TNT Express Worldwide Japan chief upbeat on future

Back in 2000, Junnosuke Dojo, country general manager of TNT Express Worldwide, started his global career with a logistics service provider in Hong Kong. “I still remember the excitement of new challenges,” he recalls. Moving on to Taipei and Shanghai is where Dojo was immersed in a multinational culture.

“Those eight years are still having a strong impact on my career,” he says. “I could fit into a performance-focused, teamwork culture at a Western-based company.”

Dojo discovered after winning a big well-known project in Shanghai, for example, that as project leader he could work with senior management, product management and others as one team, to realise success.

“This experience was a great gift in my career,” he observes. “It made me understand the delight of teamwork, and has become the basis for my general management style.”

A style, by the way, that is certainly put to the test these days.

“Although it is improving with the economic recovery, Japan’s export market is still slack today,” points out Dojo. “Our focus is on the existing and new business of SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises], which have been supporting the Japanese economy base for many years.”

TNT Express Worldwide offers products in clusters, which support its customers’ business and supply chain through reasonable cost and transit time. “These strategies are working well today, and will support further growth in the future,” he says.

Dojo is very upbeat about the potential of free trade agreements (FTAs).

“We are expecting to see more trading accelerated by FTAs in which Japan is involved,” he adds. “Our customers will benefit from TNT’s unique networks”. These include the European Air/Road Network, the Asia Road Network, and the Middle East Road Network.

“We contribute to the business growth of countries with strong domestic coverage, such as France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Chile and Australia,” he continues.

In a globalised economy and fast-changing market, TNT Express Worldwide responds promptly to offer value to support its customers’ businesses and supply chains. Our global service network provides one integrated door-to-door service,” he explains. There is visibility on every shipment through online tracking.

“All these have been established and built on The People Network, which has been our slogan since 2014,” he says.

There are specific products and services that TNT Express Worldwide emphasises here in Japan.

“We provide clinical services, which transport investigational new drugs and samples for laboratory testing, which are time critical and need extra care.

Dojo says his personality is a perfect fit for the business.

“As many people know, I am what you call a festinate person,” he articulates. “So I make decisions quickly and want to see results shortly.”

Coupled with his teamwork regimen, Dojo believes these two personality traits continue to serve him well in his capacity as country general manager.

“My message to the local team remains unchanged,” he explains. “’Let’s stay honest, humble and hungry!”

Time spent working in Japan: 12 years.

Career regret (if any): None.

Favourite saying: “If you look after your staff well, they will look after your customers. Simple.” — by Richard Branson

Favourite book: Good to Great by Jim Collins.

Cannot live without: Love.

Lesson learned in Japan: How to accelerate people’s professionalism.

Secret of success in business: Love and teamwork.

Favourite place to dine: Isola Del Nord in Mita.

Do you like natto? Yes!

© Japan Today