Date of publication: May 20, 2019

Kani Munidasa

Co-Founder & CEO: Code Chrysalis

Date of birth:

Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 10 (as of May 2019)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

I was born in Tokyo but moved to Sri Lanka before I started any schooling here. I returned to Tokyo in the ’90s to pursue studies in mobile robotics when Japan was a leader in many areas of tech. Fun fact: I learned Japanese watching Ken Shimura!

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

Be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Being uncomfortable means you are exploring and learning new things. Success won’t come to those who are playing it safe and staying within their comfort zone. Step out of your comfort zone and experience the magic. Once you are comfortable again, find your new uncomfortable zone and repeat.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

I have many stories and scars from the time I spent in the tech industry supporting customers from around the world. But leaving the corporate life (and not earning any airline miles) to learn how to code and become an educator that can empower and transform students into software engineering leaders is by far my highlight … so far.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

I want to change the way Japan does software and help the software industry become more competitive in the global arena. Japan has embraced its monozukuri (making things) spirit and is excellent in hardware manufacturing, but it is time to also embrace the power of software and its capabilities to gain a competitive edge and accelerate growth in the global market.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

Japanese people: Unlock your world by investing the time to become good communicators in English.
Non-Japanese people: Immerse yourself not only in Japanese culture, but also in its people, and learn to speak the language. What a crime if all you are doing is living in the so-called gaijin bubble.
Everyone: Learn how to code. It will become a universal language next to English.

Curriculum Vitea (Website)

Last updated: May 20, 2019