Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo
Featured Member - Katsuji Konishi

1. When did you start your first business? What was it? What lessons did you take away from that experience?
I started my first business in 1993, at that time I was working as a freelance Graphic Designer. Looking back on years past, I learned quite a few lessons. One important and crucial lesson that I think most people trying to run successful businesses learn is to value your work. I was giving up much of my time and services basically for free to people that never valued my work either. Don’t undervalue yourself, or others will undervalue you and your services.

2. What are some of the challenges you have faced in starting your business and how did you overcome them?
I was faced with a lot of problems in the beginning. As a Japanese salary man, conforming to the typical job style system in Japan didn’t suit me. I stressed over my situation and dreamt of being free to do things on my own terms. Of course to do this one needs money, and this is something I did not have. I did not loose sight of my goals, slowly I gathered information and equipment I needed. I bought my self a computer and fax and start to work from home. It was not a fancy office, but it was my space and I was on the right course to the type work I wanted to do, on my terms.

3. How did you form your business? (Yugen Kaisha, Kabushiki   Kaisha, etc.) How long did the start-up process take?
Again I stress the beginning was hard, I worked freelance until 1997, then I set up my Yugenkaisha. The process only took one month, and then in 2004 we established a Kabushikikaisha which took a little longer, about 3 months.

4. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
5 years goes by quickly, we have very ambitious plans in that time span, some of which are starting to happen already. We see ADVage as a full service advertising agency that will provide a full range of Promotional, Communication Strategy, Creative and other advertisement services both in Japan and abroad. We are also working very closely with emerging technologies and communication tools such as Pod Casts along with other online and downloadable services. We have firmly committed ourselves to the exciting possibilities these technologies will bring not only to ADVage, but also our clients and partners.

5. Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Why?
Of course yes. Although we have come a long way since we began, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome and goals to achieve. We never stop looking at our goals, even if we achieve some measure of success, we always look for future challenges.

6. What is your definition of an entrepreneur?
A person that follows his dreams and works hard to turn them into reality, my motto is don’t talk, do it! I find this works in life as well as business.

7. What piece of advice would you give to a person wanting to start his or her own business in Japan?
Don’t worry be happy! Don’t allow the pressures and concerns about the future or starting your business to drain you of your energy. What I mean is don’t dwell to much on the negative aspects, believe in yourself, the work you want to do and your abilities.

8. Can you recommend any resources such as books, websites, or support centers for entrepreneurs in Japan?
I think EA Tokyo is a great organization to meet like minded people, and learn from each other. It is always good to meet other entrepreneurs both beginner and those that are more successful to pick their brain in person. Also ADVage is developing a Pod Cast program called POD VENTURE where we introduce through an interview style program, company presidents that share with us their struggles and successes. This will be a good forum to hear advice or possible ideas for all entrepreneurs.

9. Who are your mentors in business?
I think we find people who mentor us all the time. I am impressed and inspired by those who communicate their ideas and creativity. True Professionals who care and give of themselves to help others, growth and expansion are necessary, but if we don’t have a heart and share with others, none of it means anything.

10. What makes you happy?
To see a child’s smile.