Ylemi helps people and businesses
reach their full potential.
The company name, Ylemi, is derived from the term “elemi of aromatic oil.”(*). The oil is believed to work on both sides of dualities—human spirit and body, ideal and reality—supporting integration while restoring balance. It has a nice smell and represents good things to come, hope, and harmony.
In line with its origins, Ylemi Inc. provides the best solutions, helping our clients achieve success while staying grounded, encouraging lasting growth.
(*)We uniquely use “Ylemi” as our company name, even though the original spelling of the oil’s name is “Elemi.”
Ylemi was founded by a founder who has been involved with approximately 30 Japanese and American startups, primarily in technology-related fields. Based on unique experiences and successes gained through business in both Japanese and American companies, we offer the following services:
- ️Optimized support for the best branding, messaging, and harmonious PR and marketing in Japan tailored to each company.
- PR deployment in the U.S. in collaboration with trusted and proven U.S. PR firms, such as Sparkpr, as well as PR deployment in Japan for overseas companies.
- ️Consulting for management activities such as management, business development, and team building.
We guide businesses to victory through thorough dialogue, ensuring leaders remain consistently energized.
Founder
Career
Served as an advisor to SoundHound AI Inc., supporting the bridge between the US headquarters and the Japanese market. Simultaneously, established Ylemi Inc. and commenced consulting services.
From the founding of SoundHound KK., the Japanese subsidiary of SoundHound Inc., served as its Representative Director. Handled all aspects of SoundHound’s Japanese business and growth—including negotiations with various music copyright organizations, customer acquisition, investor outreach, licensing agreements, marketing, database construction, user support, and recruiting—while maintaining close communication with the U.S. headquarters. Contributed to fundraising, revenue growth, and employee expansion.
After four years as an independent consultant, founded Leafy Communications Inc. Served as Representative Director until becoming dedicated to SoundHound Inc. Focused almost exclusively on the IT industry, supporting startups, particularly Silicon Valley companies, in entering the Japanese market. Handled approximately 30 Japanese and US companies to date.
Prior to that, she gained deep experience in business development and marketing for North American IT companies while working at the Japanese branches of U.S. IT firms such as InterLeaf, Netscape, and OpenWave. She spent many years bridging Japanese companies and U.S. technology firms. Before the IT industry, she also held positions at the Japanese branch of IMG, a global sports agency, and TMD, a Tokyu Group distribution company.
Articles featuring her:
Fascinated by Silicon Valley’s “Exciting Organizations”
[Business Panel Discussion] How Conversational AI and Voice AI Will Transform Customer Communication
Translated Books:
The Secret History of Silicon Valley (Volume 1) by Steve Blank
The Secret History of Silicon Valley (Volume 2) by Steve Blank
Leadership Team
Hiroko Nakajima
Founder and CEO
We are committed to growth and collaboration with our clients, aiming to consistently improve and provide the best possible sincere service. Graduated from the Department of Christian Studies at Rikkyo University’s College of Arts; completed the University of Tokyo’s Executive Management Program (EMP). Born in Tokyo.
Haruya Ohta
Director
Supports Ylemi following SoundHound Inc. My motto is to keep the best. Graduated from the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo. Born in Tokyo.
Pina & Nel
Special Advisors
They share the secret to relaxing and enjoying life daily while supporting Ylemi. Scottish Fold, born in Japan.