My seed is the power to embrace

Ikuma Hirahara

New graduate Product Sales (CPS Solutions) Networks Company DX Division
AI Business Department

Looking ahead to "Macnica 's next 10 years," Hirahara is tackling the challenge of solving problems with services that make full use of AI. What motivates him as he gets to know his customers and builds businesses together with them is hearing direct words of gratitude from them.

Q1: What is your current job and what is rewarding about it?

Raising awareness of AI business,
Tackling social issues

The reason I joined Macnica was because I had a conversation with a Macnica HR representative at the Boston Career Forum, which I attended while studying abroad in the U.S. All of the employees I spoke with were very kind and charming, so I became interested and asked them more about their work. I found out that Macnica is a technology trading company that handles many cutting-edge products from overseas, and I was convinced that I would be able to achieve personal growth while coming into contact with new technologies, as well as be able to use my language skills to work globally, so I decided to join the company.

For the first three years after joining the company, I was in charge of sales for cybersecurity products, but now I work as a business architect for a problem-solving solution service that uses AI technology developed by CrowdANALYTIX, Inc. A business architect provides a wide range of support, from listening to customers' issues to planning, proposing, and implementing AI solutions, to resolving the business issues they face.
Our business is not about "selling," but about "creating" together with our customers, a co-creation model. We step into the unknown, think from the customer's perspective, and solve their problems with cutting-edge technology. The rewards of this work are beyond words.
Also, because it is a co-creation model, clients sometimes say, "I'm glad we were able to work on this project together with Mr. Hirahara." This is the greatest joy of my current job. By working closely with clients and achieving results, I not only ensure the project is a success, but also get a sense of accomplishment when I hear words of gratitude from them, which is the best part of this job.

One thing we need to be careful about when working on this project is that many clients think of AI as a kind of "magic" that can do anything. AI has enormous potential and is a useful technology that can solve a variety of social issues, but it cannot be denied that it is still in its early stages of development. We are moving forward with the project while gradually bridging the gap between client expectations and what can actually be done.

Furthermore, while AI technology itself is now widely recognized around the world, Macnica 's AI business is still relatively unknown. For this reason, it is extremely important to create the initial opportunity to propose our AI solutions to customers. In addition to directly proposing our services to customers, I also proactively engage in activities that lead to increased awareness of our services, such as publishing information on our company website and speaking at various events, including marketing seminars.

Daily Schedule

8:00

go to the office

At the beginning of the week, organize your schedule and tasks for the coming week by priority and urgency.
10:00

Regular sales meeting

Regular meetings are held to review the past week's activities, discuss progress, team issues and countermeasures, and share and communicate information.
11:30

Lunch

Move to Shin Shin-Yokohama Station and have lunch
I go to a different store every day, so I start a little earlier to avoid crowds.

12:30

Afternoon work begins

Reviewing team members' proposals, sharing technical team findings and incorporating them into proposals,
Approximately five meetings will be held in the afternoon, including regular meetings with partner companies and meetings to discuss proposals with customers.
19:00

End of Business
19:40

After coming home, I take a bath with my child and have dinner.

Q2: An episode in which you grew

Know your customers,
A model for "creating" businesses together

The clients I work with are diverse, including intermediate distributors, logistics companies, retailers, and manufacturers. As a result, the challenges they face are diverse. This is where the ability to catch up and "get to know your customers" becomes essential.
Our business does not have an existing model, and we need to build it to suit each client's industry, business, and challenges. This is where the client's perspective is important. If you can't think like the client, you won't be able to make good proposals or have efficient discussions with them. In order to see things from the client's perspective, you first need to "know the client." This involves studying thoroughly and deepening your understanding. Each time you do this, your own knowledge expands, and at the same time, you can sense new possibilities, which is what makes this job so appealing.

Apart from accumulating knowledge, it was when I led a global project that I strongly felt my own growth. Before taking on this project, I had focused on producing results within the scope of the work I was given, but in this project, I was involved in negotiating with overseas partners and planning and promoting exhibitions at trade shows, which changed my mindset from that of a simple executor to one who "designed the whole thing and charted the course."
Through repeated discussions with people from different cultural backgrounds, deepening understanding and leading them to a common goal, I was able to hone not only my language and negotiation skills, but also my strategic thinking skills, taking into account the other person's position.
I also felt firsthand that my actions could have an impact on the entire organization, which I feel fostered both a sense of responsibility and confidence. Looking back, I believe that this experience of stepping outside of my job scope without fear of challenges has led to the strength that supports me today.

MY VISIONFuture goals and aspirations

I work with a passion for using AI to change the "common sense" of the industry and improve the entire industry. I believe that I have been entrusted with such meaningful work, and I believe that by combining the cutting-edge technology we handle with passionate team members, we can bring about unprecedented change. Looking ahead to 2030, Macnica is currently making a major shift in direction, evolving from a simple trading company to Services & Solutions provider. I hope to be a driving force in this transformation from a company that sells products and services to one that makes products and creates services, and contribute to shaping "Macnica 's next decade."

Message

To everyone considering a career at Macnica: Employment or career changes are big steps that determine the direction you want to take in your future. While it's natural to feel uncertain and anxious, there's always a positive desire to grow and improve behind those feelings.

Macnica is a company that values taking on new technologies and providing value to society. For those who are willing to learn, think, and act independently, this environment will be a place where they can make great strides. Believe in the efforts you have made so far and take on the challenge with confidence.
Whatever the outcome, the challenge itself will be an important experience that will broaden your horizons. We wholeheartedly support you as you take on the challenge of creating the future with your own hands.