Self-Introduction: Takumi Sato

Hey everyone! 

I’m Takumi Sato, currently a sophomore at Meiji University majoring in Business Administration. 

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit about my background, interests, and why I’m eager to join Kaneko Seminar.

Academic Background

I’m a second-year student in Meiji University now, and planning to transfer to the university in America from junior. My academic journey has been quite rewarding so far, maintaining a GPA of 4.0.

I graduated from Toyama High School and have no overseas experience yet, but I’ve managed to earn an IELTS overall score of 7.0 during my first year at university.

Work Experience

I’ve been quite active outside of academics too. I work in the DX division of SARUCREW Co., a company specializing in ASP (Affiliate Service Provider). 

Additionally, I’m a Project Manager at Airion Co., an AI venture, where I handle various responsibilities, including...

• Managing AI education projects 

• Defect Detection Model Development: Worked on developing AI models for detecting defects in products for a major manufacturer.

• Real-Time Optimization Algorithm: Led the development of algorithms for optimizing cardboard stacking patterns in real-time.

• AI Chatbot Development: Developed AI chatbots for internal document searches.

• Abnormal Detection and OCR Model: Created models for detecting abnormalities in utility meter cable installations and reading LCD displays using OCR technology.

• Advisory roles
• Currently I am making an order-made educational training lesson for the 3D perspective model company. The lesson is about what AI tool they should use to maximize efficiency, and how to use that AI tool practically.

• Spot part-time sales at exhibition

• Participating various AI communities and hire people there 
• Already hired 5 people as a full-time so far.

And this fall, I’m also starting as a part-time SA at GREAT program in Meiji Univ.

Hobbies and Achievements

Fitness is a significant part of my life!

I’m passionate about it and have a knack for weight loss training. 

I’ve achieved some milestones in physique competitions, such as 

• Winning the Asia Physique Federation championship
• when I was sophomore of the high school
• Advancing to the finals in the Central Fitness Physique national competition
• In March 2024, at the age of 19
• Where I ranked in the top 9 out of 90 competitors

Also, as a personal trainer, I’ve successfully helped many people with their weight loss journeys!!!

Why Kaneko Seminar?

There are three main reasons why I’m eager to join Kaneko Seminar:

1. Supportive Environment for Studying Abroad

I’m planning to study abroad (transfer to the other university in America) from my junior year, and I need an environment that supports this goal. 

Kaneko Seminar offers the perfect setting, with seniors who can provide valuable advice and professors who can write recommendation letters.

2. Strong Focus on Thesis Writing

I believe that having a comprehensive graduation thesis is crucial for anyone specializing in business administration. My aim is to pursue an MBA overseas, and a well-crafted thesis will serve as an essential portfolio piece. 

Kaneko Seminar provides the right education and environment to achieve this.

3. Great Atmosphere

The seminar’s atmosphere is very important to me. While company visits and learning specialization are essential, the most critical aspect for me is the people I’ll be working with. 

I believe that being able to research with peers who share similar interests is a unique strength of a seminar, and I felt this strength most strongly in Kaneko Seminar.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: I can commit to things with full energy, even without a specific reason. 

• One of my mottos is from Andrew Wong, whom I met at the special lecture in Meiji, “How do you know what you want until you see what is out there?” This drives me to constantly explore new areas.

• Another guiding principle is from Dale Dauten, “There is no failure in trying,” which encourages me to value the act of challenging itself.

Weaknesses: My strong conviction can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Once I set my mind on something, I pursue it relentlessly unless there’s a rational reason to stop. This can sometimes cause stress for those around me.

Learning from Failure

One significant failure I experienced was quitting the basketball team in high school due to a conflict with the new coach. 

When I was in my second year of high school, we got a new basketball coach who completely disagreed with my playing style. I had a strong belief in my way of playing and stood up to him, which led to a major conflict. 

Eventually, he used his authority to exclude me from participating in practices and games. Faced with this situation, I decided to lead a group of five other members and collectively quit the team.

This situation taught me that success depends not only on effort but also on the choice of field, luck, and leverage. 

After quitting the basketball team, I directed my energy towards physique competitions, driven by a promise I made with a girl who said she would date me if I won the Japanese Physique Championships lol. 

I dedicated myself to intense training and ended up winning both the high school and university championships.

Despite my victories, the girl did not respond to my messages after the competitions, which was a tough lesson about how unpredictable luck can be in personal matters. 

However, I used my success in these competitions to become a personal trainer, specializing in weight loss.

Through this journey, I realized that simply working hard isn’t enough; choosing the right field to apply your efforts is crucial. 

Furthermore, I learned the importance of leverage. As a personal trainer, I recognized that earning money by trading time for money has its limits. 

To maximize my potential earnings and value, leveraging my skills and experiences became essential. 

This experience underscored the significant role that field selection, luck, and leverage play in achieving success.

Team Achievements

• At SARUCREW, my team and I managed to generate a monthly gross profit of 30 million yen through our collective efforts in creating and managing ads. 

• At Airion Co., I’ve led various AI development projects, such as defect detection models for major manufacturers and real-time optimization algorithms, all of which have been successfully achieved with the teamwork and dedication of my colleagues.

Graduation Thesis Topic

For my graduation thesis, I plan to research 

“The Parts of Corporate Management that AI Should and Shouldn’t Replace Human Roles.” 

Given my involvement in AI optimization for various companies, I have ample material to explore this topic. 

Understanding the relationship between AI and corporate management from an academic perspective is both socially valuable and intellectually stimulating.

Thanks for reading! 

At this moment, I’m excited about the possibility of joining Kaneko Seminar and continuing to grow!