Startup "1st" concepts without knowing it

Reflecting upon my career, I'm listing up the projects and key events that were actually "first" or "pioneering" in one way or another; it has been so normal for me, that I haven't given it the credit it deserves.

Before the boom of the "W" hotel brand, I was working on the design concepts / branding guidelines of this new idea without really knowing it.

Also, the aloft / element brands were in concept phase then.

Same goes for the SLS hotel brand lead by Philippe Starck.

Before knowing Carlos Ghosn was going to "leave" Japan, I was helping him and his defense team in probably the most desperate moment of his life - when he needed help the most, I was J/E bridging the most important conversations of his life! (Ask me for more juicy details if you dare).

Projection Mapping / New Technology from Canada - entering Japan and working with Sony on a new joint venture.

Japanese Entertainment company starting up a completely new office in Los Angeles.

The only Japanese employee in a Hong Kong based Hospitality / Entertainment Holdings company, as well as UNWTO :)

Starting up a new tourism research center in a Japanese national university.

Accelerator program for a large Japanese conglomerate - all online / remote across 4 countries during the height of the COVID pandemic. (How did I lead this, really?!)

And probably many more small gigs here and there that have served clients quickly, accurately, and with some playfulness as I like to have fun and SMILE when I'm working unlike the typical Japanese corporate employee.

Ohhh the other day when I was on a SUPER Japanese video call.... the sharp contrast I felt between my usual calls vs. this one? Come on guys, you only live once, why don't you have fun when you're doing your job? lol

Live life at a high vibration.

#pioneer #startup #innovation #japanese #english #language #culture #bridge #first #firstmover #fun #enjoy #life #スタートアップ #イノベーション #いつの間にか