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Interview with alumnus Yuichi Tomohiro

In search of a unique work style after experiencing sustainable living and managing projects as a student

Three years after graduation, I started Tsumugiya, a general incorporated association which carries out different projects towards earthquake relief using locally grown products in Miyagi Prefecture’s Ishimaki City. I decided not to work for major corporations but instead start a community development business when I was a university student. In my fourth year, I took an open course called “Sustainable Society and Roles of Citizens” and participated in a twelve-day field study on Yap Island in Micronesia.

On Yap Island, I was completely struck by their self-sufficient lifestyle which made me ponder what prosperity truly means. My career path was also influenced by Waseda Links, the university-approved project management club. As president of the club, we implemented a large-scale collaborative project with a shopping arcade near Waseda. Sharing this rewarding experience of doing something not for yourself but for others with members of the club fueled my passion for this project.

I have always wanted control of my own life. I guess it runs in the family; my grandfather was an entrepreneur. Unlike my peers who went job hunting, I was ready to start a company with a friend. However, our business model was not solid. Being unable to start our business, I graduated Waseda without any direction in life. Out of frustration, what I did was travel. From Hokkaido to the north to Okinawa to the south, I spent 180 days journeying 70 different provincial areas across Japan, helping farmers and fishermen. Through this locally-bound lifestyle, my desire to work together with local communities became stronger. The connections I made through this experience eventually led to establishing my business.

Essentially, I believe people can only be truly inspired through encounters with others. For those who are newly admitted students, I encourage you to go out there and meet people instead of hiding in your shell. I’m sure the people you meet will change you for the better in the next four years.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment by realizing people’s dreams

I realized I wanted to support people’s future goals when I took a course on project management and practiced how to brainstorm ideas with my classmates. Also in Waseda Links, I drew ideas out from the members, and I put effort in executing their plans.

Developing my foundation as I find my role through meeting new people

I want to realize dreams of people around me. This feeling, which hasn’t changed over the years, lies at the foundation of Tsumugiya. Recently, I have administered a project connecting designers from Southeast Asia with businesses in areas around Rikuzentakata. I would like to continue perfecting my work and lifestyle as I cherish all encounters and work with flexibility.

※The article is based on an interview conducted in 2015.