Klesis Osaka Networking Night (November 22) – Event Report

I arrived flustered and a little late, hot and bothered from my frantic search for the venue. It was a cozy rental space tucked away on the second floor. But any embarrassment I felt evaporated the moment I stepped through the door. I was smoothly ushered in, handed the sign-in sheet, and offered a chair before I’d even had time to catch my breath. It was a small moment, but one that immediately revealed the gracious spirit I would experience throughout the evening.

Michito Kasagawa, Executive Director of Klesis, warmly acknowledged that a few members were unable to join due to influenza making its rounds. He then took the time to recognize one participant’s birthday with a small gift. This thoughtful gesture reminded me of what makes Klesis gatherings distinctive: the genuine care and attention given to each individual, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued.

The evening opened with prayer before we shared a high-quality bento together. This simple act of gratitude set a thoughtful tone as we moved into informal exchange, allowing participants to settle in and begin forming connections over the meal. There is something about eating together that puts a group at ease, I reflected.

At 7:30 PM, the guest speaker, Mr. Yoshiharu Adachi, took the floor to share insights on a topic that resonates deeply in today’s business landscape: risk. His talk centered on calculating risk and challenging some deeply ingrained cultural assumptions. He introduced the concept of kaizen, (continuous improvement) a cornerstone of Japanese business philosophy, yet posed a provocative question: if we focus solely on perfecting current processes, do we risk missing new opportunities altogether?

Mr. Adachi went further, suggesting that Japan’s zero-risk culture might actually be holding the country back, particularly in IT development where innovation often requires bold leaps into uncertainty. He also invited us to consider whether taking risk is the same as gambling, a question that lingered in the room and sparked thoughtful reflection.

Drawing on biblical wisdom, he referenced the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, who set aside grain during years of abundance to prepare for famine, illustrating the difference between reckless chance and prudent, strategic risk-taking.

He concluded with the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30, challenging us to consider how we steward the gifts and opportunities entrusted to us. Are we burying our talents out of fear, or investing them boldly in service of our calling?

The talk finished around 8:00 PM and we formed small groups to reflect and share thoughts. What struck me most was the refreshing honesty and self-awareness people brought to the conversation. One woman shared that she takes risks almost instinctively, without overthinking, while a man in our circle acknowledged his tendency toward careful deliberation and risk avoidance. Rather than debating which approach was “better,” we found ourselves appreciating the different gifts each perspective brings, and considering how we might grow in wisdom regardless of our natural inclinations.

At 8:30 PM, Rev. Kasagawa shared updates about Klesis activities, keeping everyone connected to the broader vision and upcoming opportunities for engagement. This transitioned seamlessly into free conversation time at 8:45 PM, and the atmosphere became wonderfully free-flowing. Business cards were exchanged alongside warm smiles, and conversations deepened as people shared more detailed stories about their work and aspirations. The room buzzed with genuine interest and possibility.

Hiroyuki Teranishi, COO of Kirindo, offered a closing prayer to wrap up the evening. We then swiftly and respectfully vacated the space to honor the rental agreement, but the connections didn’t end there. Many of us lingered outside the building, reluctant to let the gathering conclude, continuing our conversations under the night sky before finally dispersing, each returning to our own separate ventures of discovering our calling and serving others through our work.

The Klesis Networking Night continues to offer something rare in professional circles: a space where business acumen meets deeper reflection on purpose, where risk-taking is examined not just as strategy but as stewardship, and where each person is genuinely valued. If you’re seeking more than surface-level networking, if you’re drawn to explore how your work connects to calling and community, I’d warmly encourage you to join the next gathering. (Reported by Isaac McManus)

Participant reflection:

My hope for attending Klesis was to learn more about how the Christian faith in the marketplace is being addressed in Japan by Japanese.  That is exactly what I got with a great presentation on taking risk by Mr. Adachi.  I was also able to connect with some great people.  Thank you for the opportunity.

— Mark Busby