Our trip to Japan in June 2024 was an intense and enriching experience, full of meaningful encounters with clients, partners, and old friends, along with some unexpected adventures. Here is a summary of our “runs” during this 11-day journey (4 of which we spent sitting on planes, so calling it a “run” is sometimes an exaggeration).
Visits to Clients and Partners
During our stay, we had the opportunity to meet with several clients and partners, sharing valuable moments and discussing future projects. One of the most notable meetings was with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. We were impressed by the scale and impact of their implementations with GeneXus. With 200 GeneXus developers and systems integrating technologies from different countries for 70,000 users, their success in modernizing their systems and integration is a testament to the power and versatility of our platform.
We also met with many of our partners in Japan to exchange ideas and talk about GeneXus, Generative AI, and the future of GeneXus as a Low-Code platform. These meetings reaffirm the importance of establishing long-term relationships in Japan and continue honing our skills to better meet the needs of the Japanese market.
Memorable Moments
Beyond the formal meetings, we also had some memorable moments that added color to our experience in Japan. From a karaoke welcome with old friends to exploring the green corners and traditional fairs of Tokyo, each moment outside the offices offered us a new perspective on Japanese culture.
An unforgettable moment was Sunday’s meal, almost right after we arrived. I learned the hard way that sea urchin is not for me (nor for any of the three Uruguayans accompanying me).
However, most of the fish dishes we tried were delicious, although served in small portions that challenged our patience and forced us to savor every bite to the fullest (due to the size). Joking aside, there is a quest for perfection in every bite that is very difficult to understand until you experience it.
The quest for perfection
We also discovered that the Japanese pursuit of perfection extends to all areas where they choose to act, such as:
-
Guitars
-
Ice cream
-
And Coffee
My favorite Western moment in Japan.
Two of the best coffees I have ever had were on this trip to Japan. Whenever you want, I’ll tell you which shops I got them from Total champagne coffee:
Discovery runs
For me, despite the 12-hour time difference (maximum jet lag available) and a frantic pace set by our agenda in Japan, an essential part of this trip was maintaining my running habits. And I succeeded by convincing myself that I wasn’t going for a run, but for a “Discovery Run.” I tried to reach somewhere, sightseeing and taking pictures while running. Here’s a summary of my three runs:
- 8 km run: On the first one, I reached the Imperial Palace.
There was almost no one on the street; it was 6 in the morning.
You can’t see it, but it’s there, the Imperial Palace.
7 km run: Around the Tokyo Tower area (which is like the Eiffel Tower, but painted differently so you don’t confuse where you are).
- 7 km run, Saturday: A run to a tea garden in a green area that was closed at 7 in the morning. But I took the opportunity to cross a bridge and take a couple of nice panoramas.
These runs were not only a nice excuse for exploring the area. They also helped me activate my body and mind in the morning (which was needed) and offered me a unique way to discover the surroundings, connect with the environment, and… take advantage of waking up at 4 or 5 in the morning.
Final reflection
It was a great trip, with the opportunity to reconnect with old friends from GeneXus Japan. What a great team!
It is truly amazing to see how, from Uruguay, we have managed to build a solid foundation, a tremendous team, and a strong relationship with companies in Japan. The customer and partner base we have developed is one of the most important for us, and although we have made great progress, it feels like we are just beginning to scratch the surface of the opportunities in Japan.
Arigato gozaimasu!
You may also be interested in reading:
The history of GeneXus in Japan
How do people live and work in Japan?