#Japan #Tokyo #Arsaga Partners #Junpei Watanabe #AI Career Strategies

Event Report: CEO Junpei Watanabe Speaks at Ninja University

On April 28, 2026, Junpei Watanabe, the CEO of Arsaga Partners based in Tokyo's Shibuya, addressed the students in the Law Department's class titled “Wise Person Conference” at Ninja University. The focus of the lecture was on the theme "Taking Charge of Your Career."

In this session, Watanabe shared invaluable insights on the experiences students should acquire during their university years, particularly in an era increasingly influenced by AI technologies. He emphasized the significance of making proactive decisions regarding one's career trajectory and offered concrete advice drawn from his personal career journey.

About the Speaker

Junpei Watanabe holds the position of CEO at Arsaga Partners, a company dedicated to promoting digital transformation (DX) across various industries. After graduating from Tsukuba University, he worked for a major Japanese manufacturer, where he was responsible for quality management for domestic and international clients, overseeing new product launches and supporting overseas plants, with a focus primarily on Europe. Following his time at a major foreign consulting firm, he transitioned to Arsaga Partners in 2022 as a division manager in the consulting department. He has played a critical role in supporting DX projects across various sectors including manufacturing, public service, and retail.

Career Strategies in the AI Era

During his lecture, Watanabe pointed out the profound changes in the structure of job hunting due to the rise of AI technologies. Traditionally, new graduate recruitment revolved around the premise of nurturing potential hires post-recruitment through mass hiring strategies. However, as companies increasingly lean towards automating operations, they now expect new graduates to offer immediate value as job-ready candidates.

This shift has created a stark contrast between students who adeptly harness AI tools and those who do not. Watanabe stressed that it is essential for students to explore “what they can do” with AI and gain various experiences while still in school. He urged attendees to think beyond conventional applications of AI — such as streamlining entry sheet creation or conducting company research — and instead focus on how to use AI to produce tangible outcomes.

For instance, even non-engineering students can now leverage AI to create applications for tasks like tracking attendance in a club. Presenting interviews with experiences that showcase problem-solving through AI can significantly strengthen a candidate's appeal.

Moreover, Watanabe emphasized that in the age of machines, certain human capabilities, specifically interpersonal communication skills or emotional intelligence (EQ), hold greater importance than ever before. He advised students to engage in internships, extracurricular activities, and travel to interact with diverse groups, reinforcing that such real-world experiences can serve as substantial assets in navigating the professional landscape.

The Importance of Proactive Career Choices

Watanabe passionately encouraged students to take control of their career paths to avoid future regrets regarding their choices. While his career turned out favorably, he attributed this success to decisive actions rather than predetermined trajectories. He encouraged students to leverage the abundance of information available today to make informed, proactive decisions.

To aid those uncertain about their future careers, Watanabe shared three critical perspectives:
1. Acquire language skills and business acumen to thrive in global environments.
2. Pursue opportunities within rapidly growing industries or participate in strategic projects within one’s organization.
3. Develop entrepreneurial skills to foster a mindset geared towards starting and managing one's own business.

Watanabe illustrated the significance of selecting growth industries by recounting his transition from an automotive parts manufacturer to a foreign consulting firm during a time when that sector was on the rise. He pointed out that being part of a growing industry enhances one's job variety and overall market value.

This approach is also beneficial for students lacking clear career objectives. By targeting burgeoning fields such as IT and DX, students can significantly broaden their future career paths.

Watanabe acknowledged that few possess a flawless career plan from the onset, and it's common for careers to evolve over time. He urged students to maintain a flexible mindset and continually reflect on their career paths, ensuring they actively seek out information and make decisions that lead to better future outcomes.

He concluded that in today’s rapidly changing world, the biggest risk would be complacency, while a willingness to embrace new challenges becomes a vital strategy for career resilience. He noted that his early years of skill development have become a lasting asset in his professional life, affirming the significance of maintaining a long-term perspective in one's career planning.

Q&A Session

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A where students posed numerous insightful questions. Here are a few highlights:

Q: How do I choose between a private company and public service?
A: If you find yourself unsure, I highly recommend participating in at least a one-day internship. Engaging directly with professionals in the field can significantly clarify your career vision.

Q: What do you prioritize most while working?
A: My greatest focus is on creating a positive impact through our mission and vision — driving competitive advantage and delivering value through innovative thinking and sound logic.

Q: How do you make decisions when at a crossroads?
A: Decision-making difficulties often stem from insufficient information. Gathering necessary data is crucial; if still indecisive, eliminate the most detrimental options and choose among the remaining alternatives.

Conclusion

Through this event, the importance of utilizing AI across various contexts and the necessity of taking the initiative in gathering information and making decisions were conveyed. The active engagement during the Q&A underscored students' eagerness to take actionable steps in their job searches.

Arsaga Partners is committed to supporting the youth in crafting their own career paths through initiatives like this lecture. We believe that enabling the younger generation to grow independently and shine contributes to overall national progress. By creating opportunities for career development and nurturing adaptable talents, we aim to broaden the horizons of your future potential.