During my time studying in the United States, I had many opportunities to hear from Americans about the image of Japanese people as hardworking, humble, cooperative, innovative, and trustworthy. This image often provided me with support, and it was during this time that I strongly felt, “I want to leave this positive international image of Japan for future generations.”

After studying abroad, I’ve had many opportunities to interact with people from overseas in my professional life as well. Through business dealings with tech startups and other companies from various countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Australia, Turkey, Israel, Bangladesh, and Singapore, I’ve always been conscious of how Japan and the Japanese people are perceived, constantly considering, “How are we, as Japanese people, seen through our interactions?” Many of our partners have never traveled to Japan or have had their first interaction with a Japanese business partner through us, so I’ve always felt that their perspective on Japan and the Japanese people would significantly change after working with us. I often wonder, “How many people are conscious of this when talking with overseas business partners?” After all, some of the people we’re speaking with are from places like the Netherlands or Bangladesh, and this is our first time speaking with them too. (laughs)

I also find myself thinking about this often when I go mountain climbing. Recently, foreign climbers, mostly Chinese, have been featured in the news for disregarding mountain rules and etiquette. Climbing in light gear on mountains that require proper equipment, getting lost and needing to be rescued, walking off designated trails and damaging nature, flying drones in areas where they are prohibited… the list goes on. When Japanese people repeatedly see such behavior by foreign climbers in the news, their image of the country those climbers are from will surely become more negative, right?

This is not only a matter for foreigners but also applies to Japanese people. In Laos, the issue of Japanese nationals engaging in child prostitution has become a significant problem. Laos, one of the poorest countries in Asia, has benefited from Japan’s ODA in the form of social infrastructure development and is a pro-Japanese country. However, as we hear more about Japanese people involved in child prostitution, the perception of Japanese people by the people of Laos will likely become more negative over time.

For these reasons, I hope that people who have the opportunity to interact with people from overseas will have the mindset of “representing their country when interacting with people from other countries.” For many, this may be their first time interacting with someone from your country, and even if it isn’t, it’s a valuable opportunity to leave them with a better impression. Each individual’s efforts in this regard will build a positive image of their country and its people, creating a valuable legacy for future generations!

Masaki “Mark” Iino
Founder & CEO
SOPHOLA, Inc

P.S. The clouds I saw on Mt. Shiga the other day were beautifully streamlined. I’m grateful for holidays when I can look at such a beautiful sky and feel this beauty!