“Yaraku-Jin (やらく人)”, a series of articles that unravels Yaraku and Yaraku Translate by focusing on the “people (人) ” surrounding Yaraku, introduces Tomomi Mowat, a sales representative.

Yaraku-Jin <VOL.15>

Yaraku, Inc. Sales Team

Tomomi Mowat

Could you tell us about what you were doing before you joined Yaraku?

I lived in Australia from ages 15 to 21 as a student. After that, I worked as a tour coordinator in South America, then returned to Japan and handled inbound marketing and sales at a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was freelancing for a marketing company based in Australia remotely and also working for a Japanese marketing company. The company was a user of Yaraku Translate, and I thought it was a user-friendly tool.

What made you decide to join Yaraku?

My previous company had a strong traditional Japanese working culture, where there was an implicit pressure to respond to irregular emails even outside of work hours. Additionally, there were many regulations that made me question why they were necessary. So I told the HR interviewer at Yaraku about my past experiences and that I might have to go overseas because of my husband’s job, then I was informed that Yaraku has many foreigners and is a very flexible company. I heard that because it’s remote work, there’s no need to work at the office either (*). After that, I also had interviews with the team manager and Sakanishi-san (CEO). During the interviews, I felt that a lot of unique and diverse members were gathered there, and it seemed wonderful, so I decided to join the company.

*The requirements may vary depending on the timing of recruitment, position, and assigned team.

What is your current job at Yaraku?

I am in charge of direct sales for Yaraku Translate. For the companies I’m in charge of, I follow up after closing deals as well. I’m also giving presentations at seminars.

What gives you a sense of accomplishment?

I guess it’s when I close a deal. Though there have been tough times with team changes and people leaving, I’d say I managed to close quite a few deals considering the situation. When it comes to interacting with people during a business meeting, you start to get a sense of whether you can speak actively or if you should provide a thorough explanation. I really enjoy adjusting my approach depending on the person.

Did you develop those communication skills through your experiences living abroad?

Yeah, going to Australia might have been quite significant for me. Somehow, you don’t get recognized unless you’re outgoing. I lived in a place called Brisbane, and there were almost no Japanese people besides myself. It was an environment where I had to initiate conversations for others to recognize me, so I might have been trained there.

Also, the reason I ended up going to South America was thanks to a TV show called “Gutto Chikyu Bin (グッと！地球便)” that I happened to watch after I returned from Australia. There was a man named Honma-san, who would later become my boss, living at the filming location, Uyuni Salt Flats. Honma-san said something like, “It’s important to feel satisfied with yourself, but the first and most important step is to listen to what the other person wants.” That made sense to me. That advice sticks with me during business meetings even now — trying to understand whether the person wants a demonstration or just wants to talk, by listening to them.

Mr. Kento Honma is still actively working as a tour guide in South America! (Projecto Yosi)

How does the current Yaraku look to someone as energeric as you, Tomomi-san?

Since we are still a new company, I think one of the great attractions is being able to grow the company together. Since it is small, it is easy to get your opinions across, and Sakanishi-san will definitely listen to your opinions. If you express your thoughts without hesitation, there may be times when it takes time, but I believe this is a company where your opinions will always lead to visible results.

Do you have a vision of the kind of people you’d like to work with at Yaraku in the future?

Well, I would say it’s good to have someone with their own style. I think it’s a workplace where you can enjoy working with people who truly embrace their individuality. Also, it’s great to have people who don’t dismiss others’ opinions and take everything positively. At Yaraku, I think anyone can truly enjoy working here as long as they fit with the flexible company culture, no matter what environment they were raised in or what background they have. Because everyone properly acknowledges you. I’m excited to continue growing the company with diverse people moving forward.

Lastly, is there something you’d like to pursue outside of your job?

If I were to think about my next dream, I would like to move to New Zealand in the future. One of the reasons is that my husband works with a New Zealand certificate, but it’s also because it’s such a place full of nature. I love organic things. I want to live a lifestyle that’s as close to sustainable as possible. In New Zealand, I can live a more eco-friendly life, so in the future, I hope to work there.