【Summer reading】Truls' Experience with Japan and NCCJ
[Summer reading] Truls’ Experience With Japan and NCCJ
Truls has done ski jumping himself, and was excited to meet his idol, Kasai Noriaki
When Truls (37) moved to Japan in 2018, NCCJ helped him get in touch with the Japan-Norway business community. He has quite an interesting Japan experience, and is happy to share it with NCCJ’s members.
Who are you?
My name is Truls Oma Erichsrud and I’m from the suburbs of Oslo, a place called Rykkinn. The neighborhood was built and developed in the 1970’s and received international attention for its design and infrastructure. Among others, representatives from Japan visited Rykkinn to study the final project.
Throughout my life I’ve had a chance to explore the world. To date, I have visited nearly 100 countries. I’m also a passionate marathon runner and a certified sky-/scuba diver.
Why did you move to Japan?
As a prominent ski jumper growing up, I always admired the Japanese athletes. They were the perfect example of rawness, style, respect and humbleness. That lead me to an interest in the Japanese culture and soon I could sing the national anthem of Japan.
After visiting my brother (who lived in Japan for a few months) in 2007, and a few visits since then, I soon realized I had to spend more time in the “Land of the Rising Sun”.
Truls with Nin-San
What did you do in Japan?
Before moving to Japan in August 2018, I was already engaged in the world of racing pigeons (鳩, hato) as an agent for a flock of Danish pigeons. Soon after my arrival in Tokyo, I went out on a journey to explore the pigeon industry of Japan. This brought me to a real legend, Mr. Hideo Nin-san, who once purchased the champion “019” pigeon from the loft of the world famous Janssen Brothers of Belgium back in the 1980’s. We remain good friends today.
I also run a travel company, OMA Travel (www.omatravel.com) which specializing in unique travels around the world. While living in Japan, I spent time looking for new travel ideas which led me to tuna fishing in Oma, “Banei Tokachi” horse racing in Obihiro, a taste of the maple leaf tempura in Minoo, just to name a few. Thanks to my good friend Mr. Yoshihiro Ito-san, today my company offer a trip to go snorkeling with the Japanese Giant Salamanders.
Truls with TV Tokyo
Any fun stories from Japan?
I had a few friends visiting me from Norway. When they arrived Narita Airport, they were met by TV Tokyo and before I knew it, the whole crew came to my apartment in Roppongi to make a short video about my job as a racing pigeon agent in Japan.
Why did you choose to contact NCCJ in Japan?
I already had some experience with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce while living in New York, so for me it made sense to also connect with the Japanese chapter. My first interaction with NCCJ was a memorable yakatabune dinner cruise and I also attended a few other events during my stay. Networking and building long lasting relationships have always been a big part of my life and NCCJ has certainly been a helpful contributor.
Any interesting projects going on?
Today I’m involved with a Norwegian AI/tech company (www.hagal.com) which aims to create the world’s most intelligent batteries. Our technology enables second-life use of batteries and longer lifecycles of new batteries. We have ambitions to take our technology global, with Japan being an important market.
Thank you, Truls, for sharing your story with our members. If you found interest in any of his projects, feel free to contact him: truls@omagroup.no
From all of us in NCCJ; keep enjoying summer!