Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo
Featured Member - Tune Fujioka

Interview - November 2005

Tune Fujioka - Zen Island.
Life Designing Portal for those looking for a better-balanced lifestyle.

Interview with Tune:
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 when I was 6 years old selling living information for convenience to my neighbors. There are always two things existing in life; Useful things and wasteful things.    I learned even if something seems or looks small, it might be a useful resouce for someone.

2. What are some of the challenges you have faced in starting your business and how did you overcome them?
Strictly speaking, I am now just preparing to launch my own company. My business was started, within my family business and I am still facing difficulty managing older Japanese staff the same age as my dad while challenging them to develop and do new things.

3. How did you form your business? (Yugen Kaisha, Kabushiki   Kaisha, etc.) How long did the start-up process take?
In March 2006, we will officially split off from my family business. We will start with subsides and support from Tokyo-to and our local city hall Adachi-ku. I think we took 6 month on the start-up process.

4. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
We will grow up our business as people become more interested in enjoying a sustainable lifestyle. I believe more and more people will want to stay in touch with their natural environment and Zen Island will help them accomplish that.      

5. Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Why?
Yes, because I hate predictable boring life in which everyday seems as if it’s in mono color. 

6. What is your definition of an entrepreneur?
Someone who is warm-hearted, cool-headed, and friendly.

7. What piece of advice would you give to a person wanting to start his or her own business in Japan?
Meet new people and set up your army of supporters. Get the most out of free resources.

8. Can you recommend any resources such as books, websites, or support centers for entrepreneurs in Japan?
Networking event just like EA tokyo

9. Who are your mentors in business?
All my friends because they all have their their speciality and ideas, which are more practical than any books.

10. What makes you happy?
 Achievement and when I see my friends feel happy.