Recruit
A single code holds the key to shaping the future
We are always considering if there is a genuine need for a system. Various systems have emerged alongside social changes and technological evolution. Have these systems truly liberated humans? Are these systems making the world a more complex place? Are we being overwhelmed by repetitive tasks? Are we continuing to use things that we do not need? Systems are not made up of software alone. A system is a structure in itself. Looking Up breaks down old systems and creates new ones. We transform them into systems that liberate people. All of this starts with a single line of code, it holds the key to transforming the future.
Member
Koichiro Tanabe
Koichiro began his career in 2009 at a venture company in the marketing research industry, where he gained experience in business partnerships, web marketing, and new business development, and also served as a board member of a joint venture. He later joined Macromill as a Senior Sales Executive, delivering strong results with new digital research products. In 2015, pursuing his passion for the seafood industry, he joined Foodison in its early startup phase, where he led both marketing and new business initiatives. Starting in 2017, he took part in a project to expand a long-established Tsukiji seafood wholesaler into the U.S. market. Working independently, he built business operations and teams in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and by 2019 scaled the venture from zero into a consolidated business generating 600 million JPY in annual sales. In 2020, he joined Looking Up as COO, and in July 2025 he was appointed CEO of the company. Passionate about fishing, surfing, and startups, he brings curiosity and a challenger’s spirit into both his work and personal life.
Yuki Ishitsuka
After graduating from the Department of Mathematics at Chuo University, Yuki commenced his career, and at his first company, entered the world of programming. Two years after the company's founding, he joined Looking Up as the No. 1 employee and developed the base program for Muscat, a survey engine, in just two months. Yuki is a full-stack engineer and works in a wide range of areas including front-end, back-end, and infrastructure. He is not only a programmer but also a team builder and a top engineer who supports the company's growth.
Masahiko Minakoshi
Masahiko began his professional journey at his first company as a new graduate, where he met Yuki. It was also there that he entered the world of programming. Masahiko is active not only as a developer but also as a project manager. His hobbies are watching professional wrestling matches and muscle training. Currently, he is in the process of straightening his teeth, so he can't speak very well.
Yoshitaka Sakai
Formerly a researcher on natural language processing at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in the School of Engineering, Yoshitaka left his Master's when he joined Looking Up. In addition to developing survey editor tools, he is also the sole developer of the OPTICO web client. Yoshitaka specialty is front-end development, but he is also a full-stack engineer who can build servers and develop back-end applications.
Josh
Born in the U.K., a beloved character with a cheerful personality, Josh graduated from the University of York and the University of Leeds, and interned in China for a year before coming to Japan. After arriving in Japan, he worked at the British Embassy's Cultural Office while pursuing a career in programming, and is currently working as a full-stack engineer at Lookingup.
T.N
Born in Vietnam, Thoa came to Japan in 2018, after graduating from Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. After that, she worked as a front-end engineer at a web development company, where she was in charge of website production and renewal. Joined Looking Up looking to further improve her skills. Due to raising a cute child, she works both remotely and in the office.
M.H
In his previous position, Makoto developed automation programs using RPA and Python to improve operational efficiency. He also plays an active role in organizational development, such as organizing internal guidelines. On his days off, he likes to visit Japanese-style pubs.
Rico
Born in Indonesia, Rico came to Japan in 2020 as a Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship student. After studying Information Processing at the Kyoto Computer Gakuin, he enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering, specializing in Information and Intelligence Engineering at Toyohashi University of Technology. He is currently developing additional features for our company's product, OPTICO.
Zhang Zhikai
Born in China. After studying Applied Mathematics at Jinan University in Guangzhou, completed a Master’s degree in Information and Communication at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering. Joined Looking Up as a front-end Engineer, leveraging design knowledge to contribute to the development of various products such as the UI for DataCraft and the landing page for OPTICO.
Lisa
Lisa is from Brazil and came to Japan as a Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship student. She is currently studying at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, School of International and Area Studies.
Binderiya
Originally from Mongolia. Came to Japan as a Ministry of Education (MEXT) government-sponsored international student, currently enrolled in the Department of Economics and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Osaka University. Responsible for a wide range of tasks from formulating to executing sales strategies, working daily through the PDCA cycle to generate gross profit.
Kristen
Originally from Cuba. Came to Japan as a MEXT government-sponsored undergraduate student, currently enrolled in the Department of Mechanical Design at Nippon Engineering College. Handles a wide range of tasks essential for outbound initiatives, not only in sales activities but also in creating materials for introductions and presentations.
Hamzah
Based in Indonesia. After studying Information Engineering at Lampung University, joined Looking Up as an engineering intern working remotely from Indonesia. Belongs to the Muscat Bleu team, engaging in various development work ranging from screen development for online research to the front end of Muscat Bleu.
Feature
Engineer Driven
More than 80% of Looking Up's employees are engineers. We are constantly working to build an environment where engineers can deliver their best performance. As development is carried out by small teams, we also offer an environment that allows employees to undertake specialized learning across a wide range of areas.
Respect individuality
Looking Up is made of members of different nationalities and ages. We value individuality. Lunch gatherings are held regularly to encourage employees to spend time together. We are focused not only on performing our daily tasks, but also on fostering relationships in which we can think together and help one another improve.
Environment
More than 80% of the organization comprises engineers, we are constantly working to build an environment where engineers can grow.
OJT(on-the-job training) system
We provide guidance that is tailored to each individual employee in order to help them grow quickly as an engineer. They begin by observing the work carried out by other engineers and understanding the overview of the work processes, then are gradually entrusted with tasks that they are capable of completing.
Career development/Evaluation system
Every individual is responsible for their own career development, since they are the ones thinking about and pursuing their goals as an engineer. For this reason, the evaluation system is focused on self-appraisal, in addition to evaluations conducted alongside the CEO.
Support toward improving engineering skills
We are proactive in offering support for what employees need to improve their skills as engineers, such as the cost of acquiring qualifications, learning materials, and resources needed for development projects.
Work system
- Flextime (core hours 11:00 – 15:00)
- Possibility of remote working (flexible rules depending on skills/project)
