FACES

1. Tell me about your background and career thus far and your current job.

Ever since I was a student I have wanted to go overseas, in part as my father’s work was connected to trade. Consequently, after graduating from university, I have engaged in process development for semiconductor packages and component technology development at foreign-owned and overseas companies. I was also leader of a project to launched mass production processes at a major US client. In 2018, I changed jobs and joined Sekisui Chemical. At present, I am researching and creating forecasts for the electronics industry while carrying out planning and development by matching the proprietary technologies of various departments at Sekisui Chemical with client needs. The industry is the same as my career thus far so I view my job as a way to leverage my experience, knowledge and human networks. Through my duties at Sekisui Chemical, I have become reacquainted with former colleagues, superiors and subordinates from my previous jobs and find myself working with them once again. In light of this, I feel as if I am still moving along one axis.

2. What technological innovation do you feel is the most amazing thus far?

Recently, car dispatch services such as taxis and ride-share. This has finally started to gradually catch on even in Japan. When I was living overseas, at the time it was normal to use a taxi dispatch service app on your smartphone. During the time it takes to call a taxi on your smartphone until it arrives, the service sends the car number, the name of the driver and a facial photo beforehand, and the app tracks the taxi’s location and confirms your position in real time without you having to input your location. Also, as you enter your destination beforehand, there is no need for you to tell the driver where you are going. The navigation system automatically displays directions for the driver, the estimated time of arrival is also shown, and there is also no need to pay when you disembark. The app also notifies those people you want to inform of your arrival. For instance, this app makes it possible for children to ride a taxi on their own, which would make it unnecessary for parents to drive their children to and from events. When I first saw this ideal service, I was astonished. I believe that apps boost the potential of the smartphones everyone is using. I view this as innovation.

3. Discuss the challenges you are undertaking to achieve innovation.

There are three points that I make a point of which I should be aware. The first is speed. In the electronics industry, competition is intense and momentum is fast. Falling behind these trends can actually result in a company getting left behind in the industry rather than making innovations. Consequently, speed is necessary in research, assessment and development. The second is partnerships. On a single material basis, there are limitations as to what can be carried out therefore it is necessary successfully collaborate with other companies, including customers and facilities manufacturers that utilize the material manufacturers materials. Human networks, information channels, communication skills and other factors are naturally important. However, I believe the factor with the utmost importance for ensuring that partners to continue to feel that are gaining benefits is to grasp the intentions of Sekisui Chemical, disseminate its value, and continue to supply materials. Third is to “think about the opposite.” For instance, when there is insufficient supply, we should consider whether consumption can be reduced, as opposed to simply increasing supply, or examining whether a solution can be provided by doubling performance even if the product is small, during times when users are seeking an increase in size. Tesla adopted this way of thinking to expand its electric vehicles. Actually, searching for solutions by always taking into consideration the opposite direction as well may therefore contribute to innovations. While maintain my awareness of these three points, I aim to make changes by expanding positive areas, including Sekisui Chemical’s great technical prowess, and transforming areas that require change.

4. What is your on off switch?

Given I have been spending more time at home due to COVID-19, I am gradually gathering and cultivating agave and palm trees to create a rock garden at my home. These types of plants are not seen frequently seen at indoor house plant stores in the Kansai area, so I purchase them cheaply online and am slowly but surely increasing the number of plants I have. In general, these are plants found in raid regions mainly along the West Coast of the United States and Mexico. In light of this, it is necessary to start off by cultivating soil that provides good water runoff to create of water to achieve semi-arid soil. I have a tendency to give the plants too much water as I want them to grow. However, this conversely ends up hurting them (LOL). I also have two miniature pinschers. I take them for walks and train them. When they are playing in the garden, they end up eating the agave. Sometimes I wonder if I have conflicting hobbies, leaving me with mixed feelings. These both have nothing to do with my so it helps me to turn on and off.