New Graduates Stationed in Silicon Valley (US) Joined KOITO in 2006｜R.H.
INTERVIEW Our passion changes the world.
Facing new challenges in Silicon Valley.
Q.Tell us what kind of work you do.
I work in the Research Lab in Silicon Valley. There are many startup companies in Silicon Valley, so we search and gather information on advanced technology in fields like autonomous driving vehicles and propose them to Japan. I’ve been stationed here since 2022, and I’ve been working as a liaison between startup companies and KOITO Manufacturing.
Q.Can you share a memorable experience?
When I first came to America, communicating in English with startup companies who were our potential customers was refreshing and inspirational. But at the same time, I faced so many obstacles from not being able to communicate fluently. Startup companies are always extremely busy because they do business with many investors and corporations. So, they would never give their time to a newcomer like me. Even so, I never gave up and continued making presentations to them directly, explaining our business content, technological abilities, and our appeal. The excitement that I felt (and the wine that I opened) when I finally gained their trust and was able to build their relationship with KOITO Manufacturing was incomparable to anything else I’ve felt in my career.
Q.What will you like to try in the future?
I would like to make zero traffic accidents possible by creating a new Smart City System that will achieve cooperation between vehicles and city infrastructure. To make that happen, my goal is to disseminate “Open Innovation” from Silicon Valley, which promotes active incorporation of advanced technology from startup companies. I’m determined to make impact on the world from Silicon Valley to create a safe society, and I’ll continue to challenge new things with that aspiration in my heart.

Q.What kind of company is KOITO to you?

It’s a company that looks steady-going, but it has an adventurous spirit. For example, KOITO had its eyes on commercializing autonomous driving. So in 2017, it collaborated with an American startup company, Cepton, Inc., that develops a sensor called LiDAR, and carried out joint development projects. Every day, we’re exploring the latest technologies to bring about a future society of autonomous driving.