List of Mentors
Color coding
Kan Suzuki
The University of Tokyo
After graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law in 1986, he joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). After working as an assistant professor at Keio University SFC, he was first elected to the House of Councillors in 2001, and served two terms as Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology during his 12-year term in the Diet. He was one of the first in Japan to promote the introduction of active learning. He was instrumental in the revision of the Courses of Study and the reform of the university admission system for the first time in 40 years. Vice President of the Society for Well-Being and Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the ruling party’s Special Mission Committee on Well-Being.
Sachiko Nakajima
General Incorporated Association steAmBAND
Producer of Osaka-Kansai Expo Theme Project
Sachiko Nakajima is a musician, a mathematics researcher, and a STEAM Educator. She is also CEO of steAm, Inc.,the representative director of steAm BAND Association and a thematic project producer of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. She also serves as a STEM Girls Ambassador, Cabinet Office, and project researcher of Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences The University of Tokyo. She won the gold medal as the first Japanese woman in the International Mathematical Olympiad. She is a member of the Central Council for Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT), Industrial Structure Council, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and CSTI, Cabinet Office, as well as other committees related to educational reform. She is also a member of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Classroom of the Future” & EdTech Study Group and involved in many demonstration projects. She is a visiting researcher at the Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences (MIMS), Meiji University. She is also a specially-appointed researcher at the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences of the University of Tokyo. She is also involved in research on art and technology as well as music and mathematics education. I’d be happy to meet you all in one of these faces! : music (jazz, piano, composition) / mathematics / STEAM education / media art (study abroad experience in NY) / manager / mother / 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo theme project producer!"
Tetsuo Kohori
Tetsuo Kobori Architects
Tetsuo Kobori was born in 1971 in Gifu, Japan. After earning a master’s degree in 1997 from Hosei University Graduate School of Engineering and Design (Jinnai Lab), he took a position with Kume Sekkei Co., Ltd. In 2008 he established Tetsuo Kobori Architects. Since then he has won numerous awards, including an Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) Award and The Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) Grand Prix for ROKI Global Innovation Center in 2017, the JIA Grand Prix for NICCA Innovation Center in 2018, an ABB LEAF Awards 2018 Shortlist BCS Award, and an AACA Award. Other important projects include Showa Gakuen High School, The Learning Station CROSSLIGHT at Baiko Gakuin University, and Minamisoma Fire Department Disaster Control Center.
Mari Oshima
Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo
Professor Marie Oshima is currently a joint professor at Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies and the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS) at the University of Tokyo. She received the Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Tokyo. She started her career as a research associate at IIS after completing the Ph.D. program. She was promoted to be a professor in 2005 after an joint associate professor at The University of Tokyo and Tsukuba University. Her main research field is computational hemodynamics, particularly medical image-based modeling and blood flow simulation of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and cerebral aneurysms for clinical applications. She has been also engaged in flow visualization and measurements using micro PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) technique for microflow devices. She became the first female president of the JSME (Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers) which is one of the largest academic society in Japan and cerebrated the 120th anniversary in 2017 during her term. She is a General Council member of the IACM (International Association of Computational Mechanics) and the APACM.( Asian Pacific Association of Computational Mechanics).
Nobufumi Morita
Digital Fashion Co.
Born in Osaka, imported and sold CG and Mac apparel CAD for the fashion industry when it was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation. Participated in the establishment of Digital Fashion Corporation (currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Couture Digital) using 3D technology from Toyobo Co. Representative Director of Digital Fashion Creators Association. Contributed to the standardization of "3D Virtual Fashion" for the International Organization for Standardization/ISO/TC133, and cooperated in the production of costumes and souvenirs for the G20 2019 First Ladies. Organized the "Great Santa Run" and "OSAKA Akaru Forum" for the "OSAKA Akaru Club" charity. Held GFO BAND LIVE at Grand Front Osaka, the largest commercial facility in western Japan, featuring 30 bands. Held the "Sustaina Mode Art Exhibition" at the beach in Imabari. Held "SHIKI no Kai" charity color code event. Participated in the TEAM EXPO at the Osaka Kansai Expo with "Neo Japonism / ’Green x Digital x Fashion’". Aiming to become the "de facto standard for high-mix, small-lot, mass production" by expanding the culture of Japanese origin.
Shin Ikesue
Tokyo School of Music Shibuya
Soulmatics Co.Ltd.
After studying composition, arrangement, and conducting at the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, I graduated in 1991 and returned to Japan. In 1996, I became the Vice Principal of the Jikei Gakuen Tokyo School of Music & Dance. Since then, I have served as Vice Principal of the Jikei Gakuen COM Group, which includes schools in Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Sendai. In 2024, I assumed the position of Principal at the Tokyo School of Music Shibuya. I am the founder of The Soulmatics, highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally, and engage in activities that deliver hope by transcending culture and barriers through the arts. Furthermore, The Soulmatics are not only recognized as artists but also receive nominations from leading figures in the music and musical industry as instructors.
Yuu Iwamoto
Regional and Education Attractiveness Platform
Representative Director, Regional and Education Attractiveness Platform Born in Tokyo. As a student, he traveled to 20 countries in Asia and Africa to study and learn about local development and published his book "Ryugaku Nikki" (Diary of Ryugaku). With the royalties from the book, he built a school in Afghanistan. After graduation, he was involved in human resource development, organizational development, and social contribution projects at Sony. Since 2007, he has been involved in the Oki Shimamae High School Attractiveness Project. Since 2015, he has been promoting education and human resource development as the Shimane Prefecture Special Assignment Officer for Education Attractiveness. Received the 1st Special Social Innovator Grand Prize (Nippon Foundation) in 2016. Established the General Foundation for Regional and Education Attractiveness Platform in 2017. He is a member of the Central Council for Education of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Industrial Structure Council of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Cabinet Office. Co-author of "The School on the Island that Changed the Future - Oki Shimamae Hatsuba Hometown Revival Challenge (Iwanami Shoten)" and "A Guide to High School Attractiveness through Regional Collaboration - Creating Schools Open to Society (Iwanami Shoten)".
Takefumi Kobayasi
Musician, steAm, Inc.
In addition to the drum set, he plays a variety of Japanese and Western percussion instruments. Besides his own musical group, "Koto-sun’n-kan", he is active in the bands of Masaki Hayashi, Michio Kobukawa, Yoshihide Otomo, and many others. He has composed and arranged music for NHK E-television’s. In 2013, he participated in the "Amachan Special Big Band" and sang in the 64th Red & White Year-end Song Festival. In recent years, he has been involved in various workshops using percussion instruments at schools, halls, museums, etc. From 2021, he is developing a percussion solo performance using "images as lighting" with self-programming.
Kazuhiro Komatsu
Faculty of Engineering, Shinshu University
After getting a Doctor of Engineering in the field of water supply from the Department of Urban Engineering, the University of Tokyo, I worked at the National Institute for Environmental Studies and studied the water quality in rivers and lakes for 17 years. Since 2021, I’m studying the water cycle consisting of human society and the water environment (water environment → water supply → human society → wastewater → water environment) in Shinshu University. Due to climate change, frequent disasters, and aging water/sewerage facilities issues, this cycle is now at a turning point and must be changed. How should it be changed? What is the optimum solution? I’m thinking about it every day.
Yutaka Shikano
Tsukuba University
I am a theoretical physicist. I completed my doctoral program in fundamental physics at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, in 2011, earning a Ph.D. Since then, I have worked at Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, and the Quantum Computing Center at Keio University before starting my current position in 2021. My motivation is to investigate the boundary between the observable and unobservable aspects of nature through research on "measurement methods." Additionally, I conduct studies on the quality of measured data and data processing techniques.
Asumi Saito
Corpy&Co. AI Fairness Lead
Asumi Saito is a co-founder of Waffle.org, a nonprofit that provides tech education to girls in Japan. She is also a board member of L’Oreal Japan "Women’s Empowerment Advisory Board", Forbes Japan 30 under 30 2020, and a former data scientist. MS in Econometrics and Data Analysis from the University of Arizona.
Rinka Saito
Waseda University
Born in Aichi Prefecture. Born with a severe hearing impairment, she faced a lot of discrimination and prejudice from childhood. To overcome adversity, she participated in speech contests. She won the Prime Minister’s Cup and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Cup, and was awarded first place in Japan. She studied abroad for an extended period of time at a high school in the United States under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Overseas Study Support Program. Currently a junior at Waseda University. Volunteered at the Ukrainian border and was selected as the youngest student to participate in a project to foster women’s political participation, and received the 2022 Waseda University Student Award. She is also a member of the Suzukan Seminar led by Hiroshi Suzuki at Keio University.
Takeshi Suzuka
setAm, Inc. and Shikoku University
Takeshi Suzuka taught in the Business Studies Club at Tokushima Commercial High School, where he developed an integrated, hands-on approach to product development and package design in collaboration with local businesses and now teaches at Faculty of Management and Information Science, Shikoku University. He has also been developing initiatives to support the self-reliance of the Cambodia-Japan Friendship School with the school’s students since 2013. These activities were the driving force behind the school’s winning of the Prime Minister’s Award, the first high school to receive the first place in the Consumer Merit Award in 2008. In September, the school also led a student presentation at the G20 International Meeting on Consumer Policy, which was highly praised by officials from around the world. Ethical Koshien 2019 Grand Prize for the Best Teachers
Kazuo Tanaka
Waseda Research Institute for Contoribution to Future Human Society
I have been studying the spectroscopy of exotic atoms that do not exist in nature to test the fundamental symmetries of physical laws. I’m also exploring various applied fields such as medical radiation now.
Shion Taniyama
AVAD K.K.
CEO at AVAD K.K. As a Specially Appointed Research Fellow for the Tokushima Light Art Project(T-LAP) at Shikoku University, I have experience in art and design utilizing light, LED, ICT, and AI. Former representative company of the T-LAP Consortium. I am promoting the utilization of EdTech and AgriTech using the super easy programming tool called ‘SPACEBLOCK.’ I am also the co-representative of Taniyama Farm, an pesticide-free strawberry farm that leverages IoT. I serve as a committee member for the future Osaka Sports Festival. I hold AWS certifications.
Norio Toyama
Tea house researcher
A japanese tearoom is a building built with the idea of entertaining guests for the purpose of a cup of tea (matcha). Generally, buildings have developed into large, open spaces over the course of history, but the opposite is true of the tea room, which is characterized by its small size and dark interior, and its spaces are filled with the spirit of hospitality and aesthetics. I would like to clarify the spirituality of the Japanese people hidden in these spaces by thinking about and experiencing them through researching and creating tearooms.
Miho Nakajima
RIKEN Center for Brain Science
I received a PhD degree from Rockefeller University (USA) in 2012. After postdoctoral studies at NYU and MIT, I returned to Japan in 2020 as the Deputy Team Leader of the Distributed Cognitive Processing Laboratory at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science. Using a combination of cutting-edge cognitive behavioral tasks, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and optogenetics, I aim to unravel the neural mechanisms of cognitive flexibility.My research will help to elucidate the causes of disorders in which cognitive flexibility is disrupted, such as addiction, leading to new treatments. At the same time, my findings will enable development of new artificial intelligence designs that mimic the brain’s ability to generate flexible ideas.
Ian Schmitt
RIKEN Center for Brain Science
I am a system neuroscientist and leader of the distributed cognit i ve processing team at the RIKEN Center for Braiñ Science. Buildi ng on my training at Tufts University, NYU and MIT, my current re search seeks to understand information processing in the brain th at underlies perception and intelligence. More specifically we de velop and apply cutting—edge techniques such as optogenetic contr 01 of neural activity and electrophysiological recording methods to understand how the brain creates and updates an internal model of reality. We also seek to leverage this insight gained from our research to help create treatments to help people suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders involving abnormal perception, such as schizophrenia.
Fuminori Nakata
Fukushima University, Faculty of Human Development and Culture
My specialty is differential geometry, especially twistor theory. My research focuses on curved space-time and spaces with complicated symmetries. From 2021, I started practices and research on STEAM education. Principal Investigator of Fukushima University Priority Research Field (foR-F Project) “Establishing the Pioneering Fukushima-Type STEAM Education”. Author of "Invitation to Four-Dimensional Differential Geometry (Japanese)" (co-authored by Yasuo Matsushita, Hiroyuki Kamata and Fuminori Nakata, SAIENSU-SHA, SGC Library 113). Ph.D. (Mathematical Sciences) : Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, the University of Tokyo.
Kota Nakadate
steAm, Inc.
As a former public elementary school teacher, I have been working for 19 years with the motto "Fun memories and solid confidence!"After moving to Nagano Prefecture, I started my own business as a "Self-oriented" mental coach. To support teachers who support children. First of all, I want to help teachers themselves to "take care of themselves". And to "live happily as themselves". I am implementing a program to create a "Self-oriented" mentality.
Others
Certified Coach of the Mental Foundation Coach Association of Japan
Lecturer for Benesse’s "Mirai Campus"
Director of NPO "Kyoyoiku no Mori"
Certified trainer of "Japan Self-Esteem Promotion Association", etc.
Focusing on updating the educational environment in various fields
Ryosuke Nakanishi
No-Side, Inc.
President of No-Side, Inc. We support children and adults with severe disabilities who need medical care in Osaka. No matter how severe the disability, we provide a place where children can feel safe, a chance to connect with society, and an environment where they can work no matter how severe their disability is! This is the theme of No Side.
Katsuhiro Nishinari
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
Prof.Nishinari received the PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1995. He then worked at the Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Yamagata University, and the Department of Mathematical Informatics at Ryukoku University, and is currently a professor at the School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. His specialty is mathematical physics, and he is a proponent of ‘Jamology’, a cross-disciplinary study of various traffic jams, and his book ‘Jamology’ (Shincho-Sensho) won the Kodansha Science Publishing Award. He was selected for Outstanding Contribution to Science and Technology 2013 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in 2021.
Mio Hashimoto
sculptor
Mio Hashimoto - Sculptor Mio has an atelier in an old private studio in northern part of Mie Prefecture where she hand-carves stunning wooden animal sculptures. In addiction to holding exhibitions at museums around the country where people can get up close and personal with her wooden animal sculptures, she also works on portraits of animals, sculpting figures and objects, as well as illustrations of animals.
Emi Hariyama
General Incorporated Association EI Arts
Emi HARIYAMA is a Japanese Ballerina, born in Osaka, Japan. She graduated from Bolshoi Ballet School (The Moscow State Academy of ballet) in Moscow with top scores. After graduation, she joined the Moscow Stanislavsky and Nemirovich Danchenko Music Theatre. Afterwards she danced with Aalto Ballett Theater in Essen, Germany. She moved to the USA and first danced with Ballet internatinal in Indiana, where she worked with Irina Kolpakova. Then she joined Ballet San Jose (formerly San Jose Cleveland Ballet) and later Boston Ballet. From 2004 till 2014 Emi Hariyama danced with State ballet of Berlin under Vladimir Malakhov. Ms Hariyama was invited to the Leningrad State Ballet,as well as Uran-Ude national ballet,and the Donetsk national ballet,starring in Giselle and Swan Lake. She has won numerous international competitions, including the Special Prize at the Moscow International Ballet Competition,the Joffrey Award at the Jackson international competition, the Bronze Medal at the New York International Ballet Competition, and a Silver Medal at the International Ballet Competition in Paris (no gold was awarded) . Since 2003 ,she serves as an international ambassador of Suita City in Osaka. Ms Hariyama,together with her family,are organizers of the bi-annual “Dream Concert” in Osaka and tokyo. She has also been invited as a special lecturer in Japan and the USA,and has been a member of the Jury for international dance competitions. She was profiled on the Japanese TV show “Jounetsu-Tairiku”,and NNN document also for a documentary program in Germany about successful Japanese artists abroad. She is often July members of many international dance competition in Russia,Riga,Japan and more. She has a wide range of repertoire from classical to neoclassical. She also has choreographed and collaborated with the Berlin Philharmonic, Mestoro David Geringas,and many others. She was visiting professor at Kobe Collage in Japan. She is Director of Dance division of Toyonaka art performing center. She is director ofGeneral incorporated association EIArts. She is also artistic director of 『Awaji World Ballet』
Johannes Schoenke
steAm, Inc.
Born in Germany, studied physics and mathematics, and received his PhD in astronomy from the University of Heidelberg. He is currently doing research in geometry, mechanics, and interactive 3D visualization. Combining science, art and design, he was in charge of creating a large-scale, dynamic sculpture at OIST in Okinawa, Japan in 2021. He is also exploring projects that cross the borders of science and music, having studied various types of music from an early age. As a musician, he studied violin from an early age and began playing drums in his teens. During his college years, he studied jazz drumming and the piano music of J.S. Bach, and played in jazz, funk, and other avant-garde music bands. Recently, he has also studied guitar and singing and is fascinated by electronic music, especially synthesizers and "living instruments".
Kazunari Yasui
ABC Animation, Inc.
In 1999, he joined Asahi Broadcasting Corporation headquartered in Osaka. He was assigned to the news bureau and became a reporter in charge of news related to Osaka Prefectural Police. After moving to the Production Bureau, he worked as a director and producer of TV dramas and variety shows, including "M-1 Grand Prix" and "Tabi Salad. From 2018, he had worked as a producer of "Healingood♡Precure" in ABC Animation before assuming his current position in April 2021.
Shoichi Ikebata
Daiwa House Industry Co.
Joined the company in April 1976 - Served as Manager of Plant Production Control Section - Deputy General Manager of Product Development - Deputy General Manager of General Technical Research Institute - General Manager of Mirai Value Co-Creation Center. Through production sites, R&D, and product development, he has been involved in co-creation activities at companies, universities, and other organizations. In his external activities, he was attributed as COI Project Leader and Director of COI Promotion Research Organization at Kanazawa Institute of Technology. Currently, he is a visiting professor at the university.
Ichiro Hisanaga
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
Through joint projects with the Musée du Louvre, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF), and the National Art Gallery of Finland, he has been in charge of project management of DX image literacy education centered on ergonomics and human-computer interfaces, ultra-high definition 3D digitization of cultural assets and construction of digital archives, and development of art appreciation workshops with the expectation of improving dementia. He is also in charge of project management for the development of art appreciation workshops that are expected to improve dementia.
Takaaki Yoshida
DNP Media Art Co., Ltd.
Imaging director/photographer, DNP Group Certified Meister. Part-time lecturer at Nippon Photography Instituteof Photography and Art. As a director of photo production, he works in the field of photo books and art. As a photographer, he mainly shoots portraits and urban snaps. He is also active as a producer of "Hyogen-Kobo (Expression Studio)," which produces and exhibits works and contents centered on photography through co-creation. He is also a prolific writer, and the author of the book, "Daremo oshiete kurenakatta Digital jidaino Shashin zukuri (Making Photographs in the Digital Age: What No One Taught Me).
Hiromichi Ozasa
Ritsumeikan Primary School Vice Principal
After 6 years as a public junior high school teacher, followed by 14 years at Ritsumeikan Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools, and 5 years in the Division of Integrated Primary and Secondary Education Department, he is currently the Vice Principal of Ritsumeikan Elementary School. He has experience in public and private, elementary, junior high, and high school settings, as well as in administrative and managerial positions. Currently a graduate student at Ritsumeikan University
Yoichi Muguruma
Comprehensive Education Section, Ritsumeikan Academy
In 2009, started working at Ritsumeikan Primary School. After working as the director of ICT education and the director of entrance examinations, became the vice principal in 2021, and in April 2022 moved to the Division of Integrated Primary and Secondary Education, which oversees the schools affiliated with Ritsumeikan Educational Corporation (one elementary school and four junior and senior high schools), and is mainly in charge of teacher training. Since 2015, has been promoting ICT-based education as a Microsoft Certified Teacher (Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert).
Ippei BAN
Comprehensive Education Section, Ritsumeikan Academy
Master of Education. Licensed to teach elementary, junior high and high school (home economics and agriculture). His master’s thesis is titled "A Fundamental Study on the Parent-Support for Bearing and Rearing Children in Comfort : Through the Field Study in Otsu city, Shiga Prefecture." After graduating from university, he worked as a Japanese language teacher at a national university in Thailand for one year. After returning to Japan, he worked as a home economics teacher for 18 years at public and private junior high and high schools in Shiga Prefecture. He has been engaged in career education using the knowledge through the experience as a home economics teacher and the experience in Thailand.
Shinichi Hamasaki
Tobu Top Tours Co.
Expertise in all aspects of travel agency operations and in the area of MICE. Engaged in overseas incentive travel, conventions and events. Also involved in many local government operations, including host city operations during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. Currently, as a supporter of the Digital Rural City State concept, he is involved in regional development work based on tourism, and works with local governments. He is bringing innovation within the company and pioneering new business operations. Currently manages a nationwide sales force of 1,000 people.