Naotaka Nishiyama, the founder of Tech Japan, recently took to LinkedIn to share insights from his transformative journey of relocating to India. The CEO moved to India in March last year, and in his post, he reflected on his learnings and how the experience has reshaped his perspective on entrepreneurship, culture and personal growth.
In a LinkedIn post, he recalled his departure from Tokyo International Airport on March 25, 2024, and his arrival in Bangalore in the early hours of March 26. As he stepped out of the airport, he found himself in a completely new world, both personally and professionally.
“Exactly one year ago, I landed in India with just a suitcase — and a dream. On March 25, 2024, I left Tokyo International Airport in Japan. In the early hours of March 26, I landed in Bangalore. As I stepped out of the airport pulling my suitcase, I found myself standing in a completely new world,” Nishiyama wrote in his LinkedIn post.
As a Japanese startup founder living in India, Nishiyama quickly realised he was a rarity. While many Japanese professionals residing in India are corporate expatriates from automotive, electronics, or banking sectors, his presence as a startup founder sparked curiosity among locals.
“Over the past year, whenever I introduced myself as “a Japanese startup founder & CEO living in India,” both Indians and Japanese people reacted with surprise,” he said in the post.
“When I meet someone for the first time, I’m often asked, Toyota? Suzuki? I smile and reply, no, I run a company called Talendy. Then comes that look of What’s that?” he shared.
Nishiyama shares key lessons from a year in India
Over the past year, Nishiyama has gained invaluable insights that have transformed both his business approach and personal mindset. Among the key lessons he highlighted:
The Power to Move Forward in Complexity – Nishiyama observed that Indians have an exceptional ability to navigate challenges with resilience and creativity. He resonated with the saying, “Perfect is the enemy of progress,” as he witnessed firsthand how people push forward despite obstacles.
The Mindset to Embrace Unpredictability – Life in India has been unpredictable, but Nishiyama learned to adapt and develop improvisational skills. He noted that the ability to embrace uncertainty has made him more resilient and flexible than ever before.
How to Build Trust in Diversity – India’s rich diversity in religion, language, and culture has provided him with a broader perspective. Working alongside people from different backgrounds toward shared goals has greatly influenced his leadership style and worldview.
Nishiyama acknowledges shift in perspective
Reflecting on his journey, Nishiyama acknowledged a profound shift in his mindset. “Something inside me has definitely shifted this year. Instead of “challenging myself within stability,” I’ve learned to “create value within change.” And that mindset has now become a part of me,” he said. This new approach has become a defining part of his entrepreneurial philosophy.
Despite the learning curve, he remains driven by the ambition and energy of India’s younger generation. “The people I’ve met in India keep me moving forward with the belief that we can create the future together,” he concluded.
Prior to founding Tech Japan in 2019, a platform dedicated to connecting Indian talent with Japanese tech companies, Nishiyama had established a non-profit organisation called giv. His ongoing efforts aim to foster deeper collaboration between the two nations, leveraging India’s dynamic talent pool and Japan’s technological expertise.