ON THE “GROUND” FROM AROUND THE WORLD Representative Office in Rio de Janeiro
In “On the ‘Ground’ from Around the World,” representatives working at JBIC’s offices around the globe talk about their work and life in their respective countries. This issue features TSUJI Takuya, who is assigned to the JBIC Representative Office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Representative Office is operated by JBIC’s overseas representatives and local staff members. Among the local staff are those with backgrounds connected to Japan.
Representative
JBIC Representative Office in Rio de Janeiro (at that time)
TSUJI Takuya
Joined JBIC in 2020. After working in credit-related planning, corporate credit ratings, and project finance management in the Credit Department, he assumed his current post in June 2022. Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Law.
Where is your office located?
Rio de Janeiro, a tourist destination famous for its beautiful beaches and the Rio Carnival. Our office is located in the Botafogo business district. Brazil is one of Japan’s major trading partners, so strengthening relations with the government and companies is important work. Because Brazil has high potential in various sectors, we are also actively looking for new projects.
What sector has caught your attention?
Renewable energy. Brazil is one of the world’s largest bioethanol producers, and over 90 percent of the cars here can run on ethanol. Hydro and photovoltaic power are also used, so I think there is potential for green projects with Japanese companies.
Promising projects include protection of forests using a carbon credit-like scheme, aiming to strike a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth. Though still in the initial phases, I hope we can support such projects in the future.
How about notable events?
The G20 Summit was held last November, the BRICS Summit this July, and COP30 (The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference) will be held in November. As representatives of JBIC, we are lucky to have the chance to attend such international meetings. We can see up close how countries search for common ground while having their own agendas—insights that cannot be gained by just reading newspaper articles.
Have you ever noticed particular cultural differences with Japan?
Brazil has a deeply rooted “amigo culture,” where strangers easily become friends, and people help those in need. You hardly see anyone using their smartphones while walking. Public safety is a problem, but I get the impression that people are always talking to someone.
What do you do on your days off?
The nature here is of a scale that cannot be found in Japan, so I play at the beach or go hiking in the mountains. I also go to see soccer matches.
Is there a particular frame of mind you maintain as a JBIC representative?
Although the poor public safety image tends to dominate, Brazil’s fusion of extensive nature and diverse culture forms an environment that many people come to love. At times, I find myself envious of the national character that values “fully enjoying the moment,” but since my role as a JBIC representative requires fostering synergy with the local community while upholding the positive attributes of Japan, I try not to become too assimilated. While following the local customs and practices, I hope to do my work with a sense of balance. Using my experience from Brazil, in the future I would like to work in core banking operations at the head office.
Right: Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s three major waterfalls. Left: Watching soccer at Maracanã Stadium. The stands erupt with joy after a goal.
(Instagram Post)
