[Part 3] Innovation Can Be Taught: A Message for the Future with Takashi Tsutsumi

ケイ

Hello! I’m Kei from Chuetsu Life!

Welcome to the final installment of our interview series with Takashi Tsutsumi, lead instructor of the entrepreneurship program “LLP Nagaoka” (Lean LaunchPad Program) and pioneer of startup education in Japan!

In Part 3, Tsutsumi shares his vision for training program graduates to become instructors nationwide, expanding to all 47 prefectures, and delivers a powerful message to anyone taking on new challenges.

Guest Profile: Takashi Tsutsumi 
CEO, Startup Brain Co., Ltd. 

A business development professional with over 20 years of experience as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley and Japan. He translated Silicon Valley serial entrepreneur Steve Blank’s bestseller, The Four Steps to the Epiphany, into Japanese and established the framework for Japan’s Lean LaunchPad (LLP) program. He is actively dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurs in Nagaoka City and across Japan.

Lecture Slides & Presentation Materials:
👉 Takashi Tsutsumi’s Presentation Slides on SlideShare

👉 [Read Part 2: Human Imagination Tested in the AI Era]

“The ability to create innovation can be learned and acquired”—this core message holds life-changing insights not only for aspiring founders, but for all working professionals looking to enrich their lives!

Future Vision | “Teaching Alone Has Its Limits”: Graduates Becoming Instructors to Expand Across All 47 Prefectures

Currently, local governments and universities across Japan are requesting to host LLP, but Tsutsumi alone cannot accommodate every location. To address this, he is envisioning a “Japan Educator Program” where graduates develop into certified instructors.

Kei: “Are there opportunities for alumni to stay involved as instructors or mentors?”

Tsutsumi: “There’s a limit to how many students I can teach by myself.”

“I want to train instructors who can lead lectures in places I can’t reach.”

Starting with Nagaoka, graduates trained across various regions will become instructors, creating opportunities for innovation across all 47 prefectures in Japan. The efforts at LLP Nagaoka mark a crucial first step toward this ambitious future.

To LLP Graduates | You’ve Learned the Method: Now It’s Just a Matter of Choosing to Make the World Better

Having guided numerous graduates over the years, Tsutsumi offered an encouraging message to those who have completed the program.

Kei: “What do you hope for past participants who have completed the LLP?”

Tsutsumi: “Through LLP, you haven’t just learned about starting a business—you’ve learned how to create new value. You’ve also built confidence in your own abilities.”

“So from here, it’s simply a matter of whether you actually choose to do it or not.”

Whether starting a business immediately or applying these skills within an existing organization, Tsutsumi urges graduates to leverage their practical knowledge to make a positive impact on society.

To Future Innovators | “Just Doing What You’re Told Is a Waste of Your Life!”

Finally, Tsutsumi shared a message for anyone contemplating joining LLP or taking on new challenges.

Kei: “What message would you give to those hesitating to join LLP or take on new challenges?”

Tsutsumi: “LLP isn’t just for starting a company.”

“The power to tackle unprecedented challenges and create new value that helps people is the ultimate weapon in any career—whether you’re a civil servant or an office worker.”

From students to working adults, anyone can gain the ability to create new value regardless of generation. Nagaoka City provides this valuable program free of charge.

Kei: “Having an environment where people can join for free is truly a privilege!”

Tsutsumi: “Living a life where you only do what you’re instructed to do wastes more than half of your human potential.”

“Innovation capability can be learned and acquired. Step in without fear and make your life far more fulfilling.”

Program Overview

Conclusion

Throughout this 3-part series, Takashi Tsutsumi has reminded us that “innovation capability can be learned and acquired.” His empowering words provide the perfect boost for anyone looking to make a change.

If you are ready to step beyond routine routines and test your true potential, take the leap and knock on the door of LLP Nagaoka!