In Japan, technology capabilities are only part of what makes a successful partnership. As Japanese enterprises look beyond conventional outsourcing toward deeper collaboration in AI, DX, and system modernization, the ability to understand their business context, communicate with integrity, and build trust over time is becoming increasingly important.
In an interview with Nikkei xTECH Special, Ta Viet Phuong, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of Rikkeisoft, shared his perspective on what it takes to build lasting relationships with Japanese clients. For Rikkeisoft, trust is not built through promises alone. It is earned through how we understand clients, communicate openly, and work together to address challenges.
Mr. Ta Viet Phuong (left) and Mr. Akie Iriyama (right) in the interview with NikkeiBP
Trust Is The Foundation For Long-term Partnerships
Cost and speed have traditionally been important factors in technology partnerships. But for relationships designed to last, they are only part of the equation.
Trust is built through everyday interactions: being responsive to clients, communicating transparently, and having the flexibility to work through challenges together. When a solution has limitations, being upfront about them and working with the client to find the right approach can be more valuable than simply trying to deliver an immediate answer.
This reflects a broader shift in how Rikkeisoft sees its role in Japan. The goal is not simply to deliver what has been requested, but to become a partner that clients can rely on when navigating complex technology and business challenges.
Trust, in this sense, is not the outcome of a successful project. It is the foundation for what comes next.
Understaing The Client Beyond The Technology
Every market has its own business culture, expectations, and ways of working. In Japan, understanding these nuances is essential to turning technical capabilities into value that truly fits the clients.
For Rikkeisoft, market understanding goes beyond knowing what clients ask for. It means understanding why a challenge exists, how it affects the business, and what kind of solution can create meaningful impact in the long run.
This becomes increasingly important as Japanese enterprises accelerate their transformation journeys. From legacy modernization and DX to AI adoption, technology initiatives are becoming more closely connected to business strategy.
The question is therefore no longer simply “What can we deliver?” but “What does the client truly need to move forward?”
That shift in perspective is at the heart of Rikkeisoft’s transformation from a delivery-focused provider into a technology partner that creates long-term value.
Integrity Builds Trust When The Answer Is Not Simple
Complex technology projects rarely have straightforward answers. Requirements evolve, legacy systems carry years of accumulated business logic, and new technologies introduce opportunities as well as uncertainty.
In these situations, integrity becomes a critical part of partnership.
For Rikkeisoft, being transparent about limitations does not mean stepping away from a challenge. It means creating the conditions for both sides to understand the situation clearly and work toward the most appropriate solution.
This mindset – being honest about the problem and committed to solving it together – is what turns individual project interactions into lasting trust.
With Japan remaining a core market, Rikkeisoft is strengthening its capabilities beyond software delivery – expanding AI, DX, modernization, consulting, and domain expertise to support client from business challenges through technology execution. The company is also investing in deeper local capabilities and collaboration, including initiatives such as Rikkei AI Lab and partnerships that connect Japanese business expertise with Rikkeisoft’s global technology resources.
The direction is clear: to move closer to clients, understand their challenges more deeply, and create value beyond delivery.
As Japanese enterprises enter a new phase of transformation, Rikkeisoft aims to grow alongside them – not simply as a technology provider, but as a trusted partner capable of contributing to the challenges that matter most.
The the full interview article at: https://special.nikkeibp.co.jp/atclh/NXT/26/rikkei04/
