Kyoto, Japan – April 4, 2025 – Samco Inc. (TSE: 6387), was pleased to welcome a delegation of Executive MBA (EMBA) students from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business as part of their “Leadership Course to Japan.” The visit provided a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and dialogue on innovation, technology, and global business strategy.
Forty students with an average of 15 years of professional experience–many from leadership positions in global firms across finance, technology, consumer goods, and more–joined the visit alongside faculty member Professor Khaled Boughanmi, a specialist in Marketing and Management Communication.
During their time at Samco’s headquarters in Kyoto, the group toured the company’s production facilities and the Samco Museum, which showcases the company’s technological evolution and contributions to the semiconductor industry. They also attended a talk by Samco’s CEO and founder, Osamu Tsuji, who spoke about entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership in the face of industry transformation. His talk was followed by a lively Q&A session.
In addition to discussing Samco’s technology and history, Mr. Tsuji shared his views on Kyoto-style business culture–one shaped by a strong emphasis on originality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Despite the challenges Kyoto poses for manufacturing companies, Kyoto’s leaders have long focused on strategic thinking and maximizing available resources. The city’s rich academic and artisanal landscape, which includes top-tier universities, research institutions, and skilled craftspeople, allows for a creative and collaborative approach to business development.
Students asked thought-provoking questions about the implications of recently announced U.S. tariffs on Japanese industry, the evolving U.S.-Japan relationship, and the story of how Samco was originally founded, and the challenges and opportunities of it. They also asked for his views on rising talent in today’s workforce, and lessons learned from past mistakes.
Mr. Tsuji emphasized the importance of forward-thinking leadership and the value of keeping the workplace motivating and enjoyable.
"Companies must think about the future," he remarked. "It's important to make sure employees feel inspired to come to work--and that it's interesting and fun. Sometimes, it's just as important to liven things up with a joke."
This visit reinforced Samco’s ongoing commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and fostering innovation within the semiconductor industry. For the visiting EMBA students, the experience provided insight into how companies like Samco have carved a path for growth and global relevance through values rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and vision.
About Samco Inc.
Samco Inc. (TSE: 6387) stands for Semiconductor And Materials Company, is a leading manufacturer of processing equipment for the semiconductor and related industries founded by Mr. Osamu Tsuji in Kyoto, Japan in 1979. Over the past forty-six years, more than 4,700 Samco systems have been installed and used in 35 different countries. Its equipment and thin film technology are widely adopted in the fabrication of semiconductor devices, including SiC/GaN power/RF devices, GaAs VCSELs, InP Laser Diodes, MEMS, BAW/SAW Filters, TSVs, advanced packaging, and more.
Learn more at https://www.samcointl.com/about/
About Cornell University EMBA
The Cornell Executive MBA program, part of the SC Johnson College of Business, is designed for senior professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and strategic thinking skills. With participants from a broad range of industries including finance, technology, media, and consumer goods, the program emphasizes global perspectives and real-world impact through immersive learning experiences around the world.
Company Contacts:
TSUCHIHASHI, Atsushi
Public Relations
Phone: 81-75-621-7841
E-mail: tsuchihashi@samco.co.jp
DUNCAN, Megan
Public Relations
E-mail: megan.duncan@samco.co.jp