PayPay Card will
shape the
unimaginable
with AI.

What is the best part of working at PayPay Card?

PayPay Card currently faces challenges due to numerous legacy and impractical processes and systems. However, I view these not as obstacles but as opportunities to introduce effective, modern solutions for improvement.

At PayPay Card, what excites me the most is the opportunity to pioneer new ideas with the full support of leadership. I value the culture — team members get exposure to the full system architecture, work side by side with developers and designers, and can openly share ideas that are respected and acted upon. With this collaborative environment, we are modernizing our team into a Full Stack QA team with AI specialization, driving higher coverage, faster feedback, and uncompromised quality.

Definitively, being able to try making things right. PayPay Card is going through many changes — architectural, organizational, and more. Multiple initiatives are being built from the ground up, offering golden opportunities to opt for the best architecture. Since I joined in November 2023 it has been an ever-changing environment, and that freedom to contribute to the right changes continues. It certainly faces many challenges and it is far from easy, but I believe this is the price for the freedom of choices and decisions worth paying.

How do you describe the Tech culture of PayPay Card?

The tech culture here is open, collaborative, and forward-looking. We work side by side with developers, TPMs, and architects. We are encouraged to participate from the very beginning of the design process, which allows us to bring in a shift-left approach and ensure quality is considered at every stage of development. What I love most is the trust and visibility we get. We are exposed to real architecture designs, complex backend systems, and modern tools, and we are encouraged to explore new technologies such as Copilot, Vertex AI, and Codex. This culture creates a strong sense of ownership and gives us the freedom to suggest and implement best practices.

A fundamental aspect of our technical culture is ownership, where teams are responsible for their micro-services from initial design through to ongoing monitoring. This culture encourages open communication, active discussion, and a proactive approach to implementing changes that enhance service quality.

We are improvement-driven and always aim for the best. Decisions are not forced but always consulted to ensure no one is excluded. I appreciate that technical decisions consider the team and do not solely focus on "what's best from a technical standpoint". Overall, the team strives to find the best solution without compromising inclusivity.

What was your biggest concern before joining PayPay Card?

Before joining, my biggest concern was the cultural shift. I had heard that PayPay Card was more of a traditional Japanese company with stricter processes. I wondered how open the environment would be for innovation and change. But once I joined, I realized my concern was unnecessary. The teams here are very supportive and welcoming. We have clear channels to share suggestions, people are open to new ideas, and management truly encourages us to improve processes together. It feels like a perfect balance of traditional strengths and modern innovation.

Improving our technical infrastructure isn't always a top priority for management at most companies, as its immediate business value isn't always apparent. However, we are fortunate to have leaders willing to take a chance on modernizing our legacy systems and migrating our services to the cloud.

What is the best part of living in Japan?

Japan boasts an excellent public transportation network in most areas, allowing easy access to nearly any destination without a car. Additionally, the country offers delicious cuisine and beautiful natural scenery that can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons.

I cannot name a single “top point”. The reasons I love living in Japan are the accumulation of multiple details that make life enjoyable. Having a reliable, punctual transportation system, clean streets, and accessible medical infrastructure are examples of such details. When combined, these small advantages create an easy-to-live environment. I would describe living in Japan as “easy to understand, hard to master”: the rules are clear, but catching the nuances and subtleties takes time and brings the experience to another level.

For me, Japan offers the best of both professional and personal life. On the tech side, I get exposure to cutting-edge projects and the chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry. On the personal side, my kids enjoy a safe, friendly environment with excellent services that support family life. Japan’s rich culture, food, and hospitality make it a wonderful place to live. Even though we don’t speak Japanese fluently, people often go out of their way to help—whether in a mall, at a station, or on the street. I’ve grown fond of sushi and ramen, and I truly appreciate the kindness and respect embedded in Japanese society.