LLP Nagaoka Spotlight: From Taxi Driver to Startup Contender in Nagaoka City, Japan

ケイ

“Hi! I’m Kei from Chuetsu Life!”

Are you familiar with “LLP Nagaoka” (Lean LaunchPad Program), the entrepreneurship development program hosted by Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture, Japan? In this case study, we sat down with one of the program’s unique participants.

He had no grand ambition to start a company, nor did he possess IT expertise. Working full-time as a local taxi driver, he took a leap into LLP based on a single poster, overcame the impulse to drop out, and ultimately discovered a meaningful role where he truly fit.

👉 Read the 3-Part Interview Series with Lead Instructor Takashi Tsutsumi Here

👉 LLP Nagaoka Spotlight: COWNECT’s Journey in Transforming Skim Milk into Future Materials

Started with a Single Poster | Jumping Into LLP Without Business Ambitions

Kei: “What originally prompted you to join LLP?”

Participant A: “I happened to see a poster while using the library at Miraie Nagaoka (a local public community complex in Nagaoka City, Japan). That led me to attend an information session hosted by CLIP Nagaoka (the city’s startup support hub). To be honest, I didn’t initially have any interest in starting a business.”

 “I thought it might be a good chance to gain some knowledge or—networking sounds a bit too grand—just an opportunity to meet new people in the community.”

Kei: “So you stepped in with an open mind! How was your very first day?”

A: “My first impression was that there were many more students and young people than I expected. But talking to them, everyone was unique and interesting. I even bought a second-hand PC specifically for the program! (laughs)”

Do I Belong Here?” | Overcoming Isolation and the Decision to Pivot Teams

He initially joined a team composed primarily of students from Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT). However, he soon hit an unexpected roadblock.

A: “I certainly felt the technical skill gap. But more than that, the university students were naturally discussing project ideas on campus every day. As a working professional balancing my job, I couldn’t participate in those daily chats, so I constantly felt disconnected from the team’s momentum.”

“Honestly, I was considering dropping out of LLP altogether. The turning point was consulting with the program organizers. They encouraged me, saying, ‘Switching teams is completely fine,’ which shifted my mindset.”

Team Transfer | The Power and Agility of a Two-Person Team

When he approached a new team, the team leader welcomed him warmly, saying, “Sounds great, let’s work together!”

A: “Since we are currently a two-person team, execution feels much smoother regardless of the project scope. Our new project focuses on selling personalized, custom-built PCs tailored to user needs.”

Toward Demo Day | Message for Anyone Hesitating to Take the Leap

Kei: “Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering joining LLP?”

A: “I originally came just for community networking, but it turned into a valuable lesson in decision-making when I chose to switch teams. You don’t need deep business knowledge or IT expertise—if you just show up, you’ll find something meaningful. If you’re hesitating, just step through the door.”

Case Overview

Conclusion

Starting from a single poster at a local community center in Nagaoka City, Niigata, Japan, Participant A’s experience proves that LLP Nagaoka is not exclusively for seasoned tech founders. It is an inclusive space where working professionals can test their resilience, pivot teams, and discover new growth.

If you are hesitating to embark on a new challenge, remember: you don’t need all the tech skills before stepping through the door. Just step into the environment, and let the journey move you forward!

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