Mr. Kenichiro Wakisaka of Efficient Co., Ltd.

We spoke to Kenichiro Wakisaka, CEO of Efficient Co., Ltd.

Business contest becomes a turning point

--What made you decide to start a business in Yokohama?

I originally wanted to start my own business when I turned 30, so I studied business administration at university, but as I learned more, I realized that starting a business would be difficult, so I gave up. The big impetus wasYokohama Business Grand Prix 2019(*1) was selected as a finalist. I thought it might be more fun to start a business through a contest.

I started my business in April 2019 because my hometown was Yokohama and I thought that Yokohama would provide generous support for startup companies. It was also reassuring to receive support from the president of the company I was working at at the time. We started a completely independent business in March 4.

--Wasn't it difficult to become independent in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic?

Honestly, it was difficult. However, the various seminars and subsidies provided by the government were a big help. It was encouraging to be able to connect with so many people, and it was really helpful to be able to work with people from different industries and conduct demonstration experiments.

“Connection” is the driving force

--Are there any characteristics of Yokohama's innovators?

My impression is that many people start out with a desire to solve social issues or problems that they personally feel, and end up starting services as a corporate activity. Also, there are many kind people, and we all get along well and have strong connections. If you mention the names of innovators you know at an event, there will always be at least one person you know.

--Where do you meet innovators?

We meet in many different places, but the most common one isYOXO Innovation SchoolI think it is (*2). I not only participated as a second-year student, but I also helped out third- and fourth-year students, and I have interacted with hundreds of people. The people who participate in YOXO Innovation School range from students to seniors, and their backgrounds are truly wide-ranging, including not only those who want to start a business, but also those involved in creating new businesses at companies.

Although it is a city, it has a rural feel in a good sense.

--What exactly is the charm of Yokohama?

In a word”Easy to live!. "

In terms of living, it has developed as a city, and there are no inconveniences and it is easy to live there. In terms of industry, there are Minato Mirai, where large companies are concentrated, and Kannai, where start-up companies gather, and there are many opportunities for collaboration between companies. From a human perspective, I also find the world view of having a "connection" where someone can help you if you're in trouble, and friends of friends being friends, also appealing.

――Please give a message to people who are preparing to start a business or those who will start a business in the future, explaining the appeal of starting a business in Yokohama.

I think people who start a business start their business with a product or service that they believe will definitely sell. However, before starting a business, it is better to stop and ask if you think it will sell to 100 people. I don't think there's any need to rush into starting a business if many people say no, after listening to opinions about whether it will really be accepted by users and whether now is the right time to offer it. In that sense, Yokohama is an ideal place to start a business, as you can listen to the opinions of many people.

FAVORITE SPOT

"Yokohamabashi Shopping Street"

I like shopping streets and go there often. In particular, Yokohamabashi Dori Shopping Street is used by people of various nationalities, and I think it's a place that you can enjoy not only shopping, but also just walking around, with fish shops selling fish that are not often eaten in Japan. The kimchi is delicious and recommended.

"Charcoal grilled hormone Genghis Khan tatara"

This is one of the few Genghis Khan restaurants in Yokohama where you can eat raw lamb. Not only me, but a friend who was born in Hokkaido, the home of Genghis Khan, says it's delicious, so I can vouch for the taste!