Take on new challenges with JASC network

Consulting | Investment

April 18, 2022

An interview with Mr. Kyohei Hosono, Director & COO at Dream Incubator Inc., has been published on the website of the Japan-America Student Conference (JASC), which is the first and oldest international student-run educational and cultural exchange program in Japan. Mr. Hosono was the Japanese Delegation Chair of JASC47. This interview revolves around his reflection on his JASC experience and his global career.

Dream Incubator Director & COO Kyohei Hosono.

Born in 1973, Mr. Kyohei Hosono was a member of JASC46 and was the Japanese Delegation Chair of JASC47. After graduating from the Faculty of Letters from the University of Tokyo, he joined the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (later known as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation) in 1996. Mr. Hosono used to study at St. Petersburg University (Russia) and holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan (U.S.). He joined Dream Incubator Inc. in 2005 to oversee the company’s business activities across Asia. He has been serving as DI Director and COO since 2022.

JASC46: The Impact of Diversity

Q: What experiences did you have at JASC46, which you participated in due to your interest in foreign countries?

A: In 1994, as a participant of JASC46, I had the opportunity to visit four cities in the United States: North Carolina, Washington D.C., New York, and Seattle. It was my first time attending a conference with such a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives, and the experience had a profound impact on my values and worldview. In fact, I found the diversity among the Japanese participants to be even more impactful than the diversity I encountered in the host country.

As an example, I was born and grew up in a traditional male-dominated rural community. I once participated in a discussion with a Nursing Sciences delegate from the University of Tokyo’s School of Integrated Health Sciences, we explored the topic of “what is the role of a nurse?” At the time, I held the belief that nurses should possess only feminine traits and kindness, which was, as I realized later, an old-fashioned gender typing of roles. She argued that it was important for nurses to have medical knowledge and be capable of implementing appropriate medical procedures instead of a doctor. Although her view is undoubtedly correct in today's society where gender equality is valued, it was an immensely thought-provoking moment for me. These conversations helped me to challenge and ultimately destroy my old values and beliefs, leading me to adopt a more progressive mindset. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in such a liberal environment.

As the Japanese Delegation Chair of JASC47: Lessons learned from the visit to Iwo Jima

Q: When you served as the JASC Japanese Delegation Chair, about 50 Japanese and American students visited Iwo Jima together. It was JASC’s first-ever program. Can you share with us your experience on that occasion?

A: The idea for the Iwo Jima visit originated from a lecture by Mr. Yukio Okamoto, a diplomatic analyst who unfortunately passed away from COVID-19 in April 2020. Mr. Okamoto's words in his lecture have left a strong impression on me: "This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. People like the American and Japanese students who go to fierce battlegrounds and take each other's hands will lay the foundation for future US-Japan relations." Inspired by his words, I made the visit to Iwo Jima my mission during my service at JASC.

As civilian entry is not permitted on Iwo Jima where a base of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is located, we sought help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense for the visit. A Self-Defense Forces aircraft got us to the island. Accompanying us on the trip were former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, a distinguished JASC member, and Mr. Rust M. Deming, former Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States to Japan, along with media representatives from approximately 10 companies. Our visit was widely covered by the media, with floral tributes, discussions, and press conference with former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa.

When I first set foot on Iwo Jima, my immediate impression was that the island was uninhabitable. This visit provided me with a precious opportunity to understand the tragedy of war that both Japanese and American soldiers had to endure in such a far remote place. I saw firsthand the harrowing conditions that many Japanese soldiers had to face, fighting for days in underground bunkers with no access to water, and the deep sadness and grief of U.S. soldiers who met their end on this far-off island with vivid memories about their homelands far across the sea.

In this 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, JASC47 students gathered on Iwo Jima to pay respects to all who lost their lives in the war and pledged to further deepen mutual understanding for the sake of peace between the U.S. and Japan.

News articles covering the visit to Iwo Jima (left: The Nikkei, November 27, 1995, right: Tokyo Shimbun, August 19, 1995)

The Japan Times, August 19, 1995

[JASC: The foundation for global success] My JASC experience and how it has shaped my career path

Q: How did your experience at JASC and the connections you made there help you in your post-graduation journey?

A: The experience I gained through JASC was undoubtedly the premise of my career. After graduating from university, I joined Japan Bank for International Cooperation (“JBIC”), a government financial institution that provides long-term loans, known as ODA loans, to developing countries for airport and road construction projects. I think the reason I chose this job was because the global perspective I gained from JASC made working in the international arena a top priority for me. Interestingly, 3 of my 11 colleagues were also fellow JASCers. My Russian language skills, combined with my JASC experience, enabled me to work on a wide range of projects at JBIC.

In 2005, I joined Dream Incubator (“DI”), where I currently serve as Director & COO. When I first joined DI, my primary focus was on strategy consulting for large corporations in Japan. From 2010 to 2017, I stationed in DI’s Vietnam office to oversee the firm’s operations in Asian market. After returning to Japan, I have engaged in global business practice such as venture investment in India, and my experience at JASC has laid the foundation for my career on the international scene.

In addition, JASC had an enormous impact on me in terms of human relationship. I started participating in JASC Alumni Association’s activities in my mid-30s. At that time, as the most junior alumni association executive, I was in charge of organizing the annual meetings. My seniors are engaged in a variety of fields such as politics and finance. Thanks to their support, I am able to expand my professional network and we even collaborate on work projects. Looking back, I realize that my engagement in the forum activities has had a lasting impact on my current career path.

To future JASCers: JASC is the best opportunity for college students to gain valuable and rare experience

JASC offers a unique and invaluable experience that cannot be found anywhere else. I strongly encourage you to consider participating. Although everyone’s takeaway from the JASC participation is different, I believe that in a society that increasingly raises questions of how individuals should live their lives and embrace diversity, JASC can offer a valuable opportunity to gain experiences that would be difficult to attain if staying solely in our home country. As such, I sincerely hope you will join us.

A group photo with then-Ambassador to the United States Takakazu Kuriyama (center) and Mr. Hosono (third from the right)

Source (Japanese only): Link