International Women’s Day 2023

As Managing Director of our Yokohama office, Japan, Toshimi is the perfect person to highlight on International Women’s Day 2023. Always trusting in her own ability and drive to succeed, Toshimi has become a valuable member of Rebound Electronics. We asked her a few questions about her time working in the industry which you can read in the interview below.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your work with Rebound 

I was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan.

I liked Korean music and studied abroad in Korea, which led me to meet people from different countries.

I learned that there are many different ways of thinking and my worldview was broadened.

Thanks to this, I have always been able to challenge myself and live my life without regretting anything that interests me.

In the midst of all this, my encounter with Rebound has been a very valuable life experience for me. I am now working daily as a sales manager and part of the sales team at the Japanese base.

I am engaged in overall sales support such as accompanying customers on visits, following up on quotations, resolving problems between the person in charge and the customer, training human resources, and working on the company’s advertising image.

• How did you end up working in the industry?

I had been working in PR-related fields for a long time, and I wanted to try a sales job where I would actually sell things.

I was not particular about the industry at first.

I was attracted by the fact that I could make use of my experience working in Korea and be entrusted with the Korean market as well.

Through the interview, I wondered what semiconductors were. I thought it was interesting, and that is how I got to know semiconductors.

• What does equality mean for you?

Equality in any event is difficult.

What does equality mean to me? I believe that if you always think and appeal to “be yourself” in any position or environment, not because you are a man, a woman, an adult, a child, healthy, or sick, you will have a fair chance and this will lead to equality.

Everything is up to you.

I still want to believe that if I don’t give up and move forward in my own way, I will be given equal opportunities. I believe that equality lies within our own hearts.

• What barriers have you faced in your education/career and how did you overcome them?

Looking back, I don’t think I did anything in particular.

I am relatively thankful that I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who were willing to work with me and help me.

I succeeded in the tasks and jobs that were given to me, and I was given new opportunities.

At no time can one work alone. It is only possible with the cooperation of those around us.

I am grateful that we were able to share our joy and gratitude for that.

I believe that this is the reason why we were able to overcome the barriers we faced.

• What advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field?

I think it is okay to be “masculine” or “feminine,” not “male” or “female.” Make the most of what only you can do, and be considerate of your colleagues, peers, customers, bosses, and all those involved. Value the connections between people.

First of all, establish this base properly. I believe that any job starts from there.

I would venture to say that semiconductor work is an industry dominated by men and I would always encourage more women to get involved.

Thank you, Toshimi for all your hard work at Rebound!