In a previous blog post Place Where Japanese Student Developers Develop Strength, we shared the story of Kenta Iwasaki, a Japanese Microsoft MVP who actively supports student growth. About two years have passed since then, and one of the students mentored by Kenta has grown as a community leader and was awarded as a new Microsoft MVP in August 2024.

In this blog post, we look back on the journey of a new Developer Technologies MVP Kaito Tsutsumi from his community activities when he was a student to his recognition as an MVP and share a message for students who want to learn technology for their growth.

Taking the first step during high school, meeting MVPs during university, and becoming a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador

The beginning of Kaito’s community involvement can be traced back to his high school days when he posted a technical article simply because he thought it would be interesting. The warm comments he received inspired him to continue writing technical articles and speaking at tech events. After entering university, he participated in an event, MVP x Student Meetup@Tsukuba, held in his hometown, where he met Microsoft MVPs. This encounter further fueled his passion. Reflecting on that time, he says, “I became more enthusiastic about contributing to the community because I became interested in activities that spread my area of expertise and favorite technologies.”

Later, Kaito became a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador and began focusing on activities for fellow students in the community. However, with the global pandemic restricting in-person events, he had to find creative ways to deliver high-quality online events. Together with his peers, he successfully organized engaging online events.

In the fall of 2022, as the opportunity for in-person events increased, Kaito and peer Student Ambassadors held the first hybrid event, MS Tech Camp 2nd Anniversary Event, marking it the first time he could interact directly with his peers and community members. He also held an event MLSA Graduation Ceremony & Welcome Party in the spring of the following year to conclude his student years, where he was delighted to be celebrated by everyone. “It was a moment when I felt that all my efforts in community activities had been worthwhile,” he reflects.

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador speakers at .NET Conf 2022 Recap Event Tokyo (X post)

Kaito Tsutsumi and Takumi Okawa (former Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors), and Masaki Takeuchi (Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador)

<Perspectives from a Microsoft MVP on Kaito’s student days>

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The Microsoft MVP who supports student growth and works with the tech communities, Kenta Iwasaki, recalls Kaito’s student years as a rare case of someone who combined deep and broad technical expertise and says, “Kaito was recognized by other student members for his extensive knowledge and skills.” He particularly remembers Kaito’s approachable nature and willingness to teach and advise other students, highlighting great communication skills and significant contributions to the community.

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Lessons learned by professionals in the community

Many of the individuals Kaito encountered at tech events during his student years were professionals who balanced their busy work lives with community activities. He was impressed by how they managed to engage enthusiastically despite their hectic schedules. “From them, I learned how to approach technology and community with passion. I aim to embody that same spirit in my daily activities,” he reflects on how this experience has influenced his current mindset.

Future aspirations as a new Microsoft MVP

Kaito, once a student learning from professionals including MVPs, has now become someone who supports students and expands his community activities, including hosting events and writing technical blogs. As a result, he received the Microsoft MVP award.

Reflecting on this achievement, Kaito expresses his future goal: “I want to continue my personal development, community activities, and technology outreach while ramping up my efforts. I plan to tackle more advanced and niche technologies in OSS development and technical demos and share the knowledge I gain as much as possible. Just as I admired MVPs in the past, I aspire to become an MVP who others can look up to.”

Future support activities for the student community and message to students

Having received much inspiration, knowledge, and valuable opportunities from the tech community during his student years, Kaito aims to support students similarly. He is passionate about providing opportunities that encourage students to start community activities and share their knowledge. “Starting anything is challenging, especially for students who may find it daunting to share their knowledge in a professional environment. By showing the warm atmosphere of the community and my enjoyment through activities, I hope to motivate students. As a Microsoft MVP, I want to create systems where motivated students can thrive in tech communities like Babylon.js JAPAN and Iwaken Lab,” he says.

For students who want to grow by learning technology, Kaito offers encouraging words based on his experience.

“The IT field evolves rapidly, making it hard to keep up with trends, and it’s easy to feel negative when comparing oneself to impressive people around. For me, my love for technology was a strong support. During university, focusing on my favorite technology and striving to master it made my life richer. So, even if your interest is niche or seems useless, I encourage you to find a technology you love and pursue it passionately in your career.”

The impact of Microsoft MVPs supporting the next generation

Kenta, whose support greatly influenced Kaito’s growth, continues to help students through three main pillars: (1) supporting the articulation of students’ aspirations, (2) coaching to develop individual strengths, and (3) encouraging challenges in new environments. For example, he and his community members are involved in activities such as participating in the Co-Creation Challenges of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, exhibition at JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center event, helping students gain practical experience and enhance their expertise.

Kaito began community activities in high school, met Microsoft MVPs and professionals enjoying tech community activities during university, and expanded his potential. This story, showing how learning and growing together beyond school and work settings creates pathways, represents an ideal vision of tech communities where people gather around a shared interest in technology.

Microsoft MVPs like Kenta have been supporting many students’ learning and growth journeys. Even if you are not currently involved in such activities, why not share your knowledge and experience with students, and help nurture the next generation of tech professionals?

Microsoft MVP, professional community leader, and Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador speakers at .NET Conf 2022 Recap Event Tokyo (X post)

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