Diary of an Insurer: Tokio Marine’s Hiroyuki Ishijima

Monday

As I embark on the busy commute across a bustling Tokyo this morning, I take the opportunity to reflect fondly on an exciting game weekend. 

Being a huge fan of American football and having played between the ages of 12 to 26, the opportunity to be part of the staff for the All Mitsubishi Lions, a Tokyo-based team sponsored by Tokio Marine, is always a pleasure!

The calming smell of fresh coffee welcomes me back to the office as I sit down to revisit Friday’s to do list and plan for the day ahead.

First up is an important quarterly meeting with the Tokio Marine Nichido Fire Green Transformation Task Force, to discuss how the business is supporting Japan’s transition towards greener energy and a more sustainable economy.

After a quick scan of my emails, responding to the most urgent, it’s time to meet with our key reinsurance broker from the London market to discuss our treaty renewal strategy for next year.

Once the working day is over, one last errand remains – walking my parents’ dog. I love this part of the day as it allows me to reset and get ready for the busy days to follow.

Tuesday

My journey into work was surprisingly quiet today… not that I’m complaining.

Tuesday morning starts with an in-depth strategy discussion with our P&I Club partner, who we’re working alongside to support the continued growth of the offshore wind industry in Japan. 

It’s things like this that make me very proud of what I do. It really is a privilege to be playing an essential role in building a more resilient and sustainable Japan. 

No rest for the wicked, however. From there, I go on to join our regular underwriting team meeting for marine hull, upstream energy, offshore wind and marine liability, followed by a strategy planning session for our marine hull business.

I then attend the General Insurance Association of Japan’s marine working group meeting, during which we engaged in some fascinating discussions around the legal liability framework for developing and operating maritime autonomous surface ships, the next generation of vessels that operate with little or no human intervention.

With sustainability in mind (as well as health!), I end the day with a two-hour walk home with some colleagues. Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance are running a company-wide challenge on achieving the highest daily step count, and while it’s the taking part that counts, I may have taken the scenic route on my journey home… 

Wednesday

With the week now officially in full swing, I kick off Wednesday with a meeting with our treaty reinsurers from the London market. They’re a valued long-term partner who offer vital support to the ongoing growth of our marine team in Japan.

It’s then time to join our mid-year investor relations session which offers a fascinating insight into Tokio Marine Group’s activities and strategy around the world.

To round off another busy but exciting day, I head out to dinner with one of my good friends and former American football teammates from university, who is now responsible for driving the decarbonisation of one of the biggest trading firms in Japan. 

His role means that we enjoyed several in-depth conversations about the Japanese energy transition, interspersed with only small amounts of American football chat.

Thursday

The majority of Thursday is used for cross-group discussions around how our Group, including the international group companies; Tokio Marine Kiln, Tokio Marine HCC and GCube can drive the transition towards green energy and sustainable practices around the world.

Our strength as group comes from the fact that we are able to provide such a wide range of services, covering the whole supply chain for construction projects, from transportation, marine works and vessels/equipment to operational risks including business interruption.

Following this, it’s time to join a one to one appraisal meeting with a member of my team, followed by a dinner with a prevalent business leader within the shipping industry, to understand the current needs and issues affecting the sector.

Friday

Friday morning starts with a board meeting with a start-up in which Tokio Marine Group is an investor. As part of my role as an independent director on the board of Aidea Co Ltd, I advise on their business plans and relations with shipping companies.

This is then followed by a packed afternoon schedule, with discussions around our renewal strategy for our P&I offering, and a meeting with an organisation looking to invest in the Japanese offshore wind market.

With the working week now drawn to a close, it’s time for dad duty, as I get ready to support my eldest daughter as she competes in the university shooting team against their main rivals. This is then followed by attending a hula dance recital, which my wife and daughter take part in.