Brijraj Singh and Sonal Dabral summarize their paper that was recently accepted at the IJCNN conference in Australia, a premier conference in the area of neural networks theory, analysis and applications.
In an insightful interview, Ashish sheds light on his enriching business trip to the Sony Headquarters
in Tokyo, where he had the honour of showcasing his team’s work at the Sony Technology
Exchange Fair (STEF) 2023. Beyond STEF 2023, Ashish delved into the heart of Tokyo, to soak in the
vibrant culture that defines this bustling metropolis.
Interviewer: What brought about your business trip to the Sony Headquarters in Tokyo?
Ashish: In December I had the privilege of visiting the Sony Headquarters in Tokyo to exhibit our
research at the Sony Technology Exchange Fair (STEF) 2023, an annual internal technology
exchange meeting where Sony teams from around the globe exhibit their technological
contributions to Sony Group.
The Sony Headquarters at Minato-ku, Tokyo was a stone throw away from the hotel I was staying
near Shinagawa station, which made travelling back and forth in a new city very convenient. Not to
mention, the public transport was easily accessible, and the locals were always ready to politely
assist us.
On entering the glass facade of the towering headquarters, I observed the air of professionalism and
state of the art flagship Sony products up for display in the lobby area.
At the STEF 2023 exhibition hall, we had a dedicated booth to present our work as
representatives of Sony Research India. The venue was packed with fellow Sony members and
experts in their respective fields, who shared their feedback and appreciation for our work. It was a
fantastic opportunity to interact with Sony colleagues from across the globe, to exchange ideas and
discuss future collaborations. My first experience at STEF 2023 was phenomenal.
We also had the opportunity to meet and interact with our Sony Research counterparts from the US
and Tokyo.
Interviewer: Being part of Sony, a Japanese company, you got to witness the culture first hand.
What were your learnings and takeaways?
Ashish: The meticulous attention to detail in design and the seamless blend of modernity with exhibits of
Sony’s history at the Sony Headquarters mirrored Japan’s commitment to progress, embodying a
culture where the past gracefully meets the future within the confines of the
workplace. From the sincerity of my Japanese counterparts to the serene ambiance at the office, every
aspect spoke volumes about the deep-rooted importance of value creation through collaboration,
harmony and respect embedded in Japanese corporate culture.
After working hours, I travelled around Tokyo to soak in the culture of the city. I visited Shibuya’s
iconic pedestrian crossing situated right outside Shibuya station which is the world’s busiest
intersection. It was surprising to see hundreds of pedestrians navigating the intersection with such
ease and discipline.
Shibuya also served as a shopping and dining hub. The streets, malls, and public places in Tokyo
were adorned with vibrant lights and dazzling decoration, creating a captivating ambience.
During my trip, I observed the strong emphasis on politeness, respect and discipline which extends
to all aspects of their daily life; in the office, while using public transportation, at convenience
stores, in the busy shopping areas and while interacting with tourists, local citizens and elderly
people.
The elderly are treated with utmost care and respect and it is common to see younger individuals
offering their seats on public transportation. The citizens always maintain discipline while waiting
for their turn at a grocery store or restaurant and tend to be mindful of their personal space and
maintain a calm and composed demeanor in public spaces.
It is not uncommon for the locals to go out of their way to help tourists. The way they greet others
by bowing reflects respect and humility in Japanese culture.
Interviewer: Having worked at Sony Research India, do you draw parallels between the work
culture back home and your observations of day-to-day social etiquette in Japan?
Ashish: The culture of respect observed throughout my trip is a genuine reflection of the values held
by the Japanese people. There is a consistent demonstration of consideration and a deep-seated
respect for others. This is embodied in our work culture at Sony Research India. Our managers have
established an environment of mutual understanding and collaboration where collective efforts are
valued, and individual work is also well recognised and rewarded. Everyone here is treated with
respect and kindness.
My visit to the Sony Headquarters in Tokyo left me with a feeling of pride and honour to be part of
the Sony Group with its roots deeply embedded in Japanese culture and the timeless traditions that
shape Sony’s global influence.
