Due diligence is a thorough and detailed investigation or audit of a potential investment, business, or product to confirm all relevant facts and financial information. It is a critical process often undertaken before entering into a business transaction, such as mergers, acquisitions, or investments, to ensure that all aspects of the deal are fully understood and evaluated.
The objective is to assess the financial health and performance of the target company. Reviewing financial statements, analyzing cash flows, examining debt levels, and evaluating revenue streams. This helps in understanding the profitability, financial stability, and potential financial risks of the business.
Legal Due Diligence
The objective is to ensure that the target company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Reviewing contracts, intellectual property rights, litigation history, and compliance with laws and regulations. This helps in identifying any legal risks or liabilities that could impact the transaction.
Operational Due Diligence
The Objective is to evaluate the operational efficiency and capabilities of the target company. Assessing the company’s operational processes, supply chain, production capabilities, and technology infrastructure. This helps in identifying any operational risks or areas for improvement.
Commercial Due Diligence
The Objective is to understand the market position and growth potential of the target company. Analyzing market trends, competitive landscape, customer base, and sales strategies. This helps in assessing the company’s market opportunities and strategic fit.
Environmental Due Diligence
The Objective is to evaluate the environmental impact and compliance of the target company. Reviewing environmental permits, assessing compliance with environmental regulations, and identifying potential environmental liabilities. This helps in understanding the environmental risks associated with the business.
The Due Diligence Process
Planning and Scoping:
Define the scope and objectives of the due diligence process.
Identify the key areas to be investigated and the resources required.
Develop a detailed plan outlining the steps and timeline for the due diligence process.
Information Gathering:
Collect relevant data and documents, such as financial statements, legal contracts, operational reports, and market research.
Conduct site visits, interviews with key personnel, and review public records to gather comprehensive information.
Analysis and Evaluation:
Analyze the collected information to identify any risks, liabilities, or opportunities.
Perform financial analysis, legal review, operational assessment, and market analysis to evaluate the target company.
Identify any red flags or areas that require further investigation.
Reporting and Documentation:
Prepare a detailed due diligence report summarizing the findings of the investigation.
Highlight any significant issues, risks, and opportunities identified during the due diligence process.
Provide recommendations for addressing any identified risks or concerns.
Decision Making:
Use the findings of the due diligence report to make informed decisions about the transaction.
Negotiate terms, adjust the purchase price, or decide whether to proceed with the deal based on the due diligence findings.
Ensure that all identified risks are addressed and mitigated before finalizing the transaction.
Importance of Due Diligence
Due diligence is crucial for several reasons:
Risk Mitigation: It helps in identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with a transaction, ensuring that any hidden liabilities or issues are uncovered before the deal is finalized.
Informed Decision Making: It provides a comprehensive understanding of the target company, enabling informed decision-making and ensuring that the transaction aligns with the strategic goals of the acquiring company.
Valuation Accuracy: It ensures that the transaction is accurately priced based on a thorough evaluation of the target company’s financial health, market position, and operational capabilities.
Compliance: It ensures that the target company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of future legal issues or penalties.
By conducting thorough due diligence, businesses can make more informed decisions, avoid potential pitfalls, and increase the likelihood of a successful transaction. It is a critical step in the investment and acquisition process that helps protect the interests of all parties involved.
SASAL is able to handle Commercial Due Diligence & Operational Due Diligence, which is called Business Due diligence. If there are questions please feel free to contact us.
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How to enter the global market
In the case of SASAL, INC, we started the global business to get the strategy job from the global. For example, to get international market research. Therefore, SASAL recommends that each corporation start its business at its capability. SASAL, INC is alive to make the synergy, so when a client hopes to glow in the New York market, SASAL, INC can support this by using current knowledge. Please feel free to contact us. Thank you.
SASAL Supports
SASAL, INC provides a counselor service to share knowledge as a strategy consulting firm.
The reason SASAL chose the United States. Starting a business in the United States offers numerous advantages, including access to a large and affluent market, a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, ample funding opportunities, a skilled workforce, strong government support, and a dynamic business environment. These factors collectively make the U.S. an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses.
Large Market Size
The United States boasts a population of over 330 million people, making it one of the largest consumer markets in the world. This vast market size provides businesses with access to a diverse and affluent customer base. Additionally, the U.S. has a high GDP per capita, indicating strong purchasing power among consumers. This combination of a large market and high purchasing power creates ample opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The U.S. is renowned for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Silicon Valley, for example, is a global hub for technology and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. The U.S. government and private sector both support innovation through funding, research grants, and a favorable regulatory environment. This culture encourages risk-taking and supports the development of new ideas and technologies, making it an ideal place for startups and innovative businesses.
Access to Capital
The financial system in the United States is highly developed, offering a wide range of funding options for businesses. Entrepreneurs can access venture capital, angel investors, and a robust stock market to raise funds for their ventures. Additionally, the U.S. government provides various grants and loans to support small businesses and startups. This access to capital is crucial for businesses looking to scale and expand their operations.
Skilled Workforce
The United States has a highly educated and skilled workforce, which is essential for business growth and innovation. The country is home to some of the world’s top universities and research institutions, providing a continuous pipeline of talent. Moreover, the U.S. attracts skilled professionals from around the globe, adding to the diversity and expertise of its workforce. This skilled labor force is a significant asset for businesses, enabling them to innovate and compete on a global scale.
Government Support
The U.S. government offers numerous incentives and support programs to encourage business development. These include tax benefits, grants, and loans designed to help businesses start and grow. Programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) provide resources, training, and support to entrepreneurs. Additionally, the regulatory environment in the U.S. is generally business-friendly, making it easier to start and operate a business.
Business Dynamism
The United States ranks highly in business dynamism, which includes factors such as the ease of starting a business, regulatory environment, and the ability to scale operations. The U.S. consistently performs well in global competitiveness rankings, thanks to its efficient markets, strong institutions, and innovative capacity. This dynamic business environment fosters continuous improvement and growth, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
Why the New York?
The reason SASAL chose New York. While New York does have higher business costs and taxes compared to some other states, the benefits of access to capital, a robust economy, a talented workforce, and a supportive business environment often outweigh these challenges.
Access to Capital: New York is home to a significant number of venture capital firms, angel investors, and financial institutions. This concentration of capital sources makes it easier for startups and growing businesses to secure the necessary funding. Whether you’re looking for seed funding or large-scale investments, New York offers a robust financial ecosystem that can support your business at various stages of growth.
Economic Hub: New York City, in particular, is a global economic powerhouse. It hosts the headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies and serves as a major center for industries such as finance, media, technology, and fashion. This economic vibrancy provides businesses with ample opportunities for networking, partnerships, and market expansion. The city’s infrastructure, including its transportation and communication networks, further supports business operations and logistics.
Talent Pool: The state of New York attracts a diverse and highly skilled workforce from around the world. This is partly due to its prestigious universities and colleges, which produce a steady stream of qualified graduates. Additionally, the city’s cultural diversity means businesses can benefit from a wide range of perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and creativity. Whether you need tech experts, creative professionals, or experienced managers, New York’s talent pool is one of its greatest assets.
Innovation and Collaboration: New York is a hub for innovation, with numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that support startups and entrepreneurs. The state also encourages collaboration between businesses and academic institutions, leading to the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. This environment of innovation is ideal for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve their products and services.
Support and Resources: The state of New York offers a variety of incentives and resources to help businesses succeed. These include tax credits, grants, and training programs designed to support business growth and development. Additionally, organizations such as the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) provide valuable guidance and support to entrepreneurs. These resources can help reduce the initial costs of starting a business and provide ongoing support as your business grows.
SASAL considers New York the most difficult place for business in the world. When we are able to continue the business in New York, SASAL thinks that we will be able to do business in other places as well. We make it important to try harder in the environment to support the client as a strategy consulting firm.
SASAL, INC is a strategy consulting firm. SASAL, INC thinks that to operate a corporation; every corporation needs a strategy consulting firm. A strategy consulting firm is a firm that gives the correct opinion based on the background of the corporation and leads the proper operation of the corporation.
Difference between the right strategy firm and others
There are differences between real strategy and desk strategy. SASAL, INC focuses on the real strategy. Real strategy is the strategy for getting sales and growing your corporation. It is not a strategy for explaining. SASAL, INC concentrates on the real strategy for each corporation. For example, when the client is a start-up, SASAL, INC provides sales advice for growing your corporation. When the client is a tier corporation, SASAL, INC is focused on the efficient way of operating the corporation. When the client asks the business to the strategy consulting firm, the client needs to consider whether the corporation is able to provide a real strategy or not.
What is a strategy consulting firm? Some say they make PowerPoint presentations, create documents, and listen to clients’ demands. SASAL, INC. thinks that an actual strategy consulting firm is focused on the client’s Future Value. A strategy consulting firm focused on making plans is just a bunch of workers.
SASAl, INC. thinks strategy consulting firms must focus on the client’s future value. For future value, you need to earn the sales correctly; after earning the money, you might like to contribute to the world.
In the one range of the contract to the one business corporation, sometimes a strategy consulting firm is forced to make a strategy document to win the other department in one corporation. However, that is not a real strategy consulting firm feature; the real strategy consulting firm’s figure is to grow the client’s future value. That also leads you to earn your current sales.
A strategy consulting firm needs to work on realizing the client’s KPI. That is not only making the document; the real strategy consulting firm’s figure is growing the client’s future value by using current knowledge, connections, resources, and others.
If you are considering asking a strategy consulting firm for a project, the first thing you need to see is the firm’s attitude. That also leads to true business future value and current value growth.
Significant problems for every consulting firm.
Before introducing our firm, we would like to share with you some of the challenges we have identified for consulting firms. Just as the needs of companies vary widely, so do the characteristics of consulting firms. Please note that we are not in any way denigrating other firms.
Corporate Structure Issues.
Some strategic consulting firms do not focus on employee development but instead earn revenue by subcontracting work to subcontractors or freelancers. In this business model, the client may end up training the subcontractor’s employees as if they were full-time employees. In the long run, SASAL believes that it is more efficient for companies to hire full-time employees rather than outsourcing to outside firms, even if the need arises to explore new areas that are not well known. In this case, SASAL’s services are more flexible than those of other consulting firms, and we are confident that we can help companies accumulate knowledge by hiring experts as full-time employees and accumulating knowledge in your company while we provide additional support in areas of expertise.
Proposal Issues
Basically, consulting firms submit a proposal after hearing your requirements.SASAL, on the other hand, basically states its costs upfront, just as retailers do. This is because we are confident in the range of services that we can provide at SASAL and can ensure a stable supply. We also want to be involved in the growth of each company for a long time by providing our clients with the right services at the right cost. Some consulting firms submit estimates even when the project members who will be handling the project do not have the knowledge to do so, utilizing past results and examples from other countries.SASAL is so confident in its services that it publishes service details and costs in advance to avoid the same problems.SASAL is so confident in its services that it posts service details and costs in advance to avoid the same situation.
Project Operational Issues.
The goal of each project is to achieve the goals of the proposal, and consulting firms tend to use outside firms when in-house expertise is lacking. In some cases, as much as 80% of a project may consist of subcontractors, and the composition of the firm will not come to light unless the client requests disclosure. In addition, subcontractors may be forced to act as if they are full-time employees on the project, which is a far cry from being honest with the client. When a strategy consulting firm relies on outside firms, the consulting firm is positioned as a department store rather than a repository of strategic knowledge, and we believe that contracting directly with experts rather than contracting with a department store is the right management approach. We believe that contracting directly with experts rather than with department stores is the right way to manage a company because contracting with experts with expertise not only keeps costs down but also allows a company to accumulate knowledge in-house because the information becomes clearer. Finally, if the company desires, the knowledge gained can be turned into a business as a service, not only reducing costs but also establishing the business as a profitable one, which can be recorded as sales.
Work Environment Issues
Consulting firms are generally considered to be hard-working. This is because the workload of the staff increases depending on the supervisor’s instructions, regardless of the value to the client. In many cases, the project lead does not understand the shortest distance to provide the deliverables described in the proposal documents, and in this case, instructions to subordinates are vague, resulting in an increase in unnecessary work. There are also cases where time is wasted because the supervisor is not in control of the task even though the subordinate’s workload is decreasing, or where the subordinate’s opinion, even if brilliant, is not reflected in the project and the value is finally recognized and reflected after being pointed out by the client. On the other hand, labor costs are not reflected in the client’s budget.SASAL focuses on making the hierarchy of the project structure as shallow as possible so that the client’s role in the project can be clearly defined.SASAL focuses on creating a clear role for the client by keeping the hierarchy of the project structure as shallow as possible in order to avoid unnecessary client budget wastage and to help clients spend more meaningfully and increase their corporate value.
Strategy Consulting firm’s values
For the Visitor of the Strategy Consulting Firm
Indeed, the expert is the director of every corporation; however, because they always consider their business, sometimes they forget about the broad insight. In that case, the knowledge of the consulting firm tends to give you the correct value. A strategy consulting firm is an extensive database of each corporation’s strategy knowledge. Primarily, when the director focuses on sales, sometimes they can’t see the right way of operation. In that case, SASAL, INC tells the correct opinion of the current employee instead of the employees and describes the proper operation.
For the Tier Corporation, which already makes contracts with consulting firm
Compared with other corporations, SASAL’s cost structure is really clear. Basically, consulting firms’ budgets are expensive, but the cost system is not transparent. That is because the cost comes from the occupancy of the human resources. In big corporations, people are accustomed to the high budget range. Still, by considering the proper operation, we can optimize by using the right method and by providing the appropriate knowledge.
SASAL’s Supports
SASAL Characteristic
Clear cost structure with in-house knowledge
At SASAL, we are aware of clear cost structures. In most cases, especially in the case of large companies, budgets are large, and most of them spend more than necessary without realizing it. In some cases, they continue to place orders unnecessarily due to past connections, and this use of money is not the essence of management. Proper management is to invest the right costs in the right places to increase corporate value.
In order for each company to eliminate unnecessary costs and invest in the right areas, we believe that when placing an order, each company’s full-time employees should not only be able to obtain quotes from other companies but should also be able to estimate costs appropriately with the proper knowledge.
U.S.-based Support Environment
SASAL is a strategy consulting firm headquartered in New York.SASAL’s internal language is English, and the company operates with a focus on local U.S. companies.SASAL focuses on U.S. sales as a U.S. company, so companies can gain a clearer global perspective by working with SASAL.SASAL is a U.S. company that focuses on U.S. sales.SASAL is an owner-operated company and can expand overseas with a very low budget compared to other major companies. In general, the cost of overseas expansion is considered to be enormous, and some companies give up on overseas expansion due to a lack of knowledge or budget constraints. On the other hand, SASAL is a small company that has accumulated a wealth of in-house knowledge and experience in the global marketplace.
Stable service composed entirely of permanent employees
SASAL focuses on hiring permanent employees and training personnel. In-house training is provided through materials shared with clients, allowing us to share appropriate solutions to client concerns. In addition, employees acquire the knowledge necessary for corporate management not only through textbook learning but also experientially through actual work in SASAL operations. Therefore, SASAL employees are able to perform practical work not only on the desk but also in the POC environment of SASAL itself, enabling them to provide clients with strategic support that has established results. In addition, SASAL’s services are structured so that all employees can provide the same level of service. We are not a BPO company but a strategic consulting company that accumulates knowledge within the company.
Counselor Service
SASAL offers a number of services. However, we recommend that all companies first sign up for our Counselor Service. This is because it is our most flexible and inexpensive service. In addition to 24/7 support, this service includes additional support for our clients.
The purpose of this service is to lower the communication hurdle between the strategic consulting firm and each company, which is generally expensive, and to help each company increase its corporate value. The annual cost is equivalent to one new employee and can be renewed on a monthly basis. When requesting SASAL, you will need to have at least one person at your company who can speak English. We hope that you will make effective use of SASAL to enhance your company’s overseas knowledge and increase your company’s value more quickly. Please click on the link below to complete the application. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Optimizing YouTube Views and Impressions in South Asia: Insights from Google Ads
When optimizing YouTube views and impressions in South Asia, it’s crucial to leverage data insights from your ad campaigns. Based on recent Google Ads performance results, several key trends emerge, guiding how to maximize viewership and impressions effectively.
1. Timing is Key
The “Day & Hour” data reveals that YouTube ads perform best during specific time windows. In South Asia, peak engagement occurs primarily in the early mornings (around 6-9 AM) and later in the evenings (8-10 PM). Ads during the weekend mornings also show noticeable spikes in performance. To optimize for maximum views, scheduling ads to align with these active hours will ensure higher engagement and potentially better ROI on your campaigns.
2. Targeting the Right Audience
Demographics play a critical role in determining who engages with your content. According to the “Demographics” chart, most views are coming from males aged 25-34, with females in the same age group also contributing significantly. Ads should be tailored to resonate with this core audience, focusing on content that speaks to their interests. Adjusting ad copy and creatives to target this demographic specifically can boost engagement rates.
3. Device Optimization
The “Devices” report indicates that 100% of ad interactions occur on mobile phones, with virtually no engagement on tablets or desktops. In South Asia, mobile usage dominates online activity, so it’s important to create mobile-optimized content. This includes ensuring that video ads load quickly on mobile networks, and the messaging is clear and concise for small screens.
4. Maximizing Views at Low Costs
Finally, the “Time Series” data highlights impressive results, with 700K impressions and 17.2K views at an average cost per view (CPV) of just $0.01. Maintaining a high volume of impressions at such a low CPV suggests a well-targeted and efficient ad strategy. To continue optimizing, monitoring view rates (currently 2.45%) and experimenting with different ad types or targeting parameters can help sharpen campaigns for even greater effectiveness.
By focusing on data-driven decisions—timing ads for high-traffic periods, targeting specific demographics, and prioritizing mobile optimization—you can significantly improve YouTube views and impressions in South Asia. Continuous tweaking based on performance insights will ensure ongoing success and greater returns on ad spend.
Embarking on my first internship experience ever, which is also happening in a foreign country was both thrilling and stressful. As a student from France, stepping into the work culture of Japan not only broadened my perspectives but also challenged me in ways I had never imagined. Working in a dynamic strategy consulting startup, I quickly realized that I would be navigating uncharted waters, both professionally and culturally. From day one, I was immersed in a whirlwind of activities that demanded versatility. My role in the back office required me to juggle a myriad of tasks— from administrative duties to promotional posts, recruiting skills or article writing and so on. Each day presents a new learning opportunity for me.
One of the most enriching aspects of my internship is the exposure to a new environment. Different from anything I have known so far, the work industry is teaching me patience, new skills and I am discovering more about the tasks I like and dislike. On top of my office work, I had to opportunity to start participating to events. Engaging with people from different backgrounds during events and meetings not only enhanced my interpersonal skills but also taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity in professional settings. I learned to communicate effectively across language barriers and learned to adapt my approach to suit different cultural norms as well as I learned more about business talks.
Throughout this journey, I found myself and -am still finding myself- constantly pushing boundaries and gaining confidence by stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it is about being creative and taking initiatives or fulfilling precise tasks, I learned the valuable lesson of putting myself out there and seizing opportunities I had never considered before.
Working in a startup environment also provided unique insights into the entrepreneurial industry. I believe that the opportunity to work in a small cooperation is not given to everyone and it makes a clear difference. Working for a start up forces one to develop a multitude of skills. Unlike in a big company where each section of the work is managed by a team of specialists, a start up requires its employees to be present on every front. From the human resources to the technological matters, everyone has to help in every domain. This need of taking care of every aspect of the business allowed me to develop many skills all at once as well as to improve myself in multitasking and in organizing my schedule.
Throughout this internship, I am expected to report hourly on the work I am doing. At the end of each day, a daily report with the tasks accomplished, the progress made, the considerations etc. is expected which asks for a real discipline from me and an impeccable organization. This aspect of reporting my work hourly was a new challenge for me as I had never been faced to anything similar before. Culturally speaking, it was also an adaptation for me as this practise is proper to the Japanese work ethic and is very different from what is done in France.
Moreover, learning from mistakes became a cornerstone of my internship experience. In a startup, where resources are often limited, every decision carries weight. I embraced failures as opportunities for growth, understanding that resilience and adaptability are key to navigating the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship. Spending my first internship experience in a start up is a great opportunity for me and as my internship continues, I wish to develop even more skills and to learn more about the career I would like to pursue.
Japanese business culture emphasizes hierarchy, respect, and long-term relationships, with indirect communication and consensus-driven decision-making. In contrast, Western business cultures, like those in the US and Europe, are more egalitarian, direct, and focused on efficiency and immediate results. Understanding these differences can enhance international business interactions.
One Story of the SASAL, INC’s Intern
As an Intern from overseas in SASAL, INC, the question of why I decided to look for an internship in Japan is relevant. In this article, I wish to express some of the personal yet essential reasons for which Japan, and Tokyo, felt like the right place for me to be.
Long-Time Goal
It is true that I have always been attracted to bigger cities. The idea of living in a dynamic, urban metropolis is a long-time goal of mine. Sadly the reality is far more cruel. With crowds and wide spaces often comes danger. Having visited Paris quite a few times, I felt this constant insecurity there and I could not help but associate this feeling with the general case of major cities. When I had the opportunity to move to Japan for studying, my first thought was to avoid Tokyo at all cost. As much as I wanted to go there, this fear of feeling oppressed and endangered seemed to be stronger than my long-time dream of experiencing capital cities. Cost wise as well, after discussing it with my parents, it seemed safer to start in a smaller city of Japan.
How did I still end up I Tokyo you would ask ? Well, when I was choosing among the different universities I could study in, I came across the prestigious Keio University and, despite being in Tokyo, I decided to check its program for international students. Their courses program was completely fitting with what I had been looking for : their classes choices were various and the possibility to rent a room in a dorm etc. appeared to be very convenient. After further thinking, I decided to apply to Keio University as my first choice.
➞ This is how I ended up in the most-populated city on Earth.
Getting Closer To The Dream
The reason for wishing to study in a Japanese university in the first place comes from the fact that I did a bachelor’s focused on languages, both English and Japanese. I had built a strong interest in the Japanese language in high school and wished to have it be my main focus at university. I chose this bachelor program in particular because of the opportunity it offers to study the entire third year abroad. My main focus being Japanese, it seemed more than logical to apply to Japanese universities.
Due to the world pandemic, I was unable to flight to Japan for the full length of my study at Keio University. I did the full first semester from my room in France, on my computer, adapting to Japan’s standard time. This period was discouraging as I was finally studying at a prestigious Japanese university, but I was not able to physically put a foot in Japan. Thankfully, the situation improved a bit, and as soon as Japan announced the opening of its frontiers, I was at the Japanese Embassy in Paris, asking for a visa. In less than two weeks, everything was ready, and I was finally flying to the land of Mount Fuji. I was able to complete the final semester of my bachelor’s on the campuses of Keio University.
➞ This is when my particular interest for Tokyo started to really grow.
Second Chapter in Japan
As I was spending my semester in Keio University and discovering the beauties of Japan, I was also applying to masters back in my home country. I wanted to specialize in International Trade while keeping my focus on languages. This is when I came across the master I am currently in. What attracted me -and fairly every other candidate who applied- was the fact that the second year of master’s had to be done entirely overseas. With Japanese being my main focus, my application for studying in Japan was top priority among every other masters. My first experience in Keio and in Tokyo had been so enriching that I had been looking forward to going back there as soon as I could. After going through the whole application process as well as the interviews with my school etc. everything was set and ready to be sent to Keio University and all I could do was to wait for their answer.
➞ Mid-June, the results came in and I was going back to where I left off. It was the happiest news.
An Opportunity to Stay Longer ?
While I was doing my 2nd year of master’s first semester in Keio University, I started looking for internships all over the world but mostly in Tokyo. Tokyo really became home to me and I was not ready to say goodbye to this city again. After long and perilous efforts, I finally found a company that would take me in for my mandatory internship – SASAL, INC – and which would allow me to pursue my stay in Tokyo.
Having met lots of exchange students throughout my semester in Keio University, I often encountered the case of individuals being happy with their experience abroad but feeling homesick and wishing to go back home. A single semester or a school year is usually more than enough for most students and they are actually happy and should-I-say relieved to get back home after their time abroad. However, in my case, this has never been a sentiment I felt. The longer I stay, the happier I seem to become. This is the reason for which I believe Tokyo is the home I have been longing for. I often get asked about my family and whether it is hard to be separated and so far away for that long.. but the answer is no. As an adult, I am able to achieve the goals I have set for myself and regarding my family, we communicate daily and not being all-over each other constantly definitely brings people even closer.
Then why Japan ?
So to answer the question of why Japan, and in my specific case : why Tokyo ? Simply because it felt just right. Tokyo has welcomed me like no other city has and it has helped me unknot links I had built in my mind for years about big cities and it is mostly allowing me to live this all-time dream of mine with all the safety I require to be appeased. Tokyo has been nothing but security. I have been able to reconcile with crowded places and to even find myself enjoying them more than quieter places at times. The feeling of safety that Tokyo procures is like no other. On top of the feeling of security, Tokyo has offered me freedom. It is a great city where to spend one’s youth. I have been able to make meaningful connections thanks to my studies at Keio University. Tokyo is a very dynamic city and it has something to offer to everyone. Whether one likes art, music, prefers urban places or quiet parks ; wants to pursue its passion or is simply trying to enjoy its time ; Tokyo makes everyone belong. Moreover, we cannot deny that Tokyo really is the prettiest city there is -definitely not a biased statement-.
The Japanese population has also welcomed me so kindly. Even if I was not always able to properly express what I needed, everyone has always been super nice and helpful to me, regardless of the situation. I never felt judged or felt like I particularly stood out, even if I am a foreigner. A metropolis like Tokyo is more welcoming that smaller places and it is full of new things to discover constantly.
➞ For all of these main reasons, and others I am yet discovering, Tokyo just feels like home to me and is the place where I want to be right now. I am beyond grateful for SASAL, INC to have offered me the opportunity to do my internship in its company and to start my working experience in Japan.
You may know SASAL, INC as your strategy consulting firm, but do you actually know who is behind it? In this CEO Interview, discover more about who created SASAL INC, what its origins are, and what its goals are.
Actually, I don’t think anyone knows that, mostly if Japanese is not a language one understands, but SASAL comes from the Japanese term “sasaeru” (支える), which means “to support.” As a strategy consultant, my primary goal is always to support and assist my clients the best way I can with each problem they may encounter, so I named my company SASAL.
CEO Background
I was born in Miyazaki, Japan, and I have been interested in the global culture ever since I was young. My family was poor because my father built his corporation because of layoffs; however, his business didn’t work well. Therefore, there was not much of a learning environment, and sometimes I got hives throughout my examination season. Through this, I thought I did not want to put my future children through the same financial situation I had lived in after growing up. In conclusion, I am grateful to my parents for bringing me up to be a self-reliant person. After studying in Kumamoto, I started my university career at Hiroshima University after studying as a gap year student. During my time at the University, I had several part-time jobs and realized that even if I worked hard, I would not be able to get enough money. I need to manage my daily life with part-time fees because there is no allowance from my parents. Therefore, I had to earn money to cover my living expenses. Through this activity, I realized if I became a full-time job, I would not get much money. For this reason, while still a student, I decided to build my own company in the future.
For those reasons, I started my first career in a small corporation to acquire the skills of a small business, and then I moved to Accenture. Generally, in a consulting firm, transfer between departments is hard, but in my case, I didn’t apply overtime fees in my mind & worked harder; fortunately, I got an invitation, and I’m extending my career beyond the department. I tried IT consulting in this company and then transferred to Strategy Project. In the Strategy Project, I made a strategy proposal for each client through research and used the already established financial model to calculate the Future Value and Current Value of the corporation. Fortunately, I was able to work with the Managing Director of the Strategy department, which was really intelligent for me because they have a lot of knowledge. However, I felt there was no opportunity to expand my international career, so I left the corporation and built an incorporation in the US. I’m not an intelligent career, and sometimes more knowledgeable people deny me; I know already about that; however, I’m able to change the future by myself, and I have the toughness to learn. For me, everything is a continuous learning experience, and even if my title becomes CEO, that is just a title; I would like to keep working hard and never forget my attitude toward learning.
US CEO Mindset
The number of Japanese CEO in the United States is low. According to LinkedIn information, that rate is estimated at around 660. That is 0.0005% (US Japanese CEO / Japanese Population), including Japanese Americans. Therefore, the actual rate will be smaller. While Asians, including Japanese, comprise a significant portion of non-white CEOs in the U.S., they still represent a small fraction of the overall CEO population. In 2024, Asians accounted for 55% of non-white CEOs at Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. However, this includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, not just Japanese.
As a pure Japanese person, I want to be a leading person in the United States market. I’m a native Japanese. I’ve never been abroad as an exchange student, and I’m not highly educated; however, if you have a goal, you can achieve it. I’ll continue to challenge the United States market as a businessperson.
After I started my business in the United States, the opportunity to talk with Americans will increase. Americans are very casual and kind compared with the Japanese; actually, in my understanding, Americans are able to share kindness naturally compared with the Japanese. They tell us their demand directly; therefore, I don’t need to waste time because of the ambiguous communication like Japanese. They always tell us their opinions directly. Therefore, I’m able to communicate with them with respect.
SASAL, INC Mindset
SASAL, INC. pays attention to the clear cost. Consulting firms generally decide that the cost depends on the current corporation’s situation and client budget. That is not formal, and in the worst case, they show the proposal, but that is past or so different region’s past case. But they didn’t show this to the client. SASAL, INC pays attention to the clear cost system and value to the client. Hence, SASAL shows the cost on our webpage for contracting the same cost to each client. When SASAL proposes the new proposal as a corporation to the corporation, we also pay attention to the proposal. SASAL shows this proposal to the client on the webpage by templating ahead for the clear cost system. Thank you.
SASAL, INC would like to be a real strategy consulting company. SASAL doesn’t need capital like investment corporations because it wants to grow its client corporation through honest support. SASAL, INC is not an investment company; however, our minds come from an investment company. To respect the direction of each corporation, SASAL would like to provide a strong strategy product that depends on each corporation’s phase to maximize synergy. SASAL’s strategy product is calculated in each corporation’s phase; therefore, when you can pay the money for the particular product, your corporation becomes bigger. If you share the capital with the Found, sometimes you must change the corporation’s direction for capital reasons. Some investment companies do not have much knowledge, but they pretend to be professional compared with the invested company because they have the money as a corporation. In that case, if the invested corporation gets the money from the investment after that, they need to teach the investor that it is a waste of time. In addition, as a strategy firm, they really lack the knowledge when the corporation tries new business. In that case, even if the corporation gets the investment from the fund, the invested corporation cannot handle the money, which means the plan will break. In that case, the only thing left is a lack of trust; to escape that, SASAL would like to give the true knowledge, which means the knowledge of the” power to make money.” As a true strategy consulting firm, SASAL operates with the mind of an investment company.
Also, SASAL’s Value Chain comes from software corporations. After the CEO operated the corporation, SASAL made contracts with Google and Microsoft. Microsoft’s customer service is excellent; the client can work with Microsoft employees for only $100. For the client only paying $100/month, we are able to get 24×7 support, which is excellent. That is realized because the client is already paying for strong Microsoft products instead of the human resource fee like consulting. Therefore, by providing a strong product, SASAL, INC would like to operate a strategy consulting firm like a software corporation. I know there is a hierarchy in consulting firms or other corporations; however, essentially, all people are equal because the value of humans will change because of the demand following the place.
FUTURE & GOALS
Unfortunately, the international presence of Asia is low. I wish to do business with Americans, so in the future, I would like to have more business relationships with Listing Corporations in the US (e.g., NYSE, Nasdaq). While operating my business, I figured that so many problems would last long until resolved. The main thing I realized was that each problem always comes from a human. Working with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and so on widened my perspective on my issues. It helped me find solutions in ways I would have never thought about if I had stayed focused solely on my ideas.
Letter for everyone
Now everyone knows SASAL is a small corporation. Every corporation started small. Therefore, I’m really interested in the future figures of SASAL, INC. Looking back, I can see the progress and everything I have built. In the future, I wish to grow even more, not only in terms of notoriety but humanly. I am looking forward to employing more people from various backgrounds and with common goals as mine, as well as developing more skills along the way. SASAL, INC is on its way to becoming something big. I can sense it, and I wish to thank those who trust it and who believe in this project. Our corporation wishes to help clients increase their own value. It is our mission.
On July 19th, Friday 2024, I have attended my first business event as a SASAL INC Intern. bThis event was the Start Up World Cup, during which various start up companies were introducing their concepts and presenting their ideas.Start Up World Cup
As a start up itself, it is important for SASAL INC to attend events such as this one in order to discover more corporations which are in the same situation and it is always a good way to promote SASAL INC even more.
The event took place in a prestigious hotel in the district of Roppongi, in Tokyo. Several events were held on that same day, but I attended the one where we could go from booth to booth to discover the diverse start-ups. I had the opportunity to discuss with various start-up representatives who introduced me to their work and how they came to develop their ideas. The majority of the start-ups I encountered were focused on AI and on the use of new technologies such as robots, etc. Each start-up had approximately three representatives, and they were all available to answer our questions and to explain the functions and goals of their company.
Throughout this event, I went to nearly every single booth and listened to everyone’s ideas. I was able to exchange with lots of hard-working individuals who are driven by the will to make their ideas become reality. Those start ups all seemed to have a common goal, which was to propose a product or service that could ease the life or the work of their clients.
What I Have Learned From This Event
There was a big Pokémon displayed in the entrance of the hotel
As a first experience, I really enjoyed attending this event. By communicating with various people from different backgrounds with diversified ideas and ambitions, I was able to put my own goals and thoughts into perspective. During this event, I was able to meet new people who I would have never had the chance to interact with if it was not for attending this Start-Up World Cup event. These interactions allowed me to practice my Japanese speaking skills as well as to learn how people communicate in casual business settings. It was encouraging to see that despite the disparities, everyone seemed to have the same goal, which was simply to succeed in the work industry. I applaud the courage each person has to come forward in this competitive scene by spreading their concept and working their way up.
It is also a good way to develop social skills and confidence by promoting the company I work for and by accepting that my name will be associated with my business ambitions. As a first offline event experience, I believe the Start-Up World Cup was very appropriate. Now that I attended my first event, I have more knowledge on how these work and I am ready to attend new events.
Only Networking
Yurino.Sakamoto
I joined this event twice; in this event, there is a time 1 on 1 talk with attendees. And the operator of this event is so kind so I felt something hometown. For the person who would like to have casual networking time, I recommend this event.
