Yoichi Ito

Dean, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Musashino UniversityDean, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Musashino University

Dean of Entrepreneurship dept. Musashino univ.(EMC）Yoichi Ito is a distinguished business leader and educator in Japan, renowned for his work in nurturing next-generation leaders who embrace entrepreneurship and strive to make the world a better place. In 2021, he founded the Department of Entrepreneurship at Musashino University (Musashino EMC) and became its dean. Continuing his commitment to innovation, he opened the startup studio “Musashino Valley” in June 2023 to support individuals ready to take their next step. An accomplished author, Ito’s prominent work “Speak in One Minute” is a bestseller with over 650,000 copies sold.

Yoshiko Fujita

PA Inc. CEO

I worked for 20 years in the wealth management division of several foreign financial institutions.Later, I was engaged in community revitalization and employment of people with disabilities in Yamaguchi Prefecture, as well as the operation of a children's cafeteria. After working in the promotion of impact investing at SIIF (Social Innovation and Investment Foundation in Nippon Foundation group, I started PA Inc. in 2023 to support entrepreneurs and foundations on their philanthropic activities.I believes that the pursuit of social responsibility requires diverse means of financing. Partner of SVP Tokyo.

Yoshinari Ito

MTG Ventures,Inc. Representative Partner / Regional, Talent and Future, Inc. Representative Partner

I was born in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, and have over 20 years of professional experience supporting startups.My career began in investment banking for unlisted companies at a securities firm, followed by roles in IPOs, investments, and M&A at a startup.At Global Brain, I contributed to investments, CVC establishment, and community building. Since 2020, I’ve focused on supporting entrepreneurs addressing regional challenges, launching a seed fund in 2022. I hold an MBA and travel nationwide to foster local innovation and create new industries.

Yosuke Ishida

CEO of TOMUSHI Co., Ltd.

Born in Ōdate City, Akita Prefecture. After graduating from high school, worked briefly before deciding to take on university entrance exams. Enrolled in the Faculty of Economics at Aoyama Gakuin University but dropped out after six months to pursue entrepreneurship. Founded an IT company, which was unsuccessful, and returned to his hometown of Ōdate City when his grandfather fell ill. Back in his hometown, he became passionate about beetles and went on to establish TOMUSHI Inc. Today, the company has gained significant attention, including being recognized by the Ministry of the Environment with the Startup Award. Under its mission of creating an "eco-friendly future," the company focuses on waste management and resource recycling using insects as its main business activities.

Yosuke Kiriyama

Aichi Television Broadcasting Co.,LTD. Head of News Information Group, News Production Department

Yousuke Okada

CEO of ABEJA Inc.

Born in 1988 in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Yousuke began programming at the age of 10 and later specialized in computer graphics (CG) during high school, where he was awarded the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. He has presented at numerous international conferences on computer graphics. After working at an IT startup, he founded ABEJA, Inc. in September 2012. In 2017, he became a board member of the Japan Deep Learning Association (JDLA). He has served on various government expert committees led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, IPA, and the Cabinet Office. These include the "Study Group on AI and Data Contract Guidelines," "SWG for Utilization of Camera Images," "Committee for Discussing Creating the Future in the New IoT Era, WG for Industry and Regional Development," "Committee for Promoting Social Implementation of AI," and "Committee for Discussing Intellectual Property in the AI Era." He is also a member of the "Network of Stakeholders on AI and Copyright" for the Agency for Cultural Affairs.Since 2021, he has been a DX Fellow for Nasu Shiobara City.

Yudai Ide

TECH BEAT Shizuoka Executive Committee / The Shizuoka Bank, Ltd. Regional Revitalization Department

Mr. Ide joined Shizuoka Bank in April 2007. After working at a sales branch and being transferred to a regional think tank, he is currently assigned to the Regional Revitalization Department, where he is in charge of planning and managing “TECH BEAT Shizuoka,” an open innovation program that connects local companies and startups. In addition to his work, he is committed to supporting innovators with the aim of creating an environment where the region is full of challengers and where innovation is created one after another.

Yui Hirata

Creator of “Kintsugi self”

Born and raised in Hamamatsu City, Japan. Studied Cultural Studies at Waseda University's School of International Liberal Studies and deepened this perspective through an exchange program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Started a career as a product engineer and UI/UX designer. Driven by a vision to celebrate individuality and empower self-expression, launched a project to create spaces where people can explore their authentic selves through creativity. Its product, “Kintsugi Self,” draws inspiration from the philosophy of traditional Japanese “Kintsugi,” transforming emotions into art through the five senses. By blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with self-care and mental health practices, and leveraging modern technology, it redefines self-reflection as a rich and accessible experience in today’s fast-paced world.

Yuichi Horiuchi

AMATAMA Co. Founder / CEO

We are AMATAMA, a deep tech startup found in Nagoya City in January 2023, and we're on a mission to end inhumane labor worldwide and propel humanity to new heights.The race is on to develop 1st generation humanoids, with U.S. and China leading the charge, now. We're diving headfirst into research and development, creating cutting edge services and technology platforms that will transform these next generation humanoids into the game-changers.

Yuichi Inobori

Director and President of the Kyoto Branch, Infobahn Inc.

He started his career as a design practitioner around 2000, focusing on human-centered design and UX design. And He has been engaged in holistic design of products, services, and businesses in various fields through a service design approach, as well as design education and design research activities. In recent years, he has been focusing on “organizational culture design” to activate creativity, which is the starting point for creating new value in organizations.

Yuka Tanimoto

Executive Director, Managing Editor, Forbes JAPAN Web Editorial Team

After working as a financial and economic anchor at a securities firm and Bloomberg TV, obtained an MBA in the United States. Served as a Nikkei CNBC anchor and became the company's first female commentator. Interviewed over 4,000 VIPs, including Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Digital Minister. Currently active as a regular economic commentator on programs such as ABEMA TV's "FOR JAPAN" and TOKYO MX's "Oha Rina," as well as serving as a corporate executive. Researcher and adjunct lecturer at Rikkyo University's Graduate School of 21st Century Social Design Studies. Joined Forbes JAPAN in February 2016 and assumed the current position on January 1, 2022.

Yuki Aoyama

CEO of Splink Co., Ltd

CEO of Splink Co., Ltd. He joined Keyence Corporation as a new graduate, becoming the youngest and most awarded top salesperson in the company's history. He was involved in business development in North America and the establishment of local subsidiaries in Latin America. Inspired by his family's battle with a neurological disease, he decided to start his own company. After moving to Silicon Valley and serving as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) at a venture capital firm, he founded Splink, a medical AI startup focusing on the neuro-neurological field, in 2017. He holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He also serves as a director of the Japan Intellectual Property Association and the AI Medical Device Council.