My first encounter with Japan was actually via its people and it was outside of Japan, I was studying in the U.S and had an opportunity to meet a few Japanese during this time, it might sound strange to consider that as a first encounter, but it had a profound, positive impact on me and that was the initial spark that culminated in my first visit to Japan in 1994.

I am a technology enthusiast. I believe in the power of using technology in a positive way. My company’s motto is “Meaningful digital innovations.” As a founder, I am not interested in developing technology per se, but technology that can have a positive impact and actually be used to solve real worldwide problems such as environmental issues, poverty, health care and more.

I am proud to have launched a Japanese startup that was awarded a prize as one of 100 startups in Asia in 2010. I remember when I went to receive the prize in Shanghai, China. We had just three startups from Japan, and although I am a foreigner I was very proud to represent Japan in this contest.

My personal goal is to spread entrepreneurship education at high schools and universities across Japan. I believe that Japanese society has a lot to gain and benefit from embracing entrepreneurship on a larger scale in the future. I would like to support Japan in creating the next Sony or Toyota and I believe that will be possible if the young generations get early access to the entrepreneurial world.

I think Dicky Fox (a fictional character from the movie “Jerry Maguire”) got it right when he said, “Hey, I don’t have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I have failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.”