Entrepreneurial spirit and a fast-growing team – This is how Orion Pharma Japan took off

Established in Otemachi, Tokyo, in January 2024, Orion Pharma Japan began life with just one person, but in the past 12 months the team has grown to 18 staff members. The first year saw major success for the company after it regained from a partner the right to sell its Parkinson’s medicines along with two other important products. 
 
The man who set up Japan operations, Mitsunori Ogawa, explains that the re-acquisition of products from partner companies represented a major accomplishment in 2024.  
 
“It signalled the start of real business for us,” he says.  
 
“Achieving it in record time ahead of schedule was an incredible result, testament to our teamwork and cross-border cooperation between Japanese and Finnish colleagues.”

Building a company from scratch

According to Country Manager Ogawa, reaching the goal ensured Orion Pharma Japan got off to a flying start and made a name for themselves in the process. He is also proud of how the Japan team has grown during the past year.  
 
“Building a company from scratch is fun and exciting, but also full of challenges,” he says.  
 
Ogawa has used his extensive professional network from over 30 years in the pharma industry in Japan to make recruitments and says the regular flow of new faces has meant a vibrant working environment, with plenty of welcome events in the past 12 months. 
 
“The road ahead is bright because there is a lot of independence for the Japan team. We are writing the story of Orion Pharma Japan from the beginning. We can set a flexible and modern approach to our work culture, and we don’t need to follow any stiff Japanese corporate customs and unnecessary business practices. That has attracted many talented people to our company.”  

Ogawa has looked for an entrepreneurial mindset in his hiring, and he likens the first year to a startup journey.  
 
“I’ve used my 30 years in this industry to find the best talent. New employees must not be afraid of a challenge. Staff have broad roles and responsibilities as the company upsizes, and with our flexible work policies they don’t need to be located in Tokyo. This means we can find the best people around Japan.”

Working closely with Finland

Cooperating with Finland has been quite straight-forward, Ogawa reckons, thanks to shared values and cultural similarities.  
 
“Like Finns, we Japanese are often described as respectful, humble, and not aggressive, and I’m always repeating that our one true common language is collaboration and communication.” 
 
He points to the re-acquiring of the three pharma products as an example of successful collaboration and says he might have been stuck at some points were it not for the expertise flowing in from Finland.  
 
“It’s impossible to achieve something alone, and I’m convinced the time zone difference has not contributed to any difficulties.”

Committed to quality of life

As Japan’s population ages, Orion Pharma Japan remains dedicated to developing treatments that enhance patients’ well-being and quality of life. Ogawa says that in 2025 Orion Pharma will continue to build a solid foundation in Japan so it can establish itself as a household name, with a particular focus on Parkinson’s disease and women’s health.  
 
“To expand the business in Japan and build our reputation we need to be recognised for well-being. That means well-being for our staff and well-being for our customers. In our office, we are focused on marketing authorisation, selling products previously distributed through partners, and providing and collecting product information,” he says. 
 
“We have the right ingredients in place to attract talent, and I’m focused on creating a flexible environment in which our people thrive. I’m a very simple, transparent and open-minded person so my colleagues know they can approach me. One of the highlights this past year has been celebrating new personnel arrivals with dinner and drinks outside the office.”