Hello

Hello, I'm Tanachu, a new member who joined the company in October 2024! In this article, we have summarized the impressions of those who joined the company in October and November 2024 immediately after joining the company. I hope this content will be useful for those who are interested in KINTO Technologies, and serve as a reflection for the members who participated in the interview!

H.I

• Self-introduction
  • Nice to meet you! I'm H.I. and I've recently been assigned to the Mobile App Development Group.
  • I've mainly been involved in Android development, but I'm looking forward to growing and contributing together with you all in this new environment.
  • I'm particularly interested not only in development but also in data analysis and service growth, and I hope to contribute as a member of the team. There's still a lot for me to learn, but I'll do my best. I'd really appreciate your continued support along the way!
• How is your team structured?
  • Our team works in a Scrum framework, and we follow an agile development process. We plan, develop, and review using sprints, striving for continuous improvement in short cycles.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • Since KINTO Technologies is part of a large corporate group, I expected a more formal atmosphere. But once I joined, I was surprised by how flexible and open it actually is. There are also many study groups, so I'm excited about what's ahead.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • Everyone on the team has strong technical skills and a high level of motivation. I think the atmosphere is one where you can easily ask questions or make suggestions.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I'd like to write as much as possible. I want to share what I have learned and my experiences through writing.
• Questions from Horichan to H.I.
  • Do you have any favorite events within the company (either official or unofficial)?
    • There are a lot of study sessions and opportunities to attend external events. People often share insights about things I didn't know or always wanted to learn, so I think they'll become a great source of my growth in the future.
  • Tell us about your hometown!
    • I'm from an island near Seoul, South Korea. It is rich in nature and known for eel and ginseng production. There are many historical sites such as temples, so it attracts a lot of tourists.

Tanachu

• Self-introduction
  • My name is Tanachu and I joined in October. I am a member of the Cybersecurity Defense Team of the Security and Privacy Group.
  • In my previous role at a security vendor, I was involved in incident response and log analysis related to cybersecurity.
  • In my current team, I am mainly involved in security log monitoring using SIEM and building monitoring systems.
• How is your team structured?
  • Our group consists of nine members from four different countries, including Japan.
  • We're split into four teams handling incident response related to security and privacy, security guideline assessments, internal cybersecurity frameworks, vulnerability assessments, and SOC.
  • My team has four members, mainly working on vulnerability assessments and SOC.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • I had heard that KINTO Technologies had people from various countries, but I was still a bit surprised to find that I was the only Japanese on my team.
  • The company is promoting the use of generative AI more strongly than I had expected, and being in an environment where we can easily use it in work was a positive surprise. Beyond just chatting with it, I'm always looking for new ways to use it in my own work.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • We have a team lunch once a week with members who can join. It gives the impression that the team really values communication.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • It feels a bit strange to be featured in a blog that I used to read before joining the company.
• Question from H.I to Tanachu
  • Please tell us your own way of relaxing!
    • At the end of the day, I like to unwind by watching the TV Tokyo news program "World Business Satellite."

lksx

• Self-introduction
  • My name is lksx and I joined the company in November. I work as a backend engineer in the DX Development Group. In my previous job, I also worked as a backend engineer. Although I was nervous at first, I'm learning a lot and enjoying my time here so far. Looking forward to working with you.
• How is your team structured?
  • Our development team currently has eight members. Seven of them work in the Muromachi office, while one joins remotely from the Osaka office. Since the team is spread across locations, we often collaborate online, which makes efficient communication especially important.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • KINTO Technologies gave me a strong impression of being a startup, and it was very refreshing to see multiple products being developed simultaneously. I was also impressed by several products in the POC stage, which made me feel that the company is willing to take on new challenges. So far, I haven't felt any major surprises, but it's definitely a fast-paced environment, and I'm working on adjusting to it.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • Everyone on site is easy to talk to, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Even as a newcomer, I feel comfortable asking for help when I run into questions or issues.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I haven't written a blog post before, so this being my first time, I'm actually kind of excited.
• Question from Tanachu to lksx
  • What does your typical workday look like? (what do you do right after starting work, what kind of tasks do you mainly do in the afternoon?)
    • Since I've just joined the company, there's still a lot to learn and study. So from 9:30 a.m., I spend about 30 minutes studying to build up my work skills. In the morning, I focus on tasks that require more concentration, and in the afternoon, I tend to work on tasks that are more physically engaging.

Kirby

• Self-introduction
  • I am Kirby and I joined the company in October 2024.
  • After spending six years in Tokyo working at an IT company as a Director and Product Manager, I decided to return to my hometown of Osaka, hoping to make a living there while utilizing my skills. Following a role in planning and managing in-person events, I joined KINTO Technologies.
  • I'm currently working at Osaka Tech Lab as part of the KINTO FACTORY development team in the New Service Development Group.
• How is your team structured?
  • The KINTO FACTORY development team at KINTO Technologies consists of one manager, two product managers, four frontend engineers, five backend engineers, and one QA member. We develop a website that provides car customization and upgrade services for car owners. At Osaka Tech Lab, development is being carried out by two members, including a backend engineer and myself.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • Since the teams are spread across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, I was a bit worried about how communication would work. However, KINTO and KINTO Technologies have a strong "meet in person" culture rooted in the Toyota Group, and we often have opportunities for face-to-face communication, even offline. So, that was a surprise in a good way. (I'm actually writing this blog post from Nagoya!)
  • Osaka Tech Lab members actively engage in cross-project conversations, with strong horizontal connection that inspire many engineers to take on technical challenges.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • I am happy to be able to work with members who want to be involved in product and service development and who are passionate about making services better.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I used to read this tech blog a lot before joining, so I'm excited to finally be part of it!
• Question from lksx to Kirby
  • Is there anything you want to try at KINTO Technologies?
    • Of course, I want to contribute to the growth of the KINTO FACTORY service, but I'd also love to take on the challenge of leading an entire project on my own at Osaka Tech Lab!

Jun

• Self-introduction
  • My name is Jun and I joined the company in November 2024.
  • After gaining experience as a web engineer at a business company for nearly seven years, I decided to join KINTO Technologies in hopes of sharpening my skills in a more challenging environment.
• How is your team structured?
  • I belong to the backend team in the New Car Subscription Development Group, which has 13 members. There are always multiple projects ongoing in parallel within the team, and for each new project, a small group of about two to four members is selected to drive it forward.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • I was struck by how many engineers here are highly motivated to learn. In addition to study sessions within the team, company-wide study sessions were also held frequently, with many engineers take part enthusiastically. I used to think engineering was something you studied quietly on your own, so this was a surprise in a good way.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • Since everyone joined the company mid-career and brings diverse expertise, there's no rigid way of doing things. This makes our discussions around tech stacks and operational methods very dynamic. I'm inspired every day by the people I work with.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I’ve written tech blogs before, but it's been a while. Writing this made me want to start again.
• Question from Kirby to Jun
  • Do you have any go-to routines to refresh your mood?
    • I love coffee, so whenever I feel stuck, I take a break and brew a cup to refresh myself.

H.I.

• Self-introduction
  • My name is HI and I joined the company in November.
  • I've worked at several IT startups where I gained experience in marketing, development, and product management. I'm currently working as PdM for KINTO Unlimited, at the Muromachi office in Tokyo.
• How is your team structured?
  • Our KINTO Unlimited team has three PdMs including myself and around 20 engineers.
  • We've divided roles among the three PdMs. I focus on data analysis and marketing, one handles development, and the other is in charge of UI/UX. I think it's a great balance that allows each of us to play to our strengths.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • I was a little nervous because the average age here felt a bit higher compared to the companies I've worked for in the past, but everyone is really kind so I can work with ease (really).
  • One thing that surprised me was how big the organization actually is, much bigger than I had expected. Coming from a startup venture company, it was definitely an adjustment to get used to the number of stakeholders and figuring out who does what.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • Compared to most companies with products, we have relatively abundant resources, so as long as we have ideas, there's a lot we can try.
  • I also get along well with people from other teams. Recently, near my desk we've had Christmas cake together and even a mini pop-up coffee stand where members bring their beans and grinders.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • One day I'd like to write something that isn't a self-introduction!
• Question from Jun to H.I.
  • Which of your past skills or experiences have been especially useful or valuable at KINTO Technologies?
    • The Python and statistics knowledge I studied as a hobby have been surprisingly useful.
    • My experience in both marketing and development has given me a broad perspective, which I've found very helpful in my role as a PdM.

Fúyuán

• Self-introduction
  • My name is Fúyuán from the Planning and Management Group of the Development Support Division. I joined the company in November 2024. I work at Osaka Tech Lab.
  • I handle back-office operations related to KINTO Technologies' contract-based development projects, including budget planning, invoicing, and payments.
• How is your team structured?
  • The Planning and Management Group consists of five members, each of whom is responsible for various tasks related to KINTO Technologies' contract development work, such as budgeting, contracts, invoicing/payments, and intellectual property management.
  • Although our team members are based in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, we stay closely connected through Slack. It feels like we're working side by side despite the physical distance.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • I came from a more Japanese traditional company, so I was surprised by how fast decisions are made and how flat and open the communication is here.
  • I had a similar impression at my job interview, which attracted me and made me decide to join the company, so it didn't come as a surprise.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • There's a strong sense of balance: members are very focused and quiet when working, but when it's time to chat, the conversations are lively and fun. With such a diverse team in terms of nationality, age, and career background, I find myself constantly inspired by them.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I'm usually a Read-Only-Member and don't use social media or blogs in my private life, so I'm a bit nervous...
• Question from H.I. to Fúyuán
  • What is your morning routine like when working from home?
    • I try to move my body before I start working to get my mind going, so I make a point of doing radio calisthenics.
    • My favorite thing to do is exercise on the balcony while soaking up the sunlight on a nice day! (I just hope allergy season ends soon!)

R.O

• Self-introduction
  • I belong to the Project Promotion Group in the New Service Development Division. I am involved in the KINTO ONE development project as a project manager.
  • In my previous role at an offshore development company, I also worked as a project manager, collaborating with team members in Vietnam on various development projects in the fields of construction, entertainment, and finance.
• How is your team structured?
  • Including our partner members, we're a team of about 10 people.
  • All of us are project managers, each responsible for a different development project related to KINTO ONE.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • I had heard that the age group would be a little older than at my previous job and that everyone was hired mid-career, so I was a bit nervous about what the internal atmosphere and relationships would be like. But I found that many people are very smart and open, making it easy to collaborate and ask questions.
  • There are more internal study sessions and participation in external ones than I expected.
  • Many of our members travel to other locations as needed to collaborate offline with members there. I expected most communication to be online, but it's relatively easy to meet in person when needed, which I think is a plus.
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • Our Project Promotion Group has more of a calm atmosphere rather than a lively one, and both work discussions and casual chats happen in a relaxed manner.
  • We usually communicate through messages using communication tools such as Slack, but we also have many opportunities to visit the development team and directly confirm specifications, so I felt that the atmosphere was conducive to cross-departmental conversations and consultations.
  • I feel that the atmosphere varies from team to team, as some teams with a lot of engineers tend to have more lively conversations around specs and implementation.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I actually enjoy putting my thoughts into words, so I was looking forward to this.
  • I'm happy to have the chance to contribute to the blog that I used to gather information before joining the company.
• Question from Fúyuán to R.O.
  • How do you keep up with new technologies, products, and services out there?
    • I created a separate account on X (formerly Twitter) to only follow accounts sharing those kinds of updates, so my timeline shows exactly the information I want.
    • I also catch up through casual conversations with friends and acquaintances from other industries (usually over drinks).
    • When I want to get a feel for the excitement surrounding a new service or technology, I attend offline events like conferences.

Horichan

• Self-introduction
  • This is Horichan, who joined the company in October 2024! I'm from Hiroshima, a big Carp baseball fan, and I love sweet potato shochu.
  • I was originally an Android engineer, then transitioned to a PdM role two years ago at my previous job. Now, I’m working as a director on systems designed to solve challenges faced by Toyota dealers, and I'm giving it my all every day!
• How is your team structured?
  • The DX Solution Group under the Mobility Product Development Division has seven members: one producer, three directors, and three designers, each working on their own assigned projects.
• What was your first impression of KTC when you joined it? Were there any surprises?
  • My first impression was that it's a company that combines the best of both a large company and a startup company! Things like the rent subsidy and generous paid leave feel like a large company, but the employee-led study sessions (and BeerBash!) and the energy of the CHO All-Hands Meeting definitely bring a startup feel, which I love.
  • If I had to name a surprise, it would probably be the tools. In my previous job, I was in charge of internal system, so I created all of my documents using FigJam or Notion, but here PowerPoint is the main tool. But I'm getting quite used to it! At this rate, I'll aim to become a PowerPoint master.💪
• What is the atmosphere like on-site?
  • Everyone in the group is kind and I'm learning in a relaxed environment! Lunch is also fun!🫶
  • Our project team is made up of professionals from various fields who all work together as one team to solve dealership challenges.
• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  • I had written a few blog posts at my previous job, so I was interested in! I'm happy to finally take part!☺️
• Question from R.O. to Horichan
  • Is there any company culture or event at KINTO Technologies that you found interesting?
    • I love how many opportunities there are to hear directly from management! During onboarding, we had small group sessions with both President Kotera-san and Vice President Kageyama-san, which was already a surprise. But even after that, there are monthly all-hands meetings, CHO All-Hands Meeting, optional 1-on-1s, and U35 events for younger employees.😳
    • Kotera-san told us that we could even invite him out for drinks. So a few of us actually did, and we had a great time chatting.🍶 (R.O. and Tanachu were there too!🙌)

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! We'll be posting more new-joiner stories from across divisions, so stay tuned!

And yes: we're still hiring! KINTO Technologies is looking for new teammates to join us across a variety of divisions and roles. For more details, check it out here!