My History
I was born as the second son in a family of three brothers in rural Aichi Prefecture, where I spent my childhood running around in the fields. I didn't like the idea of having a shaved head due to school rules, so I enrolled in a private junior high school in Nagoya. After that, I moved to Tokyo for university and got married at the age of 19. Many people expressed concern, saying things like, "You're too young to start a family" and "This will never work," but we pushed forward because it was our life to live. Now, after 32 years of marriage and being a grandparent, I realize that decision was pivotal in my personal growth and entrepreneurial journey. I understood that having a family at 19 meant I couldn't follow the typical path of my peers in college, so I was determined to seize every opportunity and forge my own way in life.
While working at a software startup, I had the chance to attend a computer-related exhibition during a business trip to the United States. This was just as the Internet was starting to gain traction, and I was shocked to see young people my age launching businesses in this emerging industry. I felt firsthand how the Internet was poised to change the world, and I was convinced this wave would soon reach Japan.
Shortly after, I decided to become independent and began working on a project to develop a job search engine. Several other venture companies besides ours were entering this field, but before I knew it, our conversations with them had turned solely to discussions about profit and rights distribution. It became clear to me that if I wanted to build a successful business, I needed to work with people who shared my beliefs and vision. Eventually, I connected with members from an IT startup gathering and founded what would become my current company, Axiv.com.
The Present
We began with prize draw and price comparison websites, launching multiple new ventures that led to our IPO as VOYAGE GROUP in 2014. In 2019, we merged with Cyber Communications Inc. (CCI), an internet advertising subsidiary of Dentsu, and rebranded as CARTA HOLDINGS. With global players like Google and LINE expanding their reach, we recognized that to compete effectively, we needed to collaborate with other companies and embrace new challenges. Although VOYAGE GROUP and CCI share the same business domain, our cultures were quite different. The former adopted a venture-driven approach, encouraging a "let’s give it a shot" mentality, while the latter, being a long-established internet advertising firm, took a more cautious and methodical approach. Initially, this led to frequent misalignments in our operations. Just as we were looking for ways to foster understanding between our teams, the COVID-19 pandemic complicated our ability to meet face-to-face.
Despite our differences, both companies were united by a commitment to evolving with the industry and society. Following our merger, we focused on establishing the foundational mission, purpose, and systems for the new organization, aiming to be a company that continues to innovate. By consolidating our offices at the end of last year, we not only reduced physical distance but also improved communication. While it took some time, I feel we are finally starting to work in harmony.
For the Future
We currently operate around 50 businesses primarily in digital marketing and internet-related services. As I turn 52 this year, I recognize that it’s time to focus on nurturing the next and future generations. I've just launched a year-long training program for young employees, selecting about ten promising individuals. This program will include lectures, discussions on management challenges, and presentations to foster their understanding of management. For executives like myself, it’s a precious opportunity to hear the fresh perspectives of our younger staff.
I started my entrepreneurial journey in my mid-20s, at an age similar to many of them. I don’t possess extraordinary talent; I consider myself an ordinary entrepreneur. However, I feel lucky to have launched my business during the early days of the internet. New industries present abundant opportunities, and results tend to follow from almost any initiative. Nowadays, there are fewer untapped markets, especially in BtoC services, which have become saturated, making management increasingly challenging. I began my career in a small venture where I had to take on every role myself, but our young staff are advancing within a relatively large organization, and they don’t often get the chance to think about management. I believe it’s my responsibility to create those opportunities for them.