Date of publication: May 20, 2019
Yan Fan
- Co-Founder & CTO
- Code Chrysalis https://www.codechrysalis.io
Date of birth:
Hometown: Xiamen, China
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 2 (as of May 2019)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
I first visited Tokyo in 2014 on vacation and then never stopped visiting. Eventually, after traveling to Tokyo every two months for several years, I decided I should probably just move here and save on plane tickets. Since I don’t speak Japanese, I thought I would try to start a company instead.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
Not a motto, but I do always think about Greek poet Archilochus’ famous quote, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” I love how many different interpretations of this quote there are, and always think about what the right balance between fox and hedgehog should be in different situations.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
Code Chrysalis and our graduate outcomes. In two years, we have helped over 200 people make transformations in their careers, and it’s amazing seeing where they go after graduating.
I am also proud of the work that we have put into addressing issues such as gender inequality. It’s an issue near and dear to me, and I am grateful to have the privilege of starting a company with the same values.
I am also proud of the work that we have put into addressing issues such as gender inequality. It’s an issue near and dear to me, and I am grateful to have the privilege of starting a company with the same values.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
If you had told me five or six years ago that I would be a software engineer and starting a coding bootcamp, I would never have believed you. Goals change every year, sometimes every minute, so I like to go with the flow and do the best that I can in the moment. You never know what may happen.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
Never stop experiencing Japan. It’s easy to take the culture for granted when living here, so make the effort to rekindle your love and appreciation for the country when you’re frustrated.
Also, don’t feel intimidated to learn about technology. Whether it’s learning how to code or learning how something works, technology is our present and future. Don’t grow complacent and don’t think you won’t be affected by such changes.
Also, don’t feel intimidated to learn about technology. Whether it’s learning how to code or learning how something works, technology is our present and future. Don’t grow complacent and don’t think you won’t be affected by such changes.
Last updated: May 20, 2019