How I Started Coding

When I was a kid, I saw an ad on a train on my way to Judo practice, and it caught my attention. It was for a brand-new TV show called Pasokon Sunday (short for “personal computer Sunday”), which taught viewers how to create computer programs. The textbook for the show cost two months’ worth of the allowance my parents gave me. But the computer looked so amazing that I didn’t hesitate to run to a bookstore and buy it.

One weekend, my dad and I visited a small computer shop. Bug House Shibuya was an independently run showroom, and they had the same computer from the ad—meaning I could try everything I was learning. My dad negotiated with the owner, and I was given permission to use the computer for one hour a day.

That’s how I started programming. It was 1982, and I was 10 years old.

Fast forward to 2013, I began making mobile apps. All of my apps are “utility” apps—designed to solve problems quickly and help you be more productive. Most of the ideas came from my own needs, but I’m grateful that many users have found them helpful and offered feedback that inspired me to improve.

All of my apps are free to try for a month. To do this, simply subscribe to a monthly plan, then go to your app store account and cancel it right away. You’ll still have full access for the month. I believe that’s enough time to see if the app is useful for you. If not, you won’t be charged. If you like it, you can switch to a six-month or annual plan, which costs less.