baseball, swimming, and music. In high school, my passion for Jazz led me to discover Berklee College of Music in Boston, and I decided to leave Japan to study there. In the summer of 1997, I arrived in Boston with just one suitcase, a move that shaped my life.
Due to wrist issues, I switched from guitar to Film Scoring and earned my degree. Instead of heading to LA like many, I went to New York City to immerse myself in its vibrant music scene. After college, I landed an Artist Visa and worked on various projects, including indie films, infomercials, and corporate videos, which introduced me to the tech world as smartphones emerged.
While working in mobile content licensing, I became fascinated by technology’s impact. I managed teams in B2B sales, corporate strategy, and business development across the US, Japan, Vietnam, and India. Traveling to 22 countries for work gave me invaluable experience. This early journey highlights how I transitioned into the tech industry.
When I am not working, I like to go to the gym. I took up boxing while I was in New York years ago, and I still actively spar. I have also been exploring various places in Japan since returning in 2018.
Essential Skills and Expertise:
- Cross-Border Business Development: Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and capitalize on cross-border business opportunities. Proficient in market analysis, competitor assessment, and strategic planning to support international expansion efforts.
- Research and Development (R&D): Extensive experience in leading and managing R&D initiatives, including product development, technology innovation, and intellectual property management. Skilled in translating customer insights and market trends into actionable strategies that drive sustainable growth.
- Market Analysis and Entry Strategy: Proven track record of conducting comprehensive market research to assess new market potential, identify customer segments, and analyze competitive landscapes. Adept at formulating market entry strategies and establishing effective distribution channels.
- Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, business partners, government entities, and industry experts. Proficient in building collaborative networks to drive business growth and establish long-term partnerships.
- Financial Analysis and Risk Assessment: Solid understanding of financial modeling, cost analysis, and risk assessment methodologies. Ability to evaluate economic viability and return on investment (ROI) for cross-border projects and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Cultural Intelligence and Global Business Acumen: Expertise in navigating diverse cultural environments and understanding the socio-political factors influencing business operations. Proficient in developing customized business strategies that align with local cultures and market dynamics.
- Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee complex, multi-disciplinary projects from initiation to completion. Ability to lead cross-functional teams, allocate resources effectively, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Professional Experience:
Head of Business Development Japan – Mashgin
Mashgin is currently the leading POS company using computer vision for stadiums and convenience stores. My role is to expand its services in Japan by managing all aspects of business development with retailers nationwide.
General Manager – Standard AI
Standard AI is a company that uses computer vision and AI to reimagine the entire retail store as an autonomous store. My role was to set up a subsidiary in Japan, build a team, and manage all business-related matters in the country, reporting directly to the COO and CFO. I worked from the series A stage when about 20+ people were working, to the post-series C stage, when the company achieved unicorn status.
Japan Regional Manager (Country Manager) at TradingView
TradingView is a SaaS-based charting platform for individuals and securities companies. My role was to build and expand the user base in Japan, increase adoption by enterprise users, and build ad revenue in the region, reporting directly to the VP of Growth. I was the first person to work in the region for the company, and I quadrupled the user base within two years of working.
Advisor to Chairman at VNPAY
My role at VNPAY, a payment technology company in Hanoi, Vietnam, that provides a mobile banking platform for major Vietnamese banks with various value-added services like e-commerce, ticket booking, and QR code payments, was to take a consultative approach with the chairman. I was tasked with optimizing the business processes as they operated various lines of business, building new business partnerships in e-commerce, and launching new payment services.
Corporate Strategy Manager at Forside.com
My role was leading business development and partnerships to manage contractual relationships with partners, including major mobile carriers and book publishers, by leading multinational teams across Japan, the US, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. I also engaged in corporate venture/partnership activities, from researching the market and identifying potential strategic partners to engaging with partnership pitches and working with law firms, accounting firms, and company executives in both parties during the due diligence, investment, and post-investment phases. I directly managed three corporate venture transactions for startups in the US and UK and four divestiture activities in the US, India, and Vietnam, including the sale of one of the subsidiaries.
Education:
- Financial Management Certificate – Cornell University 2014-2015
- Film Scorinng Berklee College of Music, 2001
Languages:
- English & Japanese – Business & Native Level
With a proven track record of delivering tangible results in cross-border business development and R&D, I am poised to contribute my expertise to organizations seeking to expand their global footprint and drive innovation. I thrive in dynamic and challenging environments, and I am committed to helping businesses achieve sustainable growth and success in the worldwide marketplace.
