BACKGROUND
Masa Shinomiya is a senior mechanical engineer at Yamaha Motor Ventures, where he is responsible for providing engineering support for portfolio companies.
Previously, he worked as a body design engineer for a scooter in Yamaha Motor.
Prior to that, he worked as a CAE engineer. He supported structural design, such as for commercial motorcycles, race bikes, surface mounter, and various research projects.
Masa graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology with a master of Mechanical system engineering.
In his leisure time he enjoys riding motorcycles and skiing.
BACKGROUND
Junko first joined Yamaha Motor Ventures in July 2019 as an Executive Administrator and returned to the company in March 2022 as Chief of Staff, where she supports the leadership team. She brings extensive administrative and operational expertise developed over the course of her professional career. Prior to joining YMV, she supported executives from a wide range of fields, ranging from government officials to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
Junko studied fine art at Waubonsee Community College and graphic art at California State University, East Bay. She also completed apprenticeship training at the San Francisco Opera, where she worked backstage as a crew member in the makeup, wig, and costume departments.
COMPANIES
Not applicable
GET TO KNOW
JUNKO
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why” 〜 Mark Twain
Why work at Yamaha/Yamaha Motor Ventures? What are you most excited about working in Yamaha Motor Ventures?
I like the legacy of Yamaha. It is fascinating that the company started as a music instrument company, and later on, with some twist, Yamaha Motor Co. was founded. It was a unique innovation that made Yamaha a one-of-a-kind company.
I also have fond childhood memories of Yamaha's products. Being born and raised in Japan, Yamaha is a household name. The first and only instrument I had ever learned to play was a Yamaha's box piano that my best friend had. I still vividly remember feeling so proud to play popular kids' songs whenever I visited her, although my repertoire of songs was only two. Fast forward ten years later, small scooters became very popular among girls in Japan. I recall when one of my friends showed up at our usual hangout spot riding a brand-new red Yamaha Passol instead of her old bicycle! We thought it was the coolest scooter!
Decades later, I am a proud member of the Yamaha family, and I feel humbled to be a part of such a unique company that is also reminiscent of my childhood
What do you love to do outside of work?
I enjoy painting and drawing, visiting galleries and museums, and spending time with my four-legged best friend.