Interview

Codo's Insights, Interview

Interview | Yuka Amano, Director

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What does it truly mean for a business to create value for investors, for society, and for the people within it? Yuka Amano, Director at Codo Advisory and Investment Team Director for the Japan Evolution Fund, has spent her career working at the intersection of these questions. Having sat on both sides of the investor-entrepreneur relationship, she brings a rare perspective to impact investing in regional Japan. In this interview, we spoke with Ms. Amano about bridging the gap between businesses and investors, the hidden strengths of Kyushu’s owner-led companies, and why lasting change ultimately comes down to people.

Biodiversity, Codo's Insights, Interview

Interview | Takao Hayashi, Rice Paddy Sommelier

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Japan’s rice paddies are home to a diverse range of living creatures. One person dedicated to sharing the beauty of this ecosystem and protecting it is “Rice Paddy Sommelier” Takao Hayashi. Originally working as a designer, he became interested in biodiversity in rice paddies after learning about the endangered status of the medaka (Japanese rice fish). This led him to fully commit to environmental conservation efforts. For over 20 years, he has been bridging agriculture and nature conservation, developing unique initiatives such as the “Biodiversity Improvement Points Certification.” In this interview, we spoke with Mr. Hayashi about his journey as a “Rice Paddy Sommelier”, his passion for biodiversity, and his vision for the future.

Codo's Insights, Interview

Interview | Ulysses Aoki, Senior Managing Director

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Ulysses Aoki is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in the field of sustainability. Starting his career in consulting, he has led projects for major domestic and international corporations while also contributing his expertise to unicorn companies and impact investment funds. Leveraging his extensive knowledge and diverse perspectives, he has recently joined Codo Advisory, taking on new challenges ahead. In this interview, we delve into what inspired him to pursue a career in sustainability, the highlights of his professional journey so far, and his vision for the future at Codo.