We interviewed Shunya Yoshimi, Director of the Domestic Business Department What does Mr Yoshimi, who has been involved in GreenCarbon’s domestic business since its inception, have to say? Please read to the end!
Q.Please briefly introduce yourself, including your career to date.
Graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture. After graduating, he joined a media company in the CyberAgent group, where he worked as an advertising agency, mainly providing PR support to companies and developing new business, including the planning and production of taxi adverts. By chance, I joined the current Green Carbon Co.
As the head of the domestic business department, I was responsible for developing new farmers in the first year of 2023, and was involved in the development of new rice farmers, with the aim of acquiring 5,000 ha of farmland. In the first year of 2023, the target of acquiring 5,000 ha of rice farmers was set, but the target was achieved with 8,000 ha acquired.
In 2024, in addition to acquiring 50,000 ha of rice farmers, I am also involved in a wide range of other activities that have been in preparation since last year, such as reducing cow burping, biochar and carbon farming, which have not yet been proven in Japan.
Q.What type of work are you involved in? Please tell us about your work
I am involved in a wide range of new and expanding business. This includes finding new farmers and agents, as well as developing partnerships with banks and others. In this work, in-depth research and negotiation are essential to meet local and industry needs.
It also involves developing strategies to develop business in the national market. This process involves market analysis and competitive research, and working with the team to derive effective strategies.
A further part of my duties involves the execution of projects that are being implemented for the first time in the country. This requires leadership and coordination skills during the planning and implementation stages.
I always welcome new challenges and actively pursue growth and learning. I aim to use my experience and skills to drive innovative and successful projects together with my team.
Q.What makes your job worthwhile?
For me, there are multiple elements that make this job rewarding.
Firstly, as this business is completely new to me, I find the energy of its newness and challenge most enjoyable. In the process of setting up and growing a new business, I have the pleasure of being able to test my ideas and abilities.
Furthermore, unique challenges await us as we are involved in promoting projects that are the first of their kind in the country and in top positions. We face the difficulty of maintaining our leadership position and reputation within the industry, while expanding into new markets and customer segments, but the process of growing and paving the way to success is rewarding.
In addition, in sectors such as agriculture, barriers to entry are high, yet we continue to work towards becoming a leader. We are exploring ways to expand awareness and increase market share in a short period of time through trial and error, drawing on best practices from other industries. The results and growth we achieve in the process of this challenge are what makes my job worthwhile.
Q.Finally, do you have a message for people who want to work for GreenCarbon?
Carbon credits will be further accelerated in the future. It will be interesting to see how much fun it is to be able to take on the challenges of a business that is still in its infancy.
In addition, closer support with farmers is essential in the domestic business unit. Therefore, GreenCarbon will be an attractive environment for those who are interested in setting up branches in different areas and taking on the challenge of being in charge. You will also feel a real contribution to the local community through our work with local communities.
Finally, as a start-up, we are a growing company and offer an environment where you can have fun and grow. Together, we are shaping the future and working towards a sustainable society, and we look forward to our new challenges together at GreenCarbon.