🎤 Introduction
In this episode, we connect with Keisuke Goto, Founder and CEO of Ramune Inc., a platform and community dedicated to empowering foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. Keisuke shares his journey from a Tokyo-based software project manager who moved to California for five years, to starting Ramune remotely to provide vital back-office support and digital insurance to the Japanese market. We discuss his community-building strategy, the distinct startup cultures of Fukuoka and Kumamoto, and his ambitious project to launch a Digital Nomad Hub in Kumamoto. Keisuke also explains the crucial need for in-person networking, the personal motivation of an entrepreneur, and the ultimate vision behind Ramune to help foreign businesses thrive and contribute to a more open, diverse Japanese society.
🎯 In This Episode:
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00:00:00 – Introduction: Keisuke Goto, Founder & CEO of Ramune Inc.
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00:01:49 – Career Journey: From Tokyo Software Manager to California & Launching Ramune
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00:05:12 – Early Mistakes: Why Meeting Customers in Person is Crucial for an Online Business
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00:07:31 – Shifting Focus: Building a Global Community for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan
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00:10:18 – Startup Vibes: Comparing Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Kumamoto’s Ecosystems
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00:12:04 – New Project: Launching a Digital Nomad Hub in Kumamoto
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00:14:28 – The Ramune Platform: Back-Office Services, Mentoring, and Co-Building with Experts
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00:17:48 – International Market Comparison: Why Ramune’s Service is Needed in Japan (Not the US)
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00:21:00 – Hobbies & Personal Growth: From Mountain Climbing to Learning Acting
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00:25:00 – Entrepreneur Motivation: The Importance of Doing What You Love
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00:28:07 – Advice for New Founders: The Crucial Need for a Clear Vision
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00:29:41 – The Ramune Vision: Broadening Japanese Society Through Global Entrepreneurship
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00:33:06 – Final Thoughts & The Meaning Behind the Name “Ramune” (Lemonade Stand)
🌐 Guest Info
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Keisuke Goto – Founder & CEO at Ramune Inc.
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🌐 Website → https://ramune.co.jp/
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🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisuke-goto/
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