Lighting the Path: Yusuke Shinozawa on Mentorship and the Science Bridge Journey

For Mr. Yusuke Shinozawa, Director of Leave a Nest Capital, mentorship has always been more than just instruction—it’s a delicate balance between support and autonomy. Reflecting on his early days at Leave a Nest, Mr. Shinozawa recalls a pivotal moment during his first Science Experiment Workshop (SEW) about DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). “Haruna Kusu was my influential mentor,” he shares. “It was during that workshop that I first felt the real meaning of connecting science with society.” More than the technical skills, it was Kusu-san’s approach—combining precision with passion—that left a lasting impression and shaped how Mr. Shinozawa would eventually lead others.

Guidance through Experience: The Lab-Like Environment
Now a mentor himself, Mr. Shinozawa describes the senpai-kouhai dynamic at Leave a Nest as unique, yet deeply rooted in a familiar environment for scientists. “It’s similar to a science laboratory setup,” he explains. “You learn by observing, trying, and sometimes failing—but the guidance is always there.” While it may mirror some aspects of traditional mentorship, the Leave a Nest model stands out in how it nurtures personal growth through hands-on experiences and collaborative learning. It isn’t hierarchical in the conventional sense; instead, it fosters an environment where respect flows both ways and where learning is mutual.

Unlike traditional corporate systems in Japan, Leave a Nest’s mentorship culture allows for what Mr. Shinozawa calls “tailor-made relationships.” “You don’t have to stick to one direct line of reporting,” he says. “If you’re in the Philippines, your senpai could be in Malaysia or Japan. It’s not about hierarchy—it’s about who has the experience and insight you need at that moment.” This flexibility encourages exploration across departments and disciplines, something rare in conventional enterprises. 

Empowering Independence and Passing the Torch 
When asked how he balances guiding kouhai while allowing them the freedom to grow, Shinozawa highlights the importance of patience, trust, and the practice of fading—a gradual stepping back as the mentee gains confidence. “It’s very important to allow the kouhai to learn at their own pace and apply their own understanding. As a senpai, you don’t micromanage—you support them just enough until they can stand on their own.” For Mr. Shinozawa, this process is essential not only in developing skills, but in nurturing future leaders who can think independently and bridge diverse fields with purpose. 

For Mr. Shinozawa, being a senpai goes beyond sharing knowledge; it’s about unveiling new possibilities. “The true enjoyment comes from connecting with people of varied expertise and bridging those gaps together.” It’s about passing on a culture where mistakes are learning opportunities, respect is mutual, and growth is certain. Ultimately, the senpai role is about guiding others to find their own path, enabling them to learn, rise, and lead with purpose.