In this edition of our monthly Member Spotlight feature, we spoke with Takahiro Urushidani, Manager, Global AI Business Strategy and Technical Service at Fujitsu.
Fujitsu is a multinational corporation focused on information and communication technology services, solutions, and products. Expanding its footprint in Canada and North America, the company established Fujitsu Intelligence Technology (FITL) in Vancouver in 2018 – a new subsidiary to focus on AI and quantum technology, and to develop and spearhead the company’s global AI and quantum business.
In doing so, the subsidiary brings together technologies and solutions developed across Fujitsu’s international offices and local partners and combines them into products and services to drive the development of new solutions.
We asked Takahiro 10 questions about his work, life, and some of his favourite things.
Here’s what he told us.
What’s unique about your business?
Fujitsu Intelligence Technology Limited is one of the organizations in the Fujitsu group, a Japanese multinational information and communication technology & Digital Transformation company that employs over 126,000 people and invests $1.2B in R&D each year. This extensive investment has been a key differentiator in advanced computer technologies that we bring to the market and have done so for over 87 years.
Our organization is Fujitsu’s Vancouver-based organization, established four and a half years ago as a hub for Fujitsu’s AI/ML, optimization, and Quantum-inspired technologies. We use these technologies to create models and solutions that solve challenges, pain points, and problems that our customers in a variety of areas and industries have. Our customers range from startups to large enterprises in multiple industries such as manufacturing, logistics, finance, and healthcare.
I am one of the original members who moved from Fujitsu headquarters to establish this organization four and a half years ago. I am currently the Manager of the Professional Services and Solution Development team for Data Science, AI/ML, optimization, and Quantum-inspired technologies, and work with my team members to develop solutions for multiple industries.
What’s your side hustle?
Since I came here as an assignee from Fujitsu headquarters in Japan, I have been busy with my main business without having time to do a side job. Since I have completed my mission here at Fujitsu Intelligence Limited, I will be returning to Fujitsu headquarters in Japan in March, this year.
What’s one must-hear podcast?
It’s not a podcast, but I often watch or listen to TED Talks.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My father, who passed away more than 15 years ago, always told me the following proverb when he was still alive: “Diligence is the mother of success.”
What’s the most interesting fact you know?
As I am Japanese, I selected a few facts related to Japan.
- Japan experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes every year: most earthquakes are small ones. Even if slightly or relatively big earthquakes come, most Japanese people don’t get upset or get scared at all usually.
- KFC is a Japanese holiday tradition: Japanese people have a tradition of visiting Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on Christmas Eve. KFC’s advertising and commercial strategies seem to have worked well in Japan.
What’s your go-to travel destination?
I like both cities and nature.
My favorite cities are:
- Paris (Louvre Museum, and Montmartre)
- Tokyo (Shibuya, Ueno, and Asakusa)
- San Francisco (Fisherman’s Wharf, Little Italy, and Twin Peaks)
- Quebec City
For nature, I like to visit:
- Banff
- Yellowstone
- Monument Valley
- Upper Antelope Canyon
- Key West
What’s one dish everyone should try?
Yuzu Shio Ramen at AFURI ramen + dumpling. It’s delicious. There are the same restaurants in Japan. You can eat the same ramen in Vancouver as in Japan. I have been eating ramen at AFURI in Japan and Vancouver for a long time. The characteristic of this ramen is that it has yuzu (a citrus) in it, and the taste/flavor is a little different from regular ramen.
What’s one important skill to master?
Data Science, AI, ML, Quantum Computing technology, and Quantum inspired technology.
These are technologies with that we can change the world.
What’s your favorite memory of Vancouver?
The Vancouver Sun Run in 2022.
I ran 10 km with my son, though he left me on the way because I was running very slowly… It was a great memory and a great event that happened after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why did Fujitsu choose And-Co for its office?
FITL And-Co as we wanted to downsize our office space to best fit our hybrid work schedule. We wanted a space that would optimize for collaboration when the team met in person, and we wanted an office space that would allow our employees to be their most productive.
And-Co’s multiple meeting rooms, phone booths, lounge areas, forum space, and large office suites were the factors that ultimately made the decision easy.
In addition, the office is in a great location, close to multiple dining options and by the seawall as well.
If you’re in search of a modern, full-service, and flexible workspace where your team can work alongside like-minded professionals, book a tour of And-Co today.