?? Reflecting on my links to Japan ??

As a kid, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to host Japanese exchange students, and those experiences have profoundly shaped my passion for Japan.

I remember:

?? Making New Pen Friends: The joy of exchanging letters with Japanese pen friends ignited my curiosity about their culture and traditions. Learning about their daily lives and unique customs was an eye-opening experience that sparked my fascination with Japan's rich heritage, culture, and lifestyle.

?? Learning about Japanese Culture: Welcoming exchange students into our home meant immersing ourselves in their culture. From trying traditional Japanese dishes to participating in their customs and festivals, I developed a profound respect for the depth and beauty of Japanese culture. A value that I am honored to share with my children today.

?? Sharing Experiences and Joys: The bond formed with my Japanese exchange friends was extraordinary. We shared laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories.

?? Bonds Transcending Borders: Unforgettable connections formed with my Japanese exchange friends taught me the universal value of human relationships and friendships.

?? Passion Ignited: My time with the Japanese exchange students ignited a lifelong passion for Japan. I yearned to explore its history, language, and contemporary innovations and, in time, its technology entrepreneurship. This passion eventually led me to study Japanese and its culture - even its hip hop culture.

?? A Journey Continues: Today, my passion for Japan remains as vibrant as ever. From studying its art, history, and language to traveling to its enchanting cities and serene landscapes, I continue to be enchanted by Japan's multifaceted allure, and today, our many corporate alliances provide the platform for me to share that Passion through the promotion of cross-cultural ties with Japan in every facet of my work.

?? Grateful for Memories: I am forever grateful for the memories and friendships fostered through my Japanese exchange experiences. Those encounters have opened doors to understanding another culture and enriched my and my children's perspectives on the world.

?? Embracing Diversity: My experiences with Japanese exchange students taught me the value of embracing diversity and cultural exchange. It has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the beauty in our global mosaic and how we can accelerate impact together.

?? A Path with Purpose: Today, I am passionate about investing in Japanese companies, promoting cross-cultural understanding, fostering connections between people from different backgrounds, and, most importantly, supporting Japanese female founders.

My work with my team at R3i Ventures and our R3i Impact Foundation forging She Loves Tech Japan was a fantastic platform to support the growth of female entrepreneurship globally and, most importantly, in Japan, which has only 144 female founders in a country of 125M people!

Through these efforts, we can build bridges of mutual respect, equal access and opportunity, and intercultural appreciation.

We are privileged to have the support of Striders International, Nordic Innovation House Tokyo, Sunryse and Innovation University Japan.

I have learned that only together can we accelerate impact.

?? ?? I invite you all to share your stories of cultural exchange and how it has shaped your passions and perspectives. Let's celebrate the power of connections and learn from each other's unique journeys. Our diverse narratives can create a tapestry of understanding and inspire a more interconnected and tolerant world.

#ShareYourStory #CulturalExchange #GlobalConnections #Japan #ExchangeStudent #culturalexchange #PassionForJapan #GlobalMosaic #EmbracingDiversity

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Leesa Soulodre ?is the founding General Partner of R3i Group and the Managing Partner of?R3I CAPITAL , a deeptech cross-border venture capital firm focused on artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

CIO Magazine recognized Leesa as one of the Five Most Rising Women Leaders to Watch in 2023, 10 Transformational Business Leaders in 2023, EliteX - 10 elite Business Women to Watch in 2023, and CIO Times' Top 5 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2023.