Hisato Hamada is the founder and CEO of Café Groove, an interactive media company, and Viva Japan, a company that offers Japan-inspired lifestyle worldwide. A former producer at Sony, Hamada is involved in numerous business ventures, including cinema distribution. He owns Copon Norp, a restaurant in Omotesando, Japan, and a wine import and distribution company. He recently completed the Ironman 70.3 Singapore.

Name: HISATO HAMADA
Expertise: Finding quality in the culture
Location: Singapore and Tokyo

Interests: Food and Drinks and the people who prepare and serve them.

Background: Now I head CAFEGROOVE, an interactive media company and VIVA JAPAN, a partially Singapore-based business offering an original Japan-inspired lifestyle delivered worldwide. I am also involved in a number of other businesses, including cinema distribution, a restaurant, a bar, and wine importing and distribution. I regard my extensive periods of living outside Japan as vital to my development as an entrepreneur. Studying abroad - three years in elementary school in Sydney, Australia, three years in the US. This was the biggest influence on what I am.

Favorite meal: Sushi in Ginza.

Recent purchase: TREK Speed Concept 9.9 Spartacus Edition for my first IRONMAN 70.3 SINGAPORE trial.

Hidden talent: Speak Dixie and Singlish

Book/film recommendation: "The Sea of Fertility" by Yukio Mishima and "la Tourneuse de Pages" by Radu Mihaileanu

Restaurant recommendation (can be anywhere in the world): My restaurant "COPON NORP" in Omotesando, Japan and Duxton, Singapore.

If I had $20, I’d… I buy a glass of Henri Giraud for my friend.

Transformative travel experience: 3 years in Alabama. Being isolated in the beginning but really learned how to build up strong mind and mentality.

Favorite neighborhood (can be anywhere in the world): San Giuseppe, Barcelona. Standing at the bar with a glass of nice Red and slices of Jamon Bellota.

Dream holiday: Laid back and relaxing in Bora Bora.

If I could solve one problem, it would be: Gaining the power within for people who are down mentally.

I wish people cared more about: Food, what they are eating.

Recent aha! moment: Completing my first IRONMAN70.3 challenge.

The world would be a better place if: Everyone starts smiling.