Whether I am reflecting on my past experience or mapping a path to the future, my path lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship, realizing creative value, and bridging cultures.

Entrepreneurship

We, the generation of ‘76, were at university around 2000, when the internet was really taking off. Enthralled by the new technology, we believed in the positive power of technology to shape a bright future. Many of my friends went on to establish great startups that laid the groundwork for Japan’s startup industry and later became major tech companies. To stand beside these great entrepreneurs, I aspire to support startups as the entrepreneur behind the entrepreneur, contributing to society as an entrepreneur in VC business.

Realizing Creative Value

Since my student days, I have had a deep passion for music and design. I greatly admire creators who can generate new value from scratch. To me, entrepreneurs are among the most creative of creators. Their products and ultimately their startups are the pinnacle of their creativity. By supporting them, I am able to participate in the creative process and deliver value to society. That gives me immense joy.

Bridging Cultures

I have spent eight years overseas since my childhood, living in the UK, the Netherlands, and the US. This journey taught me the importance of contributing to a community in order to be accepted as a member of it. As a foreign national, my most obvious contribution was bridging my Japanese background with the cultures of the countries I lived in. This made me realize the value of connecting different worlds. Bridging startups with finance, creativity with business, and Japan with the rest of the world–the role of a venture capitalist enables me to fulfill this mission.