Student Life

Self-introduction

I have worked for a pharmaceutical company since the completion of my master's course in pharmacy. Among other things I have been involved in the development of animal health care medicines, in/out-licensing and research and development. I currently manage a project to develop new medicines in Japan, the US and Europe.

What motivated you to study for an MBA and to join the Kenichi Ohmae Graduate School of Business?

Originally I thought that it was best to leave management to those with a background in humanities and that I should focus diligently on my area of specialization. However, now that we have entered an age of uncertainty in business, I think all individuals must have the ability to make proposals and quick decisions, regardless of the industry he or she is in. We must utilize our knowledge in our specialized fields, and in finance too.

How do you spend an average week?

As animal photography is my hobby, I used to go to Kenya and hold photo exhibitions. Now, if asked, I must say that my hobby is the MBA program. As soon as I wake up I start my PC, it's the MBA. During my lunch break, it's the MBA. Again, after work, it's the MBA. On Saturday, I am completely immersed in the MBA... Under these circumstances my family now calls itself "a fatherless family" and even our two pets treat me as the least important member of the group these days...

What has proved useful to you so far?

When I was at school, one's ability was evaluated on the amount of knowledge one posessed. Now that anyone can access the internet, I think that what is important is not the amount of knowledge, but the ability to select the appropriate information from a vast number of sources and present it in an appropriate way. Slowly but surely I have improved this ability by analyzing the weekly case studies on the MBA program. On the program we are presented with a lot of workshops headed by business people from various industries.
At our school, students of different ages, jobs and locations (including overseas countries) can get together and study on AirCampus. Through this environment I have learned that common sense in my industry could be senseless for others and, furthermore, that common sense in Japan is merely a local standard.

What do you hope to gain from Year 2?

Through the second year coursework I would like to thoroughly understand the "perception gap" between Japan and overseas countries. Having an understanding of this gap, I think, would help me create a "we are on the same page" work environment when engaging in projects with global team members.

What are your career aspirations further to obtaining the MBA?

I am not looking for a new position since I already work in global business. I am just putting in efforts so as not to be a burden to my company. I would like to be well prepared for the future when changes occur around me, so that I will be able to make decisions calmly and appropriately when the time comes, at which point I will be able to make full use of the accumulated knowledge and skills I am investing into now.

A message for future students considering the MBA in Globalization.

Entering into a school will obviously inconvenience colleagues, who may be asked to take on some of your work. It is not easy to balance work with study in the first place. At the Kenichi Ohmae Graduate School of Business, deadlines for assignments must be strictly adhered to. Putting pressure on yourself to do things within a limited time will help you improve your concentration skills. Sooner or later you will be addicted to such tension. How hard can it be if you are able to find something enjoyable in it? Enjoying your study will stimulate your curiosity, motivating you to discover something new. When you overcome difficulties, they become good memories. You will soon be able to enjoy drinking with your peers, feeling a sense of accomplishment and indescribable happiness. You can draw a picture of your bright future as you wish, yet its brightness depends fully on the efforts you make now. I must tell you that the return you get from investing in yourself will never escape you.