In the recent years, AI (artificial intelligence) and other cutting-edge technologies have been introduced in the financial world, limiting the things that can only be done by humans. Even jobs that require experience and know-how that our pioneers have acquired for about 10 years, can now be achieved by young people nowadays in tremendous speed.In order for me, who has become part of the so-called veteran generation of the finance world, to survive, I would like to provide an environment for the young to be able to accelerate further rather than slowing them down, and for me to be to continue mastering my craft with a humble attitude. In order to move forward, I must remain humble. Otherwise, they may no longer need me tomorrow. I put that sense of danger in consideration as I do my job. And in order for one to remain in demand in the society, it is important to continue trying new things. It is because a person can grow regardless of his age.

When I was in college, my father suggested that I go and study in China. Although we have experienced a boom in friendliness brought by the recent recovery of relations between Japan and China, I personally did not have interest in China back then. Honestly, I wanted to study in the US or UK that time. Actually, when I arrived in China, I was shocked and I felt as if I was in another era. They did not have any amazing infrastructure back then, and students could not afford paper and writing materials, and some of them were studying under the street lights.Seeing it made me realize how blessed Japan is. At that time, most Japanese like to look at how rich the US and UK is rather than looking at their own country. If you are living an abundant life like in Japan like me, it is difficult to realize what really matters. Fortunately, living in China made me realize these things. All the values I have learned in my entire life have been shaken.

UNIC Tokyo plays a role in translating various information in Japanese so that we can help them understand what the United Nations is aiming. The most noteworthy among these is the SDGs (Sustainable Development Target). This is an international goal aimed at sustainable development to address poverty, hunger, energy, climate change, and to attain a peaceful society. There are 17 goals listed in SDGs, and one of which is [5. Gender equality]. However, it does not simply stop there. That goal is also the tool that supports all the 17 goals.

Yataro Iwasaki was born as the child of a rural samurai in Tosa Country Iguchi village in 1835. His father, Yajiro, was a heavy drinker, and his mother, Miwa, was a strict and passionate woman. Born to such a family, Yataro himself is also said to have been raised to be quick-witted, frank, and filled with curiosity.

When I was four years old, my father failed in the real estate industry, and our once peaceful lifestyle has completely changed. From what I could remember most from my childhood years, we lived with extreme poverty in an apartment with no bathroom. During my high school years, I have experienced fights with my father that ended horribly because of getting physical. Not seeing what lies ahead, I guess both of us fought in an extreme situation. Because of that, I had learned to think seriously about the future.I proceeded to a vocational school after graduating high school, got qualified as a real-estate broker, and ventured into the real estate industry just like my father. I was attracted with the words "full commission" in job advertisements.

Before, I used to work for a major trading company as a single player who keeps track of figures all the time. Rather than showing leadership with respect to team play and the organization were in, I wanted to sell more and become at a higher position than anyone. After working there, I joined UNIQLO, which showed a tremendous momentum in the apparel industry at that time. My way of thinking about almost anything has changed when I transferred and met Tadashi Yanai, the owner of Fast Retailing, the company that owns UNIQLO. To be able to contribute as a part of the company, I have realized once again that it is important to value my workplace and our clients’ perspective. Also, I have learned to look at the entire company as a leader, not as a single player.

Kiichiro Toyoda was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Fuchi District, Yoshizu Village, Yamaguchi in 1894. His father was inventor of a fabric weaving machine who was representative of Meiji Japan, Sakichi Toyoda. Seeing his father work day and night immersed in the research and development of automated weaving machines caused Kiichiro to have dreams of his future as an inventor and engineer.

I spent most of my childhood in Senegal, Africa because of my father's work. Then, from 10 to 18 years old, we have transferred and stayed in the US. Throughout my life abroad, I have felt that Japanese culture was not properly recognized. I noticed that gap particularly in food, where I was laughed at for eating raw fish. As a child, I had a lot of unpleasant experiences. My father's work was related to fishing, so I felt that I was made fun of because of that and because of our culture. Because of these experiences, I had a strong desire to introduce sushi and other Japanese food to the world and to let the world know the wonderful side of Japan when I started working. On the other hand, I am also aware that there are other wonderful cultures abroad, so I thought that I wanted to become a bridge between two different cultures.