ACTIVE ZEN
Core Team Members – Expanding into Europe
Bringing Premium Japanese Cultural Experiences, Corporate Wellbeing Programs, and Fine Matcha to the World.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Tokyo / Remote / Europe |
| Field | Japanese Culture × Wellbeing × Global Business |
1. Join Us in Building Active Zen
Background
Active Zen is expanding its business from the US into Europe, starting with the UK. We are looking for motivated professionals, student interns, and collaborators who want to help us explore new markets and build meaningful business opportunities.
This is an opportunity to work directly on an early-stage international venture at the intersection of Japanese culture, corporate wellbeing, and global business.
Key Project Areas
Depending on your skills, interests, and location, you may contribute to one or more of the following projects:
- Market Research & Marketing
- European market research, customer analysis, and competitor research
- Social media and content planning
- Marketing strategies for premium matcha and Japanese cultural experiences
- Business Development
- Outreach to companies in the UK
- Customer interviews and market validation
- B2B sales and partnership development
- Local Event Support
- Preparation and support for local pop-up events
- Planning and operations support for Japanese cultural experiences
- Participant engagement and feedback collection
You do not need to cover all three areas. We will explore potential collaboration based on your strengths, experience, and availability.
2. Qualifications & Working Style
Who We’re Looking For
- Curious about Japanese culture, wellbeing, and international business
- Proactive, self-motivated, and willing to take initiative
- Interested in working across cultures and exploring new markets
- Eager to learn through hands-on projects
Experience in market research, marketing, sales, business development, international projects, or event operations is welcome.
Student Interns
Student interns are welcome, with a preference for candidates based in the UK. Applicants based elsewhere in Europe are also encouraged to apply.
How We Work
We start with a project-based collaboration to explore mutual fit. Depending on the project, performance, and both parties’ preferences, we may consider ongoing freelance or contract opportunities.
3. About Active Zen
Overview
Active Zen brings Japanese culture into modern life and contemporary workplaces through cultural experiences, corporate wellbeing programs, premium Japanese matcha, and digital experiences.
MISSION: To make Japanese culture a source of wellbeing for people around the world.
Founding Story & Business Background
Active Zen is a business initiative of FIRST Educational Inc., founded by Kaori Ota in 2023.
Since its founding, FIRST Educational has supported individuals and organizations through social media marketing consulting and management, as well as executive presence, image strategy, organizational branding, and employee development programs.
In late 2025, the company began expanding internationally through US market validation and premium matcha product development. Following participation in startup and international expansion programs supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the business is now exploring opportunities in Europe.
Key Track Record Since 2023
- Marketing Support: Social media marketing consulting and management for entrepreneurs, retail businesses, and corporate clients.
- Corporate Training & Branding: Executive presence, image consulting, organizational branding, and employee development programs.
FIRST Educational has supported over 1,000 individuals through its broader business activities, including education, training, and events.
4. Key Highlights & Company Overview
Highlights
- Support Track Record: 1,000+ individuals supported (entrepreneurship education, corporate training, events, etc.)
- Global Expansion: Launched in late 2025 (US market testing & premium matcha product development)
- Public Acceleration: Selected for overseas expansion programs supported by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
- Web Summit Lisbon Exhibition (November 10–12, 2026): Exhibiting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government booth during Europe’s largest tech & startup conference in Lisbon to showcase Active Zen, expand our European presence, and build local business partnerships.
Company Profile
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Operating Company | FIRST Educational Inc. |
| Location | Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
| Established | 2023 |
| Business Areas | Japanese Culture × Corporate Wellbeing × Global Business |
| Target Markets | Japan, United States, and Europe |
| Stage | Early-stage international venture |
5. Interested in Joining Us?
You do not need to meet every requirement to apply. If you are curious, proactive, and excited about helping build a global business, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your application via our online form or send your CV/resume and portfolio via email (especially if you cannot attach them to the form). Tell us briefly which project area interests you and how you would like to contribute.
| Application Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form | Apply via Google Form |
| How to Apply | Submit via Google Form (Please send any portfolios or work samples via email if needed) |
| Selection Process | Online or in-person interview followed by ongoing discussion |
| Contact Email | info@first-educational.co.jp |
Let’s bring the value of Japanese culture to the world.