Haruka S.

Project Coordinator, Energy Specialist, and People Specialist

Taito City, Japan

Experience

Jan 2021 - Dec 2024
4 years
Japan

Project Coordinator, Energy Specialist, and People Specialist

Kraken Technologies Japan G.K.

  • Played a key role as the sole Japanese liaison during the company’s launch, facilitating communication between Kraken Technologies and joint venture partner Tokyo Gas, translating and interpreting key materials to ensure seamless collaboration between local and international teams.
  • Conducted comprehensive testing of the website and provided actionable feedback to English-speaking engineers to ensure the product met local standards and expectations before service launch.
  • Served as an Energy Specialist after service launch, providing exceptional customer support and driving product improvements based on user feedback to enhance the customer experience.
  • Worked closely with foreign engineers to provide feedback on system issues and collaborate on the localization of Kraken’s product for the Japanese market, ensuring functionality aligned with local preferences.
  • Led administrative and operational startup activities for Kraken’s Japan branch, including vendor management, visa support for foreign employees, payroll processing, social security setup, and tax compliance.
  • Managed all aspects of office setup, including establishing company phone lines, creating official email accounts, purchasing essential equipment, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the new office.
  • Maintained continuous communication with Kraken’s UK headquarters and APAC teams to align on business needs, ensuring consistent execution of strategies and operations across regions.
  • Oversaw HR and labor-related matters, establishing robust systems for employee onboarding, benefits administration, and legal compliance.
Jan 2017 - Dec 2020
4 years

Freelance Japanese-English Business Support Specialist

Freelance Japanese-English Business Support Specialist

  • Managed a team of 10 translators for large-scale English to Japanese translation projects, personally contributing to translations and achieving USD $20,000 in revenue.
  • Provided consultancy and support to various companies, including a Venezuelan cacao producer and an organic surf wax company, establishing businesses in Japan by creating sales emails in Japanese and localizing promotional materials.
  • Advised the CEO of a Japan-based franchise headquartered in Singapore on business consultancy services covering operations in New York, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
  • Managed local tax affairs, recovering SGD $10,000 in three months.
  • Supported HR in obtaining work permits and employment passes for new talent in Singapore.
  • Facilitated document notarization with the Philippine Embassy and a notary public for the franchise.
  • Developed e-commerce platforms for subsidiaries, integrating payment processing and a Central Management System (CMS).
  • Led social media marketing efforts for SMEs, including content creation, ad campaigns, analytics, and optimization.
Jan 2015 - Dec 2017
3 years
Singapore

Project Manager

NIHON ASSIST SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

  • Organized promotional events for Japanese local governments, including a successful event in Singapore promoting Niigata’s "Koshihikari" rice, coordinating operations for up to 100 attendees.
  • Offered practical support to Japanese SMEs expanding to Singapore by conducting market analysis, facilitating real estate needs, and mapping industrial opportunities.
  • Provided monthly consultations to over 10 Japanese SMEs, introducing key business connections and potential clients.
  • Delivered over 400 rental office spaces in Singapore to new Japanese businesses, with more than 80 companies consistently using the service.
  • Established an information service division, delivering business insights to 150 companies since inception, handling recruitment, research, and client consulting.
  • Developed localization strategies for clients entering the Singapore market, notably growing sales for Tokyo Sundubu through targeted social media campaigns and achieving full bookings most weekends.
May 2014 - Aug 2014
4 months
Singapore

Consultant Intern

Nomura Research Institute Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

  • Estimated the market size of energy-saving air conditioners for Company A’s entry strategy project into the SEA region through data analysis and field work.
  • Prepared reports on trends in energy-saving activities in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
  • Conducted company valuation to show possible outcomes of M&A with a potential partner for Company B.
Jan 2010 - Dec 2013
4 years
Japan

Business Audit Department

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co, Ltd.

  • Conducted J-SOX internal control testing across 40 processes in three sales departments and plants to ensure financial reporting compliance.
  • Gained in-depth expertise in sales processes (pricing, inventory, shipping, credit, purchasing, invoicing, accounting) through hands-on assessments.
  • Identified and mitigated risks in business procedures, reducing financial reporting deficiencies by 60%.
  • Led an eight-person team to implement an assessment system for the Singapore branch.
  • Delivered J-SOX compliance training to staff across domestic and international branches.
  • Collaborated with external auditors to streamline audits and recommend process improvements.
  • Built strong relationships with staff and management, proposing tailored controls for each department.
  • Managed team dynamics to ensure effective oversight of business processes and risk management.
Jan 2009 - Dec 2010
2 years
Japan

Factory Accounting Section at Naoetsu Plant

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co, Ltd.

  • Managed accounting tasks including accounts payable/receivable, suspense receipts, and consumption tax.
  • Assisted with financial closings and contributed to budget preparation and allocation.
Mar 2008 - Jun 2008
4 months
Washington, United States

Market Research Intern

Crosvy-Volmer International Communications

  • Analyzed target audience for a consumer education campaign on the digital television transition.

Summary

Fluent in both Japanese and English, I excel at facilitating cross-border business ventures, whether helping international companies enter the Japanese market or assisting Japanese companies to expand abroad. With a strong ability to adapt to different business phases, I identify and execute the necessary actions to drive growth. My expertise lies in localization, leveraging my deep understanding of both English and Japanese contexts, as well as a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, to ensure seamless market integration and communication.

Languages

Japanese
Native
English
Advanced

Education

Apr 2005 - Mar 2009

Sophia University

Bachelor of Arts in English Studies · English Studies · Japan · GPA 3.54/4.00

Singapore Management University

Master of Business Administration · Business Administration · Singapore

University of California, Santa Barbara

Exchange Program in Political Science · Political Science · Santa Barbara, United States

Certifications & licenses

200hrs Yoga Teacher Training Certification

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