Being a Bridge between China and Japan in the Business World of China, the World's Largest Market

Connecting Japan and China and connecting companies with different business cultures, driven by the pride in being a graduate of Soka University

China, Japan's neighbor, is now one of the world's largest markets and has significant global impact. Against this backdrop, Mitsuo Komuro provides consultation services specializing mainly in M&As in Shanghai—a city with remarkable development.

"While I was a student at Soka University, I was inspired by the words of the founder: 'The world is our stage.' His words drove me to wish to study abroad at the University of Hong Kong and to work globally in the future. I have been working in Shanghai for four years now, including my previous job, and tensions between Japan and China sometimes became high over the years. However, I feel that the two countries are now important partners. Japanese sensibilities do not always work for M&As and business operations in China. We can say this not only about laws but also about business customs and cultural aspects. My goal is to become a bridge between Japan and China by using my experience in both countries."

Anyone engaged in business across borders needs to overcome many barriers by liaising with various stakeholders that have different interests. Komuro experienced many hardships and setbacks, and things didn't always go as planned. However, he always moved forward especially in times of hardship, by remembering his pride in being a graduate of Soka University and by remembering the founder's words: "Even when the day does not go as planned, make it through with patience!"

"There are nearly 100 Soka University graduates in Shanghai, including those that graduated in the university's early days, as well as recent graduates. We encourage each other and work hard at our respective locations toward our mission of embodying the 'golden bridge of friendship between Japan and China,' as proposed by the founder. Without forgetting to thank the founder, my parents/other family members, and those that have supported me, I aim to acquire first-class skills in my field so that I can contribute to the university and play an active role in society."

Note: This interview was originally published in the 108th issue of SUN.