Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the new GLOBIS USA office at WeWork in San Mateo, a bright, collaborative space that perfectly reflects their mission of innovation and connection. After the visit, we gathered for a hotpot lunch, which felt like the ideal way to celebrate community and shared purpose.

As I sat there, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey with GLOBIS. Over a decade ago, I was a full-time MBA student at their Kojimachi campus in Tokyo. That experience shaped me profoundly, not just academically, but professionally. It helped launch my career in HR at Deloitte Tohmatsu, where I learned the importance of people strategy in driving business success.

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There’s something electric about being in a room full of dreamers, especially when those dreamers are Japanese startup founders bringing their bold visions to Silicon Valley.

Recently, I had the honor of mentoring a group of Japanese startups during their visit to the Bay Area, as part of the X-HUB Tokyo Outbound Program, a fantastic initiative funded by JETRO and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The program was expertly organized by Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, whose attention to detail, from the thoughtfully curated venues to the excellent food and drinks, made the experience both seamless and inspiring.

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On October 27, I had the pleasure of attending, and volunteering at, the CGJ-JCCNC U.S.-Japan Dual-Use Tech Seminar - Space Sector. As part of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) seminar committee, I was stationed at the welcome desk, the uketsuke, where I handed out name tags and greeted participants as they arrived. It was a fun and rewarding experience that gave me the chance to meet everyone firsthand and feel the excitement build as the room filled. The event itself was incredibly well-organized, with a full house and a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the growing momentum behind U.S.-Japan collaboration in space technology.

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The Japanese proverb 「長いものに巻かれろ」, “Let yourself be wrapped around by something long”, has always struck me as both wise and frustrating. It’s a reminder to go along with the powerful, to avoid resistance, and to survive by adapting. In many ways, it reflects the quiet pragmatism that runs through Japanese society: harmony over conflict, tradition over disruption.

But as someone who has spent years working with Japanese professionals and helping expats navigate life and business in Japan, I’ve often wondered: What happens when we stop wrapping ourselves around power, and start becoming powerful ourselves?

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Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Sliders and Sake, a lively and creative event hosted by Morrison Foerster as part of SF Tech Week. Now in its second edition, this gathering brought together a vibrant mix of professionals, innovators, and Japan enthusiasts, and I sincerely hope it becomes a regular fixture on the calendar!

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At Japan Consulting Office, we believe that meaningful work happens not just in boardrooms and Zoom calls, but in the conversations, shared meals, and unexpected moments that unfold when we step into new environments. Last week, I had the opportunity to do just that during a work visit to Houston and Dallas, two vibrant cities that offered not only professional insights but also personal reconnections and cultural experiences.

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I recently joined USJETAA (U.S. Japan Exchange & Teaching Alumni Association) as a corporate sponsor, and it’s already sparked a wave of reflection. The JET Program was more than just a first job, it was a turning point. My placement in rural Komatsu, nestled in Ishikawa Prefecture, gave me a front-row seat to a culture that challenged and reshaped my understanding of logic, communication, and connection.Read more by clicking below.

This past week, I had the opportunity to join an HR conference in Northampton, Massachusetts, organized by one of our valued clients: an integrated global trading and investment company with a footprint in trading, investment, solutions, and business enterprise. The setting was intimate yet dynamic, with 30 onsite participants and 20 joining online, all eager to engage in meaningful dialogue around global HR practices.

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