Jun This time, we interviewed Ryuzo Hironaka, the president of Dots Corporation and the father of Meet to Lead member, Ryoma Hironaka. Mr. Hironaka’s career so far has been as a banker, a Netyear group executive, and an entrepreneur.
Let’s start asking questions.
First of all, why did you decide to change your job from a bank employee to a venture company called Netyear Group?
t started with the Internet. The advent of the Internet has transformed our lives by 180 degrees, and I changed jobs because I thought the Internet era was coming.
My previous job was challenging and interesting, but I was more excited about Internet. That feeling did not change.
After the Netyear group, you started a company called “Dots”. What exactly are you doing?
In a word, we are a consulting company. We are involved in a wide range of activities such as supporting the branding of a hotel in Kyoto and starting a new transportation business with JR East.
Where did the name “Dots” come from?
Dots is a plural form of dot. I named it because I thought it would be nice if each dot (You, your company members, your customers, etc.) gathered and something new could be born.
What do you value in your current business (Dots)?
First of all, you have to like your clients. The more I like them, the more I want to work with them as a team. It is essential to try to know other people (clients) and think from their point of view.
How do you want junior high and high school students to use the Internet?
As we all know, if you search on the Internet, you can get answers. That’s why I think it’s important to deepen your knowledge not only by relying on it but also by thinking and discussing it yourself. I want you to make a habit of thinking.
How can we make a contribution to society?
I think it is important to work with a sense of ownership first. I think Japanese people basically trust their country. But the demonstrations in Hong Kong that wee see on the news happen because the students don’t trust their country.
It may be difficult for Japanese to imagine, but I think it is important to consider the feelings of the people concerned. By doing so, I think we will be able to see social issues that we have not seen before.
Do you have any advice for junior high and high school students?
I want them to read a lot of books. I don’t care about the genre. It’s important not to be obsessed with your own opinions, but to incorporate different opinions from time to time.
Editor’s Postscript
I (Koike) wanted to have the courage to resign a stable job, like Mr. Hironaka left the bank, when I discover something that I can believe in its possibilities and excitement. Even if I get a stable job in the future, I want to follow my heart without hesitation when I have something I want to do more.
Mr. Hironaka recommended “clouds above the hill” by Ryotaro Shiba. Thank you, Hironaka-san! </ p>
Our project aims to raise money for educating children in developing countries. Please support us with your generous donation! You can donate to Room to Read through here. Thank you!