In this interview series, I spotlight professionals building a cross-cultural career in Japan and the U.S., sharing stories of challenge and growth. In a world full of diverse paths, I hope these stories inspire you to shape a career that’s uniquely your own.

For my third edition, I sat down with Daniel Inoue, who has built a multifaceted career across finance, advertising, tech, and entertainment in Japan and the U.S.

Born and raised in California, Daniel moved to Japan to attend Keio University. He began his career at Goldman Sachs Tokyo, later transferring to their New York headquarters. From there, his journey led him through TBWA\HAKUHODO and Apple Japan. Today, he’s back in the U.S., working as a brand manager promoting Japanese entertainment to the global stage. I explored the mindset, challenges, and cross-cultural perspective that shaped his path.

A U.S. Upbringing and a Growing Curiosity About Japan

Daniel was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in a Japanese household, he naturally navigated both American and Japanese cultures. Over time, this duality sparked a curiosity in him to explore his roots more deeply.

“I lived in L.A. until I graduated high school,” he says. Inspired by his older brother, who had entered a Japanese university through the returnee admissions system, Daniel began to feel the urge to experience life in Japan firsthand.

He eventually leaped, enrolling at Keio University. Leaving his familiar life in California, he embarked on a new journey in Japan.

Facing Cultural Shock Head-On

“Everything was different—the way people interact, the food, the rhythm of life. Honestly, I experienced major culture shock,” he recalls.

Life in Tokyo, with its fast-paced environment, packed train stations, and tightly structured classrooms, stood in stark contrast to the laid-back lifestyle of Southern California. While the experience was exciting, it also came with the emotional challenge of fitting in.

“I probably came across as a Japanese guy who was trying too hard to be American,” he laughs, reflecting on the identity struggle. It wasn’t just about adjusting to a new culture—it was about reevaluating every aspect of how he communicated, behaved, and connected with others.

Rather than simply experiencing another culture, his time in Japan became an introspective journey—an opportunity to confront and reconcile the different value systems within himself.

Career Beginnings: A First Step into Finance

After graduating from Keio University, Daniel joined the Tokyo office of Goldman Sachs—a surprising choice, as he hadn’t originally been drawn to finance.

“At the time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or how I wanted to contribute to society. Like many students, I was justtrying to find my path,” he admits.

Instead of focusing on passion, Daniel leaned into his strengths—his bilingual background and international perspective. That’s what led him to Goldman Sachs Tokyo, a foreign company with headquarters in New York.

“I always had this desire to work in the U.S. someday, and I felt this opportunity could eventually lead me there.”

Building a Cross-Cultural Career in Japan and the U.S.: Why Start a Career in Japan?

Why would someone raised in the U.S. choose to start their career in Japan? For Daniel, the answer lies in Japan’s unique hiring culture.

“In Japan, companies look beyond your academic major—they hire for potential. I felt that gave me a broader set of possibilities.”

In the U.S., students are often funneled into careers based on their field of study. But in Japan, Daniel found that justbeing bilingual and internationally minded opened up unexpected doors.

“If I had stayed in the U.S., I would’ve just been another ‘Japanese person living in America.’ But in Japan, being someone who could bridge cultures gave me a real edge.”

Despite not having studied economics, Daniel was able to land a job at one of the world’s top financial firms—an opportunity made possible by Japan’s flexible approach to hiring fresh graduates.

“It’s a system that allows for second chances. If someone in HR sees potential in you, that door can open. That was really appealing.”

His commitment to self-development during university ultimately turned into a career-launching opportunity.

A Move to New York: Embracing a Global Career

Although his career began in Tokyo, Daniel always had his sights set on working in the U.S.

“My parents were still in the U.S. at the time, and I always wanted to see how far I could go in a more international environment.”

After two to three years in Tokyo, Daniel formally requested a transfer to the New York office. By chance, a spot opened up, and his consistent performance and strong internal reputation made the move possible.

It wasn’t just luck—it was the result of everything he had built during his time in Japan. His experience and work ethic earned the trust of his team and helped ease his transition into the highly competitive New York environment.

Teamwork in Japan, Independence in New York

In Tokyo, Daniel learned the value of a team-oriented culture—a work environment where colleagues step in tosupport one another and managers take on a protective, leadership role.

“In Japan, the team dynamic is emphasized. There’s a sense of safety in knowing your manager has your back when things go wrong.”

But in New York, the culture was quite different: focused on individual accountability and measurable results.Everyone had clearly defined responsibilities, and you were evaluated based on your individual output.

“In New York, what mattered was how you performed within your area of responsibility. It wasn’t about the team—it was about proving your value as a professional.”

This shift helped Daniel appreciate the importance of making your results visible. Demonstrating clear impact was not only necessary for evaluation but also crucial for gaining new opportunities.

By experiencing both extremes—Japan’s collective mindset and New York’s results-driven independence—Daniel learned to balance collaboration with self-reliance. This cultural duality strengthened his adaptability and gave him a broader, global perspective on how to work and lead.

To Be Continued…

How did Daniel take the leap from finance to the creative world he had long admired? What challenges did he face in entertainment and tech? And what fuels his current mission to bring Japanese entertainment to a global audience?

In Part 2, we’ll explore how Daniel expanded his cross-cultural career in Japan and the U.S. into the world of entertainment and tech.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Cogs Agency is an executive search and recruitment agency specialising in connecting creative-minded individuals with global career opportunities.

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