Definer representative Mr. Sakamoto interviewed Mr. Hidetoshi Takano, a representative of Keeplayers, Inc.

Mr. Hidetoshi Takano, President of Key Players, Inc. Mr. Takano is currently running a company, making angel and LP investments, and is also a qualified institutional investor. We will be looking at his true face, beliefs, and philosophy behind his career and achievements.

This is the second half of the article, so please click here for the first half.

Bangladesh Connection

Sakamoto

Bangladesh, huh? Hmmm. I don't think you can lump it all together as Southeast Asia, or overseas, or whatever, but is there some reason you chose the country?

Mr. Takano

When I thought I wanted to work in another country, I went to all the major countries and all of Asia. In such a situation, I felt that it would be better if the country itself was in the venture stage, rather than a place with super strong competitors like China or the U.S., didn't I? That's what I felt.

Sakamoto

I see! It is true that a country can also be properly considered as a market. What were your reasons for choosing Bangladesh?

Mr. Takano

Originally, I was working in Mongolia, but I felt that there were many cultural difficulties there. I felt that there were many cultural barriers. Then I was introduced to a partner who was familiar with Bangladesh, and I sensed an opportunity, so I decided to go ahead with the project. I think this was a contingency.

Sakamoto

In Southeast Asia, there are many hard things to deal with, such as getting scammed, but real estate and banking, that's amazing.

Mr. Takano

Well, I really wanted to work in the human resource field. It turned out to be tough. There was a problem of poverty in the area, so I felt that I wanted to contribute by doing business with local people and getting the economy going. In my solid search for what I could actually do, I went ahead with the real estate business. Then I was approached by a bank, and although it was a lot of work, we got the bank.

Mr. Takano's important ideas

Sakamoto

I see. With business, we contribute to society by turning the economy around. I have been conscious of this since I was in college. Do you have any of these values that you cherish, Mr. Takano?

Mr. Takano

I think it is important to be socially responsible and economically responsible. Money alone is not good enough. On the other hand, if there is no money, it is not sustainable. I was impressed by the words of our partner in Bangladesh, who said to me, "You should do business rather than donate money”.

Sakamoto

When developed countries support developing countries only with money, the politics eventually become corrupted and the economies are dependent on them and do not develop.

Mr. Takano

We make a clear distinction between investments, loans, and donations. Even with angel investments, we are looking for businesses to grow and contribute to society by doing so. Donations are also donations, such as contributions to build a school in Bangladesh. Sometimes people confuse angel investment with endowment, but an endowment is an endowment and an investment is an investment.

Sakamoto

I understand that you are also placing importance on social and economic aspects. That makes a lot of sense to me.

Mr. Takano

People often think that Bangladesh is unique, but surprisingly, people who work in Japan and people who work in Bangladesh are often the same. If anything, we work in Bangladesh as if we were supporting a startup.

The way of organization that Mr. Takano feels good.

Sakamoto

What are some of the organizations that you feel are good in the various countries you work in?

Mr. Takano

Yes, I do. I feel that it is good to have an organization where people who are active can be more active. I don't want to see Japan decline, but I feel that rather than the country as a whole, people should "do their best in what they can do. Of course, I know that Japan has its challenges, but when I work abroad, I realize that Japanese people are very diligent and do things properly.

Mr. Takano's Philosophy of Work

Sakamoto

I see... "Well, it certainly is a good place to have good governance in place, such as clean roads and restrooms, good food, and so on. Finally, may I ask you about your work philosophy, or the values you hold dear?

Mr. Takano

Commitment to results. I also value "being of service." I also feel that a professional is determined not by self-evaluation, but by self-evaluation. I also feel that I want our workers to be positive about earning money and contributing to society.

Sakamoto

I see. I see. So the key here, too, is to balance social and economic aspects. I see that the key here is to help people, earn money, and make the economy revolve around that. Thank you again for your valuable time today!