I spent 15 years chasing my dream of designing planes. I gave it up to help revive rural Japan.

Daisuke Fujii career change Provided by Daisuke Fujii While studying in Texas, Daisuke Fujii saw how venture capital could transform cities beyond major economic hubs. After his employer in Japan repeatedly rejected his business ideas, he decided to strike out on his own. He now helps farmers and rural communities across Japan generate new income through agritourism and boutique hotels. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Daisuke Fujii, the cofounder of Farm & Firm Company, a Japanese consulting firm that helps farmers and rural communities generate new income through agritourism, hospitality, and business development. It's been edited for length and clarity. I grew up in Saitama, about 20 miles north of Tokyo. In elementary school, I discovered a love for all things space- and engineering-related, like planes and satellites.