A New Era for Product Builders
When I look back on our journey at ROUTE06, I can’t help but feel amazed by how much we’ve evolved. We began by delivering optimal system development and SaaS solutions to large Japanese enterprises, and while that’s still part of our DNA, something else became clear over time: to truly make a difference, we have to empower the people behind these products. It’s been a winding road, but at every turn, I’ve seen how important it is to focus on the creators themselves, not just the creations.
Early on, we dedicated ourselves to building robust, scalable software for big corporations. Working with these partners taught us invaluable lessons about reliability and performance. But as AI and other emerging technologies moved from niche ideas to front-and-center innovations, I realized the future wouldn’t be driven solely by large-scale endeavors. Instead, it would depend on countless passionate individuals with bold ideas they simply couldn’t ignore.
With every new project, it became even clearer that true impact rarely comes from one-off solutions — it arises from bringing together a vibrant ecosystem of partners and supporting the energy and vision of each person involved. Watching someone transform an idea into a tangible product has shown me that our role isn’t just to build solutions, but to amplify the creative spark of the builders themselves. After all, there’s only so much one person or team can do on their own — but when we collaborate, we can stretch the boundaries of what’s possible.
Product Builder Era
Around our office, we’ve been calling this time the “product builder era.” It just feels right. AI has cut down the time to accomplish once-impossible tasks, and no-code/low-code platforms have opened the door for people who never would’ve labeled themselves “technical” to become real developers. Enterprises today demand flexibility, security, and speed. We still value solid engineering principles and classic development approaches, but we see the bigger picture: empowering bold individuals and small teams with big dreams. For me, that’s what makes this work so exciting — helping people jump from concept to reality.
And these product builders are stepping into roles that are part architect, part artist. Some started out as developers; others didn’t. It hardly matters anymore because the tools are so powerful. What really counts is having a vision — and the determination to see it through. Every breakthrough, in my experience, still comes down to that human spark of creativity. AI and no-code can ramp up our abilities, but they can’t answer the fundamental question: “What are we building, and why?” In fact, the more tools we have, the more vital it is to keep our eyes on purpose and meaning.
Route the Edge, Build the Core
That’s where our motto comes in: “Route the Edge, Build the Core.” We want product builders to have a clear roadmap — both strategically and technically — and then give them the best possible tools to get there. That’s why we’ve adopted a visual-first approach, integrating AI in ways that streamline development, automate repetitive tasks, and provide guardrails for when you need them. Our vision is a suite of platforms and services that truly supercharges builders, no matter where they are.
One example is Giselle, our AI-driven Agent builder. We’ve crafted it with a node-based interface so teams can visually connect large language models and data sources, then fine-tune how they interact. Being able to see the moving parts helps people spot what needs tweaking or where they might pivot, which speeds up tackling more complex challenges.
We’re also working on Liam, a tool focused on visual database design. I’m particularly excited about Liam because it’s open source and self-hostable, giving teams — especially those operating at scale — real autonomy and flexibility. In our conversations with different organizations, we keep hearing how important it is to own your tools, not just use them. Liam is our response to that need.
Even though we’re pouring a lot of energy into these global offerings, our connection to the enterprise world in Japan remains at our core. We continue to provide professional services, from large-scale system integration to fully custom SaaS development. Interestingly, the knowledge flow goes both ways: solutions for major enterprises often help startups, and the scrappy, inventive mindset of smaller teams can inspire new approaches for big corporations. That exchange keeps us learning and pushes us to keep innovating.
Be a Disruptor
We genuinely believe that by merging strong engineering, thoughtful design, and smart product management with powerful platforms, we can help organizations of all sizes create lasting value. We’re not here to chase trends or slap together flashy products that lack real substance. We want to make a tangible, positive impact on how people build and interact with digital experiences.
Our core values drive that mission:
- Customer Zero — Start with our own desire: We make ourselves the very first customer. By crafting the experience we personally want, we obsess over every detail and settle for nothing less than excellence, delivering products that exceed user expectations.
- Nova Drive — Turn innovation into reality: Armed with unconventional thinking and our unique strengths, we keep pushing boundaries. We bring never-before-seen ideas to life and open up entirely new markets.
- Open Fabric — Build through openness: We weave knowledge and technology in the open, co-creating with the OSS community and our partners. Together we achieve breakthroughs no single company could reach, raising the bar for the entire industry.
Our path to this point hasn’t been a straightforward one. We’ve faced unexpected twists, wrong turns, and tough moments of self-doubt. Yet, when I look back, I see how each challenge forced us to adapt, helping us grow into the team we are now. And I’m convinced the learning never stops. Whether you’re a scrappy startup or a seasoned enterprise, there’s a place for all of us to create remarkable digital products, as long as we have the right support. That’s the support we want to provide — through platforms like Giselle and Liam, and through our full professional services in Japan.
It’s honestly a thrilling time to be part of this shift. AI is advancing at a breakneck speed, fresh frameworks pop up almost daily, and our collective horizon just keeps expanding. Yet, in all that flux, one thing stays the same: the human impulse to build something meaningful. Tools and technology are accelerators, but it’s people — passionate, creative, and determined — who ultimately decide whether a product soars or fizzles.
Looking ahead, I’m incredibly proud of what the ROUTE06 team has accomplished so far, and even more excited for what’s next. If you’re curious about Giselle or Liam, please check them out. If you’re a large enterprise in Japan, we’d love to chat about how we can collaborate on your next big idea. And if you’re just someone with an idea that won’t let go, keep chasing it — we’re here cheering you on. It would be an honor to play even a small part in your journey.
We’ll keep learning, adapting, and growing right alongside you as the landscape continues to change. I, for one, can’t wait to see how product builders everywhere use these tools to craft the digital experiences of tomorrow. And I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to be on a team that’s just as passionate about making that process smoother, faster, and more rewarding for all of us.
