Young Professionals to Watch: Kaho Hasegawa

The World Kinect business development executive shares how the ACCJ has helped her grow her career.

The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) serves as a platform to connect working professionals aged 35 and under within the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). In this installment of our Young Professionals to Watch series, we talk to Kaho Hasegawa, business development executive at World Kinect, about the real-life lessons she has learned by participating in YPF events, which go beyond traditional networking to give young professionals opportunities to learn directly from senior ACCJ members in intimate settings.

What do you do at World Kinect?

I work in business development, focusing on the early stages of client engagement. My role involves introducing our services to potential clients, understanding their energy and sustainability needs, and handing off leads to the sales team. I also contribute to marketing—organizing webinars, writing for newsletters, researching companies, and updating website content. Having lived in Japan, Singapore, and Canada, I value the global nature of our business and the opportunity to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

What is the most memorable project you have worked on? How did being a young professional make a difference?

One of the most memorable projects so far has been participating as the Asia-Pacific host in a global webinar series. Each region—North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific—had a team with presenters and hosts, and I supported the session from our region. It was my first time taking part in a global, client-facing initiative, and I worked closely with marketing, sales, and subject-matter experts. Coordinating efforts across teams and hosting the session itself was a challenge, but the strong engagement and follow-up from participants made it very rewarding.

At this stage in my career, I have found that approaching things with a fresh perspective can be a strength. I am comfortable asking questions or suggesting changes. For instance, I identified gaps in our Japanese landing page and took initiative to improve it. At the same time, limited experience can be frustrating, especially when I cannot immediately answer complex client questions. However, I see that as part of the learning curve, and it motivates me to keep learning.

How does World Kinect empower young professionals?

I really appreciate the accessibility and support across the company, regardless of role or location. The people are approachable and open to sharing their expertise. I have learned a lot by working with colleagues from different departments and regions—from origination to marketing to operations. It is encouraging to be part of a team where knowledge is shared, and young professionals are trusted with responsibilities that allow us to grow and contribute meaningfully.

Do you have a memorable moment from a YPF or ACCJ event?

I have attended both, and each has given me something valuable. The YPF events help me connect with others at similar career stages, and it is reassuring to discover that many of us share similar challenges and goals. One especially memorable experience was the Sales Support Alliance session, where we learned how to shape professional and company messages into concise, powerful narratives. I realized how important storytelling is—not just to hold someone’s attention, but to leave a lasting impression. Practicing in small groups made the session interactive, and I left feeling more confident and equipped for real-world conversations.

What are your expectations for the YPF and the ACCJ?

I am interested in more opportunities that offer practical skill-building and cross-industry networking. Events that offer hands-on learning—such as improving communication or building confidence—as well as opportunities to learn about different industries are especially helpful. I would also love to attend more casual or cross-chamber events, which make it easier to meet new people outside one’s immediate field.

Young Professionals to Watch: Sean Hill

The Share-Me founder shares how the ACCJ has helped him grow his start-up in Japan.

The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) serves as a platform to connect working professionals aged 35 and under within the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). In this installment of our Young Professionals to Watch series, we talk to Sean Hill, founder and chief executive officer of Share-Me, about the real-life lessons he has learned by participating in YPF events, which go beyond traditional networking to give young professionals opportunities to learn directly from senior ACCJ members in intimate settings.

What do you do at Share-Me?

We’re a start-up reinventing the business card—beginning with beautifully designed, NFC-enabled smart cards that let you share your digital business card with a simple tap or QR scan. From social links to contact info and files, everything you want to share is instantly accessible. And we’re evolving into a seamless platform for digital business cards and lead management built for the way people connect today.

Before launching Share-Me, I studied entrepreneurship and marketing at George Washington University. I have always been passionate about building things from the ground up, and my goal is to become a leading entrepreneur who represents both our generation and Japan.

What is the most memorable project you have worked on? How did being a young professional make a difference?

Launching Share-Me has been way more challenging than I ever imagined. I started the company from scratch as a young, inexperienced founder with no business network in Japan. That came with obvious hurdles like building trust, earning credibility, and figuring things out as I went.

However, it also gave me a fresh perspective and the freedom to build something based not on bias but on real customer feedback. Being a young professional has allowed me to take bold risks and given me the hunger and resilience to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

How does Share-Me empower young professionals?

The best part about working at Share-Me is being part of a young, global team that’s building something from the ground up. It’s exciting to create a product or feature that thousands of customers are using.

Everyone on the team, no matter their background, is trusted with real responsibility—and not just to the company but to the customers and partners who believe in us. We’re not only supporting a vision, we’re actively shaping it together, which is exciting.

Do you have a memorable moment from a YPF or ACCJ event?

One of my most memorable ACCJ events was the year-end bonenkai [the Networking for Tomorrow event]. It was a great mix of fun and meaningful conversations, and I had the chance to connect with leaders from all different industries. What really stood out was how encouraging people were about the challenges I’m taking on, and I was very happy that they were interested in what we’re building and had good things to say about our products. It made me feel supported and reminded me how valuable this community is.

At my first YPF event, I was impressed by the energy in the room. There was this strong sense of ambition, and I felt everyone was driven, passionate, and eager to grow—even though many of us are still early in our careers. It felt like being surrounded by future leaders, and that kind of environment is both inspiring and motivating.

What are your expectations for the YPF and the ACCJ?

One of the core visions behind Share-Me—and something that drives me personally—is encouraging what is called “chosen” in Japanese, the courage to take on new challenges, especially among young professionals.

Share-Me isn’t just a tool for exchanging business cards; it’s a way to share your chosen. We’re offering the courage to share your story and build real connections beyond surface-level exchanges.

I hope the YPF and the ACCJ continue to create spaces where these stories are heard, where young professionals feel inspired to act, and where meaningful collaboration can grow. As a founder, I deeply value opportunities for mentorship, peer connections, and greater visibility within Japan’s business ecosystem.