Hacarus, a Kyoto AI startup that employs people from remote areas, has members from the Philippines, Sendai, and Central Kyoto. Within Hacarus, we have three employees who all formerly served as Chief Technology Officers (CTO).

Why did former CTOs decide to launch Hacarus? Why did they take part in this planning?

This time, I interviewed Mr. Kitora, who recently joined Hacarus in April of this year as Hacarus CDO. Although Mr. Kitora had majored in mechanical engineering, the start of his career began with working at a construction site. In this article, I had Mr. Kitora give us a better understanding on the unique experience of his career beginnings.

▲日本語記事はこちら。

It took a long journey to finding his career path in engineering.

Tomomi: You began working at Hacarus in April, how do you feel about working here?

Mr. Kitora: Since I’m in a completely different environment now, I feel that compared to before [working at Hacarus] the passing days have given me a stronger sense of fulfillment. Everyday, I get the feeling that along with me aging, time is passing quickly. On the other hand, lately, I’ve been feeling that things that happened in the recent past are quickly becoming a distant past. I think its proof of fulfillment.

Tomomi: I’ve heard that your impetus for joining Hacarus had a lot to do with an old colleague from your previous workplace, Mr. Takashi Someda. In that respect, before you met Mr. Someda, what kind of work were you doing?

Mr. Kitora: Well, after I graduated from my university, the truth is I didn’t start working right away. I was in the Department of Engineering- majoring in mechanics, but quite honestly, I didn’t have a strong desire to work in that [mechanics] industry. During my time as a student, whenever I had the free time, I’d go to my part-time job- which was working at a construction site. After I graduated from university, I continued working there for quite some time.

Tomomi: Ah, I see! And in that time, was there anything you did outside of construction?

Mr. Kitora: Hahaha, I studied for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam! It had nothing to do with what I studied, but for some reason, I wanted the title of a “accountant” and steadily grew interest in accounting so began studying as I felt a connection to it.

Tomomi: So it seems that during that period, you didn’t come across a career that was related to writing programs. When was it that you’d decide to take up a career in engineering?

Mr. Kitora: I was twenty-seven years old when I began working as a full-time employee. As I had mentioned earlier, I was interested in accounting, but I joined a company that can be referred to as a system integration engineering company where I began as an inexperienced engineer. I was customizing my company’s propriety software and delivering it to each company as well as operating and maintaining the software.

Tomomi: How was your first company? I’ve heard that the company where you had your first employment had you work in the Tokyo area.

Mr. Kitora: Yes. My first company was one that developed technology of ASP- although you don’t hear about it much anymore. Regarding the work I did, I was writing programs, and this in itself was fun, until around the time I was closing to my second year. However, I eventually wanted to try out new things. I became gradually interested in what was trending- non-proprietary software, like Linux and Java.

At that time, I met CTO Someda at a Kansai-based company and became good friends with him. Because it was the first company I was employed at, and because I was living in Tokyo at the time, I was reluctant to go back to the Kansai area. In the end, I decided to go back and join my second-ever company.

CTO Kitora’s experience at his second company would unknowingly lead to the great opportunities.

Tomomi: I hear the second company you were employed at had 11 employees. That’s about the same size as Hacarus. I also heard that this company was a marketing business. That was when you were performing duties that would later relate to the current Hacarus- namely, natural language processing and data analysis, correct?

Mr. Kitora: Yes. That company was finding solutions for clients who were dealing with matters relating to technology and marketing. To be exact, we analyzed user behavior and values on the web using data and analyzed this data through natural language processing. In that environment, you could learn about state-of-the-art precedents and technology in that field. I thought I wanted to start a venture company as a CTO after working in that company. Still, I return to that company. I worked there for a total of 8 years.

Tomomi: Looking back at what had happened, you entered Hacarus as a full-time employee! I suppose you didn’t expect to work with Mr. Someda again! You must’ve had many reasons but, what was the deciding factor to joining Hacarus?

Mr. Kitora: It’s quite difficult to narrow down my reason for joining Hacarus, as I have many reasons.

A startup environment that goes unbothered by sectionalism creates amusement to everything.

Tomomi: To date, you’ve experienced working at a startup of about 10 members. Frankly, I think startups face many difficult circumstances. That being said, from your own point of view, why did you choose a startup company- where it seems adversity is something you’re much more likely to face?

Mr. Kitora: That’s right. I think it’s because I like startups. I haven’t worked at large-scale companies so I can’t really say for sure, but I think might have a personality that inclines towards startups.

Tomomi: Mr. Someda had mentioned the same thing!

Mr. Kitora: Startups are neither maintained well nor badly. So if you compare startups with larger companies, startups are less inclined to be oriented towards strict company culture and structure, which makes participation easier, and a key factor to its charm. The fact that you are also able to work in a group altogether despite how hectic it may get is also a good experience. Besides that, when you have successful return rates, you get to feel the fascination that comes with the experience. Other than that, being in a startup means you’re working in an environment where your individual contribution to the company may be more easily felt. In addition to that, working closely to the people in higher management positions makes me understand how important these points are to a working environment.

Tomomi: Based on what you’ve told me so far, it seems after working at a startup company and knowing the fun of startups, it seems you wouldn’t want to work at large-scale companies anymore! It’s just my own imagination but, with the way you can work with people in managerial positions and make speedy decision-making, it seems you can really focus on your job.

Mr. Kitora: That’s right. There is no sectionalism in startups. Which makes the processes in companies, like regulation with other departments- so to speak, political matters are not an issue. Truthfully, there are tough times and difficult circumstances. But it’s because it is difficult that you can achieve the most self-development.

Tomomi: Frankly, what is the merit of working at Hacarus?

Mr. Kitora: Depending on the person’s way of thinking and feeling vary greatly, so it’s difficult for me to say exactly what the merits are. However, I think one can absolutely achieve a sense of self-development and growth if they enjoy what they do. I think this, in turn, would have big returns on success.

Tomomi: Thank you for your commentary!