SESSIONS

Unleashing Japan's Unique Brilliance on the World Stage

GRIC 2025 Opening Session Mr. Matsuda of HERALBONY, whose collaboration with LVMH drew global attention, takes the stage in the GRIC 2025 Opening Session. We trace how Japan’s unique concept of “isai” (distinct individuality) has become a competitive advantage on the global stage. Mr. Tim Rowe of CIC offers a global perspective on the key success factors, joined by the event’s host Mr. Shimizu to discuss how Japan can build an ecosystem to foster the next HERALBONY.

From Japanese Labs to the World – How Academia Is Powering the Next Wave of Growth Industries

Japan’s next-generation growth engine lies in deep tech emerging from academia. The critical question is: how can world-class research be transformed into globally competitive businesses? In this session, a powerhouse panel — Mr. Nagata of deep tech investment firm UntroD, Professor Ishikawa of Tokyo University of Science, and Mr. Yamamoto of UTokyo/RIKEN TLO — will explore both the potential and realities of deep tech that could shape Japan’s future.

The New Normal for Business Leaders ~ The World Economic Forum Warns of Biggest Risks and the Future Pioneered by Defence Tech: Experts from Japan, Israel, and the US Talk ~ (English Session)

How does "Defence Tech" respond to the geopolitical risks and cyber warfare warned about by the WEF? Experts from Japan, Israel, and the U.S.—including Hitachi, a former Israeli Cabinet Secretary, and the CEO of AironWorks—will appear. Guided by a Nikkei journalist, they will discuss the new security norms that corporate leaders should know and practical approaches to addressing them through technology.

Can AI Deliver the Ultimate Customer Experience? – Reinventing GTM Strategy for the Next Era

Can AI create the “ultimate customer experience”? Lena from Notion and Shimizu from ZEALS discuss next-generation GTM strategies—featuring live demos of Notion AI, insights into the latest Silicon Valley trends, and comparisons between how Japan and the U.S. leverage AI. Together, they explore what “only humans can do” in a future where AI and people collaborate.

The Frontlines of SpaceTech – Global Realities and Japan’s Path to Win

Space development has entered a private-sector-driven “commercial” phase. Key figures from ispace, SpaceData, Mizuho Bank, and JAXA come together for this session. From the perspectives of finance, lunar exploration, data utilization, and national strategy, they will have a candid discussion on the real state of global space development and explore the strategies Japan must pursue to truly succeed in SpaceTech.

What's Holding Japan Back? Rethinking Japan’s Global Standing and the Keys to Economic Growth

Under the theme 'What’s Off About Japan?', this session explores the gap between macro-level expectations for Japan’s economy and the micro-level discomfort felt on the ground. From global, corporate, and frontline perspectives, we examine Japan’s structural distortions and cultural peculiarities—such as slow decision-making and risk aversion. Rather than viewing these anomalies as weaknesses, we seek to uncover the hidden business potential within them and explore how they can be transformed into engines of growth

Transforming Business Models and Going Global – How Japanese Entertainment Can Win in the New Era

What business model transformations and global strategies will allow Japanese entertainment to succeed on the world stage? Four industry leaders — Mr. Nakagawa, Mr. Osamu Suzuki, Ms. MEGUMI, and Mr. Yamada — will take the stage to share their innovative challenges and global strategies, presenting a new path to success for Japan’s entertainment industry.

Pioneering the Future through Business Creation and Entrepreneurship

Hiroshi Mikitani of Rakuten and Yoichi Naito of Drecom engage in a dialogue on the theme “Business Creation and Entrepreneurship that Shape the Future.” Moderated by Ms. Suzuki of For Startups, the session explores Mikitani’s management philosophy and leadership, and examines what Japanese companies need to do to strengthen their global presence.

How Will Growth Market Reforms Reshape Japan’s Startup Ecosystem—and What Will It Take to Create the Next Big IPO?

How will the 2025 Growth Market listing criteria changes impact Japan’s startup ecosystem? This session explores how to turn this rule change into an opportunity to create the next Big IPO. Panelists — Mr. Nagai of Nomura Securities, Mr. Yuasa of Globis, Mr. Mera of READYFOR, and Mr. Miyata of Nstock — will engage in an in-depth discussion. From the perspectives of markets, investors, and founders, they will analyze the real impacts on capital strategy and growth planning, uncovering strategies to foster the next generation of unicorns.

AI Social Implementation and Beyond - Transforming Technology into “Value” and Shaping Japan's Future

AI implementation in society has moved from “how to use it” to “how to create value with it.” Panelists Mr. Uenoyama of PKSHA Technology, Mr. Nagasaki of OpenAI Japan, and Mr. Kizaki of NewsPicks Studios will explore this evolution. Facing barriers that technology alone cannot overcome, they will discuss the current state and future of AI implementation in society. Key topics include strategies to turn technology into real value, overcoming Japan’s structural challenges, and envisioning the society we should build beyond AI.

Liberal Arts and Leadership ~ What are the requirements for leaders of rapidly growing companies that transform social infrastructure? ~

In today’s age of increasing specialization, why do leaders need the liberal arts? This session explores how leaders leverage broad knowledge to interpret complex changes, drive innovation, and make ethical decisions. Through concrete examples of business decisions, participants will examine the essence of leadership in high-growth companies shaping societal transformation.

“Aspiration” opens up a winning edge in the world ~The significance of global challenges to create Japan's future~

What global path to success can be unlocked by the “aspiration” that shapes Japan’s future? Moderated by Mr. Umezawa of A.T. Kearney, the session features SKY-HI of BMSG, Mr. Matsuda of POCKETALK, and Mr. Tsuwaki of the Cabinet Office. These leaders, operating at the forefront of entertainment, technology, and national strategy, will candidly discuss the aspirations driving their challenges, the barriers they’ve faced, and the hope their work brings to Japan’s future.