An international start

Yuki’s career began in Tokyo, where he studied International Economics. His motivation to pursue an international path started early.

“My motivations were quite simple,” he says. “As a kid, I was watching the 1994 World Cup and it struck me how big the world was. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to do something international.”

Economics also felt like a natural choice. His parents worked as bankers, and at the time it seemed like a logical direction to follow.

After graduating, Yuki joined the electronics branch of Citizen, a large conglomerate best known for its watches. The role quickly took him abroad. He lived in Finland and Germany and worked with customers across Europe and North America.

“Actually, Nokia was my first-ever customer,” he says.

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Finding a home in Finland

When Yuki first arrived in Helsinki in 2010, he was not sure he would survive the winter. Over time, however, he began to notice similarities between Japan and Finland, especially in everyday life and work culture.

Over the following decade, his career took him to different companies and locations. Most recently, he worked as Manager of Sales and Marketing at Asahi Kasei. In 2022, his family decided to settle in Finland for the long run.

During this time, Yuki also completed an MBA at Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development. As he began looking for his next full-time role, he came across the open position at SemiQon.

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Joining SemiQon and the world of quantum

Yuki joined SemiQon spring 2025. While quantum technology was new to him, the role itself felt like a natural fit.

“First of all - and this may sound strange - I love manufacturing and could just stare at a die bonding machine for an hour,” he says. “I also really like technology, new product development, looking for new markets, brainstorming new applications and working closely with customers to innovate. This role checks many boxes for me.”

Earlier in his career, Yukihisa worked with LEDs when they were still in their early stages. Watching that technology mature and find applications across different domains left a strong impression.

“Now I recognize that same excitement with quantum,” he says. “There is just so much potential to explore.”

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First impressions and surprises

After spending much of his career in large corporations, Yuki admits he had some stereotypes about startups and how they operate. Those assumptions didn’t last long.

“As soon as I met the founders during the recruitment process, it removed any doubt about their professionalism and experience.”

Some surprises came early. His first independent task at SemiQon was flying to London to pitch at the ambassador’s residence. Which he says was “a bit surprising, but really cool.”

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Business development with purpose

Now nearly six months into his role, Yuki has been busy expanding SemiQon’s network.

“In business development, I do feel part of the mission of making quantum computers useful,” he says. “I don’t manufacture or measure, but my value comes from engaging with partners and customers. If they pick us because I am the contact person – I’ve reached my goal!”

What has stood out most to him is the working culture.

“Sometimes people fear asking questions because they don’t want to seem stupid,” he says. “That doesn’t happen here. Curiosity is encouraged, and everyone has been endlessly supportive and patient with my questions.”

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Life outside work

Outside of work, Yuki values time with his family. As a parent of a young child, he has come to appreciate the work-life balance in Finland, even as he continues to unlearn some of the long working hour habits he picked up earlier in his career.

He is also a lifelong Arsenal fan and enjoys exploring new foods and drinks whenever possible.

“Family, football and foodie adventures,” he says. “Those are the things I never get tired of.”

“Family, football and foodie adventures,”

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Qurious to join a team of Qurious minds? Information about our open positions and how to apply is available on our careers page.