Introduction

Hello, I am ahomu, a new member who joined the company in June. In this article, I asked everyone who joined the company in June and July 2024 to share their thoughts and experiences since joining. I hope this will be helpful for anyone interested in KINTO Technologies and serve as a meaningful reflection for those who contributed to it when they look back someday!

hosoya

• Self-introduction
  I am hosoya. I am part of the IT/IS Division, where I handle help desk support for in-house systems.
• How is your team structured?
  The team consists of five people including myself.
  In addition to my team, there are several other teams, each with distinct roles, and we collaborate with them based on the nature of the inquiries we receive.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  I was impressed by how the info sys staff is organized into dedicated teams for each role, with seamless and thorough collaboration among them Having only worked in info sys departments with one or two people before, I was amazed by how well-structured and robust the team here is.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  It is a quiet environment where you can focus on your own work. However, it’s easy to talk to the people around you, and whether it’s about work or just casual chatting, the mood instantly brightens. It’s a very cheerful and lively atmosphere.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I imagine that unless you work directly with others, you might not have the opportunity to learn about what they typically do. I hope this blog provides a chance for people to gain that insight
• A question from someone else: Please tell me about your daily work schedule. Answer: Basically, I get to work at 9:00 a.m., and handle help desk inquiries until I leave at 6:00 p.m.
  In the mornings and evenings, we hold meetings to share information across the teams The tasks vary depending on the inquiries, but for the most part, I handle routine work each day.

my

• Self-introduction
  I am my, and I am in the Data Analysis Division. I am currently working as a data scientist. As a data scientist and machine learning engineer, I have been involved in a variety of work related to data.
• How is your team structured?
  It consists of four people including the manager.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent onboarding process, the comprehensive in-house documentation, and the vibrant communication on Slack. These aspects left a strong impression on me.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  The environment has a calm atmosphere, making it easy to engage in discussions about technology.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I'm glad to have had the opportunity to share some information.
• **A question from someone else: Please tell me something you were really glad you bought while working from home! **Answer: A Herman Miller chair. It is comfortable to sit in even for a long time, and I am very satisfied with it.

yi

• Self-introduction
  I am yi from the Platform Development Division’s QA Group, where I do QA.
• How is your team structured?
  The team is composed of 10 members and is broadly divided into three groups: front-end, back-office, and apps, each managing their respective projects.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  Although it’s a newly established company, I was impressed by how well-structured its internal organization is. Before joining, I imagined things might be a bit more chaotic, but everything felt much more organized and calm than I expected.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  Even when they’re busy, the team and project members are always willing to answer my questions, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed. This makes it an environment that’s easy to settle into.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I had never written for a blog like this before, so honestly, I wasn’t sure what to write.
• A question from someone else: What is the atmosphere in the team like? Please tell me about something you felt was good about your team recently. Answer: As I mentioned earlier, the overall atmosphere is calm. As a member of KTC’s QA staff, it feels like we each work on our assigned project tests collaboratively with our partners.
  Many people are handling multiple projects and everyone is busy, but despite that, it’s an environment where not only newcomers but everyone feels comfortable asking each other questions. I think that’s one of its great qualities.

ahomu

• Self-introduction
  I am ahomu. I belong to the IT/IS Division. In terms of work experience, I have quite a bit of experience in web front-end development, but currently, I’m involved in various inter-organizational tasks.
• How is your team structured?
  When I joined the company, I planned to figure out the specifics after getting hired. At the time of writing this article, I’m working solo, attached to a division as an in-house freelancer. (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  During my casual interview and the selection process, the head of my current division and the vice president openly shared insights about the business situation and the organization's atmosphere, so nothing has come as a surprise.
  If I had to mention something along those lines, being part of a large company means that internal controls are stricter compared to my previous experiences with mega-ventures and startups. I find this refreshing and quite positive.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  While I mentioned working solo, I still get the chance to engage with managers and team members from various departments.
  I can clearly sense the weight of responsibility they carry in managing the business, yet they are always willing to engage in conversation, even with a newcomer like me reaching out unexpectedly. It’s incredibly helpful.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  Now that I think about it, I was truly amazed by how actively people contribute to the Tech Blog within the company. What’s particularly impressive is that information is consistently shared without anyone needing to push for it. I feel this proactive approach holds tremendous potential for growth.
• A question from someone else: Please tell me about any differences you found between the Nagoya and Tokyo companies in terms of culture, atmosphere, and the like.
  Answer:
  Nagoya has a small, close-knit setup with around 20 people, many of whom are actively involved in a wide range of fields. It gives the place a unique and distinctive vibe. It feels quite connected to KINTO’s business, and there seem to be many people there who interact with the parent company as well. Recently, occasional drinking parties have started taking place at the Nagoya office.

Tsuzura

• Self-introduction
  I am a designer in the Marketing Planning Division’s Organization Group!
• How is your team structured?
  It consists of nine directors and four designers.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  Since the departments and teams are divided, I initially thought there might be limited interaction between employees. However, I’ve been able to connect with designers from other departments during lunch and at informal gatherings like private drinking parties. This has allowed me to exchange information and ideas effectively, which has been incredibly helpful.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  In our team, we each focus on our own projects, so there isn’t much direct involvement with one another’s work. However, when we gather at the office, we take time to chat and connect while staying productive. Overall, it feels like a well-balanced dynamic.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  Extremely excited.
• A question from someone else: Please tell me about any delicious lunches there are near your office!
  Answer: I belong to the Muromachi office, and I recommend Dedesuke Saigon Kitchen! I always opt for their Half & Half option and get pho and curry. They offer about four flavors for each, and every single one is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying it!

Naoki Uehara

• Self-introduction
  My name is Uehara. I am part of the Project Promotion Division’s KINTO FACTORY Development Group. I work as a backend engineer. In my previous job, I did news media development at long-established ISP. My favorite programming language is Rust, and my favorite editor is NeoVim.
• How is your team structured?
  Back-end development is done by six engineers. If you include the front-end engineers as well, there are around 20 people.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  I initially thought I might be thrown straight into the deep end with little onboarding in place, but to my surprise, the onboarding process, one-on-one support, and other resources were incredibly well-organized. This made it much easier for me to transition smoothly into the work. The company has an atmosphere that encourages trying new things, which I find incredibly stimulating and inspiring
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  I think it is a very friendly atmosphere. I’m the kind of person who gets bothered when there’s something I don’t understand, but the other team members always answer my questions without hesitation or frustration, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
  I now have more time to focus on development work and can think more deeply about the products from an engineer’s perspective. I feel it’s a great environment for that.
• **How did you feel about writing a blog post? ** Actually, before I joined KINTO Technologies, I was helped out by an article on its Tech Blog. So, it is a great honor to be joining the ranks of its bloggers myself now. Personally, I make a conscious effort to share my ideas through platforms like Slack and blogs. Moving forward, I aim to contribute more useful information to the Tech Blog.
• **A question from someone else: Please tell me what your best-ever vacation was! And why, if you do not mind! ** Answer: I guess that has to be my honeymoon in Ise-Shima! The Mawaryanse tickets offered by Meitetsu are incredibly convenient. They are hard to get if you live in Tokyo, but I recommend buying one on Jalan with no limited express ticket attached.

Jinrong Liang

• Self-introduction
  I am Jinrong Liang, and I come from Taiwan. I belong to the Mobile Development Group, which mainly develops Android apps.
• How is your team structured?
  In the development team for the products I work on, there are six Android engineers, including me.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  The team I’m part of is full of energy and includes many Android engineers. Engaging with others on technical topics through study sessions and similar activities has been a highly stimulating and rewarding experience for me.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  Depending on the development period, it is often busy, so it felt like quite a fast-paced development team. Even so, everyone on the team wants to make good products, so we spare no effort when it comes to communicating in detail.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  Writing my first entry about joining the company gave me an opportunity to reflect on how I felt when I first started and consider how I want to grow and contribute at KTC moving forward.
• **A question from someone else: Are there any smartphone apps that you have been interested in lately? **
  Answer: The PayPay app. I have been using it for many years since the service launched, and I am deeply interested in how it functions as a super app, continuously evolving while maintaining quality as new features are introduced.

Dara Lim

Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser - Toyota Dealership in Bogota, Colombia

• Self-introduction
  My name is Dara Lim. I belong to the KINTO Global Development Group in the Business Development Department. My title is Business Development Manager, but the work I do relates closely to working as a business analyst. In my previous job, I worked as a financial analyst and business analyst in the insurance industry.
• How is your team structured?
  My team consists of three members, and we collaborate closely with the engineering team to develop software solutions for global full-service lease businesses.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  I really appreciate the orientation/onboarding process and the 1-on-1 meetings. They helped me to smoothly transition into work. My team was also very supportive.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  I really enjoy the Jimbocho office space and its surroundings. My team sits close to each other so we are able to have discussions readily.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  Actually, before I joined the company, I was helped by many articles on KINTO Technologies' Tech Blog, so I’m glad to write my initial experience on joining the company.
• A question from someone else: What is the best thing you have noticed since joining KTC? Answer: I have had the experience of traveling to Latin America to visit KINTO businesses in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. These were very valuable experiences for me to understand the car leasing business, its profitability and best of all, to meet others fellow KINTO members. I think this is the best thing I’ve experienced since joining KTC.

Ikuya Tani

• Self-introduction
  I am Tani from the KINTO ONE Development Division’s New Car Subscription Development Group, where I am a front-end engineer in the Osaka Tech Lab. I have done a wide variety of front-end development work ranging from production-related stuff to service development.
• How is your team structured?
  The team consists of four people. We are developing tools for dealers and in-house use with a small number of people.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  Before joining the company, I imagined it might be a chaotic environment, blending the atmosphere of a large corporation with that of a startup, and lacking a fully established work structure. However, once I started, I was pleasantly surprised to find a thorough onboarding process, flexible workload adjustments, a fully flextime system, properly reflected overtime pay, a generous welfare package, and a welcoming, friendly team. It turned out to be a collection of wonderful surprises.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  I believe it’s an environment with a strong sense of psychological safety, where you feel comfortable actively asking questions about anything you don’t understand. Another attractive feature is that taking part in study sessions is recommended, and in addition, in the case of my team, there is a high degree of freedom in terms of selecting technologies, and rearchitecting and refactoring are also recommended. So all in all, it feels like an environment where it will be easy to level up my skills.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I wanted to convey a detailed and vivid picture of what KINTO Technologies is like, so I dedicated myself to typing away at the keyboard with all my effort.
• **A question from someone else: What is your favorite possession, and why? **Answer: My Sony noise-cancelling headphones (WH-1000XM5)! Thanks to these, even someone as sensitive to sounds as me can quickly get into the zone, so I really treasure them.

Closing words

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts on our company after joining it!
There are more and more new members at KINTO Technologies every day! Stay tuned for more blog entries about joining the company, featuring perspectives from people across various departments in the future!
KINTO Technologies is looking for people to work with us! For more information, please see the recruitment information.

https://www.kinto-technologies.com/recruit/