Supporting the dawn of a new chapter in Japan
In August 2023, CEO Larsson appeared on the podcast program "Your Next Chapter Japan," hosted and moderated by Eri Ochiai.
She is an international career coach, supporting the success of individuals in both life and work in Japan. She has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the IT industry and over 300 graduates from more than 20 countries who have participated in a coding bootcamp in Tokyo. Her efforts have contributed to the growth of companies and the success of foreign professionals in Japan.
During the hour-long program, Larsson was introduced as a foreign entrepreneur thriving in Japan's IT industry. Reflecting on his own life journey, he passionately articulated the significance of approaching work with fervor and provided compelling evidence of the depth of his own passion. Simultaneously, Larsson's heartfelt commitment to Japanese society resonated deeply with the viewers, evoking a strong sense of empathy.
Larsson's life narrative and approach to a new environment
During his time studying computer science at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, Larsson had envisioned the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur in the future. However, he never dreamed that he would one day become an entrepreneur in Japan, let alone in Kagawa Prefecture.
Naturally inclined towards taking on challenges, Larsson described himself as someone who would immerse himself fully in anything that piqued his interest. Recognizing that he needed to shed his introverted tendencies if he wanted to delve deeper into his passions, he actively engaged in various pursuits during his university days.
Furthermore, Larsson attributed his success as an entrepreneur in a foreign land not only to his adventurous spirit but also to his ability to make sound judgments in any situation.
In the early days of his relocation to Japan, there were proposals to implement Swedish business models directly in Japan. However, at that time, Larsson analyzed his new environment with a calm and collected mindset, realizing that he needed to adapt his approach to fit the local context. He conducted a self-assessment and recognized a deficiency in his "business skills for Japan." Consequently, he decided to prioritize enhancing those skills before anything else.
The Differences Between Japanese and Nordic Cultures, and Business Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When foreigners seek employment in Japan, Larsson emphasizes that a crucial initial step is to understand Japanese culture.
Historically, people from the Nordic countries have always kept an eye on international affairs and have a tendency to embrace change. On the other hand, if we focus on the people of Kagawa Prefecture, for example, Japanese individuals are generally more inward-looking and tend to bring new ideas and concepts from the mainland to Shikoku, as mentioned by Larsson.
While adapting to such an environment, Larsson embarked on entrepreneurship, dedicating his initial year to networking in Kagawa and experimenting with various business models.
As a foreigner without the business connections that many Japanese entrepreneurs might have, building a network in rural areas was extremely challenging, and sustaining it proved even more difficult. It was during this period of addressing this challenge that the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the quest for new breakthroughs.
Ultimately, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic made it imperative to adopt an approach that suited the circumstances at the time, and it served as an opportunity to shape the current form of the organization known as Dreamly. Larsson looks back on this as a positive change.??
The close relationship between "humility" and "passion" is rooted in self-awareness and a drive for improvement.
Larsson recognizes the importance of "humility" from his experiences in Japan and firmly believes that it is a fundamental prerequisite for working with passion.
At Dreamly, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in our employees, as if we are nurturing future entrepreneurs. We prioritize not only technical improvement but also the enhancement of soft skills, striving to create an environment where team members can collaborate to achieve project goals.
Maintaining a humble attitude towards problems and challenges is an integral part of teamwork. Similarly, incorporating humility into our approach to customer projects, we believe, ultimately results in superior proposals for both parties involved.
Dreamly's Vision and the Potential of Japanese Craftsmanship
Larsson points out that there are various challenges within Japanese society that need to be addressed in order to spark innovation and shape a new era.
He believes that both the private sector and businesses in Japan need to approach these challenges from multiple perspectives. As part of a community that shares a similar vision, Dreamly is dedicated to gathering the necessary resources and strengthening the innovation ecosystem. The goal is to grow as an innovation platform and contribute to the arrival of a new era in Japan.
Furthermore, when discussing the development of an innovation platform, Larsson proposed that efforts should be made to explore how Japanese craftsmanship can be effectively utilized.
He finds it quite perplexing, being a foreigner, why this exquisite craftsmanship, known for its unparalleled intricacy, isn't harnessed more in the realms of innovation and the IT industry.
Larsson expressed keen interest in discovering what kind of new innovations could emerge when the elements of quality, design, and artistic finesse inherent in craftsmanship are harnessed in the right environment.
Final Thoughts
In the podcast, Larsson offered advice to foreign individuals currently seeking challenges in Japan. He encouraged them to set long-term goals, actively engage in communication with Japanese people, and underscored the importance of understanding the culture. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of remaining one's identity while maintaining adaptability to Japanese culture with a belief in achieving success.
Not only as the host but also as an excellent interviewer, Eri Ochiai skillfully brought out Larsson's vision and beliefs, for which we express our gratitude. We look forward to seeing her continue to excel as a bridge between foreigners and Japanese companies in the future.
↓ You can watch the content of the podcast on YouTube (in English).