Every thriving community relies on members whose quiet dedication and deep expertise keep it growing stronger year after year. In the InterSystems Developer Community, one such pillar is @Megumi Kakechi, a long-time engineer and support specialist whose 17 years with InterSystems and 9 years on the Developer Community reflect a true passion for helping others learn, solve problems, and innovate.

👏 Let’s take a closer look at Megumi's remarkable journey and her impact on the InterSystems ecosystem.

When Megumi joined InterSystems Japan in 2007, it marked the beginning of an enduring career deeply connected to InterSystems technology. Over the years, she has witnessed the evolution of products from Caché to InterSystems IRIS, and the introduction of exciting new capabilities like Embedded Python and Vector Search.

As part of WRC Support, she plays a crucial role in responding to a wide range of technical inquiries, from SQL and interoperability to application development and systems. This variety keeps each day fresh and challenging. “Our support requires broad knowledge and experience across all areas,” she shares. “It’s demanding, but I truly enjoy working with our customers on both the latest technologies and legacy systems alike.”

Among her most memorable moments are those long, complex investigations that end in success. “It’s challenging work, but every case brings new knowledge, discoveries, and growth.” Collaborating with international engineers has also expanded her perspective and strengthened his technical depth.

Megumi's connection to the Developer Community began in 2016 when she and @Mihoko Iijima started sharing useful sample code with a global audience. She has also become an advocate for expanding knowledge-sharing initiatives in Japan, contributing to the InterSystems Japan FAQ site with @Hiroshi Sato, @Mihoko Iijima, and @Tomoko Furuzono since 2007. She also helps bring that wealth of content to the broader global community. “It makes me happy to know that customers use DC articles to find their own solutions,” she says. “That’s when I feel all the effort was worthwhile.”

When asked for advice to newcomers, Megumi’s words reflect the welcoming spirit of the Developer Community:

What you wonder about may be what others wonder about. Even if it is a trivial question, it can be useful to many people in the future. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, and our friendly and helpful members will guide you to a solution!

Outside of work, Megumi’s passions reveal her vibrant and dedicated personality. She’s an avid sports fan, especially of football, sumo, and baseball. A loyal supporter of her hometown football team, Montedio Yamagata, she cheers from the stands whenever they play nearby. In addition, regarding Sumo, she rarely misses a season at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Sumo Arena. Moreover, she finds balance and renewal through regular exercise. This healthy habit has helped her feel stronger, stay active, and even avoid catching colds as often. More importantly, exercise provides her with a clear mind and steady rhythm in her daily life - a refreshing way to care for both body and spirit.

Through her technical expertise, generosity in sharing knowledge, and genuine care for both customers and colleagues, Megumi exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines the InterSystems Developer Community. Her commitment reminds us that behind every strong ecosystem are individuals who quietly make a lasting difference.

🙏 Join us in celebrating @Megumi Kakechi for her dedication, skill, and enduring contributions to the Developer Community!