Bridging India and Japan Through Innovation, Trust, and Tech Leadership

"Embrace the marathon, not the sprint. Japan rewards partners who show up prepared, listen actively, and iterate collaboratively."

Dr. Jayant Kumar at the IJBC Business Conference in Chennai

Bangalore/ Tokyo, July 23 2025.

For over three decades, Dr. Jayant Kumar has stood at the forefront of India-Japan business collaboration—an influential figure whose career exemplifies the fusion of cultural insight, entrepreneurial courage, and strategic execution. With a foundation rooted in Japanese studies and fluency in the language, Jayant has evolved from a cultural interpreter into a business visionary, driving billion-dollar outcomes through cross-border ventures and innovation.

As the founding force behind key Japanese enterprises in India—TechnoPro India, NIDEC Advance Technologies India, and his strategic leadership at Capgemini Japan—he has pioneered transformative initiatives in EV R&D, AI-based mobility, and digital product innovation. His journey is not just about launching successful businesses; it’s about building enduring trust, adapting to deeply rooted cultural systems, and crafting win-win models of cooperation.

A mentor to startups, a trusted advisor to global corporations, and a thought leader in Indo-Japanese collaboration, Jayant has also facilitated major innovation ecosystems by connecting Japan, India, and Israel in a powerful "Golden Triangle" of technology exchange.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Jayant Kumar reflects on his remarkable journey—from decoding Japan’s business ethos in the early ’90s to shaping the future of Indo-Japanese innovation partnerships.

His insights serve as a practical playbook for entrepreneurs, policy shapers, and future leaders navigating global markets, particularly in the nuanced and opportunity-rich landscape of Japan.

When did you first consider Japan as a destination for business, and why?

I began seriously exploring Japan in early 1991, shortly after my Masters in Japanese Studies from University of Delhi. And lately leading HMI R&D platforms for Tier-1 European and Japanese automotive OEMs prompted me to look towards Japan more seriously with Technology Transfer approach. Witnessing Japan’s unwavering commitment to precision engineering and customer-first innovation convinced me that this market aligned perfectly with my vision for my venture.

Japan’s reputation for innovation, precision, and a strong business ecosystem made it an attractive destination for me early in my entrepreneurial journey. I was particularly drawn to Japan’s commitment to quality, technological advancement, and long-term business relationships. The country’s stable economy, respect for craftsmanship, and growing openness to global startups further reinforced my decision to establish a presence here. Additionally, Japan’s strategic position in Asia offers access to a sophisticated market while serving as a gateway to other regional opportunities.

Key factors that influenced my decision:

• Robust ecosystem of suppliers and specialized talent, especially in semiconductor and mobility tech

• Government incentives for advanced R&D and startup collaboration (e.g., JETRO programs)

• Cultural emphasis on continuous improvement (“kaizen”) and zero-defect quality

• Strategic proximity to global automotive and electronics champions, enabling faster go-to-market

  
  
  
  

How has this journey reshaped your perspective as an entrepreneur?

Working in Japan has profoundly shaped my approach to business. The emphasis on patience, trust-building, and meticulous attention to detail has taught me the value of long-term thinking over quick wins. Japanese business culture prioritizes harmony (wa), consensus-building, and deep respect for partners and customers—principles that have made me a more thoughtful and relationship-driven entrepreneur.

Living here has also given me a greater appreciation for discipline, continuous improvement (kaizen), and the balance between tradition and innovation. Adapting to Japan’s work culture has made me more resilient, adaptable, and mindful of cross-cultural nuances—skills that are invaluable in today’s globalized business world.

What I’ve learned firsthand:

• The power of consensus: decisions are slower but far more resilient once all stakeholders engage

• Kaizen culture: incremental improvements every day build massive competitive advantages over time

• Respect for process: detailed documentation and rigorous testing reduce risk and accelerate scale

• Customer empathy: Japanese clients often articulate unspoken needs; active listening is paramount

This mindset shift—from rapid iteration at any cost to disciplined, durable growth—has become central to how I structure teams, product roadmaps, and investor relations.

Is it challenging for an Indian entrepreneur to build trust in Japan?

Trust is the cornerstone of business in Japan, and while building it takes time—especially as a foreign entrepreneur—it is far from impossible. Japanese professionals value reliability, consistency, and demonstrated commitment. Initially, there may be cautiousness, but showing respect for local customs, delivering on promises, and maintaining transparency can bridge cultural gaps.

Networking through industry events, introductions (shōkai), and partnerships with local entities can accelerate trust-building. Learning basic Japanese and understanding business etiquette (e.g., exchanging business cards properly, punctuality) also goes a long way. Over time, mutual respect and shared goals forge strong, lasting relationships.

Over and above “TRUST” in Japan is earned through consistency, humility, and mutual respect rather than assumed by contract. While cultural and language barriers exist, they’re surmountable:

• Consistency in delivery (on time, on spec) fosters credibility

• Humble communication—leaning into local customs like exchanging business cards (meishi)—demonstrates respect

• Patience in relationship building outperforms aggressive pitching; informal lunches and after-work izakaya conversations can seal bonds

• Engaging a local advisor or hiring bilingual staff bridges high-context communication gaps

By embedding these practices, Indian entrepreneurs not only overcome initial skepticism but often find Japanese partners becoming their staunchest advocates.

What advice would you give Indian startups eyeing the Japanese market?

Japan represents a high-value opportunity for deep-tech, mobility solutions, and chip design—but success hinges on cultural fluency and strategic alignment. Practical tips:

1. Build Relationships First: Focus on trust and personal connections before pushing for deals. Attend networking events and seek local mentors.

2. Adapt to Business Etiquette: Politeness, formality, and punctuality matter. Study norms like gift-giving, meeting protocols, and hierarchical communication.

3. Leverage Local Partnerships: Collaborate with Japanese firms or advisors to navigate regulatory, linguistic, and cultural barriers.

4. Prioritize Quality & Reliability: Japanese clients expect excellence in deliverables and after-service support. Under promise and overdeliver.

5. Learn the Language Basics: Even simple Japanese phrases show respect and effort, easing daily interactions.

6. Invest time in nemawashi (groundwork) before formal proposals—seek informal feedback to refine your pitch.

7. Demonstrate commitment to quality: share rigorous test reports and prototypes to showcase your zero-defect ethos.

8. Learn basic Japanese phrases and etiquette: punctuality, polite greetings, and modesty go a long way.

9. Adapt product roadmaps to local needs: incorporate Japanese safety standards and user-interface conventions.

10. Leverage government and industry consortiums (e.g., METI, JAMA) to fast-track introductions.

    
    

Japan is a market where perseverance and cultural sensitivity unlock immense opportunities. For those willing to invest time and respect into understanding its unique landscape, the rewards—both professionally and personally—are extraordinary.

Above all, embrace the marathon, not the sprint. Japan rewards partners who show up prepared, listen actively, and iterate collaboratively.