I feel that current society allows me to make the best of my strengths.

One thing I want people to be conscious of is that no matter how good at Japanese a foreigner is, this is just one of their supplemental strengths, and that their most valuable skill is their understanding of the world outside of Japan. This is especially true when Japanese people don’t have much experience overseas, because then it’ll be those from abroad who can teach them about other countries. It’s important to listen to and trust us to an extent. For example, if a team member from overseas suggests an alternative way of doing something, Japanese people may instinctively reject their idea because that’s not how it’s done in Japan. So it’s important to listen to and trust us.

It’s fine to do it the Japanese way domestically, but you can strengthen overseas ventures by referencing how it’s done abroad. For example, if you want to spread your business to America, you might consult an American, and they may give you advice on how they do it over there. But people on the Japanese side might not fully understand, or think that because a certain way of doing things works in Japan, it can be applied in America as well, and I think we should avoid thinking this way. I think it’s important to have balance, to trust each other, and to create a hybrid version of our combined ideas. Having looked at a lot of businesses in Japan, although there are some exceptions, I know many still don’t take reference from overseas companies.