Nordic Young Professionals Connect

Time & Location

Thursday, 27 August 2026, 18:00 – 20:00. Parliament Room, 1F, Temple University Japan Campus, Sangenjaya, Tokyo.

About The Event

The Danish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (DCCJ), together with the Nordic Chambers of Japan - the SCCJ, NCCJ, ICCJ, and FCCJ - invites students and young professionals to an evening of networking, inspiration, and career-focused conversation at Temple University Japan Campus.

At the heart of the evening is a panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Novo Nordisk Japan, IKEA Japan, and Takanawa Travel, who will share their perspectives on building international careers, developing leadership skills, and succeeding in multicultural workplaces.

As workplaces continue to evolve, organizations across industries are looking for people who can thrive in international, collaborative, and cross-cultural environments. Nordic companies in Japan have long been recognized for fostering inclusive cultures, innovation, and employee development, making them well placed to share practical insights on what employers value today.

Whether you're a student considering your first career move or a young professional looking to grow within an international organization, you'll gain valuable perspectives on career development, workplace culture, leadership, and the skills that matter most when navigating both Nordic and Japanese business environments.

The evening concludes with a Q&A session followed by a relaxed networking reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly with the speakers, chamber representatives, and fellow students and young professionals over light refreshments.

Meet the Panel

Natalie Ammerlaan — Novo Nordisk, Vice President of People & Organisation

Natalie Ammerlaan is a global People & Organization leader based in Tokyo, with a career that has taken her across Japan, Switzerland, Brazil, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Her professional journey spans People & Organization, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, governance, and business partnerships, giving her a broad perspective on what it takes to grow, lead, and contribute in international environments.

Known for building strong teams, developing leaders, and helping organizations navigate change, Natalie brings a practical and human perspective to career development. She believes that thriving internationally is not only about technical expertise or the right credentials, but also about curiosity, courage, adaptability, integrity, and the ability to build trust across cultures.

Through her work with diverse teams and senior stakeholders around the world, Natalie has seen how meaningful careers are shaped by continuous learning, thoughtful leadership, and the willingness to step into unfamiliar situations. She is passionate about encouraging the next generation to build confidence, develop skills that employers value, and find their own way to make an impact in a global workplace.

Amber Pitty — IKEA, Country People & Culture Manager (CHRO) - (TBD)

Höskuldur Hrafn Guttormsson — Takanawa Travel K.K., Managing Director - Tokyo office

Höskuldur Hrafn Guttormsson (often just called Hoshi) is the Managing Director of the Tokyo office at Takanawa Travel KK, the company behind Trip to Japan, a brand new Travel Technology company.

At the same time he acts as the Vice Chairman of the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Originally from Iceland, he moved to Tokyo in 2016 to complete a Master's in International Business at Rikkyo University and has since built his career across customer service, sales, marketing, and leadership roles in the Japanese market. He'll be sharing his perspective on building a career, and a life, between two very different business cultures.

Moderated by: Erica Adams — Executive Director of Career Development, Temple University Japan Campus

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Temple University Japan Campus for their generous venue support.

Agenda

17:45 — Doors Open

18:00 — Event Start & Introduction (Keynote Address)

18:30 — Panel Discussion

19:10 — Q&A

19:15 — Networking Reception

20:00 — Event Ends

Admission

1. Young Professional Chamber Members (age 20–35): ¥1,000

2. Young Professional Non-Members (age 20–35): ¥1,500

3. General Members: ¥2,000

4. General Non-Members: ¥3,000

*Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Important Notice:

• Young Professional ticket holders must present a valid photo ID at entry.

• Photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any photographs or videos, please inform our photographer upon arrival or at any time during the event.