Putting Chemical Knowledge to Work at the Forefront of Japan-China Trade

CAREER

2015: Graduated from Tianjin University, School of Chemical Engineering

2015– 2016: Research Student, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

2018: M.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

2018–: Joined HighChem as a Sales Representative

Why HighChem

Why Did You Decide to Join HighChem?

Until the spring of my second year of graduate school, I had planned to pursue a Ph.D. However, as I watched my classmates interact with chemical manufacturers and other companies through their job searches, I began to consider employment as another option. I was looking for a career where I could put my knowledge of chemistry, my area of study, as well as my Japanese and Chinese language skills to use. That was when I discovered HighChem online. I was drawn to the company because of the wide range of its business and its role as a bridge between Japan and China in the chemical trade.

You could have pursued research at a university or manufacturer. Why did you choose HighChem’s “Technical Sales” role?

Rather than pursuing a career in research, I wanted to build my career in the business world. As a science graduate who speaks both Japanese and Chinese, I wanted a job that would allow me to interact with a wide range of people. I felt that HighChem’s “Technical Sales” role was the ideal fit for me.

Another major factor was what I learned during the interview about the possibility of being assigned or transferred to China in the future. I was told that such opportunities were very unlikely, which was important to me because I wanted to know whether I could continue living in Japan in the long term.

Responsibilities

What Does Your Current Role Involve?

I mainly handle trade-related operations, including the import and export of chemical products between Japan and China. In particular, I work with high-value-added fine chemicals, such as raw materials and additives for resins. My responsibilities include sales activities such as negotiating quality and pricing and conducting market research, as well as providing technical services, including OEM support. While my main focus is managing existing customer accounts, I also introduce new products and develop new customers.

Do You Feel That Your Scientific Knowledge from University Is Useful in Your Current Role?

Having a basic knowledge of chemistry makes it easier for me to understand the potential applications of products based on their names and chemical formulas, which I find helps facilitate communication with customers. For chemical products, quality is also an important factor in negotiations. When there is a gap in quality expectations between a manufacturer and a customer, I can draw on my knowledge to help identify the cause and find a solution.

What Do You Find Rewarding About Your Work at HighChem?

When a project was held up because of a technical issue, I found it very rewarding to use my knowledge to solve the problem and help move the project forward. I feel that applying my scientific knowledge to my day-to-day sales activities not only allows me to have deeper negotiations with customers, but also opens up new directions for the business.

What Do You Value Most in Your Work?

Integrity.
Because my work involves working with many people to move projects forward, I believe that building good relationships is essential, both inside and outside the company. I always try to create an environment where everyone can work comfortably together, whether it is with customers, team members, or colleagues at our China offices. I have always enjoyed talking with people, and integrity has long been one of my core values when it comes to building strong relationships with others.

Can You Tell Us About an Experience That Made You Realize How Much You Had Grown?

The first was when I was in my third year at HighChem and began managing my own customer accounts and taking responsibility for sales targets. This was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when our usual sales approaches no longer worked. By discussing the situation with my manager, I was able to develop my own approach to sales. I believe this was a turning point when I significantly improved my skills as a salesperson.

The second was my experience working on an OEM project outside of my regular sales activities. Through the manufacturing of OEM products, I was able to learn the entire process of how the products we handle are developed and eventually brought to market. As a member of a chemical trading company, this was a valuable experience that gave me a much deeper understanding of the business.

Daily Schedule

09：00: Arrive at the office and check emails

10：00: Visit customers (1–2 companies on average)

12：00: Lunch break

13：00: Return to the office. Check emails, attend internal meetings, prepare documents, confirm deliveries, handle phone calls, and more
*Phone calls typically take around 30 minutes to 1 hour per day.

18：00: Leave the office

Business trip cases

Overseas business trips are approximately once every 2–3 months, mainly to visit suppliers and customers in China, while domestic business trips are approximately once every 1–2 months, mainly for customer visits, inventory checks at warehouses, and visits to customers’ regional factories.

workplace

What Is the Culture and Work Environment Like at HighChem?

I feel that employees at HighChem have a great deal of autonomy in their work. This contributes to the company’s rapid growth, and I have also had the opportunity to learn a lot and feel myself growing every day.

I also find the workplace very open and welcoming. Regardless of department or age, people can communicate with each other easily, and there is an environment where I can seek advice not only about work but also about various other matters.

What Is Your Favorite Employee Benefit?

One thing I appreciate is that it is easy to take time off, and we can also discuss working from home when needed.

Another is the exercise subsidy program. I actively participate in it and try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day on average each month. Thanks to the program, I sometimes find myself walking 20,000–30,000 steps over the weekend without even realizing it.