This time, we spoke with Tenrei Takino, an entrepreneur from Kyoto who uses .andwork Kyoto, about his work and experiences with .andwork.
#Takamine Takino
Born in Kyotango City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Studied Information Engineering at Doshisha University and its graduate school.
After graduation, worked for a major electronics manufacturer and then a venture company before going independent.
Since December 2022, CEO of CosmoSketch Inc.
What inspired you to go independent?
After graduate school, I joined a major electronics manufacturer focusing on research, but I wanted to work more directly on development, so I moved to a venture firm. There, I spent about a year traveling between Japan and Indonesia on new business initiatives. Back in Japan, I handled AI consulting for corporate clients, bridging customers and data scientists and managing projects.
After six years, I began taking freelance projects to test my own abilities. Once I understood the scale and profitability of those projects, I decided to branch out on my own. The first two or three months were lean, but I kept thinking, “It’ll work out.” By the following winter, I was invited into new-business launches at large companies, and my work stabilized quickly.
What are you working on now?
I have two main focuses:
- Client Work: New Business Development Support
I assist with service and UX design—turning a car manufacturer’s internal technologies into marketable products or new business lines. - Product Development: Automating User Interviews
In early-stage planning, we conduct user interviews to validate demand. But adjusting questions on the fly and analyzing hours of recorded audio is time-consuming. My goal is to automate everything—from adaptive questioning to summarizing multiple interviews—using AI. I’m now building a prototype that could deliver faster, more comprehensive insights for new-business launches.
What are your future goals?
Being in my 30s, I’m eager to dive into new technologies now. In my 40s and beyond, I look forward to exploring a different world—focused more on people and relationships than technology.
How did you discover .andwork Kyoto?
I first used .andwork in Shibuya for a project after going independent. When I later checked out coworking spaces in Kyoto, I was thrilled to find .andwork here and decided to join.
What do you like most about .andwork?
Because I come often as a monthly member, I’ve met people I wouldn’t have bumped into on a drop‑in basis. There’s a surprisingly high number of interesting professionals. Once, while discussing AI UI design for a project, the person at the next table recommended a tool that I’m now using. Those chance encounters are invaluable.
If I were to recommend .andwork, it would be to anyone who values a relaxed but creative work environment. Compared to other spaces, the large windows and stylish interior create an uplifting atmosphere. Being part of a hotel complex removes the usual office constraints—some people are working remotely, others are traveling. That unique vibe makes me feel at ease.
We thank Mr. Takino for sharing his insights about his work and the appeal of .andwork.
If you’re seeking a relaxed yet stimulating workspace, give .andwork a try!