When Shotaro Takechi reflects on his career, a clear theme emerges: a passion for connecting Japanese ideas, culture, and products with the world. As the CEO and Founder of LEAGUE Inc., Shotaro has built his business on the belief that quality products and services deserve a global stage.
Over the years, his journey has taken him from bustling international trade shows to pioneering crowdfunding campaigns and, most recently, to earning the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, a milestone that has both validated and accelerated his work.
A natural beginning in global trade
Shotaro’s career in international trade was not so much a leap as it was a natural extension of his personal mission. “I embarked on a career in international trade as a natural extension of my passion for bridging Japanese innovation with global markets,” he explains.
Through LEAGUE Inc., he carved out a unique space by leveraging crowdfunding as a tool for domestic marketing and retail strategies. He quickly realized that products with strong potential in Japan also had the power to resonate abroad.
“International trade offered the perfect avenue to not only expand our business but also to connect Japanese craftsmanship with consumers worldwide.”
“My goal has always been to create value on a global scale.”
Stories from the frontlines of trade
Some of Shotaro’s favorite career moments have come from supporting Japanese businesses at international exhibitions such as the Canton Fair and Shenzhen Gift Show. His company’s role connecting clients with global manufacturers has often resulted in exclusive contracts that give Japanese consumers access to new products.
“Seeing these partnerships come to life is incredibly fulfilling,” Shotaro reflects. “Especially when our clients gain access to innovative products not available in Japan.”
Another rewarding aspect of his career has been teaching. Shotaro regularly runs marketing seminars, and watching participants succeed using the approaches he teaches has been one of his most satisfying experiences.
“It’s inspiring to see [my students] apply the strategies we’ve discussed and achieve significant results, expanding their businesses both domestically and internationally.”
A career-defining project: The AI Voice Mouse
Among his proudest accomplishments is the introduction of the AI Voice Mouse by Tess Gift to the Japanese market. He first encountered the product at CES in Las Vegas in 2022 and immediately recognized its potential.
Shotaro spearheaded a crowdfunding campaign that raised over 20 million yen and secured partnerships with major Japanese retailers, including Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Kitamura Camera, and LOFT.
“The product’s success not only resulted in significant revenue but also contributed to enhancing productivity for countless users across Japan,” he notes. “This project stands out as a testament to the power of international collaboration and effective market entry strategies.”
Discovering the true foundation of successful trade
Despite these successes, Shotaro admits that the path hasn’t always been straightforward. One lesson stands out above the rest: the importance of building trust-based relationships across cultures.
“In the beginning, I focused heavily on the technical aspects of trade—logistics, regulations, and contracts,” he recalls.
“I soon realized that the true foundation of successful international trade lies in understanding and respecting the cultural nuances that influence business practices.”
This mindset shift has made him a more effective leader and has opened doors that technical expertise alone could not.
“If I had known this earlier, I would have been able to navigate the complexities of international trade with greater ease and success from the very start.”
The transformative impact of FITTskills training
To strengthen his foundation in international trade, Shotaro turned to the FITTskills courses. The comprehensive program provided both theory and practical tools that he could immediately apply to his work.
“Taking the FITTskills courses was a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally,” he says.
“The real-world applications and case studies were particularly valuable, as they allowed me to immediately apply what I learned.”
For Shotaro, the standout course was International Sales & Marketing, which deepened his ability to adapt strategies across cultural contexts. “This course not only enhanced my ability to craft effective global marketing campaigns but also deepened my appreciation for the nuances of international business.”
The impact of the CITP designation on a successful career
After years of experience, applying for the CITP designation was both a professional and personal milestone.
“I wanted to further validate my skills and knowledge with a globally recognized credential,” he explains.
“The CITP designation represents a commitment to excellence and professionalism in international trade, which aligns with my career goals.”
Earning the CITP marked a turning point. “It represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning,” he says. “The designation not only validated my expertise but also reinforced my commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the global marketplace.”
For Shotaro, the recognition brought a renewed sense of confidence and motivation. It positioned him to take on more complex and strategic projects and allowed him to engage with international markets on a deeper level.
Since achieving the designation, Shotaro has noticed tangible benefits for both himself and his organization. His enhanced credibility has opened doors to new partnerships, and the confidence gained has enabled him to lead initiatives with greater authority.
“The designation has empowered me to take on more strategic and complex global projects,” he reflects. “It has also opened doors to opportunities that would have been impossible to access otherwise.”
Continuing to develop as an international trade leader
As he looks to the future, Shotaro sees the CITP designation as a cornerstone of his continued success.
“I foresee my CITP designation playing a pivotal role in my future career by providing a solid foundation for continued growth and leadership in the international trade sector.”
With LEAGUE Inc., his mission remains the same: to connect Japanese innovation with the world. Armed with both practical experience and a recognized credential, Shotaro is well-positioned to expand his influence and make an even greater impact.
From early experiments in crowdfunding to leading international product launches and earning the respect of the global trade community, Shotaro’s story demonstrates the powerful intersection of passion, expertise, and validation through the CITP. His journey is far from over, but with a clear vision and the right tools, the future looks bright.
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