Culture and Benefits — Preferred Networks, Inc.

Learn or Die

We are committed to continuous learning. In a world where technology, markets, society, and culture evolve on a daily basis, relentless learning isn't optional—it's the only way we remain advanced and adaptable. We actively move beyond our specialized fields, eagerly pursuing new knowledge across diverse domains. We know that true learning happens in practice, which is why we perpetually cycle between theory and application. We don't fear change; we embrace it as fuel, using the power of learning to actively co-create the future.

Beyond Customer Expectations

Our starting point is always the customer's perspective. We stand as equal partners, fully empathizing with their challenges and expectations to deeply understand the required value. But we don't stop at meeting current needs. We push further to uncover needs and possibilities that customers may not yet realize, envisioning and building solutions that anticipate the future. By breaking free from conventional wisdom and constraints, we use technology and imagination to show the way forward and pioneer new possibilities together.

Think Big, Act Quick

We don't limit ourselves to only what we can do now—we envision the future we want to create and boldly plan how to achieve it. We never let self-imposed limits or conventional boundaries constrain our thinking. At the same time, we pair this big thinking with swift, nimble action. We don't demand perfection or fear mistakes—we rapidly execute numerous trials and errors.

Be Proactive

Instead of passively waiting for circumstances to dictate our path, we look ahead, and take proactive action. We swiftly identify opportunities and anticipate challenges, moving ahead of change. We don’t pursue tasks in isolation; we proactively involve and motivate those around us, leveraging collaborative teamwork to achieve superior results. This ownership—combining forward-thinking action and collective initiativee—is the engine that drives powerful results.

Respect & Unite

While we are grounded in deep respect for every individual, we transcend expertise and departmental silos to share opinions candidly. This is not conflict—it is constructive dialogue and debate aimed solely at achieving the best results. Once decisions are finalized through this robust process, we unite and commit to them. Amid our diversity, we overcome differences in opinion to form cohesive teams focused on common goals. This unity, powered by respect, candor, and sincerity, is our source of strength.

Work Environment

PFN’s HR system is built to maximize productivity through a fair, accessible, and straightforward design that’s simple yet strong.

Work style

Discretionary labor or flex-time system

Depending on the position, employees work under a discretionary labor system or a flex-time system with no core hours. 26 days of paid leave per year All employees receive 26 days of paid leave per year, granted uniformly from the first year of employment, regardless of start date.

Hybrid work

PFN operates a hybrid work style with no fixed limit on remote work days. Some in-office presence is required for company-wide events and team-designated in-office days. Currently, about 70% of employees come to the office fewer than three days per week.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage

PFN is enrolled in the Kanto IT Software Health Insurance Association.

Japanese Language Learning Support

Employees can take one-on-one Japanese lessons with external instructors, fully funded by the company.

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

PFN contributes the maximum monthly amount of 55,000 yen to each employee’s corporate defined contribution pension plan at no personal cost.

Work Infrastructure

Choice of Work Laptop

Employees are free to choose their work laptop on a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) basis. PFN provides a 200,000 yen subsidy every two years toward the purchase of a personal laptop that meets minimum requirements.

Collaboration Tools

We use tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, and GitHub for internal communication and collaboration.

Ample Computing Resources

Employees have access to PFN’s in-house supercomputers for computational tasks related to their work.

Office Environment

All seats are non-assigned (free address). 4K displays and electric height-adjustable desks are available in the office.

Corporate Culture

At PFN, we foster an open culture of learning and collaboration through a wide range of activities — including PFN Day (an in-house conference held three times a year), weekly hybrid all-hands meetings, lightning talks, tech talks, paper reading sessions, and lunchtime talks. Interpretation from Japanese to English is provided for company-wide events. We also have a variety of voluntary clubs where members connect through shared interests and backgrounds. These opportunities encourage cross-team interaction and help build strong horizontal connections throughout the company.

Photo gallery

Office Environment

At PFN’s headquarters in the Otemachi area of Tokyo, we provide a work environment designed to help our members perform at their best. The office features non-assigned seating (free address) with electric height-adjustable desks and 4K displays, as well as private pods, a cafeteria, and beverage vending machines for a comfortable and productive workspace. Cafeteria 1 Cafeteria 2 Cafeteria 3

Office space

4K displays and electric height-adjustable desks are available in the office. Private work pods Cafeteria 1 Cafeteria 2 Cafeteria 3

Office space

4K displays and electric height-adjustable desks are available in the office. Private work pods

PFN Day

PFN Day is a full-day, company-wide event designed to promote cross-project collaboration and learning. The program includes poster sessions for sharing project outcomes and lightning talks featuring short presentations by team members. The day concludes with an optional social gathering to encourage informal networking and connection among colleagues. Poster presentation 1 Poster presentation 2 PFN members introducing Misebo, PFN's robot that support chain store managers to check missing items, planogram and price tags. We hold PFN Day during the internship period as well. Through poster sessions presented by PFN members, interns gain a deeper understanding of PFN's business. The event also includes casual conversations over snacks, offering a relaxed setting where interns and PFN members can get to know each other better. Poster presentation 1 Poster presentation 2 PFN members introducing Misebo, PFN's robot that support chain store managers to check missing items, planogram and price tags. We hold PFN Day during the internship period as well. Through poster sessions presented by PFN members, interns gain a deeper understanding of PFN's business. The event also includes casual conversations over snacks, offering a relaxed setting where interns and PFN members can get to know each other better.

Other internal events

PFN hosts a variety of information-sharing and knowledge-exchange activities that foster intellectual curiosity and continuous learning—ranging from company-wide all-hands meetings where the latest updates are shared openly, to lightning talk sessions and reading groups led by employees.

All-Hands Meeting

Our all-hands meeting is held weekly in a hybrid format, both online and onsite. It serves as a forum for sharing updates and discussing topics related to the company as a whole and each department. Members can freely post comments and questions on Slack during the session. We also regularly host optional lunchtime talks by our co-founder Daisuke Okanohara, which are also published as a company newsletter.

Book Club (Weekly, optional participation)

PFN’s Book Club has been running for over ten years. It’s open to anyone who wishes to join.

Lightning Talks

PFN members can give short presentations on any topic—not only technical subjects but also personal updates, hobbies, or anything they’d like to share. During lunchtime in the office cafeteria, members often discuss technology or enjoy casual conversations. Co-founder Daisuke Okanohara also regularly joins these lunches, and this open, approachable culture has become the foundation for PFN’s innovation.

All-Hands Meeting

Book Club (Weekly, optional participation)

PFN’s Book Club has been running for over ten years. It’s open to anyone who wishes to join.

Lightning Talks

Internal communities

At PFN, employees can join a variety of voluntary clubs that encourage casual interaction and connection among members. From gaming, gourmet food, culture, and sports to shared nationalities and backgrounds, these clubs bring people together around common interests.

Tug-of-War Club

Co-founder Daisuke Okanohara leads the charge—literally!

Anime Song Karaoke Club

Co-founder Toru Nishikawa often joins in the fun. Ski and Snowboard Club

Tennis Club

Board Game Club Novel Club

Yoga Club

Beans (Coffee) Club