Seven years ago, we established a local subsidiary in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, and I traveled there almost every month.
Experiencing firsthand the tremendous pace of transformation, while alsovisiting cities such as New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore year after yearto witness their unique paths of development,I increasingly felt an alarming reality: Japan is steadily becoming poorer.
If things continue this way, I have come to believe that the future of young peoplein Japan could be in serious jeopardy.
At the same time, I have also met people who,despite feeling contradictions and pressures in today’s society and recognizing the challenges facing Japan’s future, continue to live with their own values, believing in possibility,and putting down roots in their own way.
We at cifra aspire to discover and refine the true strengths of Japan and share them with the world.For us, the first place we found this was in the field of agriculture.
Although we are presently concentrating on this field, our vision is to harness the aesthetic sensibility, perceptiveness,expressive ability, and mathematical intuition inherent in the Japanese people,and to propose new, value-generating enterprises that can revitalize industries where Japan has fallen behind in structural transformation.
Biography
Entered the Faculty of Commerce and Management,Department of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University,and served as Chair of the Hitotsubashi Festival Organizing Committee.
After graduating from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Commerce, Hitotsubashi University, he joined Nippon Steel Corporation (now Nippon Steel Corporation), where he gained experience in the steel plant business, the laptop computer business (a new business), and the launch of the SI business.
With the arrival of the Internet in Japan, he founded cifra Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Wise System) and became its representative director.
Currently completing the child-rearing of three sons.
On weekends, spends time with his wife in Karuizawa, working on plans to establish a company-owned farm.
Originally from Kumamoto Prefecture, with a strong affinity for agriculture and food.
Nearly 20 years ago, I chose cifra as the first venture company I would join.
It was the company that best matched my own experiences and values. That feeling has not changed to this day.
cifra is a company that cherishes the spirit of Japan.
cifra is a field that cultivates the growth of its employees.
Biography
Support for Management and Administrative Divisions
Graduate of the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University
Certified FP (Level 1), Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist, Certified SME Management Consultant
After working for 16 years in accounting, finance, and corporate planning at a publicly listed materials manufacturer, transferred to a venture company.
For over a decade since then, engaged in IPO preparation, strengthening administrative divisions, and formulating medium- to long-term plans for several ventures.
At our company, responsible for the administrative division as well as the standards and regulations during the launch of the Visible Vegetables brand.
Currently enjoying a life in Shinshu, in close touch with the earth.
Since 2014, engaged in business in Chengdu, China.
In Chengdu, high-rise apartments and large shopping malls are being built one after another, and the cityscape is changing rapidly.
Witnessing this remarkable economic growth firsthand, I am inspired daily by China’s tremendous energy and vitality. In particular, I feel that sheer population size is an overwhelming strength.
I feel that having a large population is an overwhelming strength.
In a land where culture, customs, and ways of thinking are completely different from Japan,
I find it fascinating to interpret, understand, and integrate into the local environment in my own way,
I think that's the fun part of doing business overseas.
At the same time, I believe it is essential, as a Japanese company, to deliver Japan’s distinctive qualities—
its meticulous and attentive way of working.
These are the core partners who support cifra’s activities. We are always grateful for their collaboration.
With the help of external specialists as well, we continue to advance our business swiftly and with high quality.
Agricultural & Livestock Distribution Consultant
President & CEO, Good Tables Inc.
Born in Ehime Prefecture in 1971, raised in Saitama Prefecture.
Loves eating more than anything else. From an early age avidly read NHK’s Today’s Cooking magazine, and during his university days was absorbed in dancyu, developing an interest in cooking and food photography.
Began cultivating vegetables by opening up a field while still in school. After various twists and turns, established his career as a consultant in agricultural product distribution.
His blog can be found here ↓
https://www.yamaken.org/
Copywriter / Creative Director
President, Statan Inc.
Joined Hakuhodo in 1985 and became a copywriter.
Left the company in youthful impulse, worked for a time in film production, but returned to advertising and founded Statan Inc. in 2000.
Specializes in brand development and product rebranding inspired by words and concepts.
Has partnered with cifra on concept work and naming such as “Visible Vegetables”, “Pre-Cut Vegetables”, “Vegetables with Letters”, and “Rozen Farmers Support Network”.
Also serves as Creative Director for logos such as “Visible.”
photographer
COO PHOTO (formerly Kentaro Kumon Office)
Born in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, in 1991.
After graduating from the Japan Institute of Photography and Art, studied under photographer Kentaro Kumon.
Now works as a freelance photographer, producing photography for magazines, books, and advertising.
English