In a recent LinkedIn post, Naotaka Nishiyama, a Japanese entrepreneur and the founder of Tech Japan, shared his transformative experience after spending a year in Bengaluru, India. His reflections on the challenges and growth he has encountered have struck a chord with thousands worldwide, sparking conversations about entrepreneurship, diversity, and embracing unpredictability.
Nishiyama’s candid post highlights how a single year in India has reshaped his views on business, leadership, and personal growth. Here’s a closer look at his journey, the powerful lessons he’s learned, and how his mindset has evolved in this dynamic environment.
The Journey: From Tokyo to Bengaluru
Nishiyama’s adventure began on March 25, 2024, when he left Tokyo International Airport. Arriving in Bengaluru on March 26, he stepped into a completely new world. With nothing but a suitcase and a dream, he arrived in a city that would soon become his home.
His experience wasn’t just about building a business—it was a complete immersion into a new culture. He quickly discovered that as a Japanese entrepreneur in India, he was a rare presence. Most of the Japanese nationals living in India were corporate expats working in the automotive, electronics, or banking industries.
When people met him, their first assumption was that he worked for major Japanese corporations like Toyota or Suzuki. Instead, he would respond with a smile, saying, “I run a company called Talendy,” prompting curious looks of confusion. This humorous yet insightful interaction illustrates just how much of an outsider he felt during the early days in India.
Three Life-Changing Lessons Learned in India
In his heartfelt post, Nishiyama shared three invaluable lessons he learned from his time in India, each of which has had a profound impact on his approach to both life and business:
1. The Power to Move Forward in Complexity
The first lesson is the power to move forward in complexity. India’s business environment is known for its dynamic and often unpredictable nature, and Nishiyama quickly realised that adapting to this complexity was essential. He acknowledged that operating in India often meant navigating through a sea of ambiguity, and he had to embrace it rather than fear it.
In Japan, where precision and stability are highly valued, moving forward in such an environment could seem daunting. But in India, he discovered that complexity isn’t something to be feared—it’s an opportunity to grow. As he adapted to this new way of thinking, he learned to move with the flow, not against it. This shift in mindset allowed him to embrace unpredictable circumstances, something that’s crucial for any entrepreneur navigating a fast-changing market.
2. Embracing Unpredictability
India, with its vibrant culture and fast-paced economy, constantly keeps entrepreneurs on their toes. Nishiyama learned to embrace unpredictability, which was a sharp departure from his more structured mindset back in Japan.
“Perfect is the enemy of progress,” he said, referencing the reality that things rarely go as planned. In Japan, everything was meticulously planned, but in India, he realised that adaptability and improvisation were often the key to success. As he immersed himself in the culture, he grew more comfortable with this unpredictability, learning to adapt in real-time rather than sticking to rigid plans.
3. The Power of Diversity in Building Trust
The third lesson Nishiyama shared was about the power of diversity. In India, he was surrounded by a diverse range of people, cultures, and perspectives. This diversity wasn’t just about ethnicity—it was about different ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Through these experiences, Nishiyama discovered that diversity could be an incredible asset, especially when it came to building trust. He realised that embracing diverse perspectives helped him foster stronger relationships and create innovative solutions. By opening himself up to the richness of India’s cultural fabric, he was able to see the world through new eyes—something that greatly benefited his business and personal growth.
Stability, Change, and Personal Growth
Reflecting on his time in India, Nishiyama acknowledged how his view on stability and change had evolved. Initially, he was focused on stabilising his business within a familiar framework. But over the course of the year, he shifted his mindset to one that sought to create value in change.
He wrote, “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 a part of me.” This perspective shift is a significant achievement for any entrepreneur, as it’s not easy to thrive in environments that are constantly changing.
Nishiyama also expressed his optimism for the future, citing the incredible energy and ambition of India’s younger generation. Despite the challenges he faced, the people he met, especially the youth, inspired him to keep moving forward. This optimism and hope for the future have become a driving force in his entrepreneurial journey.
The Global Reaction to Nishiyama’s Story
Since posting his reflections on LinkedIn, Nishiyama’s message has resonated deeply with thousands. The post has received over 7,000 reactions and more than 400 comments from people across the world, many of whom share similar experiences of adapting to new cultures and environments.
One LinkedIn user shared their own experience, saying, “My German friend didn’t want to go back. He liked the chaos and disorder. And South Indian food – Dosa, idli, and Sambhar in particular.” Another commented, “Very well summarised, ‘perfect is the enemy of progress’. Things rarely go as planned, but in India, we are used to these things and still come out successful.”
These reactions demonstrate just how universal Nishiyama’s lessons are. No matter where we come from, learning to adapt, embrace unpredictability, and value diversity are principles that can transform both our personal lives and professional careers.
Conclusion: A Year of Transformation
Naotaka Nishiyama’s year in India has been a journey of profound transformation. His experiences in Bengaluru have reshaped his approach to business, leadership, and personal growth. By embracing complexity, unpredictability, and the power of diversity, he has learned valuable lessons that will undoubtedly continue to guide his entrepreneurial journey.
His story is a reminder to all of us that growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones, especially when navigating unfamiliar territories. As he continues his journey in India, Nishiyama is a living example of the power of embracing change and learning from the unexpected.
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Photo credit: India Today
