We recently connected with MASAYUKI UMEMURA and have shared our conversation below.

Hi MASAYUKI, thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

What I believe Corporate America often overlooks in the cleaning industry is the human element—the care, pride, and attention to detail that transforms cleaning from a task into a craft. In many cases, cleaning services are treated purely as a cost or logistical necessity, with a focus on speed and efficiency over quality and heart. But in Japan, we approach cleaning differently—it’s about creating “KIREI,” a concept that goes beyond surface-level cleanliness to touch the heart and soul of a space.

At our company, we embody this through the spirit of “OMOTENASHI,” which means offering hospitality with sincerity, humility, and anticipation of the needs of others. In our work, that means going the extra mile—not just cleaning a room, but respecting it. For example, in Japan, it’s not uncommon for a cleaner to bow after preparing a guest room, showing respect for the space and those who will use it. That level of care is what we bring into every project, and it’s something often missing in the more transactional approach of corporate models.

This matters because the environment you create directly impacts the people within it—employees, customers, guests. When cleaning is done with pride and care, it fosters well-being, comfort, and even productivity. That’s why we’re now establishing training labs in the U.S. to share Japanese “OMOTENASHI” cleaning methods, train professional cleaners, and create meaningful jobs. We want to show that cleaning is more than maintenance—it’s an act of service and respect that has the power to elevate lives and communities.

MASAYUKI, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At Global Gates Inc., our mission is to open doors to the global marketplace while upholding the timeless Japanese principle of omotenashi—the art of wholehearted hospitality. Our journey began when we recognized that businesses often face significant challenges when expanding internationally. With our deep industry expertise and international networks, we set out to create a firm that could help companies navigate complex cross-border operations and seize new opportunities overseas. You can learn more about our approach on us-gates.com.

Our Journey and Passion
Our founders come from diverse backgrounds in international business, technology, and marketing. They experienced firsthand the hurdles companies face—from understanding foreign regulatory environments to adapting to cultural differences and integrating new technologies. This inspired the creation of Global Gates Inc., a company dedicated not only to solving these challenges but also to fostering a work environment rooted in omotenashi. This spirit of genuine hospitality and care informs everything we do, from our strategic consulting services to our hands-on cleaning and facility management solutions.

What We Do
Global Consulting Services:

Strategic Advisory: We offer expert guidance on market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, and international business practices.
Technology and Operational Integration: Our innovative digital solutions help streamline operations—from supply chain management to customer engagement.
Global Marketing & Branding: We design tailored marketing strategies that resonate with diverse international audiences, ensuring your brand’s voice is heard across borders.
Logistical & Regulatory Support: Our team manages the intricacies of cross-border documentation and compliance so you can focus on growth.
Cleaning and Facility Management:

Comprehensive Cleaning Solutions: Our cleaning division provides routine maintenance, deep cleaning, and specialized services for corporate offices, industrial facilities, and residential properties.
Environmentally Conscious Practices: We use eco-friendly products and state-of-the-art equipment to maintain pristine, sustainable environments.
Omotenashi in Action: We instill the principle of omotenashi in our cleaning teams. This means going beyond standard service to anticipate needs, deliver exceptional care, and create welcoming, healthy environments for everyone. We believe that true cleanliness goes hand in hand with genuine hospitality.
The Problems We Solve
Navigating Complex Regulations: We simplify international legal landscapes, reducing risk and uncertainty.
Cultural and Market Adaptation: Our local experts ensure that your products or services connect meaningfully with diverse audiences.
Technological Integration: We facilitate smooth adoption of modern technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
Operational Excellence: Whether optimizing global operations or maintaining high facility standards, our integrated approach ensures your business runs seamlessly.
What Sets Us Apart
Tailored, Client-Centric Solutions: Every client benefits from strategies and services specifically designed to meet their unique needs.
Global Expertise with a Local Touch: Our international experience, combined with a deep understanding of local markets, enables us to deliver solutions that are both far-reaching and finely tuned.
Omotenashi in Every Detail: Our commitment to omotenashi elevates our services. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it with care, attention, and a genuine desire to make every interaction exceptional.
Proven Track Record: Our success is reflected in the growth and global expansion of our clients, as well as in the sustained excellence of our operational services.
Holistic Approach: We offer a full spectrum of solutions—from high-level strategic consulting to hands-on facility management—ensuring that every aspect of your business is supported.
Our Pride and Vision for the Future
We take immense pride in witnessing our clients transform their businesses on the global stage and in the satisfaction of delivering top-tier service through our cleaning and facility management division. By embracing omotenashi, we ensure that every client interaction, every project, and every service provided is marked by genuine care and attention to detail.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, Global Gates Inc. is more than a consulting firm—we are your strategic partner in turning global challenges into opportunities for success. We invite you to explore our comprehensive solutions on us-gates.com and experience how our blend of expertise, innovative thinking, and heartfelt hospitality can elevate your business to new heights.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first arrived in New York, I was overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating a new country with a new language, all while struggling with limited resources and even not having a stable place to stay. There was a time when every day felt like a battle for survival. One moment that truly defined my resilience was when a kind sushi chef—seeing my struggle—offered his help and believed in me when I had nothing. His unexpected kindness became a turning point in my life, teaching me the value of human connection and the importance of paying it forward. This experience fueled my determination and ultimately inspired me to build Global Gates, where my mission is not only to create opportunities for 50,000 workers but also to empower individuals through training and new career paths, such as professional housekeeping—a skill I believe will open doors anywhere in the world. That journey, with all its hardships, taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and change.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a moment in our journey when everything changed. Initially, our focus at Global Gates was on housekeeping management—training individuals to become professional housekeepers, a field we believed held timeless value. Our passion was to empower people by providing them with a skill that could open doors anywhere in the world.

Then, COVID-19 hit. Overnight, the world turned upside down. The demand for traditional housekeeping services dwindled as businesses and households grappled with new health protocols and lockdowns. It was a crisis that tested our resilience and forced us to rethink our strategy.

Recognizing that our expertise in service and operations could be applied more broadly, we made the difficult decision to pivot. We diversified our offerings to include comprehensive cleaning solutions and other related services that addressed the urgent needs of the moment. This wasn’t an easy transition—our team had to rapidly adapt, learn new techniques, and embrace innovative cleaning technologies to meet heightened hygiene standards.

The journey was challenging, filled with uncertainties and setbacks. Yet, this pivot was not just about survival; it was about transforming adversity into an opportunity to grow and expand our impact. We emerged stronger, more versatile, and even more committed to our mission of empowering workers. By diversifying our services, we ensured that we could continue to support our community and provide much-needed solutions in a rapidly changing world.

This experience taught us the importance of agility in business and life. Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the willingness to pivot and innovate can open up new avenues for success, proving that sometimes, the hardest times drive the most significant transformations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://us-gates.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global.gates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalgates.tokyo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/103063977
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Globalgates1