Kimiyasu Morikawa

I'm a full-stack software developer (web/mobile) based in New York. Please call me Kimi!

🧑‍💻 Experience

From scaling AI-powered apps to leading startup M&A, I bring a diverse skillset and a business-oriented mindset to software development.

Most recently, I worked for Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a senior software engineer. I was a tech lead of multiple client-facing projects representing BCG Digital Ventures (currently branded as BCG.X), a tech & design oriented business incubator within BCG. For example, I led a team of 10 engineers that built an AI-powered journaling app with React Native and Next.js, which reached 1M+ users and successfully exited. I worked closely with designers and marketers on business planning and go-to-market strategy.

Prior to BCG, I worked at a startup called PopInsight. Being the CTO of this Tokyo based startup, I was responsible for the development of a SaaS platform to streamline remote user testing. As a board member, I also oversaw the M&A process of the company, through negotiating with potential acquirers, and managing the technical integration post-acquisition. The company was successfully acquired at a valuation of 650M JPY (approximately $4.4M USD, disclosed in the acquiring company's filing).

Adjacent to my professional roles, I enjoy spending time on side software development projects. One example is AirHamLog, a logging tool for Ham radio operators made with Ruby on Rails. This service is used by 25k+ users, with over 5M logs uploaded.

🧰 Tech Stack

I use different tools depending on the nature of the project and the team's size and experience. Here are some technologies that I have used recently, but I'm always happy to learn new technologies:

• Language
  • Ruby
  • JavaScript, TypeScript
  • Python
  • Elixir - I'm a contributor to ExTwitter, X (Twitter) API client.
  • Swift
• Framework
  • Ruby on Rails - I'm a contributor to the ActionCable docs.
  • React, React Native, Next.js
  • NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn
• Infrastructure
  • AWS
  • Heroku
  • Vercel

👨‍🎓 Personal Background

Originally from Japan, I spent my youth in the US and Hong Kong. After returning to Japan in 2006, I graduated from Waseda University in 2014, with Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Software Engineering. I moved to New York City in 2023. I'm fluent in English and Japanese.

I'm currently enrolled in Georgia Tech's OMSCS program. My recent research projects include the development of an AI model that could classify ancient Japanese pottery.

In my free time, I enjoy shooting film photography. I develop & scan them by myself, so I am a developer here as well. Being a casual trekker, I have peaked 33 of the "100 Best Hikes in Japan" list (Hyakumeizan). I also hold a black belt in Judo.

📧 Contact