Originally a base from which to explore Asia, Beat Krähenmann went on to make Japan the base for his life and career. Arriving from Switzerland in 2009, he was determined to fill in what he saw as a yawning gap in his knowledge of the wider continent. “When you grow up in Europe, education and history are very Europe- and US-focused.”
Enrolling in a language school in Nagoya, he studied alongside an international mix of students: “It was great after working for some time to be back at school. When you pay for your own education, it’s a different approach.”
Street life
Before moving to Japan, sport played a major role in his life, including a little judo as a child, and a lot of street hockey as an adult. Describing himself as “an average player,” it was as a coach that he found his groove, taking charge of the national team at various youth levels up to the under 20s. “Building a national team of players who you compete with during the regular local season was a great experience. It also helped me to learn how to be forgiving to former adversaries and learn to ask about other viewpoints.” Leading teams through European and world championships, “Highlights were upset victories against the big four—USA, Canada, Czech Republic and Slovakia—lowlights were defeats against Germany,” he recalls with a smile.
After language school, Krähenmann moved to Tokyo to work at British Telecom (BT). He arrived just two days before the March 11, 2011 earthquake. “I had planned to move into my new apartment that evening. That wasn’t possible, but what impressed me was how quickly things worked again.” Within a day, delivery companies and real estate agencies were operating, and he was able to move in shortly afterward.
When the chips are down
Krähenmann’s background is in electrical engineering, with earlier experience in telecommunications, including work related to network infrastructure for Swiss Railways. That technical foundation later led him to Levitronix, a Swiss company specializing in magnetically levitated pump technology. The company approached him while he was working at BT, looking for someone who could support its Japan operations and serve as a bridge with headquarters. “They said even if you’re outside the field, we’re willing to train you. What they wanted was somebody who understands both sides.”
Levitronix’s pumps play a specialized role in semiconductor manufacturing. By using magnetic levitation, the pumps eliminate mechanical contact, preventing the generation of particles that could contaminate semiconductor wafers. “As structures get smaller, it becomes even more important not to have any particles. Competing products, just by how they are built, create particles.” As chip structures continue to shrink to nanometer scales, that distinction becomes increasingly critical. Levitronix Japan currently has a team of 14 employees, functioning primarily as a sales and support office. Manufacturing is carried out in Switzerland and nearby countries, within what Krähenmann describes as a highly interconnected global supply chain. “People think they can nationalize the semiconductor supply chain. That’s just not how the industry works.” He notes that many essential suppliers are small, highly specialized firms that are largely unknown outside the industry.
The beat goes on
Over the course of his time in Japan, Krähenmann has observed changes within the semiconductor sector. “When I started, I was usually the only foreigner in meetings.” His first name made him even easier to remember due to its resemblance to that used by actor and director Takeshi Kitano for his comedy and television work. “People think it’s Pete, so I say, ‘like Beat Takeshi—but it’s my real name.’”
Something that remains unchanged in Japan is the value placed on long-term relationships, driven home during the COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. Krähenmann recalls Japanese customers and suppliers standing by their partners as long they were transparent and making genuine efforts. One Japanese semiconductor supplier prioritized Levitronix despite shortages: “They said, ‘You’re part of the supply chain. If you can’t produce, we can’t either.’”
Outside of work, life now centers on his family. He and his wife have two young children, and weekends are often spent in parks or traveling locally. He remains interested in exploring Japan and has visited most of the country’s prefectures. Hokkaido reminds him of Switzerland, while Kyushu—particularly around Mount Aso—stands out for its greenery and atmosphere. Krähenmann plans to stay at least until retirement. “Life here is peaceful and safe. It’s a very good place to raise children.”
Text: Gavin Blair for SCCIJ
