Tapping Japanese market

Moon So-yoon, 33, has lived in Tokyo, Japan, for three years. The Korean native is now spending her second year in the MBA program of Waseda University. She started her own business after earning her undergraduate degree in Korea in 2000. She ran her business until she moved to Japan for her MBA degree.

Why did you go to Japan?

I encountered many chances to see business opportunities in Japan while running my business after college graduation. Particularly, I was fascinated by the Japanese market where business people are actively developing simple ideas into businesses. I thought that there are lots of things I can pick up in this market. The Korean Wave, known as “hallyu,” which refers to the popularity of Korean culture abroad, is another important factor that motivated me to pursue an MBA degree in Japan.

What is so special about the MBA in Waseda University?

Waseda is unique in that it has a program called “Zemi Group” that helps international students understand Japan and its people, who many foreigners believe are xenophobic. The program provides a place where students with different nationalities and professors exchange ideas about Japan, thus helping them better understand Japan and its business culture. “Zemi” means seminar in Japanese and the group consists of academic advisors and fellow students.

What languages do you use in class?

In principle, all lectures and class discussion are given only in English. However, there is a class allowing students to use both English and Japanese. The class is designed to sharpen their Japanese language skills.

What is your favorite class?

The class named Operation Management was very impressive because it offers hands-on experience. During the class, students have a chance to visit companies and have a glimpse of how they operate. You can learn about how textbook theories are implementing in real business world.

What do you do outside the classroom?

With my Zemi members, I’m running my own business. It is a small investment company which not only educates amateur investors but helps them to invest.

What have you learned about the Japanese market from running your business?

In Japan, the most important values in doing business are transparency and investment principles, which I believe make the Japanese market attractive to foreign investors. Once you gain trust and credit from your business partners in Japan, you are halfway toward winning the battle.

What is your plan after graduation?

I will stay in Japan and continue to run my own business. The Asian market is my target. I believe that business is a process that develops vague ideas into real business with help from people surrounding you. Google is my role model. The U.S. company started with simple ideas but has grown into one of the world’s most-respected companies by developing the simple ideas into a profitable business.

Interview by Kwon Eun-young