There are many ways to end up in Japan. For Hendrik Bierwirth, it started with childhood curiosity. Growing up in Munich in a family closely connected to BMW, Hendrik developed two very different passions: economics and East Asia. While studying economics alongside Japanese and Chinese studies, he became fascinated by Japanese history, culture and language – an interest that eventually brought him to Japan at the age of 27 for what was supposed to be a six-month internship at BMW Japan. That was thirteen years ago.
“When I left Germany, I told my father, ‘See you in six months.’ Well… six months became thirteen years.” The internship quickly turned into a full-time position. Despite not having an engineering background, Hendrik earned the trust of colleagues in both Japan and Germany through hard work and was promoted to lead BMW Japan’s testing team, managing six Japanese engineers and coordinating prototype vehicles between Munich and Tokyo.
Yet after almost seven years, he made an unexpected decision. Rather than following a comfortable corporate career, he joined a Japanese blockchain startup founded by former Sony executives. The experience exposed him to venture capital, cryptocurrencies and emerging technologies – but also to the risks and uncertainty of an industry still finding its footing. “I learned a tremendous amount, but I realized that crypto wasn’t the environment for me. I wanted to build something with a stronger long-term foundation.” That search for long-term value eventually led him to real estate.
Building something of his own
Before becoming CEO of APTS.jp, Hendrik co-founded an investment management company connecting European institutional investors with Japanese opportunities and vice versa. Although the company successfully obtained a financial instruments licence, global events such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine slowed cross-border investment activity.
During that period, Hendrik noticed something else. Within the group existed a small business called APTS.jp, helping foreigners rent apartments in Japan. The business had potential but remained largely underdeveloped. He saw an opportunity. Rather than starting from scratch, Hendrik acquired the brand and began transforming it into what he envisions as Japan’s leading platform for foreigner-friendly housing. “There are many real estate platforms in Japan, but almost none are truly built for foreigners. That’s exactly the gap we want to fill.”
A generalist by choice
Unlike many professionals who spend their entire careers within one industry, Hendrik has deliberately explored different worlds – from automotive engineering to blockchain, finance, investment management and entrepreneurship. Rather than seeing this as a weakness, he believes it has become one of his greatest strengths. “I’m not a specialist. I’m a generalist. Every industry taught me something different, and together they’ve helped me become a better leader.”
Interestingly, he also sees similarities with Japanese corporate culture. While European careers often reward deep specialization, many Japanese companies rotate employees through completely different departments over time. According to Hendrik, that broad exposure encourages open-minded thinking and helps future managers understand challenges from multiple perspectives – even if specialist expertise remains essential in technical roles.
Becoming a CEO… and a father
Perhaps the biggest transformation in Hendrik’s life did not happen in business. It happened at home. Over the past few years, he became both CEO and father to his daughter. The two milestones happened almost simultaneously – and fundamentally changed how he thinks. “Life stopped being only about myself. Suddenly I started thinking twenty years ahead.” That shift also reshaped the mission of APTS.jp. For Hendrik, helping foreigners find apartments is only part of the story. His larger goal is to help Japan attract talented people from around the world, making it easier for international professionals and families to build their lives here. “Our purpose isn’t simply to rent apartments. It’s to help bring great talent to Japan and contribute, in our own small way, to Japan’s future.”
Leading by example
Today, APTS.jp reflects that philosophy. The company serves clients from around the world with an international team speaking 11 languages, creating an environment that mirrors the diversity of the people it supports. For Hendrik, diversity is not simply a buzzword. It is a practical advantage – and an opportunity to demonstrate that international teams can thrive in Japan.
Beyond business
Outside the office, Hendrik has always enjoyed sports. A former football player and track-and-field athlete, he completed the Tokyo Marathon while working at BMW – a memorable experience that taught him the importance of pacing, patience and resilience. “The first 30 kilometers felt great. The last 12 were a completely different story!” His enthusiasm for Japan also began long before he ever moved here, fuelled by childhood anime, Japanese history and countless trips across Asia during university. Today, after more than a decade in Japan, that initial fascination has evolved into something much deeper: a desire to contribute to the country’s future through entrepreneurship, innovation and international collaboration.
