Episode #24: Thierry Cohen, President, Japan Europe Trading

Thierry Cohen, President of Japan Europe Trading and Founder of Solleone Bio, deep dives into Japan’s business culture to explain why it’s imperative to understand Japan before working in the country.

Although Mr. Cohen is Italian, he moved to Japan with his parents when he was three years old, having graduated from the high school St. Mary’s International School. Although Mr. Cohen could not speak Japanese, he did note that growing up in Japan gave him a familiarity advantage that many foreigners will not have. Mr. Cohen then travelled to England for University, having graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science, which guided him back to Italy where he worked for a few years. Briefly working in Australia, Mr. Cohen then found himself back in Japan and having gained the experience to work for his father’s company, Japan Europe Trading. He comments on the cleverness of his father as he gave Mr. Cohen a mid-level position in the company before he would allow him to become Vice President. In Japan, family businesses are quite common, so the concept of Mr. Cohen taking over his father as President of Japan Europe Trading was well accepted. However, Mr. Cohen delves into the issues that can arise from not understanding Japanese people and even explains some of his own mistakes.

Thierry Cohen goes in-depth about the dynamics and processes that he has within his own company and gives fantastic advice for foreigners who are planning to work in Japan. Overall, his experiences and messages emphasise the importance to learn, accept and embrace Japanese culture and people, as well as gaining their trust.

Thierry Cohen, President of Japan Europe Trading and Founder of Solleone Bio, moved to Japan with his parents when he was three years old. He graduated from St. Mary’s International School and then travelled to England for University, graduating from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Working in Italy for a few years, before briefly working in Australia, Mr. Cohen then found himself back in Japan and having gained the experience to work for his father’s company, Japan Europe Trading, was first appointed at a mid-level position in the company before becoming Vice President and eventually taking over from his father as President of Japan Europe Trading.