#Japan #Tokyo #Gainsight #Kana Kobayashi #Pulse 2025

Kana Kobayashi's Historic Achievement in Customer Success

In a groundbreaking recognition for Japan, Kana Kobayashi of SoftBank Corporation has been awarded the Gold Tier in the Gainstar Program, making her the first Japanese recipient to achieve this prestigious status. This accolade was presented at Pulse 2025, one of the largest customer success events globally held in San Francisco in May 2025.

The Gainstar Program, initiated by Gainsight, the world's leader in customer-led growth strategy, evaluates individuals based on their understanding of the product, contributions to the community, and active participation in improving customer success practices. Kana's commitment to promoting customer success within Japan and her innovative spirit have not only set a benchmark but have also inspired her peers.

Contributions of Kana Kobayashi

Kobayashi’s journey in customer success is marked by her proactive involvement in sharing knowledge and advocating for best practices among other users. She volunteered as a coordinator at the inaugural user conference and has consistently contributed to both speaking engagements and operational roles thereafter. Her significant influence in the community is demonstrated through numerous posts, product idea sharing, and facilitating peer references, driving the adoption of Gainsight and enhancing the culture of customer success within her organization.

Moreover, she has been quick to obtain the Gainsight Admin Level 1 qualification, deepening her knowledge of the product while striving to uplift the standards of customer success in Japan. Such sustained and proactive engagement earned her high praise and was vital to her recognition as a Gold Tier member at Pulse 2025.

In her acceptance speech, Kobayashi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the connections and opportunities to learn with numerous users through the Gainstar Program. She emphasized the positive changes that the utilization of Gainsight has brought to her company’s customer success activities and voiced her commitment to continue elevating customer success initiatives in collaboration with her peers.

Acknowledgment from Gainsight President

Yuu Kinmura, the president of Gainsight Japan, expressed genuine happiness at Kana Kobayashi's achievement, stating that her efforts embody the essence of Customer-Led Growth and that she serves as a new role model for customer success in Japan. Gainsight is dedicated to strengthening support systems in Japan, enabling companies to build robust relationships with customers and achieve sustainable growth.

Understanding the Gainstar Program

The Gainstar Program serves as a global advocacy initiative, recognizing customers who actively engage with Gainsight’s products and contribute to community activities to promote Customer-Led Growth. Participants earn points based on four evaluation categories known as SHIP (Skill, Helping Hand, Influence, Product Enhancement), eventually determining their status as Bronze, Silver, or Gold tier members. Gold Tier recipients are rewarded with various incentives, including exclusive invitations to the Pulse event.

The Pulse Conference: A Celebration of Customer Success

Pulse is an annual conference organized by Gainsight, bringing together thought leaders and practitioners worldwide to discuss cutting-edge topics in customer success, product strategy, and AI applications. Attendees engage in sharing valuable insights and fostering networks essential for industry advancement.

Gainsight is committed to continuing the legacy of Customer-Led Growth, fostering a community where customer success practitioners can connect, learn, and grow together. This event not only celebrates the accomplishments of individuals like Kana Kobayashi but also emphasizes the evolving landscape of customer success in Japan and beyond.

Closing Thoughts

Kana Kobayashi’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and leadership in the realm of customer success. Her milestone achievement serves as an inspiration for future generations of customer success professionals in Japan and around the globe, reminding us of the importance of collaboration and community.