Naotaka Nishiyama, the Founder of Tech Japan, recently spoke about lessons learned from his experience of relocating to India. Speaking on LinkedIn, Nishiyama spoke candidly about his experience, saying he came to Bengaluru last March with a suitcase and an idea in hand. In the past year, this choice has had a powerful effect on his outlook towards entrepreneurship, culture, and self-improvement. "Something within me has certainly changed this year", he wrote, going on to say that he learned to 'create value within change', something he has now come to accept in full.

He explained that on March 25, 2024, he departed from Tokyo International Airport in Japan, and by the early morning of March 26, he had arrived in Bengaluru. "As I came out of the airport dragging my suitcase, I was standing in a totally new world", he remembered.

Nishiyama also added that, as a Japanese startup entrepreneur in India, he soon discovered he was a rarity. "There are not many Japanese in India, and most who are here are corporate expats from industries such as autos, electronics, or finance", he said. When introducing himself to new people, he's asked if he works for Toyota or Suzuki, to which he responds, 'No, I own a company called Talendy', followed by the confused question, 'What's that?'

Nishiyama has acquired valuable lessons that have broadened his knowledge in both business philosophy and personal values. He highlighted three most important lessons he learned. "Something inside me has definitely shifted this year. Instead of 'challenging myself within stability,' I've learned to 'create value within change.' And that mindset has now become part of who I am", he revealed.

He ended by reiterating his ongoing enthusiasm for learning and growth, particularly inspired by the energy and ambition of India's youth. "The people I've met here keep me moving forward with the belief that we can create the future together," he told us.

It has received more than 400 comments and over 7,000 reactions since he posted it. One commenter answered, "You are absolutely correct, India's diversity begets complexity and unpredictability. Life here is never dull one never knows what a new day might bring and one can start all over again at any point in time." Another user submitted, "Very well said. 'Perfect is the enemy of progress,' and 'things rarely go as planned' improvisation is the order of the day. These concepts may be alien in Japan but are prevalent in India, and yet we manage to succeed. We both have much to learn from one another". A third remark was, "Kudos to you for accepting a country like India, in all its flaws, unlike Japan. Great learning experience, and best of luck with your startup!"