Country Manager Meetup – Hiring Your First Leader in Japan & Building Revenue

​Why This Meetup?

​SusHiTech brings global startups to Tokyo.

​But after the conference, the real question begins:

​How do you actually generate revenue in Japan?

​Market entry is not about setting up a website or attending events.

​It is about:

• ​Finding the right first customers

• ​Building local partnerships

• ​Navigating decision-making structures

• ​And often, hiring the right first Country Manager

​Your first local leader can accelerate revenue — or slow it down.

​This meetup creates a candid conversation around:

​How overseas startups can realistically build traction and revenue in Japan — and what kind of leadership makes it happen.

​Program

​6:30 PM
Doors Open

​7:00–7:50 PM
Panel Discussion: Hiring Your First Leader in Japan & Driving Early Revenue

• ​What does a first Country Manager actually do?

• ​How do startups land their first paying customers?

• ​Full-time vs. fractional: what works?

• ​What skills matter in the first 12 months?

​7:50–9:00 PM
Networking (light catering and drinks provided)

​Speakers & Panelists:

• ​Shogo Koda

  • ​Head of Japan, Dexterity

  • ​US-based AI robotics company

• ​Itsuki Nomura

  • ​Country Manager, nCino

  • ​US-based fintech company

• ​Makoto Shibata

  • ​Head of FINOLAB, FINOLAB

  • ​Former MUFG; supporting overseas fintech startups entering Japan

• ​Yuki Kishi (moderator)

  • ​CEO, YKBridge (https://www.ykbridge.net/)

  • ​Providing fractional Country Manager support for overseas companies entering Japan

​Who Should Join?

​Overseas startups

• ​Visiting Japan during SusHiTech

• ​Exploring market entry

• ​Looking to build real revenue in Japan

​Japan-based professionals

• ​Interested in becoming a Country Manager

• ​Already bridging Japan and overseas HQ

• ​Exploring global startup careers

​Hosted by YKBridge in collaboration with FINOLAB.
Capacity is limited. Registration is approval-based.