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In December, I had the pleasure of joining our first Village Global team off-site in Tokyo. Throughout the week we spent there, we had a chance to both get to know each other personally, co-observe Tokyo tradition and rituals, and strategize core efforts for the Village Global team in 2024.

10 learnings & observations from the 10 day trip —

1. The value of authenticity: our ****journey in Tokyo began with an enlightening discussion with David Marx, an author deeply versed in Japanese culture. We explored the essence of authenticity, realizing it's not just about the origin of things, like champagne from Champagne, but also about creators who remain true to their roots. In a world where diamonds are now lab-grown and craftsmanship has largely been replaced by massively scaled productions, people crave unique and authentic stories ever more and might be willing to pay a premium for it.
2. Mastery in simplicity: Walking through Tokyo's streets and shrines, you can't help but notice the local artisans' dedication to their singular crafts. From tiny stationery boutiques to corner matcha shops, there's a visible celebration of specialized excellence throughout the city. This philosophy of concentrated expertise is not just limited to artisans but extends to Michelin-starred chefs as well, where mastery and unwavering commitment to a single craft are seen as the keystones to success. This approach highlights the profound beauty and effectiveness of simplicity and focus in achieving unparalleled artistry.
3. Spiritual balance: Eastern spirituality usually represents itself through meditation practices, the act of staying spiritually centered. Through discussions, visits to temples, and tea ceremonies, we delved into practices of zen buddhism and Japanese mindfulness rituals. Ben, Co-Founder and Partner at Village Global, has written extensively on the topic here.
4. Creative vision: One memorable moment from the trip was meeting two new founders in the Village portfolio. Hailing from Australia and now immersed in Tokyo's vibrant culture, they have wholeheartedly adopted the cyberpunk aesthetic as a source of inspiration. Their intention is to develop a next-gen virtual reality gaming platform, deeply influenced by Tokyo’s futuristic landscape. Drawing from their childhood experiences with Minecraft, these founders aim to spark a renewed enthusiasm in gaming and world-building, particularly among Japan's dedicated gaming communities.
5. The art of deep conversations: One of my favorite parts about Village Global is their commitment to “single threaded conversations.” Unlike typical group settings where multiple conversations can fragment attention, Village roundtables focus on a single topic that involves everyone's participation. This approach, reminiscent of experiences with Reset the Table conversations at re—inc, creates a space for more impactful discussions. By channeling the group's collective energy into one topic, this approach not only deepens the conversation but also strengthens personal connections, leading to more memorable interactions.
6. The duality of conformity: The pervasive cultural uniformity in Japan, spanning hairstyles, architecture, and clothing, is immediately noticeable. Yet, delve into neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku, and you'll find a striking contrast. Here, conformity gives way to a vivid counterculture. You'll see girls trading their preppy uniforms for eclectic streetwear and encounter dive bars where you’ll hear beats of bossa nova. This juxtaposition offers a glimpse into the interplay between collective identity and personal expression, revealing the nuanced layers of Japanese culture.
7. The discipline of dedication: Our visit to a sumo wrestlers' training session offered an interesting glimpse into their unwavering dedication to the sport. Post-training, we learned about their daily regimen, a rigorous blend of morning drills and afternoon workouts, purposefully free from distractions such as romantic relationships. This strict routine is further reinforced by a 10pm curfew. Beginning their journey as early as 19 years old, these athletes embody a deep-rooted devotion to their craft, embracing a life of intense focus and sacrifice. This dedication is not just about physical strength but a testament to their commitment to the venerable art of sumo.
8. Ikigai: I re-read the renowned book "Ikigai" on my flight over. The central tenet of "less is more" resonated deeply with me. This philosophy is about creating space in our lives and careers for the spontaneous and unforeseen. It suggests that while we might strive to control around 80% of potential outcomes, there's a significant 20% that we should welcome as the realm of the unexpected. This might involve committing 70-80% of our time to planned work, with 20-30% towards unplanned projects, exploratory travel, and serendipitous connections.
9. Mindful consideration: Japanese culture exemplifies a deep-seated reverence for others, a trait evident in the pristine cleanliness of the cities and transit systems. This respect extends to everyday actions, such as the common practice of carrying backpacks in front to avoid obstructing others in crowded spaces—a gesture of courtesy rather than a precaution against theft, as it might be perceived in the U.S. This cultural ethos is reflected in various aspects of life, from the art of precise gift wrapping to the considerate behavior observed in subways, offering a profound lesson in empathy and mutual respect.
10. Trust the process: During our last evening discussion as a group, we collectively reflected on the power of moments. Tokyo, pulsating with a dynamic rhythm akin to that of venture capital, reminded us to appreciate the twists and turns of the intermediate journey. We stressed the importance of diligently refining our approach, focusing on the inputs and the process rather than being overly preoccupied with the end result.

10 favorite photos —

1. Atago Shrine’s “Career Success” Steps.

2. Traditional tea house at the Hamarikyu Gardens.

3. Sensoji shrine.

4. Wedding ceremony at the Meiji Jingu shrine.

5. Local spice vendor in Asakusa.

6. Local sushi vendor at the Tsukiji Outer Market.