SPEAKERS
※The program and speakers might change without any notation, thank you for your understanding.
※The program and speakers might change without any notation, thank you for your understanding.
Professor at the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Technology Management for Innovation
Graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1997 and earned a Ph.D. in Engineering in 2002. He has held research positions at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and served as a visiting researcher at Stanford University. Since 2007, he has been an associate professor, and since 2019, a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering. His research specializes in artificial intelligence, deep learning, and generative AI.He has served as the chairman of the Japan Deep Learning Association since 2017, an outside director of SoftBank Group Corporation since 2019, an expert member of the Council for Achieving New Capitalism and the chair of the AI Strategy Conference since 2023, the chair of the AI Institutional Study Group since 2024, and a board director of the AI Robot Association since 2024, Chairperson, Tokyo AI Strategy Council, Tokyo Metropolis since 2024, an outside director of Panasonic Holdings Corporation since 2025, and an expert member of Council for Japan’s Growth Strategy since 2025, a member of Independent International Scientific Panel on AI under United Nations since 2026.
Managing Executive Officer
CDO
Chief Executive of Solution Co-creation Division,
Tokyo Gas,Co.,Ltd.
Joined Tokyo Gas in 1995, building a career that spans infrastructure engineering, corporate strategy, and business development. After working on gas construction design, project management, and developing new maintenance methods for pipeline infrastructure, transitioned to corporate planning roles focused on energy and environmental policy. Gained extensive experience in domestic and international business investment and development initiatives. Since 2022, has served as General Manager of the Corporate Planning Department, leading the formulation of the Medium-Term Management Plan, business portfolio management initiatives, and the launch of the solution brand IGNITURE. Appointed Chief Digital Officer and Executive Officer for New Business Development in April 2025.
Executive Officer, Chief Digital Officer,
Chief Operational Officer,DX Department General Manager
Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.
Since joining Yasuda Fire & Marine Insurance (now Sompo Japan) in 1989, this leader has been a driving force in digital innovation. He played a pivotal role in developing Direct Web Insurance and launching direct business operations at SAISON AUTOMOBILE & FIRE INSURANCE.
Beginning in 2014, he spearheaded digital strategy at Sompo Japan, later becoming the General Manager of Digital Strategy at SOMPO Holdings in 2016. After serving as President of SOMPO Light Vortex in 2023 and Executive Officer CDO of Sompo Japan in 2024, he currently serves as the General Manager of the DX Promotion Department. In this role, he accelerates the group-wide digital transformation, data strategy, and AI initiatives.
Senior Vice President,
Indeed Recruit Technologies Co., Ltd.
After graduating from university, he joined Recruit in 2016. As a Product Manager, he drove the launch and growth of SaaS products, including "Air REGI." He then seconded to Indeed in the U.S., where he led the development and growth of an AI matching engine. Following his return to Japan, he spearheaded joint HR Tech projects between Recruit and Indeed. In April 2025, he was appointed Executive Officer of Indeed Recruit Technologies. Currently, he oversees products in the HR Tech domain, focusing on cross-product value creation and transformation for the Recruit Group.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Preferred Networks, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer,
Matlantis Corporation
Daisuke Okanohara is the Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Networks (PFN) which he co-founded in March 2014 to advance AI toward practical use across industries. Before being appointed CEO in November 2025, he led research and business efforts for PFN’s core technologies including generative AI, PLaMo™ large language model and Matlantis™ universal atomistic simulator as the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Okanohara also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of PFN’s subsidiary Matlantis Corporation. Okanohara co-founded PFN’s predecessor Preferred Infrastructure with current PFN Chairman Toru Nishikawa and others when he was a graduate student in 2006. He received a Ph.D degree in Computer Science from the University of Tokyo in 2010.
Executive Officer,
Baycurrent, Inc
Member of the Board, President,
Baycurrent Technology, Inc.
Daisuke Kudo is currently in his present position after graduating from the Graduate School of Waseda University and working at foreign consulting firms.
He has been involved in a wide range of themes, primarily in the financial industry, including strategy assessment, planning, HR-related measures, and system implementation and operation with a focus on IT. He specializes particularly in reforming both business and systems through effective utilization of package solutions.
Professor,
WASEDA Business School
Akie Iriyama is a Professor at Waseda Business School. Before joining Waseda in 2013, he served as an Assistant Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He earned his B.A. and M.A. in Economics from Keio University and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. His research focuses on strategic management, international business, and entrepreneurship, and has been published in leading academic journals.
Chief Digital Officer, Corporate Executive Officer,
Sony Group Corporation
Kodera joined Sony in 1992. After working for Sony Electronics Inc. in US, he served as President of Sony Network Entertainment International LLC, Corporate Officer and Executive Vice President of Sony Corporation, and President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Kodera led data-driven management through the introduction and expansion of Sony Interactive Entertainment's online service PlayStation Network. Since 2021, Kodera has served as Chief Digital Officer at Sony Group Corporation where he uses his knowledge of data-driven management to oversee digital transformation, technology, and AI across the company.
Executive Vice President Group Head of New Business,
Benesse Style Care Group Co., Ltd.
Joined Benesse Corporation in 1998. After gaining experience in sales promotion planning and production, new product development, new business development, and corporate planning, he took on a broad range of responsibilities spanning marketing strategy, human resources and organizational development, performance management, compliance, and IT. He subsequently led Benesse’s Kodomo Challenge, English-language education, and Shinken Zemi businesses, and later served as Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDXO) for the entire Benesse Group before assuming his current position.
Outside the company, he is actively involved in the fields of digital transformation (DX), marketing, talent and organizational development, technology, and venture funds, and is a frequent speaker and contributor to publications. He also participated in the establishment of Generative AI Japan, a non-profit organization that promotes the adoption of generative AI in Japan through industry-academia collaboration, and currently serves as an advisor.
Senior Vice President,
SoftBank Corp.
Daichi Nozaki is Senior Vice President at SoftBank Corp. and CEO of SB OAI Japan GK, a joint venture between SoftBank Corp. and OpenAI. Since joining SoftBank in 2013, he has led global growth, strategic partnerships, and large-scale business transformation initiatives. He previously served as Head of the Global Business Division and President and CEO of SB Telecom America Corp. With extensive international leadership experience, he now leads the development of enterprise AI agents and AI-native business solutions, helping organizations accelerate digital transformation through AI.
Executive Officer, Group Chief AI Officer,
Panasonic Holdings Corporation
Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer,
Panasonic Connect Group
Joined IBM Japan in 1986, gaining broad experience across technical domains and recognized as an IBM Distinguished Engineer. Held leadership roles including CTO of Global Services and Smarter Cities. Joined Microsoft Japan in 2016 as Executive Officer and CTO, and served as President of Microsoft Development Co., Ltd. from 2018. Joined Panasonic in 2021; currently Senior Vice President and CTO of Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd., leading R&D and global technology synergies. Since April 2026, Executive Officer and Group Chief AI Officer (CAIO) of Panasonic Holdings Corporation.
Managing Executive Officer,
Digital Transformation Division,
Obayashi Corporation
Tetsuya Kurebayashi is Managing Executive Officer, Head of Digital Transformation Division at Obayashi Corporation. After graduating from Hokkaido University in March 1985, he joined Hitachi, Ltd., where he worked as system engineer for the public sector and worked on planning of information business. In 2015, he engaged in the creation of “Society 5.0” on secondment to the Cabinet Office. After serving as Director, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer at Hitachi Solutions, Ltd., he joined Obayashi Corporation in October 2023. Since assuming his current role in April 2024, he has been promoting digital transformation to support management strategies.
Executive Officer
Chief Digital Officer,
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
Joined Idemitsu Kosan in 1990. Engaged in domestic sales and supply chain operations, primarily in the fuel business. Appointed President and Representative Director of Idemitsu Electronic Materials Korea in 2016 and Executive Officer of Idemitsu Credit in 2018. Served as General Manager of the Distribution Operations Department and General Manager of the Digital & ICT Department at Idemitsu Kosan from 2021. Executive Officer and Chief Digital Officer (CDO) since 2026.
Partner,
Nishimura & Asahi (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)
Admitted in Japan (Daini Tokyo Bar Association, 1998) and New York (2007).
His practice focuses on technology-related matters, including artificial intelligence (AI). He serves as a member of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Study Group on AI Business Guidelines, a member of the Study Group on Civil Liability in AI Utilization, and a member of the Cabinet Office's Expert Committee on AI Strategy.
His publications (including co-authored works) include Generative AI: Legal Risks and Countermeasures, Expanded and Revised Edition (Nikkei BP, 2025) and Revised Edition: Legal Knowledge and Key Contract Drafting Points for AI Development (Seibunsha, 2026).
General Manager,
AI Strategy Department, Digital Transformation Division,
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
After working as a software engineer at several companies in Japan, he joined a major telecommunications carrier, where he led B2B product management, business co-creation initiatives with startups, and the establishment and operation of a co-creation hub supporting corporate digital transformation. He subsequently worked on new business development in the digital domain at a major chemical company. In 2023, he joined Mitsui Fudosan, where he was involved in launching a cross-functional DX talent development program designed to foster collaboration across organizational boundaries. In April 2026, he was appointed Head of the newly established AI Strategy Office.
Executive Officer ・ Head of Advanced Research & Innovation Center,
DENSO Corporation
Miho Ito is Director of the Advanced Research & Innovation Center at DENSO Corporation, where she oversees advanced research in materials, AI, and HMI. She has also served as a Visiting Professor at the Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University since 2025, and as a member of the board at MIRISE Technologies Corporation since 2026.
Ito received an M.S. in Science from Nara Women's University. She joined Nippon Denso Co., Ltd. (now DENSO Corporation) in 1994 and has since been engaged in R&D on functional materials. In 2006, she earned a Ph.D. in Engineering from Tohoku University for her quantum-theoretical research on automotive exhaust gas sensors. She transitioned into research management in 2007 (and has served in her current role since 2021).
Senior Managing Executive Officer
General Manager of Digital Transformation Division
Chief Digital transformation Officer,
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.
Joined Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. in 1992. Has worked across a wide range of fields, including energy and gas retail business, corporate planning, corporate strategy, CSR, and transformation initiatives. Currently leads the digital transformation of the Chubu Electric Power Group, driving business innovation and new value creation through data and digital technologies. Drawing on both management and frontline perspectives, focuses on achieving sustainable growth and enhancing corporate value in a rapidly changing business environment.
Senior Vice President, Chief Technology & Information Security Officer,
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Hisashi Shimobayashi is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Information Security Officer at Japan Tobacco Inc. He joined Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharma) and accumulated more than two decades of experience in a wide range of IT leadership roles across Japan and overseas. After serving in senior global IT positions at Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, he joined JT in 2023 as Senior Vice President responsible for IT. Since 2026, he has served as CTISO, overseeing technology strategy and information security across the JT Group.
Director-General for Information Policy and Digital Transformation,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
He joined the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1992, where he worked on tasks such as medical fee revisions and the design of the initial clinical training system for physicians. His career, spanning over 30 years primarily in the policies on medical and long-term care services, includes Vice Mayor at Kuwana City—where he managed the merger of municipal and private hospitals—as well as positions supporting the pharmaceutical industry at JETRO New York and overseeing pharmaceutical and medical device industry policies at the Health Policy Bureau. He also managed home-based care service policies for the elderly at the Health and Welfare Bureau for the Elderly. After serving as a Board Member of AMED and as a Counselor and Director-General at Public Service Group in Digital Agency, he assumed his current position in August of this year.
Executive Officer &Senior General Manager Digital Value Co-Creation,
Asahi Kasei Corporation
Joined Asahi Kasei Corporation in 1988. Spent four years in the Human Resources Department and 21 years in electronics business sector. After serving in the Corporate Strategy and General Affairs starting in 2012, was appointed General Manager of the Corporate IT Management in 2020. Assumed current position in April of this year.
Executive Officer
Head of Digital Innovation Div.
Head of Groupwide AI Promotion Office,
TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC.
Yasuaki Matsumoto joined Toppan Printing (now TOPPAN Holdings) after graduating from Shibaura Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering in 1995. At the company’s Technical Research Institute and Electronics Division, he spearheaded multiple projects focused on production automation and the construction of new factories in Japan and overseas. After becoming head of TOPPAN’s Manufacturing Technology Center in 2020 and deputy head of its Manufacturing Management Division in 2023, he was appointed head of manufacturing in the Living & Industry Division in 2025, advancing smart factory initiatives at facilities throughout Japan. Since April this year he has served as head of TOPPAN’s Digital Innovation Division and Groupwide AI Promotion Office.
JAPAN POST INSURANCE Co.,Ltd
Director and Deputy President
Representative Executive Officer