Milena Osika
- Senior Manager
- Amaris Japan
- https://www.amaris.com/
Date of birth: June 29, 1989
Hometown: Val-de-Marne, France
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 5 (as of March 2019)

It all began when I was around 5 years old. My older brother used to be a huge fan of Japanese culture, anime and J-pop. Later on, I followed his passion and studied Japanese by myself. In 2013, I got the opportunity to be an exchange student at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business, which was my first real encounter with Japan.
“We never go as far as when we don’t know where we go,” said by Christopher Columbus. I believe uncertainty can bring out the best of our capacities. When I arrived in Japan, I barely knew anyone and had little knowledge about the market. However, I have been able to build a strong network by developing contacts, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking opportunities some would have seen threats.
Setting up the office of Amaris in Japan almost from scratch. Being an entrepreneur and intrapreneur had always sounded attractive to me and I am grateful for taking that chance through Amaris at the young age of 27. Working in startup mode is not easy every day. However, it is a very rewarding experience. So far, with our team and customers growing, we can say it has been a success.
Continue to grow the Amaris office and accompany our customers through imminent changes, such as technology, organization and strategy by partnering with them with project engineering resources.
As for personal objectives, they are climbing Mount Fuji as well as learning Chinese since I obtained N2 certification of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test last year.
Stay true to yourself and don’t systematically adapt.
Have a circle of friends from similar backgrounds or nationalities in order to exchange cultural differences and share advice.
Enjoy what Japan can bring at its best, choose your fights for the rest.
Don’t spend to much hope and energy in trying to change things.