

Today we’d like to introduce you to Masayuki Umemura
Hi Masayuki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began in Kitakyushu, Japan, but I always felt my future lay beyond its borders.
Initially, I went to an English language school affiliated with a university in Orange County, California, for three months. However, there were so many non-native English speakers that I couldn’t really study English. This made me question, “Why did I come to America?” and I made my decision based on this self-reflection.
My goal for coming to the U.S. was to study the highest level of hotel management in the service industry. At that time, Japan only had vocational schools for hotel services, but in Switzerland and the U.S., there were universities and graduate schools where you could study hotel management.
As a result, I suddenly decided to drive across the country from Orange County to Boston. In seven days, I covered 3,000 miles (about 5,000 km), but I ran out of money and had no choice but to sleep in a park in front of Harvard University. It was during this time that an older sushi chef spoke to me and helped me.
Meeting him at the park became one of the turning points in my life.
He was a very kind person, and that evening, he let me stay at his house and treated me to dinner. After that, I started attending Newbury College (United States) during the day and working as a bartender at the restaurant where the sushi chef worked at night, which helped stabilize my life.
I was constantly juggling challenges—adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and figuring out how to survive in a city that never stops moving. But amidst the struggle, I formed a friendship with Taku Sato, a young apprentice chef who worked together with the restaurant (myself as a bartender for part time). was also trying to make his mark. We were both chasing our dreams, and the bond we formed through those difficult times has stayed with me to this day. Taku Sato became a top chef at “Nobu” restaurants now, and I couldn’t be prouder of his achievements.
That sushi chef who helped me recognized my potential and extended a helping hand. Without his support, I wouldn’t have been able to stay focused on my studies or carve out a path in the competitive hospitality industry. His kindness and belief in me shaped my perspective on life and inspired me to want to give others the same opportunities I was fortunate to receive.
I transferred from Newbury College to the Graduate School of Hotel and Food Service Management at New York University, where I continued to study hotel management. After graduating, my career took off. I worked for JALPAK in New York (which was a company developing tour packages for Japanese tourist) and later joined the prestigious Saison Group. I was part of the team that launched the Yokohama Grand InterContinental Hotel and served as Asia-Pacific Sales Manager for InterContinental Hotels. These were exciting times, but they came at a cost. The relentless pace and pressure impacted my health, and by the time I turned 30, I decided to return to Japan to rebuild my life.
Now, at 60, I find myself embarking on another restart—this time in San Antonio, Texas. For me, San Antonio holds a special place because it’s where everything begins again. I see this chapter to bring my experiences full circle, building something meaningful not just for myself but for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Challenge
The path I’ve taken has been anything but easy. When I first arrived in New York, I was overwhelmed. I was trying to navigate a new country, learn a new language, and survive on limited resources. At times, I didn’t even have a stable place to stay. But it was during these challenging moments that I learned the value of resilience and the importance of human connection.
One defining moment in my life was the help I received from that sushi chef who believed in me when I had nothing. His kindness left a lasting impact on me, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve made it my mission to pay it forward.
Today, through Global Gates, I aim to create opportunities for 50,000 workers. It’s not just about building a successful business—it’s about giving others a chance to restart their lives, just as I was given. Partnering with the Japan Hotel Housekeeping Association, we’re training individuals, even those with no prior experience, to become professional housekeepers. I firmly believe that housekeeping is a skill that will never disappear. It’s a lifelong ability that can open doors anywhere in the world.
This isn’t just about work—it’s about empowering people. I want to create an environment where anyone, no matter their background, can succeed. My goal is to give others the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams, just like I was able to achieve mine.
Looking back, I realize that every challenge I faced helped me grow into the person I am today. And now, as I start this new chapter in San Antonio, I’m excited to continue this journey—not just for myself, but for all the lives I hope to touch along the way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a company that provides cleaning services with Japanese “OMOTENASHI” spirit.
A Company Committed to Creating “KIREI”
More Than Clean Spaces — We Create KIREI for the Heart and Soul
At the heart of our Cleaning Management Business is a mission to deliver “KIREI” — a concept that goes beyond just cleanliness. We aim to enhance spaces and uplift the well-being of individuals and communities.
With a strong commitment to high-quality cleaning services and inspired by Japan’s revered spirit of “OMOTENASHI” (hospitality), we bring the art of care and attention to every corner we clean.
What Does the Spirit of OMOTENASHI Mean?
It’s about going the extra mile. Imagine bowing in respect to a freshly cleaned guest room — that’s the kind of care we put into our work.
We will establish a training labs in USA to spread Japanese” OMOTENASHI” cleaning throughout the United States, train professional cleaners, and create jobs.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
One book that has profoundly influenced my perspective on life is The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Santiago, the aging fisherman at the heart of the story, resonates deeply with me. His unyielding determination, his ability to endure hardship, and his unwavering hope despite the odds remind me of my own journey.
Much like Santiago’s battle with the marlin, my life has been a series of struggles to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable. Santiago’s refusal to give up—even when the world seemed to conspire against him—mirrors my own belief that persistence and resilience are what ultimately define us.
The story also highlights the importance of the journey itself, rather than the result. Santiago’s dignity, even in the face of loss, teaches us that success isn’t just about what we achieve but about the effort and integrity we put into the process. That philosophy is something I carry with me every day, whether it’s in my personal life or in my work with Global Gates.
Just as Santiago cherished the sea and respected its power, I have a deep respect for the challenges life presents. These challenges shape us, teach us, and push us to grow. The story of The Old Man and the Sea reminds me that no matter how difficult the circumstances, there’s always value in the struggle and a chance for redemption.
This reflects my current state of mind as I embark on this journey alone, leaving Japan and setting sail to build a business by myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://us-gates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global.gates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalgates.tokyo
- Twitter: https://x.com/Globalgates1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5gRNbokSVQK3QwXniUN-Tg/featured