Don't conform to those around you.
Be unique

College of Global Communication Graduates
Nihon Shokken Co., Ltd. New York Branch Staff

Toshiya Mioka

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Spreading food culture at the New York branch

After graduating from university, I started working at the New York branch of Nihon Shokken Co., Ltd. J. F. Oberlin University While I was a student, I went to study abroad in Texas, USA, where I had virtually no opportunities or environments to eat Japanese food. We want international students and people from overseas to access Japanese food more easily. I was also drawn to our motto of being a pioneer of global food culture, which led me to decide to join.

Currently, as a sales representative, I work with my colleagues to develop new clients. I conduct business negotiations with restaurants and supermarkets in the United States to persuade them to adopt our company's seasoning products. As a sales representative, I am the "face" of the company, so I must sincerely provide what our customers need. When company policy and market needs do not align, adaptability is especially important. I approach my daily work while thinking about what might be the key to solving the problem.

A vague desire to go abroad transforms into a goal.

Due to my father's work, I once lived in the United States. At that time, I was very young and couldn't learn English. Gradually, I began to feel self-conscious about not being able to speak English even though I was in America, and I started studying English diligently from high school. I vaguely thought, 'If I have English skills, maybe I'll be useful in the future.' At J. F. Oberlin University, I belonged to College of Global Communication, which had just been established in 2016. Everyone is highly sociable and friendly, and they are highly motivated to learn languages. I loved the flexible school culture, where everyone respects each other while striving to improve. From the time of enrollment, I took the 'English Passport Course,' which required a one-year study abroad program, and worked hard to obtain the TOEFL score needed for studying abroad.

At Texas State University, where I studied abroad, I struggled every day to keep up with the classes, but it was very fulfilling. I found the leadership lectures particularly interesting. We had to deal with practical cases such as, "If you were appointed as the manager of a company whose performance had plummeted, what kind of leadership would you demonstrate to rebuild the company?" The professor didn't dismiss the clumsy opinions of students who knew nothing about the business world, but instead readily incorporated the good points. I still use the professor's facilitation style from that time in my current work.

I secured a position at this company while studying abroad. Before my studies, I had a vague desire to work overseas, but my experience there transformed that into a firm goal: "I want to work in America." Currently, I'm in sales, but eventually, I aspire to become a business analyst involved in marketing and corporate strategy.

Let's make a note of the small discoveries we make every day.

In America, being unique is highly valued. While Japan values conforming to the surrounding environment, America expects you to demonstrate the unique value that only you can bring.

To be unique, you must know yourself. It's important to confront yourself through various experiences and become aware of your strengths and values. If you're not careful, your four years of student life will pass by in the blink of an eye. I recommend taking notes of even small daily discoveries and developing the habit of putting things into words. You could also ask a close friend, "What kind of person do you think I am?" While you're in school, broaden your perspective and constantly update what you consider normal.

Toshiya Mioka

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During her studies, she enrolled in the English Passport course and studied abroad for an extended period at the University of Texas, Austin. She also gained internship experience there, and after graduation, she joined Nippon Shokken as a locally hired employee. Currently, she works in sales at the New York branch, spreading Japanese food culture.

Interview date:
This took place in June 2024.

Don't conform to those around you.Be unique

Main content

Spreading food culture at the New York branch

A vague desire to go abroad transforms into a goal.

Let's make a note of the small discoveries we make every day.

Related content

Don't conform to those around you.
Be unique