On Wharton in Japan:
Twenty or thirty years ago, the Wharton name was hardly known at all in Japan. Now, in business society, the Wharton School is considered the best business school. One of my goals in leading the Wharton Club of Japan is showing people how Wharton is different, how Wharton challenges the status quo, and how Wharton creates hardworking graduates who will really change and impact society.

Within the Japan community, we have about 1,000 alumni and we are very much connected through the internet. More and more of the younger generation who are coming out of Wharton are going to the school on their own, rather than being sponsored by companies as many were before the mid-'90s. They understand the value of school and they know that Wharton changed them. The younger alumni are much more active and involved in alumni events and are reinforcing and creating value for the alumni network.

On Wharton graduates:
Wharton graduates are hardworking. They are detailed, good at numbers, and good at analytical thinking. They are team players, but they don't rely on others to do things for them. They know how to get things done. I have always wanted to be innovative, and my time at Wharton strengthened that philosophy. I try to challenge the way things are done, to find innovative ways to solve or attack an issue. And it has to be backed up by theory. Wharton gave me that theory, and a very effective and valid infrastructure and groundwork.

On the alumni network:
Since I gained so much and was given so much at Wharton, and because I've found a tremendous value in the alumni network, I really want to help other alumni to know and make use of the network. I can be a bridge to introduce and connect the School to new students, to companies, and to alumni, and I'm very pleased to do this.

I meet with many newly admitted students, and I tell them that it's going to be very challenging, you'll work hard, but be active and make friends. Think with others, not just by yourself. If there is a mission, if there is a goal, your own individual wisdom is very limited. But if you think and challenge with others, great wisdom will come out. And now that we're living in a global market, we have to think and work together.

What gives me the greatest sense of pride about Wharton is that it keeps challenging itself. After 125 years, Wharton is still growing and has never lived on its past assets. It keeps looking to the future – for the school and for the business economy. The students, the faculty, and the alumni – they are always challenging things in a very positive way.