Self-Introduction
With over 20 years of business experience in Japan, I have accumulated extensive experience in the Japanese manufacturing industry: 15 years at Trumpf Japan, which manufactures industrial laser equipment, brought me into business with major Japanese OEMs and many Japanese SMEs; followed by 6 years at the German trading company K.K. IRISU (C. ILLIES & CO., LTD.), where we support mostly German mid-sized companies and SMEs in conducting business in the Japanese market.
K.K. IRISU has a long history in Japan, dating back to the end of the Tokugawa period, and is regarded by the Illies family as the cornerstone for all business in Asia. As a German trading company, K.K. IRISU serves as a bridge for numerous German manufacturing companies (the so-called “hidden champions”) into the Japanese market, which offers stable and profitable business opportunities for excellent products—provided a reliable service infrastructure is in place. The success of Japanese manufacturers also lies in the continual expansion of their overseas manufacturing, decisions for which are made in Japan, where K.K. IRISU acts as a gateway to international markets.
Intent
I am driven by the conviction that an excellent product or machine with strong service support is highly valued by the Japanese manufacturing industry, which has recognized limitations in domestic innovation and engineering capacity. To realize a profitable, sustainable business, it is essential to build a team of professional and passionate Japanese and international members. Cultural differences are not a barrier, but a source of energy for extraordinary results. Effective team building is the key to success in Japan. Beyond the business contacts related to my work, I am actively engaged with various Japanese organizations such as Keizai Doyukai, the 100-Year Business Management Association, and the Japanese-German Association. Furthermore, K.K. IRISU participates in several working groups of the European Business Council.
I am committed to contributing to the important mission of AHK Tokyo: further enhance and strengthen the German-Japanese relationship in both business and culture.