Episode 30 Remain Active throughout My Life

Spirit of “I am old enough, and what comes next?”
Shaping my original aspirations A series of interesting discoveries

In addition to contributing to the introduction of Information Technology, or IT in the field, there is one more thing we focused on when we developed the iPad apps to help improve intellectual productivity. Our intention was to enable people working separately in different locations to use it as a team. We felt this was also essential to unlocking the full potential of the new computer, which can be used whenever and wherever we want.

Based on this concept, we have developed our own proprietary servers and applications, and have come up with a product named “Share” that enables high-speed information sharing without compromising resolution.

The product soon became widely used in a variety of applications, one of which is “ClassRoom”. Since our days at JustSystems, we have been focusing on the field of product development for schools. To our delight, the product was well received and won the e-Learning Award from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award.

There is one thing that makes me much prouder than the honor of receiving the award. When all schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, people were grateful to us as they were able to have classes at home that were just like school. Needless to say, it is a great pleasure for me, Hatsuko, and our employees to be able to support children who will lead the next generation.

I think the early focus on the innovation of the iPad and the drastic change in our direction from developing short video streaming apps had a tremendous effect. When I founded MetaMoJi with Hatsuko and the team of engineers, I thought, “I hope we can work on something interesting again,” but when we actually got started, it was a series of interesting discoveries. “eYACHO” and “ClassRoom” are just part of them, and there are too many to introduce here.

My thoughts have not changed at all from when we introduced “Ichitaro” to the world back in the days of JustSystems. As I have mentioned several times in previous episodes, It’s all about contributing to increasing the intellectual productivity of the Japanese people. I believe that I have continued to give shape to these aspirations one by one, even after I founded MetaMoji.

If there is one thing that has changed since the days of JustSystems, it is the desire to stay involved in product development. As the company grows larger, the president inevitably becomes overwhelmed with work related to company operations other than product development. To put it bluntly, it’s like a “large-scaled handyman.” It was boring for someone like me.

I will turn 73 years old this May. I started JustSystems at the age of 30 and founded MetaMoji at the age of 60. However, I feel that my heart has not changed in the slightest. There is no need to act like an adult, saying, “I’m too old for this”. What is important is the spirit to keep challenging myself, thinking “I am old enough, so what am I going to do next?”

Unlike company employees, entrepreneurs do not have a retirement age. I have so many things I still want to do, like, “I want to do this, and I want to do that”. With this consistent desire, Hatsuko and I have worked together to get to this point. And that will never change.

I have mentioned several times previously that I likened my life to the flow of the Yoshino River when I was young. I am still in the midst of that current. It is no different than it was more than 40 years ago when I decided to start my own business. I throw in a wood called “the company” into the flow of the mighty river, straddle that wood, and paddle it with my hands to realize the dream I envisioned. To achieve my dream, I will continue paddling desperately with my hands, trying to move ahead of the current. I guess that is who I am.

I will remain active throughout my life. I am not sure what the future holds, but I want to stay in this current with Hatsuko and keep on paddling with enthusiasm. That is my life.

End

The story of Mr. Kunio Noro, Special Advisor to Komatsu Ltd., will begin tomorrow.

The author and wife Hatsuko,
attending a meeting
from Miyakojima Island (in March)