Our Four Guiding Principles at YOUNEEDS

Think creatively and stay flexible, without being limited by convention.
Take ownership, make decisions, and act proactively.
Don’t let ideas end as ideas—turn them into progress and real results.
Build a team culture that people truly want to belong to.

Our values

We are committed to serving as a bridge between Japan and the global community. By placing cultural understanding and adaptability at the forefront, we build solid foundations for success across diverse international markets.　

Integrity

Culture of Respect for People

Action with Speed

High Flexibility and Responsiveness

Future-Oriented Vision

Core Team Members

Waka Someno

Founder & CEO

As the CEO of YOUNEEDS, Waka has spent over 15 years leading marketing strategy, demand generation, and new business development in the Japanese market. With deep insight into Japanese consumer behavior and business trends, combined with extensive experience in sales and marketing execution, he has successfully delivered strong results across numerous projects and industries.

Tatsuya Kawahara

Chief Legal Officer

Tatsuya is an experienced legal professional with extensive hands-on expertise, handling a wide range of cases for both individuals and corporations in Japan. He provides comprehensive legal support, including regulatory and licensing applications, contract drafting and review, and advisory services on Japanese legal systems. With his deep knowledge and practical insight, he ensures that international companies receive the legal guidance they need to successfully enter and operate in the Japanese market.

Ashley van Gool

Market Advisor

Ashley is a multilingual Japanese language expert specializing in marketing and promotion. Fluent in Japanese, English, and Dutch, she has extensive experience in international project management, client relations, and media coordination.

She is highly skilled in Google Ads, online marketing, SEO, and analytics, and plays a key role at YOUNEEDS by helping clients strengthen their presence and achieve meaningful business results in the Japanese market.

Makoto Takashiba

DX Advisor

Makoto is a digital transformation (DX) expert who supports companies in advancing digitalization and enhancing user experience. He previously served as the head of the DX promotion division at one of Japan’s major drugstore chains, where he led large-scale digital initiatives. Leveraging this extensive expertise, he now supports international companies entering the Japanese market by providing DX strategy and implementation support at YOUNEEDS.

Kina Jackson

Business Connector

After studying abroad in the Kansai region during university, Kina has lived in Japan for over 20 years. She has experience as a co-founder of a social-good startup, giving her practical insight into entrepreneurship and the challenges of international business expansion. Leveraging her bilingual expertise, she collaborates with a diverse range of partners—including entrepreneurs, artists, and corporations—to support goal achievement and develop new market opportunities.