From Japan to Bangkok: This is Shoko’s Life at Agoda
- Shoko Kubota
- Market Manager, Supply (Key Accounts team)
- Lived in Bangkok since 2023
Before Agoda, I worked for 7 years at an advertising agency and brand, focusing on marketing strategy. But in 2020, the pandemic made me rethink my future and career direction. Travel has always been a passion of mine, but I had thought about turning that passion into a career. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I could no longer travel. And that made me realize how important traveling is to me. That’s when I decided to join a travel company, to help support and help the industry recover and stabilize.
Internal Transfer: My Journey from Agoda Japan to Agoda Bangkok
When I first joined Agoda, I spent three years working as a market manager and pulse marketing champ for Japan from our Tokyo, Japan office. During my third year at Agoda Japan, I traveled to Bangkok using the “Work from Anywhere” program, where I experienced ‘Life in Bangkok’. This experience made me realize that I want to build my career here and take on challenges beyond Japan.
Japan is an important market for Agoda, while Bangkok is our Global Operations Centre. Bangkok is where most of the central teams were based at, so it was exciting to see how teams from all over the world collaborate and innovate at scale.
I started to look for opportunities to transfer to our Bangkok office. That’s when I came across a new role based in Bangkok for the Japanese market that perfectly matched my background and expertise. My leadership team and colleagues in Japan fully supported and encouraged me to seize the opportunity – and I’m forever grateful for this.
Key Accounts at Agoda: Bridging Cultures and Driving Success in Japan
In my current role as part of the Key Accounts team at Agoda, my day-to-day responsibilities include managing account relationships for the top major global chains, including Hilton, IHG, and Marriott Group, located in Japan. As the only Japanese on my team, I help address Japan-specific challenges and bridge the language barriers and cultural understanding between our central teams in Bangkok and partners in Japan.
Japan has long been a top travel destination for many tourists. It is a high-demand market where new hotels constantly emerge, leading to intense competition. It’s also a market that requires unique and localized approach. I work closely with hotels to develop sales strategies and propose suitable promotions and programs. I act as a partner to hotels, helping them navigate and succeed in the market’s competitive landscape. Of course, I wouldn’t be able to do it alone without my amazing team’s support in tackling challenges unique to Japan!
Why Agoda is an Exciting Workplace
In a way, I deeply connect with Agoda’s purpose of Bridging the World Through Travel. Travel has always been a significant part of my life, and working at Agoda allows me to help people explore the world for less, recharge, and experience life in new places. This makes my work incredibly meaningful. On top of that, I get to work alongside colleagues who share a passion for travel. Travelling is something that unites us across the company.
The Key Accounts team at Agoda is wonderfully diverse, with over 25 nationalities represented within my team alone. This diversity brings a wealth of viewpoints, local expertise, and global perspectives, especially about Japan. It’s funny how much I learn about my own country from my colleagues every day! Despite our varied backgrounds, we all work toward a common goal, creating a highly stimulating and collaborative environment.
On a professional level, managing three major hotel chains for the Japanese market has been the most significant project of my career. Being entrusted with such a major responsibility in a large company, is largely thanks to Agoda’s unique values and culture, that encourages employees to take ownership and make a difference.
Growing at Agoda: A Collaborative and Supportive Environment
I had always dreamed of pursuing a master’s degree, and after relocating to Bangkok, I seized the opportunity to enroll in an Online MBA program at a UK business school. Balancing a full-time career and studies is no easy feat, but my team has been incredibly supportive throughout the journey. They’ve even brainstormed ideas and helped me with assignments on occasion, which I deeply appreciate. This collaborative and encouraging environment has made all the difference.
Agoda truly fosters a culture of growth and development, where time and effort are invested in employees’ career progression. It’s a workplace that encourages continuous learning and self-improvement. My current manager regularly checks in on my career goals, ensuring that my role aligns with both the team’s objectives and my professional aspirations. I’ve also had the chance to work on projects that have significantly contributed to my personal growth and development, making my experience at Agoda both fulfilling and rewarding.
My Life in Bangkok: Convenient, Adventurous, and Endless Possibilities
As a beach lover, I enjoy traveling within Thailand and in Southeast Asia. Thailand is so well connected with the world, with nearby countries easily accessible by land or air at an affordable price, while domestic travel is easy with multiple travel options such as trains, flights, buses or car.
Bangkok also offers a diverse culinary scene, with amazing Thai food and cuisine from all over the world. I love exploring new restaurants and bars with friends on weekends, especially since many of Asia’s Top 50 Bars are located here! Some of the world’s Top 50 Best Hotels are in Bangkok and around, making hotel-hopping an exciting experience.
If you’re unsure about relocating, I’d recommend visiting Bangkok for a short trip. Experiencing the city firsthand might ease your worries and give you a clearer picture of what life here is like.
Oh, and my favorite beaches that I’d highly recommend in Thailand and Southeast Asia: Koh Tao and Phi Phi Island in Thailand, Nusa Lembongan in Bali, Indonesia, and El Nido in Palawan Island, the Philippines!
Building Community in Bangkok: Large Expatriate (and Japanese!) Community
In a city like Bangkok, where people from all over the world come together, any initial feelings of loneliness are only temporary. Agoda’s team supported my relocation, including visa assistance, moving arrangements, and temporary housing, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.
Upon arrival, I met many other employees who had also relocated to Bangkok and stayed in the same temporary housing as me. This made it easy to connect with others and helped me feel less alone. With Agoda’s large expatriate community, there’s always someone to turn to for advice or support. My direct team was incredibly welcoming from day one, creating a reliable and friendly environment that made me feel at ease.
One of my favorite routines now is going out for lunch with my team on office days. Since many of my peers are from the same generation, our conversations often feel like being back in school, making integrating into the team much easier!
And if I do miss Japan, there is a large Japanese expat community here. Many Japanese products are available in the supermarket, making daily life convenient. Many of my friends from Japan have visited me here, and I’ve happily played tour guide on weekends. In the past two years alone, I’ve hosted more than 30 friends, sharing the best of what Bangkok has to offer!
Cost of Living in Bangkok: Affordable and Convenient
The cost of living in Bangkok is quite comparable to or almost similar to Japan. However, when it comes to housing, the quality and amenities available for the same rent are significantly better than in Japan. For example, for around ¥120,000, you can rent a studio around 50sqm, and it is common for the condominiums in Bangkok to come equipped with gym, common areas, swimming pools, and other facilities.
Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be
Working in a city like Bangkok, where people from all over the world come together, and being part of a diverse team is both exciting and incredibly rewarding. Any initial worries quickly fade as you discover a strong support system and amazing colleagues who make the transition seamless. If you’re even slightly considering Agoda, I encourage you to take the leap—you won’t regret it!
