#Japan #Tokyo #Bizmates #Angkor Tiger #Sohtaro Yasunaga

Bizmates Partners with Sohtaro Yasunaga

Bizmates Inc., located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently announced an exciting sponsorship agreement with Sohtaro Yasunaga, the head coach of the Cambodian professional football club, Angkor Tiger FC, and a former J-League player. This partnership serves as a manifestation of Bizmates' mission to empower more business professionals to thrive globally.

The integration of sports and business education has never been more crucial, especially as individuals like Yasunaga take on leadership roles in foreign and culturally diverse environments. Bizmates aims to provide continuous support for enhancing Yasunaga’s English communication skills, helping him rise to the challenges of managing a team overseas.

This initiative comprises various programs including online English conversation lessons called “Bizmates,” specialized coaching services featuring Japanese consultants, and a learning app called “Bizmates App” designed to cater to busy professionals. These resources are specifically crafted to improve business communication in multicultural settings, which is vital for successful team management and operations.

A notable aspect of the collaboration is the firm’s free customization program called “Assist Lessons.” This flexible lesson format allows learners to tailor content to address their individual needs, focusing on essential English expressions and communication skills required in coaching, player meetings, and teamwork.

Bizmates is committed to nurturing professionals across various fields, not just in sports, recognizing the need for effective communication in a global market. The company strives to equip individuals with the skills necessary to excel internationally.

Insights from the Collaboration

President's Remarks

Nobuaki Suzuki, President of Bizmates, commented, "Yasunaga’s journey embodies our philosophy: ‘learning supports challenge, and challenge fosters growth.’ Guiding people in a different culture is not an easy task, but we are honored to support Yasunaga through our services as he undertakes this undertaking. We will continue to support those who dare to take on global challenges."

Coach Yasunaga's Reflections

In his own words, Yasunaga shares, "Every day in a foreign land brings new lessons. I constantly sense the difficulty of uniting a team in an environment filled with language barriers and cultural differences. However, the support from Bizmates in learning practical English has been incredibly beneficial. I am sincerely grateful for this encouragement in my challenges. I aim to grow with my team and continue our quest, so please cheer for us!"

To provide further insights into Yasunaga’s experiences as a leader navigating cultural differences, a special dialogue between Bizmates director Hika Ito and Coach Yasunaga is now available on YouTube. They discuss “learning and challenges” while delving into the real thoughts of a leader in a foreign environment.

About Coach Sohtaro Yasunaga

Born in 1976 in Yamaguchi, Japan, Yasunaga began his professional career with Yokohama Marinos (now Yokohama F. Marinos) and went on to play for several clubs including Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashiwa Reysol. In 1997, he made history as the first Japanese player to transfer to a Spanish league club, gaining invaluable overseas experience. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching, taking on roles such as the manager of the cerebral palsy 7-a-side Japan national team and SC Sagamihara. From July 2025, he will lead Angkor Tiger FC based in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

About Angkor Tiger FC

Founded in 2013, Angkor Tiger FC is a professional football club playing in the Cambodian Premier League, located in the city of Siem Reap, home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat. With a mission to symbolize hope and courage for Cambodia, the club aims to be the leading team in ASEAN by leveraging its strengths as an Asian club. The club actively promotes youth development and international exchange, serving as a bridge between Japan and Cambodia under its Japanese ownership.

About Bizmates Inc.

Founded in 2012, Bizmates is dedicated to providing solutions that accelerate the globalization of individuals and companies through its language and human resource sectors. The company offers specialized online English conversation services, “Bizmates,” and Japanese learning services, alongside a platform for connecting global talents with Japanese firms. In March 2023, Bizmates was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, symbolizing its commitment to continuous innovation and creating diverse opportunities for growth.