Amane Oshima, CEO & President, JICT
Tokyo, the sparkling wonderland where the neon lights blend seamlessly with the traditional architecture, we come across an emissary of change, a visionary leader who has been silently crafting the destiny of Japan’s entrepreneurial landscape with meticulous care and visionary precision.
Steering his ship through uncharted waters, Mr. Amane Oshima, the President & CEO of the Fund Corporation for the Overseas Development of Japan’s ICT and Postal Services (JICT), has redefined the landscape of Japanese entrepreneurship in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. His story stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of an entrepreneur committed to driving his nation toward global prominence in the ever-evolving world of technology.
A Journey Rooted in Experience
Oshima’s transformative journey began in the financial landscape as Oshima stepped into the corridor of the Industrial Bank of Japan (IBJ). Little did he know that this initial step would pave the way for an illustrious career spanning decades and continents. His early years, marked by the intense dynamics of the financial market, laid the foundation for a resilient leader with an innate ability to navigate challenges.
As a Money Market and Bond Trader in London, Oshima weathered the storms of historical change, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the first Gulf War, and various financial crises, such as the stock market crash in 1987. These experiences provided invaluable insights that would later shape his approach to leadership.
His role as a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager from 1996 to 2004 exposed him to the intricate network of global investments during Japan’s financial crisis. This period coincided with the integration of IBJ with two other banks to form the current Mizuho Financial Group in 2001. The challenges and recovery process during this time further contributed to Oshima’s understanding of financial dynamics.
The East Asian expansion in Hong Kong in 2006 further honed his strategic vision, setting the stage for his ascent in the corporate world. This period not only fortified his financial acumen but also instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of stability and sound risk management.
In 2009, Amane Oshima assumed the role of General Manager of the International Treasury Division of Mizuho Corporate Bank, orchestrating the complex symphony of foreign currencies Asset and Liability Management (ALM). By 2014, he ascended to the position of Managing Executive Officer of Mizuho Bank, with a global mandate for market business. His journey reached its zenith in 2016 when he became the Co-Head of the Global Markets Division and Deputy Head of the Global Markets Company of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
Leap into Entrepreneurship
The transition from corporate echelons to entrepreneurship is characterized by audacity and a resolute vision. His rapid progression within Mizuho Bank, from Treasurer to the top brass executive of the Global Markets Division, was not just a climb up the corporate ladder but meticulous preparation for a more significant role that awaited him—the presidency of JICT.
At the Helm of JICT: Leading Toward a New Horizon
Oshima’s ascent from the global markets of Mizuho Financial Group to entrepreneurship at JICT is nothing short of an extraordinary tale of bold moves. Driven by the motivation “to support Japanese companies in the ICT field having a broad and global perspective”, as he emphasizes, Oshima leveraged his wealth of knowledge and experience in bringing a fusion of financial acumen and technological foresight to JICT. As the President & CEO of Mizuho DL-Financial Technology Co., Ltd, he spearheaded financial technology and AI & Data Analytics, seeding the grounds for digital innovation within the corporate behemoth.
Under Oshima’s leadership, JICT emerged as a vital player in the Japanese ICT landscape, operating as the sole Japanese private-public fund specializing in the ICT sector under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
JICT, as a hub for innovation and social change, mirrors Oshima’s commitment to driving progress. Leveraging his background in leading global markets and Fintech business, he ensures that JICT’s initiatives align with a broad and global perspective. “We are always conscious of building a better world through our contributions following our company vision”, shares the entrepreneur.
Central to Oshima’s leadership philosophy is the emphasis on speed coupled with his commitment to creating an environment where each employee can contribute freely. “While emphasizing speed, I try to provide an environment in which each employee can work freely by fully understanding their expertise and utilizing their strengths,” Oshima articulates. His vision of aligning societal, corporate, and individual vectors, not only provided the necessary impetus for organizational growth but also navigated his path toward a new horizon where leadership thrives in a culture of innovation and social impact.
Embracing Challenges, Forging Success
From markets to masterstrokes, Amane Oshima’s trajectory has been refined by a series of challenges that eventually became the milestones of his success. Facing governance issues head-on, fortifying financial soundness, and crafting a robust risk management structure, Oshima masterfully overhauled the company’s foundations. The reform process, undertaken simultaneously, reflected the leader’s adeptness at envisioning the future while balancing the present—a pivotal lesson from his storied past as a corporate luminary.
The Oshima Touch
Oshima’s leadership style is anchored in a profound personal philosophy that draws inspiration from both Eastern and Western classics. His love for liberal arts adds a unique flavor to his strategic decisions. Amane Oshima encapsulates this philosophy, saying, “A maxim ‘Do not seek a perfect teaching, rather than that, aspire to self-perfection’…has been my motto since I was young.” This blend of cultural appreciation and forward-looking perspective defines not just his ethos but also sets the tone for JICT’s impact on the global ICT landscape.
Guiding the Entrepreneurial Aspirants
Oshima’s journey from a banker navigating the financial crises to a trailblazing entrepreneur offers a trove of lessons for aspiring individuals in the tech-driven arena. His advice echoes the resilience and adaptability that characterize his trajectory, “I would recommend them to keep the challenging spirit and appropriate speed for decision-making and expand a wide and diversified network beyond your field.”
Vision for Tomorrow
As we gaze into the future, Amane Oshima envisions JICT playing the lead role in Japan’s post-bubble financial system. In this vision, the company stands as a recognized force in the Japanese financial system, contributing to a better world through its overseas expansion initiatives.
In the dynamic narrative of technology and entrepreneurship, Amane Oshima’s story is not just about navigating corporate landscapes—it’s a symphony of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to a legacy that contributes to the greater good. As entrepreneurs embark on their journeys, Oshima’s masterful leadership serves as a compass, guiding them through the challenges, and urging them to envision not just success but a narrative that echoes in the corridors of progress.