The single, bare lightbulb hanging from the ceiling of my Meguro apartment wasn’t just humming; it was plotting. I swear it dimmed with suspicion every time I glanced up. The faces on my screen—the hosts of the “Unpacking Japan” podcast—had me pinned down. They had already extracted stories about my punk rock past and my ill-fated hot sauce venture. Now, they were closing in for the kill. They wanted the full, unvarnished story of my journey in Japan entrepreneurship, a chaotic tale that winds through disaster, decay, and my current mission in rural revitalization Japan. And at the core of it all was that one critical word: Akiya.
Unpacking My Winding PathA Debriefing on What Drives Me
Appearing on the “Unpacking Japan” podcast was an opportunity to lay all the cards on the table. It was a chance to finally draw a line connecting the seemingly random dots of my life here. The conversation covered the entire timeline, from my arrival fueled by the frenetic energy of Japanese punk bands to the life-altering experience of surviving the 3.11 tsunami in Miyako. We dug deep into how a catastrophic event can forge an unexpected sense of purpose, a purpose that led me directly to the work I do today.
From Mosh Pits to a Moment of TruthFinding Clarity in the Chaos
My life in Japan was never supposed to be about business plans. It was supposed to be about loud guitars and DIY ethics. The punk scene was my entry point, a subculture built on the idea that you can create something vital and real without waiting for permission. That spirit became a permanent part of my outlook. But life has a way of turning the amp up to eleven when you’re not ready. My pivotal moment wasn’t a strategic choice; it was a force of nature.
Being in Miyako, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2011, changed my DNA. Surviving the tsunami was a harrowing, elemental event that burned away everything trivial. In its wake, I saw not only utter destruction but also the incredible tenacity of the human spirit. That experience was the traumatic, involuntary catalyst for my entire journey in Japan entrepreneurship. It shifted my focus from youthful rebellion to a profound desire to rebuild.
The Akiya Revitalization MissionBuilding Something New from What's Left Behind
After the tsunami, I began to see a different kind of disaster unfolding in slow motion across the country: the quiet emptying of rural towns. This observation led me to the Akiya, the vacant and abandoned homes that dot the Japanese countryside. These aren’t just empty houses; they’re the last vestiges of dying communities, repositories of memories and a fading way of life. They became my new cause.
My focus on rural revitalization Japan is the logical conclusion of my experiences. It addresses both the sudden destruction I survived and the gradual decay I now witness. The mission is simple in theory but complex in practice.
Real Hurdles in Japanese BusinessKey Lessons from the Front Lines
The podcast hosts wanted practical advice, and I gave it to them straight. My path has been unconventional, and the obstacles are significant. One major lesson we discussed is the peril of “thinking too big” at the outset. In Japan, credibility is everything, and it’s built on a foundation of tangible, delivered results. Grandiose promises without a track record often fall on deaf ears. My advice is to start small, build trust through consistent execution, and let your successful work become your best marketing tool. This pragmatic approach has been crucial to my work with Akiya and my overall journey in Japan entrepreneurship.
Ready to Write Your Own Japan Story?
My path was forged in noise, disaster, and a relentless drive to build something meaningful. If you’re looking to navigate Japan’s unique market—from the heart of Tokyo to its most remote villages—I can help you craft a strategy that works. Let’s connect and turn your vision into a reality.
