See
Job Openings
Careers

Careers

Shizen Energy Group

Shizen Energy Company movie

Crews

  • Naoki Fujiwara
  • Daigo Nishizaki
  • Ryohei Shima
  • Virginie Sandilya
  • Irina Blumenfeld
    • Naoki Fujiwara
    Naoki Fujiwara
    Position: Product Management Dept.
    Company: Shizen Energy Inc.
    Location: Tokyo
    What are your current job responsibilities?

    My current job is in product management. Specifically, I am responsible for consistently managing the planning, development, marketing, sales, and improvement of services and systems. We have product managers on both the power generation and demand sides, and I am in charge of the demand side.
    Product management requires collaboration with many internal departments involved in the service. Every day, I rely on the strong cooperation of Shizen Connect's members to deliver better solutions to our customers.

    What motivated you to join Shizen Energy Group (SEG)? What is your career background?

    My dream, sparked by the nuclear accident during the Great East Japan Earthquake, is to build Japan's next-generation power system. Specifically, my current goal is to realize a "next-generation" system where renewable energy sources like solar power can operate without constraints, with VPP (Virtual Power Plant) construction as a key option. While pursuing this dream, I first learned about Shizen Energy through a joint project between them and my previous company.
    The biggest factor in my decision to join Shizen Energy and Shizen Connect (its subsidiary) was the mindset they shared with me: a founding motivated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and a business focused on VPP development. I strongly felt this was the ideal place to realize my dream.

    Could you please share the moments you find most rewarding in your work, and any particularly memorable professional experiences?

    My greatest joy is transforming novel services or values into tangible, commercially released products. In the up-and-coming Virtual Power Plant (VPP) industry, we're always uncovering vast untapped potential. Transforming this potential into value demands seamless collaboration and understanding among diverse entities - equipment manufacturers connected to the Shizen Connect platform and the platform's business users.
    A standout experience for me was coordinating the launch of an EcoCute equipment-controlled Demand Response (DR) service. This success stemmed from a major electricity retailer and an equipment manufacturer's shared vision to effectively leverage renewable energy, culminating in our first remote-controlled EcoCute DR product.
    I'm committed to consistently launching such innovative, socially impactful services.

    A Message to the Candidates

    "Why don't you join us and take action for the blue planet?"
    All of us at Shizen Energy Group, including Shizen Connect, strongly share and embody this purpose. Along with our partners, my aim to help Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) spread across Japan, to create a power system that can stably operate renewable energy sources, like solar power, that future generations will be able to rely on.
    If you share this purpose, we invite you to work with us. You could be the one to pioneer a future-oriented business that no one has ever accomplished before.

    Daigo Nishizaki
    Daigo Nishizaki
    Position: Solar Business Development Dept.
    Company: Shizen Energy Inc.
    Location: Tokyo
    What are your current job responsibilities?

    My work involves the new development (origination) of solar power plants. Our department handles all necessary preparations, from receiving land offers to the actual purchase of land and construction of the power plant.
    The work we do can be broadly divided into three areas.
    Deskwork: Gathering information on permits, grid conditions, and geographical factors that determine project success, while also estimating business feasibility and managing development schedule.
    Field Surveys: Visiting candidate sites with the engineers to understand the surrounding environment and geography, as well as administrative offices to confirm key permit requirements.
    Stakeholder Negotiations: Using what we learned to negotiate contracts with land managers, and if additional land is required, we identify and visit landowners to negotiate sales.
    My main role is to handle these three tasks simultaneously, increasing project feasibility and ensuring all necessary requirements are met before construction begins.

    What motivated you to join Shizen Energy Group (SEG)? What is your career background?

    My decision to join was primarily driven by two factors.
    Firstly, I was interested in renewable energy's potential as a decentralized regional infrastructure and eager to gain new business development experience. Having always been keen on regional development, I took a year off during graduate school to live in rural Okayama, hoping to launch a local business. That venture, however, yielded no tangible results, leaving a bitter taste and a strong desire to work for a company where I could create something meaningful. Initially torn between joining a thinktank and a business, I opted for the business.
    Secondly, the people I met during the hiring process were incredibly appealing. Unlike other interviews, the conversations I had with them felt genuine. I also fondly remember the delicious food prepared by the division manager during my Fukuoka internship – perhaps they simply won me over through my stomach!

    Could you please share the moments you find most rewarding in your work, and any particularly memorable professional experiences?

    My greatest satisfaction comes from successfully navigating project challenges, often discovering innovative solutions through trial and error. During team discussions, comparing various layouts can unexpectedly reveal better approaches. Similarly, persistent engagement with landowners frequently builds trust, fostering strong collaborative relationships.
    I also feel that it's crucial to be "party to a problem". Solar projects are prone to facing local concerns or broader societal scrutiny. As someone in a power generation business, I value directly engaging with those who perceive problems. While not all discussions yield immediate solutions, these direct interactions offer unique opportunities for both the company and me to confront challenges head-on.

    A Message to the Candidates

    Shizen Energy is a company that takes local action to address global issues.
    The renewable energy industry is rapidly changing, with daily technological innovations and policy shifts. In response, our company is constantly evolving, adapting its strategy, structure, and business practices.
    I would warmly invite those who enjoy taking initiative and thriving in a fast-paced environment to join our team.

    Ryohei Shima
    Ryohei Shima
    Position: Customer Solutions Dept. PPA Group
    Company: Shizen Energy Inc.
    Location: Tokyo
    What are your current job responsibilities?

    My current role can be divided into two main pillars.
    First, I handle sales and contract negotiations for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). This involves supplying renewable energy and environmental certificates from Shizen Energy's newly developed power sources to corporate electricity consumers, helping them decarbonize and secure long-term electricity cost reductions. Our unique strength lies in our ability to support renewable energy procurement not just in Japan but across Asia. Drawing on my long-term experience in Malaysia, I currently manage both the Japanese and Malaysian markets.
    Secondly, I drive solar project development. My responsibilities include developing domestic solar projects, engaging with local communities, managing a variety of contracts, arranging financing, and overseeing construction. It's incredibly rewarding to see a project take shape from scratch by successfully completing each phase to ensure its long-term viability.

    What motivated you to join Shizen Energy Group (SEG)? What is your career background?

    I joined the company as a new graduate in 2021. To be honest, at first, I found the company name a bit too straightforward and perhaps even a little bit suspicious. However, after numerous conversations with the company's crew (employees), my impression changed dramatically.
    The main reason why I decided to join was because I was strongly drawn to the company's approach of pursuing ideals and goals while confronting reality head-on, as well as an atmosphere where challenging ideas and actual effort are genuinely respected. I also find it cool that my colleagues from overseas usually refer to the company as just "Shizen"!

    Could you please share the moments you find most rewarding in your work, and any particularly memorable professional experiences?

    The greatest reward for me is being surrounded by colleagues with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
    What I find most enjoyable is working together as a team with diverse abilities to tackle what is necessary to achieve the business's objectives and the challenges that naturally arise.
    I also find satisfaction in advancing projects through close communication with a highly diverse range of stakeholders, including local residents, electricity consumers, lenders, and investors. I feel that this entire process is a microcosm of society itself.

    A Message to the Candidates

    Renewable energy is not only a step towards decarbonization, but also a crucial means of supporting social infrastructure long-term.
    I am at Shizen Energy today because the significance of renewable energy strongly resonates with me, particularly its role in decarbonization, ensuring energy security, and contributing to local economic circulation.
    Nice words won't suffice; we must take persistent, earnest, and intelligent action. And to achieve this ambitious goal, a team and colleagues with diverse skills is essential.
    I look forward to the day when I can engage in such meaningful work with new colleagues!

    Virginie Sandilya
    Virginie Sandilya
    Position: Energy Creation Business Unit Project Finance Dept.
    Company: Shizen Energy Inc.
    Location: Tokyo
    What are your current job responsibilities?

    I am the Head of Project Finance and the Sustainability+ team.
    In Project Finance, our role is to secure financing, typically for greenfield projects. To commence construction, we need bank debt in place. We identify lenders for projects, and support the due diligence and documentation processes for the loans. This is a crucial central function, as we collaborate with all key teams across the group, including project development, Shizen Engineering, Shizen Operations, PPA, and Corporate Finance.
    The Sustainability+ team leads reporting and ensures compliance with environmental and social standards across Shizen Energy Group’s businesses.

    What motivated you to join Shizen Energy Group (SEG)? What is your career background?

    I joined Shizen Energy in September 2022, shortly after moving to Tokyo from Sydney. My background is in banking (project and export finance) and green investments.
    Previously, at Australia’s green bank (CEFC), I focused on new investments for climate transition across sectors like real estate, infrastructure, and agriculture. Being passionate about decarbonizing economies and making an impact, it was uplifting to see Australia's strong growth in clean energy and technology as it transformed towards net zero. CEFC's strong values and purposeful work gave me a sense of belonging.
    In Tokyo, I sought a company aligning with my purpose and values. Shizen Energy's growth plans and emphasis on value-driven business, coupled with Japan's challenging yet exciting RE sector, made it the perfect choice.

    Could you please share the moments you find most rewarding in your work, and any particularly memorable professional experiences?

    Every time we reach financial close for a project, it's a very special moment as the teams work very hard to reach this important milestone.
    Every time one of our assets reaches completion, we all work to add more renewable energy to the grid, and achieving this always feels fantastic.
    I also treasure moments when Shizen Energy is recognized for its achievements, such as the recent press release about the 100MW agreement with Microsoft

    A Message to the Candidates

    At Shizen Energy, we're not just building a sustainable energy future - we're building it together with individuals who are curious, courageous, and deeply connected to purpose.
    Curiosity is the spark of innovation. In a sector that is constantly evolving, we value those who ask questions, challenge the status quo, and seek better ways to make a difference. We seek people who are eager to take on new challenges, especially when the path forward is not fully mapped out. But don't worry, you won't be left alone in the dark.
    Our unique culture, shaped by trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for a more sustainable world, is what truly sets us apart.

    Irina Blumenfeld
    Irina Blumenfeld
    Position: Project Management Dept.
    Company: Shizen Engineering Inc.
    Location: Tokyo
    What are your current job responsibilities?

    I started as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Project Manager and am now the Deputy Head of the Project Management Department in Shizen Engineering.
    As a Project Manager I was responsible for heading solar power plant projects from the contract negotiation phase all the way to the handover to the client, while ensuring all projects were on time, within budget and meeting the necessary quality standards.
    Since becoming Deputy Head, I am now more focused on leading and supporting the team of project managers to successfully complete projects while fostering a culture of ownership and continuous learning.

    What motivated you to join Shizen Energy Group (SEG)? What is your career background?

    The company's mission of accelerating the energy transition around the world to a 100% renewable-powered planet was a very important factor, since I want to be part of a purpose-driven organization, where my coworkers and I share the same goal. But beyond that, I was really impressed with the diversity of people and flexibility of working style here. It's rare to find a company in Japan that not only accepts, but also celebrates diverse backgrounds and opinions, while also granting employees the autonomy in deciding how, when, and where they work.

    Could you please share the moments you find most rewarding in your work, and any particularly memorable professional experiences?

    Every single solar power plant that I helped build stands out to me as an achievement I am very proud of, because each one symbolizes that we are one step close to achieving a full transition to renewable energy.
    In addition, the department's team building activities and on-site events with the project teams all occupy a special place in my heart, since these are the moments where I get to bond with everyone around me, making me feel like I am not just merely surrounded by coworkers, but by a close group of friends.

    A Message to the Candidates

    Shizen Energy Group is comprised of multiple companies, each with many different departments, encompassing the entire lifecycle of developing, building, operating and maintaining renewable energy power plants - in Japan, as well as internationally.
    Joining us means you get the opportunity to learn about every aspect of this lifecycle, while being surrounded by passionate and dedicated people that share the same goal of creating a more sustainable and safe future for our planet.

Find Jobs

Mid Careers

Shizen Energy Inc.
Shizen Engineering Inc.
Shizen Operations Inc.
Shizen Connect Inc.
    CLOSE