#01
PEOPLE

Finding the Perfect Field to Grow as a CPA: Launching a Global Career at Orient Marine.

Tomoko Ikegaya
Business Development Department
Joined in 2015

Career History

Around 2005: Completed a homestay program in Canada
2011: Passed the CPA examination; joined a staffing company targeting an IPO
2011–2014: Provided IPO support services (Company listed on TSE Mothers in 2012, transferred to 2nd Section in 2013, and completed 1st Section listing in 2015)
2015: Joined Orient Marine Co., Ltd.; assigned to the Project Management Department to support SPC administration
2017: Seconded to the LNG Division at Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

Experience & Skills

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • IPO Support Services
  • Corporate Administration
  • Ship Finance Projects

Motivation for Joining

While providing IPO support at a staffing company, a senior colleague noted that my aptitude was ideal for a trading company. This advice inspired me to explore my career in this field. Combined with my lifelong fascination with ships, I sought opportunities in the maritime sector. Encountering Orient Marine felt like the perfect alignment of my interests, leading to my decision to join.

Now, I leverage my CPA expertise
to deliver comprehensive ship finance solutions.

Deciding Factors for Joining

I wanted to work globally in a field I am passionate about.

In order to gain the practical experience required for formal CPA registration, I worked on IPO support services at my previous company. Later, I decided that I wanted to work in a field I truly enjoy and began my job search. I chose to pursue trading companies because a senior colleague from my previous job advised me that I was well-suited for such an environment. I think they felt that trading companies suited my personality better than financial institutions or public sector roles, as these tend to be more rigid and inflexible. Aligning with that insight, I looked for roles connecting back to my childhood passion for ships and was fortunate to find Orient Marine. Furthermore, as I aspired to build an international career, the company’s proactive search for global talent with strong English communication skills became a decisive factor in my choice.

My Responsibilities

Negotiating and Proposing Maritime Finance Solutions on a Global Stage

Upon joining Orient Marine, I was assigned to the Project Management Department. Initially tasked with corporate administration for ship-owning entities invested in by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., I gradually transitioned into supporting active finance projects. After being seconded for over a year to the LNG Division of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., I returned and began working on introducing Japanese financing solutions to overseas shipowners. Currently, in the Business Development Department, I support Mitsui & Co.’s finance initiatives and handle asset valuation for M&A and related projects, while I also provide services to introduce Japanese financing solutions to overseas clients.
One particularly memorable project was a refinancing transaction for an LNG project of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Working closely with Mitsui & Co.’s project team, we persistently demonstrated the strategic necessity of early refinancing to our international joint venture partners while managing complex negotiations with lenders. Consequently, we successfully executed the transaction at the absolute optimal moment—just as interest rates bottomed out. Being entrusted with such high-stakes negotiations and driving them to a successful close gave me an immense sense of professional fulfilllment. In my current capacity, I analyze the financial requirements of European shipowners, introduce them to Japanese financial institutions, and propose alternative structured finance options. To support these operations, I currently travel overseas for business three to four times a year.

Leveraging Our Unique Strengths
to Expand Our Business
Across Borders and Cultures

Strengths of Orient Marine

Standing Out Through Orient Marine’s Strong Reputation and Financial Advisory Services

Before joining the company, I was unaware of its existence. However, since starting work here, I have been amazed by its high level of recognition and strong presence in the industry. Our parent company, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., boasts the largest shipping business among general trading companies. Backed by this strength, we [Orient Marine] are uniquely positioned as a specialist in financial advisory services, giving us a distinct competitive advantage. When interacting with overseas clients, I truly feel just how deeply established "Orient Marine"—our English company name—is globally. When I mention our company during overseas business trips, most clients already know us, frequently saying things like, "We’ve purchased a secondhand vessel from you before," or "I know Mr./Ms. XX at your firm." This high level of recognition serves as a major asset in driving our business forward.
I'm also deeply aware that our specialization in financial advisory services is a core strength that sets us apart. In the shipping industry, ties between clients and trading companies are remarkably strong, making it difficult for competitors to break into established accounts. However, our financial advisory services provide a unique entry point to approach these clients. In fact, we have successful case studies where we proposed financing to clients who typically purchased newbuild vessels through competitors, which ultimately enabled us to secure secondhand vessel transactions with them.

Differences from My Previous Role

An environment rich in diversity, regardless of nationality, age or background

My previous company focused exclusively on domestic business, so I never had the opportunity to use English. In contrast, Orient Marine operates globally, and we use English on a daily basis. Each project is large in scale, requiring cross-border and cross-cultural negotiations and proposals. This environment allows me to gain invaluable experience that is entirely different from my previous role.
Furthermore, since the majority of our workforce consists of experienced mid-career hires, our team members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. This fosters an open, inclusive culture free of rigid hierarchies, where we can build flat and respectful relationships regardless of age—which I see as one of the company’s greatest strengths. The workplace is highly transparent and communicative, making it an incredibly supportive and comfortable environment for me.

Ultimately, I believe the surest way
to build lasting trust with clients
is to always prioritize honesty and integrity.

What I Value in My Work

Building Strong Trust Through Speed and Integrity

In supporting Mitsui & Co.’s financial and M&A operations, I place the utmost priority on speed. Inquiries from Mitsui & Co.’s project teams are almost always highly time-sensitive. Because our response can directly impact the success of a project, I always strive to provide prompt and accurate solutions.
My guiding principle in all aspects of my work is to value trust and integrity. Particularly when dealing with international clients, I believe that transparent, courteous, and attentive communication is key to forging long-term relationships. That is precisely why it is so important for people to feel that they can trust me and have peace of mind. I am always mindful of handling every interaction with care, considering matters from the other person’s perspective, and explaining any risks honestly.

Moments That Give Me a Sense of Fulfillment

The Satisfaction of Tackling Large-Scale Projects and Achieving Results

One aspect is the sheer scale of the projects. Managing large-scale, long-term projects requires strong relationships of trust with many stakeholders both in Japan and overseas, and the opportunity to negotiate directly with top management is particularly stimulating. Engaging directly with corporate leaders, including CEOs and CFOs, broadens my perspective and actively helps me sharpen my professional skills.
Another deeply rewarding moment is when a financial transaction—secured through building trust and navigating complex negotiations with international clients—is successfully closed. My future goal is to be stationed in Europe and work in an environment where I can directly experience the dynamics of the local financial and shipping markets. By positioning myself closer to clients on the ground, I look forward to capturing project inquiries at their earliest stages and build relationships more smoothly.

Surrounded by Great Colleagues,
Engaged in Global and Dynamic Work

To Future Candidates

Building Practical Skills Naturally Through Highly Specialized Work

As mentioned earlier, our company is globally recognized within the shipping industry. If you have even a slight interest in the maritime industry or trade finance, you will find Orient Marine to be an incredibly rewarding place to work. As we handle many global projects, there are frequent opportunities to use English when working with overseas shipowners and financial institutions, making it an ideal environment for those who wish to utilize their English skills.
While specialized knowledge of the shipping industry is necessary, you certainly do not need to be an expert from day one. When I joined the company, I also lacked some specialized knowledge of the shipping industry. However, by working alongside and learning from experienced colleagues, I naturally absorbed this expertise through hands-on, daily operations. Above all, one of our greatest strengths is our people. Most of our team members are approachable and collaborative, always ready to lend a helping hand. It is an environment that genuinely encourages open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. In such an environment, I believe you will naturally develop your capabilities through hands-on experience and collaboration with those around you.

ONE DAY SCHEDULE

8:00

Arrive at the Office

Check emails received from Mitsui & Co.’s project teams and overseas clients, and respond to inquiries and consultations by phone.

10:00

Meetings with Financial Institutions

Hold meetings with Japanese financial institutions to introduce financing solutions for overseas clients.

12:00

Lunch

13:00

Document Preparation and Financial Modeling

Prepare documentation and develop cash flow models.

15:00

Meetings

Meet with Mitsui & Co.’s project team to discuss M&A-related matters.

16:00

Leave the Office (Continue Working from Home for Overseas Clients)

18:00

Teams Meetings from Home

Hold meetings with European clients via Teams. Due to time differences, these often take place in the evening, so I frequently handle them after returning home.