Innovative Cross-Border Learning Model Established in Shizuoka Prefecture

In a groundbreaking initiative, Toshiba Tec's employee, Junichi Ishizawa, has joined Seven Sense Marketing Co., Ltd. through the 'rental transfer' program provided by Loandeal Co., Ltd. This arrangement allows him to serve as a temporary Chief Product Officer (CPO) for the company’s 'Mieru Cloud Log' project until March 2026. This partnership showcases an exciting cross-border learning model, fostering collaboration between a major corporation and a local startup in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Ishizawa's wealth of experience in manufacturing DX (digital transformation) has greatly benefited Seven Sense Marketing. His work focuses on enhancing product quality, validating user value, and optimizing business processes. His contributions have led to his appointment as interim CPO, starting December 15, 2025.

Significance of the Initiative

This project carries significant implications for regional growth in Shizuoka. The geographical proximity of Toshiba Tec's Mishima office and Seven Sense's Numazu headquarters facilitates a seamless exchange of knowledge and talent, accelerating DX initiatives in Shizuoka Prefecture. The arrangement embodies a new model of cross-border learning where knowledge flows geographically close—between large corporations and local startups.

Understanding Rental Transfers and Cross-Border Learning

The 'rental transfer' program developed by Loandeal allows employees from large companies to transition to startups temporarily, engaging in cross-border learning. Through this initiative, both organizations yield substantial benefits:

- Learning for Ishizawa from Toshiba Tec:

- The rapid decision-making process and the drive of small teams
- Customer-centric hypothesis testing in SaaS development
- Iterative improvement cycles from identifying on-site challenges to implementing solutions

- Value for Seven Sense Marketing:

- Improvement techniques and TPS (Toyota Production System) thinking learned from manufacturing DX
- Deeper understanding of the practical needs of manufacturing users
- Application of productivity visualization and function improvements driven by operational experience

Such collaboration has led to tangible outcomes for Mieru Cloud, including planning and testing new features informed by on-site DX expertise and enhancing productivity analysis precision for partner companies.

Regional Importance

Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its strong manufacturing sector, faces the critical challenge of advancing on-site DX. This initiative illustrates how cross-border talent interchange between regional companies can contribute to:
- Development of a new model for cultivating DX talent within the region
- Creation of career opportunities for young and mid-level employees
- Sustainable growth of regional industries through a cycle of knowledge transfer

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Masanori Miyata, Representative Director of Seven Sense Marketing, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration:
'We are thrilled to witness a successful cross-border learning model between large corporations and local startups in Shizuoka Prefecture. Ishizawa’s expertise in manufacturing DX has significantly enhanced the value of Mieru Cloud. I hope that he will bring back the culture of rapid hypothesis testing learned here to Toshiba Tec, creating a knowledge cycle that propels DX initiatives across Shizuoka as a model for success.'

Ishizawa comments on his experience: 'I can genuinely feel that the DX knowledge I've gained at Toshiba Tec is being utilized in improving Mieru Cloud. The fast-paced decision-making and proximity to our customers in a startup environment have been incredibly stimulating, making each day a continuous challenge and learning experience. I am committed to fostering an exchange of value within the remaining period of our collaboration.'