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11/11/2026

Client Interview | How Compass Offices Supports the Way JR West Innovations Works and Connects

A Truly Convenient Office: A Place for Focus and Connection at JR West Innovations

JR West Innovations Co., Ltd. invests in start-ups through its corporate venture capital (CVC) business and also operates businesses of its own. The company established its office at Compass Offices INOGATE OSAKA as a base where it could easily communicate with a range of partners. We spoke with Mr Imura, who works at the centre, about the flexibility of its spaces, his experience using the Tokyo locations on business trips, and the opportunities to connect with others in everyday working life.

The Background to the Office Choice

The company chose the Umeda–Umekita area to make it easier to communicate with start-ups and other partners.
Open spaces and private booths offer a choice of settings to suit different tasks and conversations.
Alongside everyday use in Osaka, Mr Imura has used the Yaesu and Hamamatsucho locations during business trips to Tokyo.
Responsive support from the team and opportunities to meet people at events add value to the working environment.

A Business Base That Makes It Easier to Connect with Partners

— Could you tell us about your business and why the company established an office at INOGATE OSAKA?

Our business has two main areas. One is CVC: we invest in start-ups and work to create new value together with them and the JR-West Group. The other is businesses we operate directly, including land-based aquaculture, property acquisition and resale, and services for railway enthusiasts.

JR-West’s headquarters is also in Osaka, and we see this as an area where many start-ups gather. INOGATE OSAKA was chosen as a place where we could easily communicate with a variety of partners as we develop our businesses.

An Open Setting and the Fresh Perspective of Working Alongside Other Companies

— What was your first impression, and how does it differ from working at headquarters?

My first impression was that I was working in a state-of-the-art office. It is very open, and the views are wonderful. I remember arriving in my new role and feeling that I really was working in a cutting-edge environment.

At headquarters, you are generally on a floor with colleagues from your own company, and that has its own advantages for communication. In a shared office, it feels refreshing to work in the same space as people from different companies. Even noticing how their ways of communicating and their atmosphere may differ gives you new perspectives. I think it is a workplace where you become aware of many different things.

A Choice of Spaces for Different Tasks, with Help Close at Hand

— What do you value about using the office day to day and the support from the team?

I think it is well designed in the way you can use different spaces depending on your work and the situation. You can talk freely in the open areas, while private booths are available when you need a private conversation, have to speak during an online meeting, or are dealing with something a little sensitive. Being able to choose the right setting is a real benefit.

Whenever I ask the team for help with something, my impression is that they respond promptly and efficiently. They help us with visitors and mail, often acting as a point of contact, which is very useful. I know they have many responsibilities and must be busy, but I feel they always do their best to help.

A Familiar Experience, Even on a Business Trip to Tokyo

— Have you used any Compass Offices locations outside Osaka?

I have used the Yaesu and Hamamatsucho locations on business trips to Tokyo. Because I normally use the Osaka centre, even a location I was visiting for the first time felt familiar. When I told the staff that I usually worked at the Osaka location, they helped me get settled smoothly, which I appreciated.

It is really convenient to be able to use a space occasionally when travelling, as well as having our regular office. There are different spaces for smaller and larger groups, so I think they can also be useful when our usual room feels a little too small.

Events Turn Familiar Faces into People You Can Talk To

— How have you found the events and opportunities to connect, both in and around the office?

I have only been in this role for a few months, so I have not had the chance to attend many events yet. I did attend an event held by Senshu Ikeda Capital, where start-ups and all sorts of other people came together. It was very interesting, with a lot of people attending. It felt refreshing to have an event like that in the place where I normally work.

Some of our colleagues attend almost every event, and I have heard about the Christmas events too. It is nice when an event gives you a chance to start talking to someone whose face you see regularly. After work, we can also say to colleagues, “Shall we stop for a drink?” and head downstairs to BARCHICA 03 to spend more time together. I think that is another benefit of working in a shared office within a large mixed-use building.

For Entrepreneurs and Companies Looking to Create Value with Start-ups

— What would you say to someone considering an office?

My impression is that places to focus on work and spaces to relax and talk with others are all arranged efficiently within one location. I find it a truly convenient office that you can use in different ways according to what you need at the time.

Putting all of this in place yourself would be a lot of work. For start-ups in particular, the range of support is very helpful if you want to get a business off the ground without having to set up all the facilities from the outset. For a company like ours that wants to create value together with start-ups, a place where those people gather is also very appealing.

A Comfortable Workplace Encourages Ideas for Making It Even Better

— What would you like to see from Compass Offices in the future?

I feel the environment has improved compared with where we worked before. As people spend more time here, requests gradually emerge—for example, it would be nice to have iced drinks or a few more microwaves, as people sometimes want to use them at the same time.

I think those requests arise because a comfortable working environment is already in place, and people are thinking about how to make working here even better. It suggests that everyone has settled in. I have also heard that our suggestions and feedback are being addressed, so I hope we can continue using the office in that way.