Our Team
Our seasoned consultants provide tailored, expert solutions for strategic planning and execution across industries.
At ICMG Group, we transform challenges into opportunities. Our seasoned consultants provide tailored, expert solutions for strategic planning and execution across industries.
Board Members / Senior Partners
We are on a course for growth, together.
Gen Funahashi
ICMG Group CEO, Group COO
ICMG Ventures CEO
ICMG Co-Creation Fund General Partner
Keizai Doyukai
Singapore FSA Certified Fund Manager
B.A. in Economics, Waseda University
Boston University Economics
At Deloitte, he was involved in cross-border M&A of manufacturing clients in the US and UK. He has also managed aerospace and healthcare funds at ACA Investments, a private equity fund in Singapore. He then launched CleanGrid Partners and Greenway Grid Global, joint ventures with Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company to invest in renewable energy and next-generation infrastructure to supply electricity to un-electrified areas in Southeast Asia. He also managed the ICMG Co-Creation Fund No. 1, a venture capital fund started with Haneda Airport and Kiriboshi Bank as LPs, and led the Fund No. 2 as the representative partner.In 2016, he moved to Singapore to oversee investments across Asia, including India, and has co-invested with top Asian VC firms such as Sequoia Capital, Google, Tiger Global Management, and Jungle Ventures. In 2023, he joined Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives).
We create something of value to society.
Hitoshi Funahashi
ICMG Group President, Founder and Group CEO
Chairman, Management and Intellectual Assets Subcommittee, Industrial Structure Council/New Growth Policy Subcommittee, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Vice Chairman, New Business Creation Committee, Economics and Finance Association ('08), Vice Chairman, Executive Officer, Central SME Activation Committee ('09/'10)
Senior Managing Director, Japan Innovation Network
MBA, Waseda University Graduate School, Ph.
Founder and President of ICMG Co. He has worked in a general trading company in the development and export of chemical products for overseas markets and handling national bidding projects, until he joined Recruit Co. Ltd. in 1987. After working in the Human Resources General Service Division and the New Business Development Office, he founded the Business Incubation Division in 1996. He then launched the magazine "Entre" and provided a variety of services including "magazine," "internet," "events," and "individual consulting" as support services for venture companies. In 2000, he founded Accel, Inc. as a successor to the business support project.In 2001, the company partnered with Intellectual Capital AB, a Swedish intellectual capital rating company, to license and develop a Japanese version of IC Rating®, a method for evaluating the actual value of a company that cannot be shown on its balance sheet. In 2003, he took a stake in the company, and in 2010, he made it a subsidiary. Today, ICMG is an advocate of intellectual capitalism that ensures fair and appropriate profits for corporate stakeholders, including management, employees, business partners, customers, and shareholders, and conducts research and practice of ICMG's unique "Intellectual Capital Management" method.
We will mark our breath with Astronauts landing on Mars.
Hirohisa Ishikawa
Vice President, Representative Executive Officer, ICMG Group, Head of Human Capital and Leadership Division
Representative Director, IWNC
Vice President and Representative Director, ICMG
Kent University Economics and Finance
Completed MBA
After studying in Europe, joined IWNC in 1995, inspired by the vision of founder Antony. He then became the representative of the Japanese branch in 1999, and by 2007, expanded operations throughout Asia, becoming the group's managing director. In the 2000s, supported numerous executives who led the domestic IPO trend.Subsequently, he developed a formula for global success for business leaders based on his extensive experience in long-term organizational development for Western companies.More recently, he has sought teachings from elders of indigenous tribes worldwide, exploring the creation of highly sustainable organizations and more fundamental leadership in an era of high uncertainty.
Create innovations that are intrinsically meaningful to the world.
Yusuke Tsuji
ICMG Group Vice President, Executive Officer, Head of Consulting
Vice-Chairman, Keizai Doyukai Asia Committee
Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering
Part-time lecturer at the University of Tokyo
He joined J.P. Morgan as a new graduate and later, ICMG. He has led numerous co-creation innovation projects, programs, and platforms based on "Purposeful & Impactful Innovation - creating innovations that have intrinsic meaning for the world". In addition to the execution of projects from ideation to commercialization with clients, he has extensive experience in leading the grand design, detailed design, and execution of corporate strategy, innovation strategy, innovation process, organizational design, and various system designs such as HR systems (including many under the direct supervision of the president).He led the creation of a strategic alliance and joint initiative with UNDP GCTISD in the area of SDGs (obtained approval from UN NY headquarters). He was also elected as Judging Panel and Mentor for various global programs, and on top of that, he teaches a class on Innovation for Well-being at the University of Tokyo.
We will develop leaders who combine strength and goodness, and win with people on the world stage.
Yosuke Yagi
Director, ICMG Group CPO
Chairman Emeritus, IWNC Board of Directors
MIT Sloan School Master of Science
B.A. in Economics, Kyoto University
Co-author of several works, including "The Vision of Strategic HR: Don't Be Bound by Systems, Tell a Story" (published by Kodansha Shinsho).
He joined GE in 1999 and held various HR positions at Healthcare Asia, Money Asia, and GE Japan. In 2012, he was appointed Executive Vice President of LIXIL Corporation and Executive Vice President of LIXIL Corporation.He served as the company's CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) and implemented the company's transformation. He promoted strategic human resources, including globalization, leadership development, and promotion of diversity.
We will continue to be a challenger toward realizing the richness of a diverse and inclusive society.
Makoto Kigawa
External Director, ICMG Special Advisor
Yamato Holdings, Inc. External Director
Oki Electric Industry External Director
Seven Bank, Ltd. External Director
Higo Bank, Ltd. External Director
Author of "Creating Future Markets" (Nikkei BP, Inc.)
Bachelor of Commerce, Hitotsubashi University
After working for Fuji Bank and Mizuho Corporate Bank, he joined Yamato Transport Co., where he was in charge of structural reforms to make the company a holding company and to realize its growth strategy. He also served as President and Representative Director of Yamato Transport, President and Representative Director of Yamato HD, Chairman of Yamato Transport, and President of the Yamato Group Research Institute, Inc.He has also served as Vice President of the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) and as a member of the Hitotsubashi University Management Council. He currently serves as an outside director of Seven Bank, Oki Electric Industry, Higo Bank, and others.
Creating a society in which each and every one of us can fulfill our potential.
Takehiko Ogi
External Director of ICMG
Professor, Kyushu University Business School
Author of "The Law of Decline: The Silent Killer Eroding Japanese Companies" (Toyo Keizai Inc.) Having graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Law, he holds a B.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations, Princeton University, N.J., and an M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, D. (Economics), Graduate School of Economics, The University of Tokyo
He has served in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), as the President and Representative Director of Tsutaya Online, Representative Director and Managing Director of Culture Convenience Club, President and Representative Executive Officer of Kanebo (seconded from the Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan), President and Representative Director of Maruzen (now Maruzen CHI Holdings),and President and Representative Director of Japan Human Resources Development Organization. He has always been involved in the forefront of corporate and social reform.
We will think and act to realize the society as it should be, a new society.
Yoshihiko Shimizu
ICMG Group Advisor
Former Vice President and Representative Director, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Former President and Representative Director, SMBC Nikko Securities Former Chairman, Yamanashi Prefectural Federation of People's Associations Director, United Nations Association for UNHCR
Bachelor of Commerce, Waseda University
In 1978, he joined Sumitomo Bank (currently Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation). After achieving a number of successes in corporate sales, he held several important positions, including Managing Executive Officer, General Manager of Corporate Banking Division, Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, and was appointed Representative Director and Vice President of the bank in 2012. He joined SMBC Nikko Securities in 2015 after retiring from the bank, and was appointed President and Representative Director of SMBC Nikko Securities in 2016, and Chairman and Representative Director in April 2020, leading the company's development.He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group from June 2020 to June 2021. He is currently serving as an advisor to several domestic and foreign funds as well as an advisor to industrial companies. He helps each company realize its mission of contributing to environmental, social, and corporate governance in Japan and beyond. He also serves as President of the Yamanashi Prefectural Association of People's Associations and as a board member of the United Nations Association for UNHCR, promoting local economic development and Japan's cooperation with the international community.
Achieving a Sufferer-Friendly Society in an Age of Divide and Conquer.
Isao Segawa
Director, ICMG Group
Greenway Grid Global Board Member
CleanGrid Partners Board Member
Kobe University
In 2005, after working for Staff Service Investment Co., Ltd. a leading business investment company in the recruitment industry, he became a director (and later the representative director) of OG Investment Co.He was in charge of business revitalization of restaurants, resort hotels, golf courses, and Japanese sake breweries, as well as investment in technology ventures, etc. He joined ICMG in 2012 and was appointed CFO while engaging in M&A and alliance business.
Creating and Expanding the Co-Creation Ecosystem through International Finance
Yu Aruga
Director, CFO and Global Investment Executive, ICMG Group
Director, ICMG Ventures
Fund manager accredited by the Monetary Authority of Singapore
Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan
Certified Management Accountant
University College London M.A. in Urban Economic Development
He was in charge of fund raising, investment and liquidity management in Morgan Stanley's finance division. Later, as a founding member of the Singapore subsidiary of a boutique investment bank, he developed the corporate finance business model for Japanese, Indian, and Southeast Asian companies. He was involved in VC investments in India and advisory services for capital tie-ups to APAC companies.He was also in charge of sourcing and DD for the establishment of a global fund of funds. After that, he worked at Nomura Research Institute Singapore as a consultant in the smart city and agriculture fields, and as an advisor for investment in energy business, before joining ICMG Ventures. He is currently engaged in sourcing and DD of investment targets in Asia and networking with VC firms. He lives in Singapore.
Executive Officers / Directors
We must say goodbye to greed and create a society where diversity is respected.
Ryoji Sato
ICMG Chief Strategic Development Officer
Former Executive Officer, Hitachi Capital Former President and Director, Hitachi Capital Securities
B.A. in Social Sciences, Waseda University M.A. in Law and Politics, University of Tokyo
In 1982, he joined Hitachi Credit Corporation (now Hitachi Capital Corporation), where he served as Deputy General Manager of the Accounting Department, Executive Manager of the President's Office, General Manager of Group Strategy Office of Hitachi Capital Corporation, President of Hitachi Capital Securities Corporation, Senior Executive Officer and General Manager of Legal Department of Hitachi Capital Corporation, President and Representative Director of Hitachi Capital General Insurance Corporation, Chairman of Hitachi Lease (China) Co. and Executive Officer and General Manager of Corporate Strategy Division of Hitachi Capital Corporation. He has also served in a number of public positions, including as an expert member of a government council. He is the author of numerous articles and publications.
Filling Society with the Value Creation from Intellectual Capital.
Daisuke Touchi
Executive Director, Intellectual Capital Management ICM, ICMG Group
Head of Intellectual Capital Management
B.A. in Economics, Keio University
After working for an advertising company, he joined ICMG. Based on the global standard methodology of value creation, he accompanies and supports companies in implementing intellectual capital management.He leads the execution of leadership development for the next generation of executives and others, the visualization of intellectual capital, and the formulation of the Purpose Vision.
Takuro Kato
Executive Director, Intellectual Capital Management CX, ICMG Group
Graduated from Keio University
He joined ICMG in 2008 and has worked on projects in the field of corporate planning. He has experience in establishing innovation mechanisms and assisting large companies in business development in various fields such as electric power, information equipment, chemicals, retail, distribution, and energy. In addition, he has accomplished the integration of business, human resources, and the organization through numerous practical activities, including corporate transformation, corporate culture improvement, and M&A projects in collaboration with investment firms.
Pursuing a world where “live as you are” is sparked by interaction.
Hriokazu Tanaka
Leadership/Human Capital Management Promotion Executive Officer
Executive Officer, IWNC
Former General Manager of Human Resources Department, General Manager of Corporate Planning Department, and General Manager of Business Department, Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, Inc.
In his 20s, he joined an educational venture and was in charge of human resource development during its growth from IPO to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. With the aspiration of “changing education in Japan,” he served as the general manager of the Corporate Planning Department and then as the general manager of the Business Department. After joining the Benesse Group, he felt the importance of leaders, and joined IWNC, with whom he had formed a partnership during his time in human capital development. He mainly participates in the Next Generation Management Program, and has been supporting about 1,000 next-generation leaders per year by utilizing his coaching skills since 2010. He has been in his current position since 2024, promoting leadership support utilizing the resources of the entire ICMG group.
Unleashing the potential of each individual to create a society overflowing with self-fulfillment
Hiroki Hada
Executive Director, Global Co-Creation Business, ICMG Group
Director of Consulting Business, ICMG Group
External Director, Greenway Grid Global
Social Robot Technologies VP
Tokyo Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Life Science and Engineering, Bachelor's Degree Program
MBA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
He gained extensive experience in R&D, production, brand management, new business development and business management at Suntory and Bayer AG. In 2021, he joined b8ta Japan, a pioneer in Retail as a Service (RaaS), as COO and was involved in business expansion including fundraising. He has been in his current position since October 2023. He supports value creation for Japanese companies and startups by leveraging Singapore's ecosystem. Lives and works in Singapore.
Ignite the potential of human capital (people) and increase the number of leaders who are forward-looking for the future In the WillPower Forest, “That's interesting” is the driving force that gets interesting things moving here and there with interesting colleagues.
Susumu Murakami
Executive Director, ICMG Group Leadership/Human Capital Management
IWNC Executive Officer and Evangelist
B.A. in International Relations, University of Tsukuba
Completed the Strategic Management Design Human Resource Development School (STRAMD), Kuwasawa Design Institute
Formerly worked for a major airline company and two consulting firms before assuming his current position. His areas of expertise include hands-on business and management reform implementation support, B to B sales reform, business reform utilizing client companies' intellectual capital, and leadership development for executives. His experience includes sales reform support for a major IT company and a megabank, new business planning support for a major stationery manufacturer, business reform support for a major housing equipment manufacturer, and executive management development programs for major companies.
Transformation to create a globally competitive company that all young people aspire to join.
Makoto Ishikawa
ICMG Group Head of Strategic Partnerships
Former Gartner Japan Global Client Director, Team Lead
Former Arm Holdings Account Manager
After graduating from university, he worked at the Singapore branch of Samsung Electronics company, selling products to major Japanese manufacturers. He also worked for foreign semiconductor companies such as STMicroelectronics, Micron Technology, and ARM.Later, at Gartner Japan, as head of sales for the global management of Japan's largest ICT vendor, he was a top sales executive who helped propose and execute change activities to senior management.He has joined ICMG Group as Head of Sales in July 2024.
We will do everything in our power to help Japanese companies create value for the future.”
Nobuyuki Yokota
ICMG Group Head of Client Relationship Director
Former Gartner Japan Client Executive
Former ORACLE JAPAN Director, Manufacturing and Sales Division, Systems Business Management
Former General Manager, Business Promotion Department, Business Solution Division, Mitsui Information Systems
After graduating from Meiji University in 1989, he worked for 8 years as SE and PM of mission-critical systems at Mitsui Information Systems Co. After that, he was transferred to a client and experienced PM of 10 billion systems, then returned to Mitsui Information Systems, where he was in charge of business planning and 130 line managers. He was in charge of planning and sales of the IT industry's first cloud-based energy management solution, and contributed to Mitsui Information's adoption as a BEMS aggregator by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. He has been working as a sales director for the manufacturing industry at Oracle Corporation Japan since 2014, In 2016, he moved to Client Executive at Gartner Japan Inc. He has been in charge of several industries, including utilities, and has received global awards for 8 consecutive years (4 of which were in the top 1% of the top tier). He has been responsible for the sales and marketing of clients' business, and has been in charge of the sales and marketing of the company's products and services.
Using DAC as a weapon, we will promote co-creation to stave off the climate crisis and pave the way for the creation of new industries.
Hidetoshi Kikuchi
ICMG Executive Officer
President, TEPCO i-Frontiers, Inc.Global Thermostat Japan PBC board member
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Kyoto University
He has 10 years of experience in sales, business planning, service development, and overseas business development at Recruit Co. He then joined ICMG's predecessor, Axell, from its inception.At ICMG, he is engaged in management, organizational reforms and new business creation projects for general electronics manufacturers, energy, automobiles, railroads, IT, materials, food, distribution, consumer goods, and broadcasting industries. He also has extensive experience in business incubation.
Ko Funahashi
ICMG Group Executive Officer, Business Development
Master's degree, The University of California, Berkeley
Ko was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, he began his first career at a Silicon Valley-based B2B media startup, interviewing over a hundred global startups, VCs, and incubations to accelerate open innovation between large Japanese corporations and international startups. In 2021, he joined ICMG and led large Japanese corporations to create a new innovation ecosystem to revitalize the Japanese economy.
The power of conception and design, possessed by architects, will pave the way for the landscape of the 22nd century.
Masaya Shioura
ICMG Future Center Design
Representative Director of SCAPE, First-Class Architect
Established the Nikken Activity Design lab
Waseda University Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Bachelor's Degree Program (Construction Engineering)
As an architect at Nikken Sekkei Inc., he designed Tokyo Skytree Town and the Yamato Group Haneda Chronogate. In 2014, he established Nikken Activity Design Lab as a cross-disciplinary department directly under the president. He became the general manager at Nikken Sekkei in 2016. Following that in 2018, he became independent and then established SCAPE Inc. with the vision of "the landscape of the 22nd century."Since then, he has been promoting projects to enhance the value of "places" in cities and companies by making full use of design thinking. As CDO of ICMG, he is in charge of design direction for ICMG's Future Center Tokyo (2020), Kiriboshi Bank's Kic Space HANEDA (2021), and Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Future Lab Haneda (2021).
Diversity brings new opportunities and new values to society.
Takao Nakamura
ICMG Group Advisor
Former Vice President, Daini Tokyo Bar AssociationVice President, Japan Sailing Federation
In 1989, he joined the Bank of Japan. After obtaining an MBA from UCLA in the U.S., he left the Bank of Japan and served as the Representative Director, Vice President, COO & CFO of Digital Garage, Inc. and President and Representative Director of Infoseek, Inc. in 1996. Around that time, the law school system was newly established in Japan, and he entered the University of Tokyo Law School as a first-year student in the new course. After completing the graduate school, he passed the New Bar Examination, completed legal training, and registered as a lawyer in 2008. In 2016, he established Wadakuramon Law Office and became a partner.From 2017 to 2019, he assisted the Chief Legal Officer as the in-house counsel at Mitsui & Co. of Asia and Oceania, Ltd. located in Singapore. In 2021, he was appointed as an investigator under Article 316(2) of the Companies Act at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of Toshiba Corporation, and submitted a report on the fairness of the company's management at the shareholders' meeting held the previous year. Currently, he serves as a legal advisor and outside director (including as a member of audit committee) for a many different companies, including start-ups. He has also served as Vice President of the Daini Tokyo Bar Association (FY2022) and Vice President of the Japan Sailing Federation (current position).
Digital
Creating a society where children of the future can interact with safely, both physically and psychologically.
Hiroyuki Wada
Chairman of the Board, ICMG Digital
ICMG Director
Former COO of Hitachi Information & Telecommunications Group
Former President & CEO of Hitachi ICT Business Services
Master's Degree from Waseda University Graduate School of Science and Engineering
He has held roles as COO of Hitachi Information & Telecommunication Group and President & CEO of Hitachi ICT Business Services. He joined Hitachi in 1980 and served as the Senior VP at Hitachi Computer Products Inc. (USA) in 1998, Head of IP Network Division at Hitachi Enterprise Server Division in 2001, Head of IP Network Business Unit at the same company in 2003, President & CEO of Alaxala Networks in 2004, Head of Communication Network Business Unit at Hitachi Information & Telecommunication Systems in 2011, and COO of Information & Telecommunication Group at the same company in 2013.
Yasuyuki Yamashita
Executive Officer, Digital Platform Projects
After graduating, he worked for a foreign consulting firm and a securities company before joining ICMG Digital. He has worked on a wide range of topics from strategy formulation to implementation support, focusing on the financial, manufacturing, and telecommunications high-tech industries. He has extensive experience in the promotion of digital transformation and the planning and development of new businesses, and specializes in cross-functional facilitation management. At ICMG Digital, he promotes projects with the mission of social implementation that leverages the power of digital, starting with intellectual capital.
Diana Povieng
Director of Narrative, Spatial Computing & Visual Communication Design
Diana is an experienced design leader with over 17 years of expertise, including 8 years co-building Airlift, a San Francisco-based design consultancy company. Throughout her career, she has excelled in tackling complex challenges across physical and digital platforms, delivering thoughtful solutions and guiding projects to success. Her portfolio includes diverse projects, from autonomous aircraft experiences for Airbus to human-centered design initiatives for Zeiss.
Leading the New Economy to evolve human work and lifestyles.
Hiroshi Takahashi
Specially Appointed Leader, Digital Platform Project
JETRO Digital Advisor
Co-Founder, ARTAO's Platform PTE. Ltd.
MBA, Kellogg School of Management, USA
MBA, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
After studying in London, he gained experience as an engineer and developer at Oracle (Japan, USA), worked in business consulting and PMO at Accenture, and managed global digital strategy and implementation at Infosys (Japan, USA). In 2018, he launched and expanded EPAM's Japan office as Country Head, starting with only 3 members and growing the office to 140 members in 3 years.In 2020, he received the top awards for new business sales across Europe and Asia, contributing significantly to DX promotion in Japan. From August 2023, he joined ICMG Group as CEO of ICMG Digital.
Digital transformation of Japanese society and preservation of beautiful Japanese traditions
Naoki Hayashi
Director and CIO, ICMG Digital
Former Executive Officer and CIO, Maruzen CHI Holdings
Former Executive Officer and CIO, EPS Holdings
Former President and Representative Executive Officer, EPS Digital Share
Joined Recruit in 1985. He has contributed to the creation of profits by reengineering business operations and building mission-critical systems in various business divisions. He has contributed to the creation of profits by reforming business operations and building core systems through reengineering in a number of business divisions. Later, he served as an executive officer and CIO at a major ticketing company, Maruzen CHI Holding, IREP, and EPS Holdings. For most of his career, he has been involved in corporate reforms and the establishment of multi-billion yen core systems.
Saya Iwasaki
Director of Design Anthropology & Culture
Born in America, raised Japanese in Africa and Southeast Asia, and nurtured her career in APAC and Silicon Valley. She specializes in designing organizations, services and experiences that are rooted in deep research, operational excellence and a culture of innovation and learning. She served as the Head of People for OpenSea (a top web3 unicorn) and has a proven track record of expanding DoorDash (a Series C to IPO decacorn) from 800 to 15,000 employees globally. In addition, she’s supported large-scale M&As, coaching and leading C-Suite executives on strategic management, designing best-in-class cultures, and establishing operational and organizational systems that optimize for results. Her practice is rooted in human-centered research & design and educational innovation, an area of expertise from completing her Master's at Stanford University and consulting for Fortune 100 companies, including NASDAQ. She is continuously in pursuit of solutions that address challenges at their root. When taking a break from solving big problems, she creates children’s storybooks and enjoys searching for the best strawberry shortcake in town. She is based in Tokyo with her family.
Yutaka Hasegawa
Design & Leadership Advisor
Advisor for the JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) research area ‘Bio-multisensory Systems’
Advisor for the Advanced Art and Design field at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology
Committee member, Technology Creatives Program and Steering Committee
Yutaka Hasegawa is a renowned, award-winning, globally recognized design leader, working alongside Digital’s leadership team as a Design & Leadership Advisor. During his Sony Global Design Center leadership, Yutaka orchestrated and creatively directed, leading design excellence across Sony’s portfolio of company disciplines, including industrial design, interaction and UX, brand, partnerships, venture, and innovation. During his tenure, Hasegawa-san, working with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Patent Office, established the critical new study group on Industrial Competitiveness and Design. Before graduating from Sony, Yutaka established Sony Design Consultancy, Inc., where he served as its representative, which continues today.
Eiji Shintani
Director of Industrial Design & Special Projects
Eiji Shintani is an accomplished industrial designer who has served as the Chief Art Director at Sony and Sony Ericsson. With more than 30 years of experience in industrial design, Eiji has led the creation of products for Sony’s Walkman and VAIO lines. He has also led the design of wearable devices, earpieces, phones, cameras, a mixed reality cart, and a host of other products. Eiji brings this vast experience to his role as Director of Industrial design at Digital where he aims to expand the role of industrial design. For Eiji, Industrial design for is not just about designing products. It’s also about designing the “air” around the products while considering the entire experience of ownership and use. The overall aim is to make people’s lives more modern. During his experience in Sweden, Eiji came to appreciate many aspects of the Swedish culture including their lifestyle, working style, and Scandinavian design.
Ashley Ashley
Director of Experience, Products and Services
With over a decade of experience in graphic and interaction design, Ashley focuses on combining his crafts and leading teams to creatively convey complex problems and information in captivating ways. Previously, he was a Design Director at IDEO Tokyo, helping bring positive change to Japan through design, innovation, and creativity. Beyond that, Ashley has experience in branding, advertising, and editorial design, creating immersive interactive experiences for numerous top international brands. When not in the office, he often cycles the streets of Tokyo or starts new typeface projects.
Sota Bryan
Director of Engineering
His career encompasses a Senior Software Engineer and Technical Lead role at Mercari, along with pivotal contributions at Paidy, World K.K., and more. He has passion for UX engineering drives his work to create intuitive and accessible digital experiences, fuelled by a genuine desire to solve user pain points. With client success at the forefront, he blends technical skill and empathy to craft impactful solutions.
Sagar Patel
Sensory Computation & Design
Based in Kyoto since 2013, Sagar has worked as an independent contractor for over a decade doing programming, design and consultancy for companies in Japan and abroad. He specializes in real-time graphics and interactive experiences, applying his skills to video games, VR, theme parks, R&D, digital art and live performances. Constantly experimenting with emerging technologies like volumetric video, holographic displays and various body+space sensing technologies, he creates bespoke systems to enable novel experiences. Some of his clients include Disney Imagineering, Intel Studios and various branches of Sony such as Creative Center, R&D and AI. Projects he’s worked on have been showcased at Sundance Film Festival’s New Frontier, SXSW, Times Square, Kyoto Museum of Modern Art, to name a few. He continues developing his own digital art projects while regularly collaborating with local and international artists across different mediums such as music, dance, photography, sculpture and performing live at Kyoto venues like the Villa Kujoyama, Goethe-Institut Villa Kamogawa, Miyako Messe, Club Metro and Honen-in temple.
Adalberto González Ayala
Director, AI architecture and engineering
Adalberto has launched innovation studios, driven award-winning projects, and propelled Fortune 100 companies towards transformative innovation, crafting a prolific portfolio of prototypes and strategic initiatives throughout his career. Before joining Digital, he spearheaded the Generative AI innovation lab at Accenture North America, focusing on new product development through rapid prototyping and the application of emerging technologies. His pioneering contributions span global industries, including biotechnology for medical innovation, telecommunications, sustainability, and smart products, steering the transformation of these sectors. he is deeply committed to leveraging the potential of technology to positively shape society. His work has resulted in patents in Artificial Intelligence and substantial publications, especially in fields such as autonomous vehicles, design thinking, and quantum computing for digital transformation.
Himari Sugii
Design Researcher
Born in Japan, raised in both America and Japan and recently returning from London, Himari is a design researcher dedicated to solving issues through the synergy of Design×Technology×Creativity to create innovative solutions that bring joy to people worldwide. With a background in hardware engineering and a BS from Keio University in Japan, she has honed her skills through numerous internships and projects in engineering and design. She furthered her expertise by working in R&D at Apple before pursuing a double Master’s in Innovation Design Engineering, MA and MSc at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. As a researcher with experience in both design and engineering, she is committed to bridging the gap between them through research and collaborative development. She has actively contributed to projects focusing on health tech and sustainability, leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful change. She focuses on achieving high-resolution outputs that positively impact the environment and society.
Zhaodi Feng
Designer, Product and Prototyping
Graduated from Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, Zhaodi Feng is a multidisciplinary innovation designer whose exploration spans from traditional craftsmanship to advanced AI technology. Her works seek the convergence of imaginative concepts with rigorous analysis, envisioning and prototyping a desired future for tomorrow. Before focusing on interaction design, Zhaodi cultivated her creative talents in architecture and spatial design.
Shane Huang
Designer, Product and Prototyping
Originally from Guangzhou, China and having honed her design expertise in America, Shane brings a unique cross-cultural insight to her role as a multidisciplinary product designer. With a passion for integrating design with emerging technologies, her work focuses on creating engaging, intuitive experiences that bridge the digital with the tangible, specializing in interaction design, speculative design, and human-computer interaction (HCI) research. Shane's commitment to empathy and user-centered design shines through her innovative work in cross-species human-computer interaction, alongside her contributions to AI branding and immersive XR content creation prior to joining ICMG Digital. As a queer designer, her rich cultural background and commitment to diversity fuel her exploration of cultural and social narratives, using design to foster inclusivity and empathy. Her affinity for fine arts and active lifestyle underscore her belief in balancing technological innovation with the natural world, embodying a holistic approach to design.
Global Talent
SURI J
ICMG India CEO
Accelerating Co-creation between Japanese Corporates and Startups
Neerendra Upadhyay
ICMG Group Senior Partner
Throughout his 25+ year career in Japan, Mr. Nilendra Upadhyay has promoted investment advisory in cross-border business between India and Japan with in-depth knowledge of Japanese language, economy, business practices, and culture in addition to his native India. He is the first Indian international lawyer to be admitted as a foreign lawyer by the Ministry of Justice of Japan, and is a member of the Board of Directors and advisory committees of many well-known Japanese companies, including as an advisor to the Overseas Business Policy of Hiroshima Prefecture. In his current position, he serves on the board of directors of numerous Japanese companies, including Team Pasona India, and is a prominent advisor to Japanese megabanks, regional banks, and financial institutions, including Sumitomo Trust & Banking and SMBC Nikko Securities, on M&A and other transactions in the Indian market. He has also assisted in the development of complex new business in Japanese IT services through high-level coordination of various Asia-focused initiatives for companies in the automotive, semiconductor, and financial industries, including Sony, NEC, NTT Data, Autobacs, and Nikko Cordial Securities. He has also provided high-level coordination for various Asian initiatives for companies in the automotive, semiconductor and financial industries.
Anthony Willoughby
ICMG Executive Advisor
Founder of The Nomadic School of Business
Founder of IWNC
In Search of Inspiration, Author
Leadership and coaching expert
Founder of IWNC. During an expedition in Papua New Guinea, a team that was united to accomplish a goal was demoralized by the complaint of a single member. He launched team building techniques and leadership development programs based on the concept of “I Will Not Complain” in Japan in 1989 and in China in 1992. After more than 10 years of dialogue with tribal chiefs in Papua New Guinea and Kenya, he developed a visualization process called “Territory Mapping,” which visualizes where you are and where you are going, giving you a creative and new perspective that is not bound by preconceived ideas.
“Accelerating Co-creation between Japanese Corporates and Startups.”
Clarence Tan
ICMG Group Asia Pacifc Partner
Head of Singapore Innovation Origgin Pte. Ltd. Founder
University of Southern Queensland
National University of Singapore MBA
He is the founder and CEO of Origgin Pte Ltd and Enlop Pte Ltd, two companies that advise and fund DeepTech venture co-creation. He is also the Director of STT Connect Pte. Ltd (private cloud provider), a joint venture between STT GDC Pte. a joint venture between STT GDC Pte.He has successfully launched numerous technology startups, including Global Roam Group Ltd, PerfectInnovation Pte Ltd and Pinnz Pte Ltd.
Inspiring promising business leaders to go beyond the horizon and make a difference in the world
Atem S Ramsundersingh
ICMG Executive Advisor
CleanGrid Partners Co-Founder
WEnergy Global Pte Ltd CEO
Delft University of Technology Completed Master's degree
Harvard Business School (Corporate Renewal and Change Management) Cambridge University (Sustainable Industrial Leadership)
Having 30 years of extensive international experience and knowledge of business and project development, complex decision-making and financing environments in emerging markets, he has extensive knowledge and experience in industrial and equipment manufacturing processes and project management, supply chain and quality management, utility management, operations, human resources, financial management, deal structuring, and commercialization of business opportunities.He also has an extensive network of contacts in more than 70 countries and multilateral institutions in the fields of energy, water and development finance, and has served as Senior Manager of The World Bank Group (Washington DC, USA) and Program Director of the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water and Environment (Delft, The Netherlands). Environment (Delft, The Netherlands).
Leif Edvinsson
ICMG Executive Advisor
Head of New Club of Paris
University of Lund professor
Honorary Chair, Henley KM Forum, UK
Selected as one of the "50 most influential thinkers in the world"
(London Business Press, 2006)
University of California, Berkeley Graduate (MBA)
As the first Corporate Director of Intellectual Capital of Skandia in Sweden, he developed the theory of intellectual capital management and contributed significantly to the company's intellectual capital-based corporate growth.A professor at Lund University, Sweden, and Honorary Chair of the Henley KM Forum, UK, he has been involved in the supervision of intellectual capital reports as one of the European Commission's high-level experts. He is currently President of the New Club of Paris.
Executive Advisors
Hidenori Azushima
External Director of ICMG
General Manager, Corporate Planning Office, Strategic Planning Division, Hitachi, Ltd.
B.S., Kyoto University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology(Advanced Study Program)
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University, he joined Hitachi, Ltd. in April of the same year, becoming General Manager of Financial Systems Division 2, Financial Systems Department, Information & Telecommunication Systems Company in October 2013, General Manager of Financial Systems Division 4, Financial Systems Division 2, Financial Business Unit in April 2005, General Manager of Financial Systems Division 2, Financial Business Unit in April 2007, and Director, Financial Business Unit COO in April 2009. Appointed Director, COO, Financial Business Unit, Financial Business Unit in April 2009. Apr. 2009: Director, COO, Financial Business Unit Apr. 2010: General Manager, Corporate Planning Office, Strategic Planning Division, to present
Michio Murata
Auditor, ICMG
CMC Business Consulting Co.
Sugita Accounting Associates Tax Corporation
Graduated from Senshu University, Faculty of Economics
Graduated from Senshu University, Faculty of Economics in 1996. After working for a Tokyo-based tax accounting firm, she joined a Tokyo based consulgting firm in 2007, where she engaged in formulation, implementation support, and advisory services for business succession and reorganization schemes for listed and non-listed owners. She then moved on to work at CMC Business Consulting Co. and Sugita Accounting Associates in 2015, and is currently engaged in consulting services and tax filing respectively in the two companies.
Etsuo Murase
Auditor, IWNC
Corporate Auditor, Hitachi Urban Investment, Ltd.
Kyoto University graduate
After graduating from Kyoto University, he joined Hitachi, Ltd. in 1977, where he served as General Manager of the Finance Division, Power and Electrical Operations Headquarters, Executive Officer and Director of Hitachi Medical Corporation, and President and Representative Director of Hitachi Urban Support. He currently serves as an auditor of Hitachi Urban Investment.
Yasuhito Hanado
ICMG Group Executive Advisor
Planning Committee Member, Japan Investor Relations Association
Advisor, Japan Society of Investor Relations
Member, National Investor Relations Association
World Intellectual Capital/Assets Initiativesteering committee member
Graduated from Waseda University, First School of Commerce
After graduating from the First School of Commerce, Waseda University, he earned doctoral credits at the Graduate School of Commerce, Waseda University, and served as a lecturer at Kokugakuin University (Faculty of Economics), an assistant professor at Kokugakuin University, and a professor at the same school (Department of Economics) before taking charge of the Graduate School of Economics at Kokugakuin University. Later, he was transferred to Waseda University Graduate School as a specially-appointed professor (WBS, Graduate School of Commerce and Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies), where he remained until his retirement, and is currently Professor Emeritus of Kokugakuin University. He also served as an outside director of Parco, Inc. and a director of Sanrio Co.
Syuithi Matuda
ICMG Group Executive Advisor
Chairman of the Board, WELL INVESTMENT, Inc.
Main publications:
"Business Seminar How to Read a Company," "Venture Companies,"
"Technology Ventures," "Innovation in Japan 1.2.3."
Waseda University Graduate School of Business Studies Doctoral Programs
D. from Waseda University Graduate School of Commerce in 1972, he joined Sanwa Office (now Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu) as a partner in 1973, where he was engaged in consulting for medium-sized and venture companies. Later, he served as Professor Emeritus at Waseda University and Chairman of the Board of Well Investments. His areas of expertise include accounting, management auditing, and venture company growth theory. He is a past president of the Japan Venture Association (current board member and chairman of the Institutional Committee). He has chaired and served as a member of committees related to venture companies, industry-academia collaboration, MOT consortiums, etc. under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and other ministries.