Welcome to an exciting chapter in Kyoto Fusioneering’s ongoing global journey! Recently, team members from Germany, the UK and the US came in Tokyo with their own mission.
To capture the essence of their visits and the vibrant culture at our Tokyo office, we interviewed five team members from multiple locations, including our new “Kyoto Fusioneering Europe GmbH” office. Here are their stories, offering a glimpse into our global connections and collaborative spirit.
Richard Pearson / Co-Founder, Chief Innovator and UK Director
Richard: I recently hosted the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at our R&D facility, the Kyoto Research Centre in Kyoto, Japan. We toured the facility briefly and discussed potential collaborations and future business opportunities in the UK, as well as the progress of our UNITY-1 project.
Seeing our own technology facility in person was a thrilling experience after having dream of it for so long.
I also had the opportunity to meet colleagues from Japan, as well as our branches. We discussed global strategy and operations. Though I’m not fluent, I try to learn a few new Japanese words every time I’m here. Whenever I’m with the Japanese team, I enjoy practicing my basic Japanese.
Outside of work, I had a lot of fun during my stay in Japan. I visited a toy shop to buy plush toys for my sons and took a long cycle ride around a lake in Tokyo. I’m training for a major cycling event in the UK, so it was important for me to maintain my fitness during the trip. Despite the hectic schedule, I made the most of my time in Japan.
Bibake Uppal / Head of Kyoto Fusioneering America (KFA)
Bibake: As always, it was wonderful visiting the team in Japan. This time, my objectives were two-fold. First, to host our partners from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and facilitate strategic discussions about our newly formed joint venture, Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc (FFC).
Second, to join Richard and Kerianne in defining a strategy to help KF continue evolving into a truly global company. This visit was invaluable for identifying ways to update our practices and foster a supportive environment that embraces challenges.
Like every other trip, I enjoyed some amazing food with amazing colleagues, including a big rooftop BBQ on my last night! I can’t wait until my next trip to Japan.
Kerianne Kudo Panos / Global Strategy Advisor
Kerianne: After speaking with so many members of Kyoto Fusioneering online over the past few months, I was excited to meet everyone in person and hold in-depth discussions on the organization’s global development. It was a great opportunity to work with Richard, Bibake and so many others to develop strategies to enhance KF’s global presence.
Having worked in the Japanese government and consulted with larger Japanese companies for almost 2 decades, it was important to me to experience the culture firsthand. I realized that the organization’s flatter communication style is key to its culture, with everyone being approachable and eager to collaborate.
Overall, it was wonderful to be back in Japan, a place that feels my second home. I enjoyed getting to know everyone over dinners, a BBQ and a karaoke night, and catching up with friends in Tokyo.
Tim Teichmann and Jonas Schwenzer / Process Engineers, Plant Technology Division
Tim: We traveled from Germany to Japan to interact with KFJP members face-to-face to deepen our team spirit. This direct interaction across divisions, like the gyrotron and corporate teams, is essential for a unified team.
Jonas: Visiting the Kyoto Research Centre and witnessing UNITY-1’s LiPb loop with explanations from our colleagues, was a major highlight.
Tim: Beyond work, experiencing Japanese culture was something we were looking forward to. We have enjoyed local cuisine like ramen and sushi and beautiful temples and shrines since we arrived in Japan!
Jonas: The support and hospitality from KFJP members made our stay seamless and enjoyable. We are grateful for their warm welcome and support.
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These stories reflect Kyoto Fusioneering’s vibrant global connections and the diverse missions that brought our team members to Japan. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and innovate worldwide!
