NEW DELHI: Naotaka Nishiyama, the founder of Tech Japan, recently shared reflections on his transformative journey of moving to India.
In a LinkedIn post, Nishiyama revealed that he arrived in Bengaluru in March last year with nothing but a suitcase and an idea. Over the past year, this leap of faith has profoundly shaped his views on entrepreneurship, culture, and personal growth.

Credit: LinkedIn

“Something inside me has definitely shifted this year,” he wrote, emphasising how he learned to “create value within change”—a mindset that has now become an integral part of him.
Recounting his journey, he shared, “Exactly one year ago, I landed in India with just a suitcase—and a dream. On March 25, 2024, I left Tokyo International Airport. In the early hours of March 26, I arrived in Bangalore. As I stepped out of the airport, pulling my suitcase behind me, I found myself in a completely new world.”
As a Japanese startup founder in India, Nishiyama quickly realized he was an outlier. “There aren’t many Japanese people in India to begin with, and most of those here are corporate expats working in automotive, electronics, or banking,” he noted.
He often finds himself facing the same question when meeting new people: “Toyota? Suzuki?” With a smile, he replies, “No, I run a company called Talendy.” The response is usually a curious look, followed by, “What’s that?”
Reflecting on his experiences, Nishiyama highlighted three key lessons that have reshaped both his business strategies and personal outlook. He reiterated that rather than seeking stability, he has embraced change and learned to thrive in uncertainty.
Ending his post on an optimistic note, he wrote, “Of course, I’m still learning… But the people I’ve met in India—especially the incredible energy and ambition of the younger generation—keep me moving forward with the belief that we can create the future together.”
His post resonated with many, drawing praise and personal anecdotes from others.
“This is so inspiring! Glad to know about your journey,” one user commented.
Another admirer wrote, “I’m truly amazed at your spirit of adventure, Naotaka Nishiyama—a startup founder choosing to live in India! I’ll be tracking your journey. Wind in your sails!”
A third person shared their own relocation story: “This reminds me of when I moved from Canada to Seoul, South Korea, with my family. We didn’t know what to expect, but Korea pleasantly surprised us and soon became a favorite place. Until you venture out, you never know what awaits. So, young boys and girls—go for it! Travel the world and seven seas as Eurythmics says, ‘Sweet dreams are made of these.'”
Another comment applauded his courage and adaptability: “Moving to a new country as a startup founder takes incredible resilience and vision. It’s amazing to see how India has shaped your perspective on creativity and diversity. Wishing you and Talendy continued success on this journey!”