Meet the team

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Management Team

Steve Crane is responsible for the day to day management of Business Link Japan. He spends 60% of his time in Europe and the US meeting with clients and making presentations and 40% of his time in Japan working with the BLJ Japanese team. Steve has 10+ years experience of building technology companies in Japan, recruiting in excess of 40 staff members in Japan and generating multi-million dollar contracts and revenue.

Yoshiyuki Sato is President of Business Link Japan KK and Representative Director of the organization. He is responsible for day to day operations of all BLJ business in Japan, managing the team and maintaining focus on results delivery. Yoshi has over 15 year experience in the electronics sector, and in particular he specialises in Semi-conductor and IP sales activities.

Taka is a founder member and key part of the management team of BLJ. He gained a Ph.D in Science and Engineering, before joining Canon Inc. where he gain a wealth of technical and commercial experience working at various business units in the USA and Japan. Taka is responsible for setting strategic direction for BLJ and works with our clients in the fields of Nanotechnology, Chemical technology, Medical Device/Technology, Renewable Energy and Battery Technologies. Taka is a member of The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan and The Japan Society of Drug Delivery Systems.

Wakako Yamaguchi is part of the BLJ Management Team and contributes to the strategic development of the business in Japan. Wakako is responsible for the exclusive business development of one of our major clients, and drives their business forward on a day to day basis. Wakako has almost 15 years experience working in business development in the electronics sector in Japan, and has achieved success in all her roles. She has particular experience in the IC, Medical and Security sectors, and has significant experience of direct sales and building channels via distributors.

Dr Kubo previously worked for Sharp Corporation in Osaka after gaining a Doctorate in Electronics at Osaka University. During his time with Sharp Dr Kubo gain a wide understanding of many technology and business areas with a particular focus on Imaging & Sensing devices and micro camera devices. Kubo-san has a wide industry knowledge and extensive contact base inside Sharp and many other Kansai based Japanese companies. Kubo-san joined us on the back of a significant new contract won on behalf of Apical to incorporate their technology into Sharp handsets. Kubo-san is a member of IEEE ISSCC Program Committee and a Part time lecturer of Electronics at Kinki University.

Ogawa-san previously worked for Ricoh Corporation, where he worked in various divisions gaining an in-depth knowledge of consumer electronics across the entire organisation. With a large contact network inside Ricoh and at several other Japanese organisations, Ogawa-san is supporting various clients to grow their business. His particular focus areas are consumer products, communication systems and software Engineering. Ogawa-san is a keen student of Chinese language and is in training for his first marathon during his spare time.

Matsuda-san graduated in Law at Kobe University before joining Toshiba Corporation. During his emplyment with Toshiba Matsuda-san worked in the TV, Electron Device Group, Display Devices, and Components Division. He also achieved the position of President of Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH, based in Dusseldorf Germany for five years. He became Board Member and held overall responsibility for sales.

Ohtani-san spent 34 years in Matushita Electric (Panasonic). He initially worked in the central research laboratory, and then in the components business. Ohtani-san held the positions of GM – Engineering, Business Division Director and Deputy Director of Marketing for Matsushita.  Ohtani-san utilizes his wide network of contacts throughout Asia to support our clients, and has a very strong network in China as well as Japan.

Tad Kubodera previously worked for Sony Corporation. He was initially in charge of circuit design and new components design development, before moving to London UK  to work on Colour TV design and component development for the European market. Kubodera-san went on to hold various posts, such as director of Sony US TV division in San Diego, Regional President of North America Mobile Phone Division, and European President of TV / Audio. He shares his various technical and commercial experience, as well as large human network  to help our clients grow their business in Japan.

Chikako Hirono brings in depth skills and experience of the Japanese advertising industry, she has been specialising in this sector for many years, with particular experience in producing written promotion materials on behalf of foreign companies. Chikako spent time living and working in the UK gaining a unique understanding of Western culture and business practice. In her spare time Chikako is a voluntary secretary of the UK-Japan friendship society.

Jeremy Hill is a former British diplomat with 35 years international experience in the UK and overseas. His regional expertise is Asia, having worked & lived in Japan, Indonesia, and Korea. Jeremy has helped numerous overseas companies understand the barriers and wider cultural issues facing newcomers to Japan. Jeremy’s most recent post was at the British Embassy in Tokyo where he held the position of First Secretary Trade and Investment, helping UK Life Science companies develop their business in Japan.  Jeremy works with BLJ to support client activities in Japan, utilizing his experience, contacts and cultural/linguistic skills and knowledge.