It all started when a friend I made while studying abroad in Australia told me, ‘Japan is the most closed-off country in the world.’ That really made me realize how important it is to avoid those so-called ‘tacit understandings’ and communications that only a few people get. Unless it’s confidential or for a specific reason, I always CC everyone in emails and focus on sharing information openly. I’ve been doing this for the past 20 years, and I think it’s definitely part of our culture.

I really feel that communication within the company is very flat. No matter your age or position, anyone can share their opinions, and it feels like everyone listens to each other with respect. It makes for a comfortable environment. Even if I’m not directly involved in a conversation, I can casually pick up on things like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know that plan was in the works.’

If that’s the impression you’re getting, that’s what matters most. Also, not creating unnecessary rules is probably another hallmark of our culture. Remember when Yoshi mentioned something about hairstyles and clothing? If we had Yoshi handling sales for a Japanese maker, there might be a legitimate reason to ask, ‘Sorry, but could you tone it down a bit?’ But since it’s not relevant to his current position, it’s perfectly fine for him to dress in a way that feels authentic to him.

Oh, I was just thinking of dyeing my hair!

That sounds great!

We focus on understanding each person’s desired career plan rather than sticking to a fixed system. When the tasks needed by the company align with an individual’s interests, it not only leads to better results but also makes growth enjoyable. What’s important is how much overlap there is between the company’s goals and each person’s career aspirations. When what the company wants and what individuals want align, it makes for a more enjoyable and fulfilling growth experience. Speaking of which, I’d like Yoshi to participate in a basic Excel course and a seminar on digital marketing soon. By regularly providing learning opportunities that bring in outside information, we can help with skill development.

That’s news to me! So, for the two positions you’re recruiting for new graduates, is there no set curriculum in place?

We’re thinking about it based on individual suitability and circumstances, so there isn’t a strict ‘everyone must take this by month X’ rule. For example, Nozomi joined us as a long-term intern a few months before officially starting, and she recently took a seminar on international air cargo handling and passed the exam quite quickly! We decided this in consultation with her supervisor, Seiko, but it feels more like we’re customizing it for each person.

What kind of person do you think fits well in our company? 

Well, I’d say someone who is proactive. It’s important to be able to voice your opinions and not just wait for instructions from someone else. Since we’re a startup, we’re all in the process of building things together. I think it’s great to have someone who doesn’t see that as a hassle, but rather enjoys the process of creating.

Absolutely, that’s spot on. We can create anything from here on out. You might think that’s exciting, but the truth is, having no set formats can be a bit of a hassle. These days, with AI and tons of templates available online, it’s definitely more convenient than before, but starting from scratch still takes a lot of effort. There are times when it can feel annoying, but I really think someone who takes on leadership and genuinely enjoys creating something great would fit in perfectly.

Personally, I’ve never really felt it’s a hassle. Every time I come up with something new or create something, I feel more excited about what might happen if I try it. It’s all about trial and error, and we have an environment that encourages us to keep trying and taking action.

We want to tackle the challenges of Japan’s stagnation and the outrageous disparities in the world using technology and best practices, starting from what we can actually do. For now, we’re focusing on digitizing the chemical business, which hasn’t made much progress in that area, to change the industry’s norms.

Yeah, I totally agree with that. I see a lot of similarities with my own life experiences, which is why I resonate with it so much. Based on my past, I feel that Japan, being an island nation, doesn’t really have many opportunities for people to go abroad. Plus, Japan is quite fulfilling in itself, so I think there are a lot of people who feel they don’t need to explore the world.

And that’s why I think a lack of experience going outside leads to a reluctance to adopt new ways of thinking. Among my friends, many have spent their whole lives in Japan and feel scared to go outside because it’s so safe here. But I think that kind of fear is often based on misconceptions. So, I really relate to what you’re saying, and while I can only express it in words for now, I hope to gradually change the world through my work.”

I believe it’s important to spend time on something that has a purpose you can resonate with. For example, if you’re running 10 kilometers, doing it for your health or training for a marathon next month is so different from being told to run 10 kilometers without any reason. Even though you’re doing the same thing, having a purpose gives it meaning and increases its value. If you share the same core beliefs we have, I think working together can be really enjoyable.