Higuchi is well known mainly for directing Shin Godzilla (2016) and Shin Ultraman (2022).

CEO of Yonago GAINAX Inc. Akai is also the creator of the world’s first simulation game, “Princess Maker.”

Born in Osaka in 1988, Akiyoshi graduated from the Keio University Graduate School of Media and Governance in 2015 after majoring in architecture at the College of Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology in 2013. Akiyoshi founded VUILD, a construction tech startup, in 2017. As President and CEO as well as a meta-architect, he promotes architecture by thorough digitalization from design to construction. A notable example of his work using digital technology includes the House for Marebito that is made of updated Gassho-zukuri (steep gable roof). He is also a developer of the cloud service “EMARF” for designers and architects that includes a precut service for materials and the “Nesting” digital house building platform.(Photo: Hirai Wataru)

Uchida, who was born in Fukui Prefecture in 1983, graduated from the Department of Architecture, Waseda University. After majoring in Sustainable City Design at Ferrara University graduate school in Italy, Uchida participated in regional planning projects mainly in Italy, Brazil, and Chile. Uchida is a senior director of Re:public. She is also a representative of YET. Through vision creation, organizational and business development, community and program design, etc., Uchida has engaged in building eco systems for sustainable communities with citizens, companies, municipalities, and universities. She has been a member of the Good Design Award juries since 2020 and was appointed as a regional revitalization evangelist by the Cabinet Office in 2017. Uchida is also an Expo Outcome Design Committee member for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1975, Saito graduated from the Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science Faculty. He began his career in New York in 2000 after graduating from Columbia University with a Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD). He founded Rhizomatiks Co.,Ltd (currently Abstract Engine Co., Ltd.) in 2006. Saito serves as director of Rhizomatiks Architecture Panoramatiks and works as an advisor for planning and implementation for government, companies, etc. in many projects. Saito worked as the Vice Chairperson of the Good Design Award from 2018 to 2022. In 2020, he served as creative advisor for the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Saito is a EXPO Co-creation Program Director for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1973, Shigematsu graduated from the Department of Architecture, School of Engineering, Kyushu University. Following his studies at Berlage Institute, he joined OMA in 1998. He has been representative of the OMA New York Office. He served as a guest professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD), Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), and other institutions. Since 2021, Shigematsu has been Professor Architect at the Built Environment Center with Art & Technology (BECAT), which was established under the theme of environment and social implementation at Kyushu University. Shigemitsu’s major work is not limited to projects such as Tenjin Business Center and Toranomon Hills Station Tower (scheduled for completion in 2023) in Japan but also includes an extension to the College of Architecture, Art and Planning at Cornell University and the renovation and reimagination of Sotheby’s New York Headquarters in the United States.(Photo: Julian Cassady)

Nakagawa, who was born in Tokyo in 1983, graduated from the Graduate School of Tokyo University of the Arts in 2007 following the completion of a bachelor’s degree in Yokohama National University in 2005. After working for ondesign partners from 2007 to 2014, Nakagawa established erika nakagawa office in 2014. Nakagawa is a recipient of the 2011 JIA Young Architect Award, the Special Mention for the Japan Pavilion at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition-La Biennale di Venezia in 2016, Residential Architecture Prize 2017 Gold Prize, and the 34th Yoshioka Prize in 2018. Her major work includes Yakohama Apartment*, Momoyama house, and Yamanaka Terrace (scheduled for completion in 2023). (* Joint design with ondesign partners)

Born in Osaka in 1958, Kondo graduated from Doshisha University in 1981. After leaving the Doctoral Program 2nd Half at the Graduate School of Doshisha University in 1984, Kondo engaged in sales promotion for large companies in Dentsu Inc. In 1987, he worked for the LA and NY branches of the Real Estate Division of then Sumitomo Trust Bank as a trainee. In 1988, Kondo gained experience in real estate development and sales and management of single-family homes and condominiums at a mid-sized real estate developer. In 2001, Kondo took over the business of the developer in a management buy-out and rebuilt the company into KS Group Holdings. Kondo focuses on solving the problem of vacant houses and increasing the value of existing houses, in addition to the revitalization of real estate transactions as Advisor of All Japan Real Estate Association Osaka Headquarters and Chairman of the Osaka Housing Revitalization Forum that is comprised of public organizations and private companies.

Toyoda, who was born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1963, established Nextware Ltd. in Osaka City in August 1997 after working at an IT company. The company was listed on NASDAQ Japan (currently the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market) in December 2000 and made OSK Nippon Revue Company a subsidiary company in 2018. Toyoda, President of Nextware Ltd., has served as a Board Member of Japan Personal Computer Software Association (currently Software Association of Japan) since 1999 and has served as Vice Chairman since 2012. Currently, he is also Chairperson of the Regional IoT Promotion Committee of the Software Association.