Story #10 The Lifelong Dedication: Turning Dreams into Reality

“Let’s do something interesting again.”

In addition to contributing to the digitization of workplace, there was another focus when developing iPad applications to enhance intellectual productivity: enabling teamwork among people scattered across various locations. I believed this was essential to harness the new capabilities of computers—being usable anytime, anywhere.

To achieve this, we independently developed both servers and applications, creating a product called Share, which enables high-speed information sharing without compromising resolution. The product quickly gained diverse applications, one of which was Classroom. Developing products for schools has been a priority for us since our days at JustSystems.

Thankfully, the product was well-received, earning the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award at the e-Learning Awards. However, what makes me prouder than this recognition is the gratitude we received during the pandemic in 2020. When schools were closed nationwide, Classroom enabled students to have lessons at home that felt just like being in school. Knowing we could help children, who represent the future, brought immense joy to me, Hatsuko, and our employees.

When Hatsuko and I co-founded MetaMoJi, our mindset was, “Let’s do something interesting again.” And indeed, it has been an exciting journey. Products like eYACHO and Classroom are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are countless others we cannot fully showcase here.

My mission remains unchanged from when we launched Ichitaro at JustSystems—to enhance the intellectual productivity of the Japanese people. At MetaMoJi, we have continued to transform this vision into tangible realities.

What differs now from my time at JustSystems is my desire to remain actively involved in product development. As a company grows, a president’s role inevitably shifts to managing operational tasks rather than product development. To put it bluntly, the job becomes something akin to being a "chief administrative officer," which doesn’t resonate with me.

This May (in 2022), I will turn 73. I founded JustSystems at the age of 30, and at 60, I started this company anew. Yet, I feel my spirit hasn’t changed at all. I see no reason to act overly mature simply because of my age. What matters is the determination to say, "Because I’m at this age, this is what I will do."

Unlike employees, entrepreneurs don’t have a retirement age. There’s still so much I want to accomplish—so many ideas I want to bring to life. Hatsuko and I have been running together in tandem toward these goals, and that drive hasn’t diminished in the slightest.

Lifelong dedication. I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to continue paddling through these currents alongside Hatsuko with undivided focus. That is my life.