Roles
Hands-on input on real-world decisions, drawing on investment and business-development experience in Japan and the U.S.
Program Mentor, Judge or Lecturer
Mentoring founders and new-business teams, judging pitches and giving lectures for accelerators, government programs and in-house new-business programs.
Advisor to Companies and Startups
Ongoing advice on business strategy, U.S. expansion, and building relationships with investors and large companies.
- 2026SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 · Ambassador
- 2022–anifie · Advisor
- 2022–Founder Institute · Mentor
- 2021–MS&AD Ventures · Venture Partner
- 2021–Dive Inc. · Advisor
- 2021–Tokyo Metropolitan Government APT Women · Mentor
- 2021–JETRO Global Preparation Program · Mentor
- 2020–Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator · Mentor
- 2015–SHIDO Next Innovator (WiL) · Mentor
Determined case by case, based on the program’s scope and length or the nature of the advisory role.
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01Discuss your needsProgram purpose, duration and the expected role
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02Agree on the formatFrequency, format (online or in person) and duration
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03Begin the engagementMentoring, judging, lecturing and advising
What Founders Say
He gave advice suited to our company’s stage and circumstances and kept introducing us to experts in his network. That generous support helped us turn our dream of taking on the U.S. into a concrete plan and move it forward smoothly.
After I explained our situation, he summarized the key points and articulated them clearly. His advice on how to pitch and approach U.S. companies about partnerships was something we could put to use right away.
He talked through our plan to enter the U.S. and how to approach it, as well as the possibility of doing R&D in Silicon Valley, and gave us thoughtful, on-point advice.
Drawing comparisons with many other founders, he gave me feedback on my unique strengths and the areas I need to watch, and it still helps me today. What sets his mentoring apart is that it looks at support over the long term.
Because he understands American culture, he immediately grasped what we wanted to do and where we were headed. He also gave us concrete advice, such as how to phrase things to get others on board.
For a niche manufacturer like us, he drew on his broad network and expertise to propose concrete ways to get our products and technology adopted in the market.
Quotes are translated from the original Japanese.
Requesting a Mentor or Advisor
Use the form to describe the program’s purpose and duration and the role you have in mind.
After reviewing your request, we will discuss how best to work together.
Every inquiry is reviewed before a reply is sent. Depending on the request and the timing, some engagements cannot be accepted and some inquiries may not receive a reply.