Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Kento Fuchino, North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

“Loving husband and father, devoted to study, family and Pokémon cards.”

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I train my mind through Zen meditation and sharpen my brain through shogi (Japanese chess).

Undergraduate School and Major: Hitotsubashi University, Law

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Kajima Corporation, Assistant Manager, based in Tokyo

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The decision to pursue my MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler was driven by the renowned real estate program. The Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies at UNC fosters a robust community of lifelong learners and real estate practitioners, dedicated to industry excellence and career development. I have built my career in Japan, but I plan to transition to a role in U.S. subsidiary, focusing on construction and real estate business in the southeastern U.S. UNC’s real estate programs and strong alumni network are exactly what I was looking for in an MBA program.

What are some advantages you’ve seen in earning your MBA in Chapel Hill? The charm of Chapel Hill, where UNC’s campus is located, lies in its beautiful nature, warm climate and cozy town. In addition to a focused study environment, the proximity to an international airport makes it convenient for traveling across the U.S. Last year, I visited the U.S. and toured other business schools in different cities. The moment I arrived in Chapel Hill, I knew instinctively that this was the place where I wanted to study. I especially recommend it for students like me who are coming with their families.

What has been your first impression of the Kenan-Flagler MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kenan-Flagler story so far. My first impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students is that they are incredibly supportive. Last year, I visited the U.S. for my interview at UNC. Since we were deciding on a place to live for the next two years, I brought my wife and son. While I attended the school’s information sessions and interviews, Japanese students at UNC Kenan-Flagler took my family on a tour of Chapel Hill. This act of kindness and hospitality left a lasting impression on us. My family and I were deeply moved by the warm welcome from the students, and it solidified my desire to become part of the UNC community.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Kenan-Flagler? What excites me the most at UNC Kenan-Flagler is the STAR program. This experiential learning opportunity allows students to apply their skills to solve real business issues for corporate partners. I am particularly excited about the chance to work on diverse teams including undergraduates, to tackle complex business challenges. As I value teamwork and seek to expand my professional network, the STAR program aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and personal development goals.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment was developing financial and profit plans for the mid-term management plan. This was achieved while working in the corporate planning department of a historic Japanese construction company. This experience allowed me to refine my financial analysis skills, playing a crucial role in shaping the company’s future direction. I aim to elevate my business leadership abilities further through my studies at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? After graduation, I will transition to a finance manager position at Kajima’s Atlanta-based subsidiary, Kajima USA, where I will drive new investment initiatives and manage the real estate finance. I am eager to contribute to real estate development in North Carolina and other parts of the southeast. My goal is to help create cities where people can live comfortably and safely.

DON’T MISS: MEET UNC KENAN-FLAGLER’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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2024-12-10 03:29:16

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