スピーカー

Golden Rules is a comedy duo based in Hokkaido, Japan. With their distinctive personalities and engaging on-stage chemistry, they are active across a wide range of platforms including television and live events. They currently also serve as PR ambassadors for Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, focusing on community-based outreach and local promotion.

Selected Appearances

• STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting, Dosanko Ichiba
  
• Sub MC for Levanga Hokkaido home games, among others

Arichan (Left)

Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Enjoys drawing and watching basketball. In addition to comedy, he is also active in music as the keyboardist for “THE YOMPUNS.”

Nemoto (Right)

Born in Shiki City, Saitama Prefecture.
His hobbies include sauna sessions, strength training, soccer, basketball, and cheering for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Levanga Hokkaido.

Based in Hokkaido, I have hands-on experience at an IT company and have driven business execution in the tourism sector—spanning both on-the-ground operations and business development.
I now work independently in the IT/AI space, serving as a Web Production/Project Director and leading cross-functional business initiatives, including marketing.
During the launch-to-growth phase of a tourism business, I also handled travel support and led field-driven operations design and continuous improvement, working with over 1,000 tourists annually.
Leveraging the experience I gained through English and IT study abroad, I have joined a Hokkaido-based tourism startup as CMO.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

In 2016, joined Sakura Internet, Inc. After working on service construction and maintenance at the Ishikari Data Center, served as Access Control Manager and Project Manager for business transfer projects.
Currently leveraging my technical background to drive co-creation with startups.
Starting in April 2024, I will concurrently serve as Open Innovation Domain Manager for the STARTUP HOKKAIDO Executive Committee,　Focusing on creating new points of contact that connect Hokkaido municipalities and companies with startups.

She is currently implementing initiatives to connect municipalities with companies possessing digital technology at The Hokkaido Government Economic Affairs Department's DX Promotion Division. This is in response to local governments' questions: "What can we do to solve regional challenges? How should we proceed?" The division is facilitating this connection through dialogue with stakeholders and hosting matching events!

Born in Sendai in 1994, graduated from Tohoku University. During my first winter as a freshman, I was invited by a friend to start a business in the field of gamification. Through running the company, I met various adults in the community and discovered the excitement of co-creation happening. After joining Works Applications Co., Ltd. as an engineer, an unexpected encounter with founding members during a job search led to the establishment of ATOMica in April 2019. Within seven years, the company grew to over 170 full-time employees, raising a cumulative total of 2 billion yen in funding. Recognized by the Minister for Regional Revitalization in 2024 and selected for Toyo Keizai's "Amazing Ventures 100" in 2025.

February 25 (Wed)　Talk Session Speakers

Completed Doctoral Program at the Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University (Doctor of Engineering)After serving as a postdoctoral researcher, he joined the Industry-Academia Collaboration Department at Gifu University as a NEDO Fellow. He then worked as an Associate Professor and URA at the Gifu University Research Promotion and Community Engagement Organization until 2018. In 2016, he was seconded to the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) through a cross-appointment. In 2018, he transferred to become a Senior Manager in NEDO's Innovation Promotion Department. From 2019, he worked in the University Collaboration Promotion Office of the Bureau of Industrial Technology and Environment, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), involved in policy and project planning. He has held his current position since 2023. He serves as a director of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Society and as a review committee member for various government and local authorities. He frequently participates as a panelist and seminar lecturer on a wide range of topics including industry-academia collaboration.

February 25 (Wed)　Talk Session Speakers

Graduated from Hokkaido Prefectural Kushiro Koryo High School, Science and Mathematics Course. After completing a Master's program at Hokkaido University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, joined Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., where he engaged in pharmacology and clinical research in the ophthalmology field, as well as formulation development. During a secondment to the Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute in the U.S., he was responsible for drug discovery and sourcing startups related to regenerative medicine, being inspired by the vibrancy of the local startup ecosystem. Upon returning to Japan, he led non-clinical drug development through alliance activities. In the Corporate Planning Department, he promoted investment execution in startups and venture capital firms, as well as new business creation. Joined PwC in 2025, working with central government ministries and local governments to support deep tech startups and foster new industries.

February 25 (Wed)　Talk Session Speakers

After graduating from Hokkaido Prefectural Takikawa High School, she attended Tokai University and completed his studies at the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, earning a Doctor of Science degree. Participated in the Integrated Deep Sea Drilling Project for a total of six years in Japan and the United States. After returning to Japan, spent approximately ten years in academia involved in securing large-scale research funding, international collaboration, industry-academia partnerships, and university organizational reform. After working at a major electronics manufacturer, she joined PwC in 2022. Leveraging her expertise in science and technology, she leads projects focused on building industry-academia collaborations and facilitating partnerships between large corporations and startups. She is also involved in pioneering new business areas using internal investments and developing talent.

February 25 (Wed)　Talk Session Speakers

Joined Sapporo City Hall in 2006. Seconded to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry from 2019, working on digital transformation promotion and digital talent policy. From 2021, responsible for innovation policy in digital, AI, semiconductors and related fields within the Industrial Promotion Division. Assumed current position in 2024. Promotes open innovation through co-creation between government and private enterprises, including the establishment of the public-private partnership platform SAPPORO CO-CREATION GATE.

Joined Dentsu as a new graduate and began a career in the new business development division. After gaining experience managing key accounts for major beverage brands, moved into the current role within the group’s innovation organization.

Currently responsible for driving business development and acceleration across Japan and Asia, including sourcing high-potential international partners, leading strategic investments, and building cross-border alliances.

Focus areas include innovation research, 3D media, gaming, and content-driven partnerships, working closely with global partners to develop and scale new business opportunities.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

"Pascal Kuemper is a visionary entrepreneur and international executive at the forefront of immersive technology and AI-driven business transformation. As CEO of Bizzlogic GmbH, he has spent over a decade pioneering innovative platforms that merge digital collaboration, Metaverse experiences, and intelligent automation. Helping global enterprises like BMW and Procter & Gamble reimagine engagement and productivity in the digital age."

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

"Michael Liu's career spans government compliance, academic research, and industrial automation leadership. He began at Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) managing safety inspections and certifications for 100+ companies while gaining expertise in government resource integration and technology commercialization. In 2017, he led National Cheng Kung University's drone swarm project, creating Taiwan's first 100-drone demonstration team and establishing capabilities in UAV system integration. Since founding Droxo Tech in 2019, he has pioneered field-driven robotics for high-risk industrial maintenance, designing automation workflows including the AAROW Cleaning Robot that achieves 200 m²/day cleaning performance with 40% manpower reduction."

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Born in 2002. Relocated to Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido whilst attending Keio University, serving as a Regional Revitalisation Cooperation Team member responsible for policies concerning connected populations and hometown residents. Has served as a director of the general incorporated association Anchor since university, providing inquiry-based learning and career education to over 3,000 secondary school and university students nationwide, primarily in regional areas. Has also lectured at Sophia University and Nagano Prefectural University Graduate School.
Furthermore, as an LGBTQ+ individual, he founded a physical community space in his teens. He currently delivers lectures on DEI and LGBTQ+ issues at educational institutions and corporations, while also serving as a former external advisor (SSA) for SMBC Consumer Finance.
He currently develops the hands-on business creation consulting service 'JOBTURN', aiming for a society where individuals can choose 'places to challenge themselves' where their uniqueness thrives. By pairing consultants responsible for strategy formulation with young project leaders who execute the practical work, he works to prevent new ventures in regional companies from 'strategy collapse' and strives to realise a society where innovators are scattered nationwide.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 10:00-17:00　Hokkaido Startup Studio Advanced Program Business Report

Masayuki Murakami has worked as an elementary school teacher at a Sapporo municipal public elementary school for 18 years. He is currently enrolled in a doctoral program, where he conducts practice-based research that bridges classroom practice and academic study.
He founded the voluntary organization Sensei Mirai Project, working to create environments in which school teachers can fully exercise their abilities, regain confidence, and embrace challenges in order to protect the future of all children.
By working across education, research, and startups, he aims to transform a system in which educational quality has depended on individual dedication and experience into one that is organizationally supported through data and AI.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 10:00-17:00　Hokkaido Startup Studio Advanced Program Business Report

He has worked at AI-related companies and Japanese consulting firms, primarily supporting new business development initiatives and mid-term strategic planning in the public sector.
He is currently collaborating with Professor Namikoshi’s laboratory at the Kitami Institute of Technology as a Visiting Researcher, where he promotes research and business development in the agricultural domain utilizing temperature-responsive polymer technologies.
Through both research and social implementation, he aims to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural models that are resilient to climate change.

Tuesday, 24 February, 13:00–14:30
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

After working as an elementary school teacher, I am now engaged as a successor at my family’s company, Sakanoshita Farm, while studying dairy management at the Agricultural Special Course of Betsukai High School. I am committed to creating new employment models that combine welfare and dairy farming to realize an inclusive society where everyone can work. My goal is to reform the family’s dairy business and expand sustainable and inclusive working styles throughout the region.

Tuesday, 24 February, 13:00–14:30
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

CEO of DeerVery Inc., a Hokkaido-based startup redefining the interface between wildlife and human society through technology.
He develops data-driven products such as “Rakushika,” a SaaS platform supporting wildlife capture, utilization, and operational management.
Grounded in real-world experience with deer and bear management in Hokkaido, his work focuses on wildlife data and decision-making systems, with the goal of scaling solutions from Hokkaido to the world.

Tuesday, 24 February, 13:00–14:30
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

With over 10 years of experience managing a system development company and extensive involvement in business development for government agencies and private sector clients, I founded Herald Inc. two years ago with the goal of creating startups that significantly transform societal structures. Leveraging my background in study abroad, interpretation, and IT, I am currently challenging myself to develop a new tourism startup company in Hokkaido.

I specialize in rapid MVP development, leveraging my expertise in AI-driven system development and experience leading domestic and international development teams. In high school, I aspired to be a guitarist. My favorite food is chicken nanban.

Tuesday, 24 February, 13:00–14:30
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

Served for approximately ten years as a paramedic with the local Akita Prefecture Fire Department. On the frontline, I witnessed firsthand the reality of numerous cases where ambulance transport was unnecessary and experienced the strain on emergency transport services.
After leaving the service, I entered the care taxi and private ambulance sectors, developing business support, call centre operations, and network building. Currently, I operate a call centre business connecting care taxi and private transport providers nationwide, while also promoting franchising and a SaaS solution to eliminate inefficiencies in transport operations.
With the mission of "creating a society where ambulances need not be called",
I aim to implement non-emergency transport infrastructure through a field-first approach combined with networking and technology.

Tuesday, 24 February, 13:00–14:30
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

I have experienced at various research institutions in different scientific fields. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of collaboration and building strong connections with people. At my current affiliation, the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD), Hokkaido University, I developed an image-based machine learning system that enables quantitative analysis using only a small number of images, in collaboration with researchers from other research fields. I am now preparing to be found HAYAIDE Inc. to apply this technology to real-world problems, starting with improving the efficiency of inspection work in community pharmacies and drug stores

Tuesday, 24 February, 13:00–14:30
Hokkaido Startup Studio "ADVANCED Programme" Business Report Meeting

Following work at a foreign consulting firm supporting the development of cybersecurity strategies for financial institutions, he pursued research into the microscopic analysis of urban pedestrian flows at the University of Tokyo. He is currently enrolled in the doctoral programme at the Graduate School of Engineering. He holds numerous awards from international journals and academic conferences.

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture. Graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Graduate School (Major: Biotechnology).

Joined a start-up in Africa (Tanzania/Kenya) as a graduate. Engaged in business development for off-grid power, SaaS, and air conditioning subscription services. Served as Head of Business Development and Product Development (PM and UX/UI Designer), acting as a bridge between Japan and Africa, business and technology, driving innovation.

In 2025, joined ShipMate Co., Ltd. Responsible for an international distribution project targeting inbound tourists (Hokkaido), aiming to serve as a bridge connecting Japan's local market to the global stage.

My hobbies are surfing / handstands / backpacking

Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in January 1973. Launched a used automotive parts sales business in 1993, subsequently joining Maruhachi Kogyo Limited. Assumed the role of Representative Director of the company in 2019. In May 2025, established Shell Med Co., Ltd. with three investors. Focusing on industrial waste derived from discarded scallops in Hokkaido, the venture aims to develop its effective utilisation.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
　February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Following completion of postgraduate studies, gained experience in sales and business development at a major retail group and an education-focused venture company. Subsequently, at an accelerator firm, engaged in promoting open innovation between large corporations and startups, and managing growth support initiatives for startups in regional cities.
Joined Kisuiki Corporation in 2023, where I currently oversee the entire business domain—from business development to sales—primarily for domestic Japanese projects. Guided by the motto "creating valuable businesses for the region," I focus on initiatives connecting regions with enterprises.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
　February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, he joined Mitsubishi Corporation. Within the space business domain, he engaged in satellite image sales, launching new GIS services, M&A, and subsidiary management. In October 2016, he founded SkyMatics with the mission to "create a new society through remote sensing". Selected for J-Startup in 2021 and awarded the Japan Construction International Award Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Prize in 2024.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 10:30-12:00　Green Acceleration Program Results Presentation

After graduating from Hitotsubashi University's Faculty of Economics, he joined a major Japanese IT company. Having progressed to the role of Sales Manager, he then worked in domain planning, formulating sales strategies for new products and establishing sales operations. Subsequently, he led business development at an AI start-up and a satellite data venture. In 2022, he founded Archeda Inc.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 10:30-12:00　Green Acceleration Program Results Presentation

After joining Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., he was engaged in IR and new business development. He then joined A.T. Carney, where he supported business due diligence and new business planning. In 2023, he joined Albatross Technology Co., Ltd. and was appointed Director. He is responsible for all corporate-related operations. He holds an MBA from IE Business School.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 10:30-12:00　Green Acceleration Program Results Presentation

Born in 1992, Ms. Aonami graduated from the College of Intercultural Communication, Rikkyo University. She holds TESOL certification and a Type 1 Teaching License for Junior and Senior High School (English).

Ms. Aonami began her professional career by teaching English to Mexican immigrants in California, USA. She subsequently served in Communications roles at international organizations, including UN Women Timor-Leste (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) and the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre in Germany.

Following her international work, she served as a Researcher at the Singapore branch of the U.S. based research firm Guidepoint.

In 2022, Ms. Aonami founded Swell Co., Ltd., where she currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

Born in 1954 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Dr. Houkin holds a Doctor of Medical Science (M.D., Ph.D.) from Hokkaido University.

After graduating from the School of Medicine, Hokkaido University in 1979, he began his career at the Hokkaido University Hospital and other affiliated medical institutions.

In 1986, Dr. Houkin spent two years and two months as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Davis. Upon his return to Japan, he held various academic and hospital positions, including Assistant at the Hokkaido University Hospital and the School of Medicine, Hokkaido University.

He was appointed Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, in 2000. The following year, in 2001, he joined the School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, as a Professor.

In 2010, Dr. Houkin returned to the Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, as a Professor. He subsequently took on numerous senior leadership roles, including Director of Hokkaido University Hospital and Vice President of Hokkaido University. 

Prior to his current role, he also served as a Specially Appointed Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University.

Dr. Houkin assumed his current position as the President of Hokkaido University in October 2020. His medical specialization is Neurosurgery.

After graduating from Keio University, Madoka Akagi began her career at Ajinomoto Co., Inc. In 2020, she founded AgeWellJapan with a mission to create a society where people can age positively. The company provides services that support seniors in pursuing new challenges and discoveries, as well as programs that develop professionals who accompany and empower older adults. Akagi aims to build a society where longevity is something everyone can genuinely celebrate. She has been selected as one of Forbes JAPAN’s “100 Hopeful Leaders Who Will Save the World” and has been featured in numerous media outlets.

While studying at Osaka University, Eri Fukuda studied abroad in San Francisco and South Korea. After returning to Japan, she launched a beginner-focused web design course for women, which enrolled more than 300 students during her university years.
She joined Recruit Holdings in 2015 as a new graduate. In April 2017, at the age of 26, she founded SHE Inc., a company dedicated to providing career support for millennial women. The company’s flagship program, SHElikes, has since surpassed 200,000 total participants. In 2020, she assumed the position of CEO of SHE Inc.

After completing his graduate studies at the University of Tokyo, Takashi Kawasaki began his career in research and development for air-conditioning systems at Daikin Industries. He later joined a global energy company, where he led the launch of new AI-driven businesses, electricity trading operations, and carbon credit initiatives.

Leveraging his expertise in both energy businesses and environmental technologies, he founded CarbonNest Inc. with the mission of bringing carbon removal technologies into real-world implementation.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Graduated from Kyoto University's Faculty of Engineering. During university, participated in lectures and programmes concerning the environment and climate change. Through one such entrepreneurship programme focusing on environment and food, met our CEO and joined Fager in October 2022. Through business development and research analysis, expands and deploys decarbonised agricultural methods, including biochar, across additional countries.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
　February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Ayumi Nakata founded Kango Plus Inc. in October 2023, guided by the mission of “creating a society where people can live healthily, joyfully, and true to themselves—even at the age of 100.” In collaboration with companies, local governments, and universities, she is advancing the social implementation of an integrated community care model that connects the regional wellness hub “Machi no Hokenshitsu” with “Odekake Plus,” an AI-powered on-demand transportation service accompanied by nurses to support health-promoting outings.
In 2025, Kango Plus Inc. was recognized as a startup originating from Sapporo City University and certified as a Hokkaido University-affiliated startup, driving forward initiatives that integrate research and business to address social challenges.

• Education

  • Master of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University (2013)

• Clinical Experience (Nurse)

  • Hokkaido University Hospital, Nurse (2001–2004 / 2007–2012)

• Academic & Research Positions

  • Part-time Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University (2013, 2024, 2025)
  • Visiting Researcher, Graduate School of Public Policy, Hokkaido University (2018–2020)
  • Part-time Lecturer, School of Dentistry, Hokkaido University (from Oct. 2025)
  • Sapporo City University (2014–2024):

    • Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, Education Support Project Center
    • Assistant Professor, Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing
    • Research Fellow

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Born in 1964, Tatsuya Aburano has approximately 39 years of experience in IT industry sales. In 2005, he transitioned from his role as Sales Director at NTT DATA to join a domestic software package vendor that was then unlisted. Although the company’s planned IPO was postponed shortly after his arrival, he contributed significantly to its subsequent growth, leading to a successful listing two years later.

Since 2011, he has served as President and Chief Sales Officer of DataVehicle, Inc., overseeing overall business operations. He has spearheaded numerous evidence-based tourism (EBPM) initiatives through data analysis for regions including the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, Takachiho Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, and many others.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Mitsuyoshi Oki began his career applying control technologies developed in the finance and automotive industries to the field of agriculture, contributing to the advancement of agricultural DX in Japan. At his previous position with Agridog, he was involved in building environmental monitoring systems, where he became convinced of the essential role that “automated control” would play in the next phase of the industry.
He founded GREEN OFFSHORE Inc. in 2022 and has since led the development of technologies including GO SWITCH, an automated control system, Kono Ato Tenki, an environmental forecasting service, and satellite data analysis solutions. Through these initiatives, he is driving technology-based solutions to complex challenges in the agricultural sector and contributing to the digital transformation of Japanese agriculture.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

After obtaining an MBA, joined Mitsubishi Fuso in 2005. Engaged in business revitalisation and operational improvements within the Sales Division, contributing to the strengthening of domestic sales strategy. Subsequently, at AlixPartners, a US-based corporate restructuring consultancy, achieved profitability for a Japanese-Australian manufacturing company. Joined Nissan Motor in 2016, where within the Global Sales Division, was involved in planning and promoting dealer network strategy, establishing a new business model for automotive retail. In 2020, he assumed the role of President and Representative Director at StreetScooter Japan (B-ON), spearheading the expansion of the electric commercial vehicle business. In September 2023, he founded eMotion Fleet Co., Ltd., focusing on EV fleet management to realise sustainable mobility.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
　February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Drawing on my experience raising a child who struggled to memorise spatial information, I have researched and developed a technology that provides subtle voice hints tailored to specific locations. This work is progressing with support from initiatives such as NEDO SBIR. When visiting a new place, anyone can become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and find it impossible to remember everything. My starting point was this question: could technology discreetly support those moments when someone nearby would naturally say, "This is how it works here"? Today, beyond outdoor guidance, it is utilised as on-site wisdom in areas where AI struggles to reach. This includes supporting the inheritance of artisan skills within factories and workshops, and providing unmanned, voice-based task assistance that supports procedures as if someone were standing beside you. In this Asahiyama Zoo pilot, facility staff place audio cues within the park's spaces. Visitors are then 'escorted unmanned, as if someone were standing beside them' via a podcast-style format. The aim is to share the zoo's attractions and educational offerings with more people, without relying solely on human staff.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
　February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Born in 1983 in Chiba Prefecture and raised in Osaka, Tsubasa Sugai now resides in Takarazuka, Hyogo. After graduating from the Faculty of Business Administration at Otemon Gakuin University, he worked at a staffing agency and an electrical equipment manufacturer before founding Spice Cube Inc.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Hitotsubashi University, Takashi Suga worked in the private sector before launching Biotope Journal, a project in which he documented the lives and perspectives of young people while traveling and reporting across 25 countries.

Upon returning to Japan, he contributed to the launch of several media outlets as an editor, and in 2015 co-founded SAGOJO Inc., guided by the mission of “bringing the option of traveling into people’s lives.” Through collaborations with companies and local governments, he has accompanied more than 1,000 travelers and supported numerous regional transformation initiatives.

Suga’s regional NFT project KIN-TOWN received the Grand Prize at the Japan Tourism NFT Awards 2024, and LIVIO×TENJIKU, a project designed to build long-term connections between urban residents and local communities, was awarded the Good Design Award 2025.

In 2025, he founded sakasa Inc. He now divides his time between Rishiri Island and Tokyo, working as a facilitator who supports people and places—bridging life and work, and connecting individuals with local communities.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

Yuka Matsuo is currently a student at the Faculty of Commerce, Fukuoka University. After completing an internship at a venture capital firm, she joined Napps Technologies, where she is responsible for the business side of the company. Her work focuses on sales and business development, particularly in marketing powered by AI technologies.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 24 (Tue), 14:30–16:30　Local Innovation Challenge HOKKAIDO 2025 Demoday

After graduating from Waseda University, So Sugawara began his career in business development at Recruit Co., Ltd., and later worked in sustainability, DEI, and ESG promotion within the Corporate Planning and Sustainability Office at Recruit Holdings. He then served as Chief Strategy Officer at Minit Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., overseeing corporate strategy.

In 2021, he founded Green Innovation, a general incorporated association that drives GX (Green Transformation) through industry–government–academia collaboration. Sugawara has also contributed extensively to national energy policy, serving as an Energy Public Relations and Education Specialist at the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (2020–2025) and as an Energy Transition Specialist in the Resource and Fuel Department (2022–2023).

He was selected as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum in 2011 and currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Planetary Health Project at the Health and Global Policy Institute. Since 2024, he has been the Manager for the Environment & Energy domain at the STARTUP HOKKAIDO Executive Committee.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
2月24日(火)10:30-12:00　Green Acceleration Program 成果発表会

Ryo Ito has built a diverse career across multiple industries, including roles as a Medical Representative at a pharmaceutical company, manager at both a major Japanese advertising agency and a global agency, and board member at a mobility-related startup. In October 2022, he returned to his hometown of Sapporo and was appointed Startup Promotion Manager as an external expert at the Sapporo City Government.

Recognizing the need to advance startup initiatives not only in Sapporo but across all of Hokkaido, he co-founded the STARTUP HOKKAIDO Executive Committee. He also planned and opened “Shakoba Young,” a startup community space on the top floor of the Sapporo City Hall, contributing to the growth of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

With strengths in new organizational development, business strategy, project management, and sales, Ito now serves as COO of Kantomint Inc. as well as Startup Strategy Specialist for the City of Sapporo.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
2月24日(火)10:30-12:00　Green Acceleration Program 成果発表会

Born in Sapporo in March 1979, Yusuke Munakata began his career in the medical field after obtaining his national certification as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in 2000. For approximately five years, he worked at medical institutions, conducting examinations such as ECG, EEG, and ultrasound.
He later joined Hokkaido Air Water Co., Ltd. (now Air Water Hokkaido Inc.) and contributed to launching the company’s sleep-related medical business. After working for about ten years in the sleep medicine field, he went on to oversee the overall operations of the home medical care division.
Seeking new challenges, he transferred to the company’s Business Planning Department in 2023 through an internal application process. In December 2024, he became the manager of “Air Water Forest,” an open innovation facility newly opened in Sapporo’s Soen district. He is currently engaged in various projects aimed at addressing social challenges in Hokkaido, with a focus on food & agriculture, tourism, and healthcare.

Focus Areas
Food & Agriculture / Tourism / Healthcare

Hobbies
Travel, sauna, mahjong, quizzes, and history

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

April 1979 Municipal employee, City of Sapporo

April 2004 Director, Information Technology Promotion
Department, Planning & Coordination Bureau
April 2005 Director, General Planning Department, Community
Development & City Planning Bureau
April 2008 Director General, Minami Ward Office
April 2009 Director, Mayor's Policy Planning Office
September 2014 Leave office of Vice Mayor, City of Sapporo
May 2015 Mayor, City of Sapporo

Born in the United States and raised in Sapporo, Hokkaido, (Name) has worked as a planner and producer at a creative agency, contributing to branding and promotional projects for products and services in Japan and abroad.
He/She supports new business development, R&D activities, and startup launches through communication design—driving projects from concept creation and business planning to branding and marketing, combining both creative ideation and practical execution.
His/Her work has received numerous awards, including ACC GOLD, HAC Grand Prix, Dentsu Advertising Awards, Red Dot, and iF DESIGN AWARD.

Born in Okinawa and raised in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Akio Kuranishi joined Hokuyo Bank as a new graduate after completing his degree in physics. He holds an MBA from Otaru University of Commerce and is a graduate of the Regional Innovation Advisor School (RIAS).
He currently serves as the bank’s first Junior Expert, working in venture fund operations and supporting regional industry development. He is also a part-time lecturer at the Otaru University of Commerce Graduate School, where he teaches Entrepreneurial Finance.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Gaming YouTuber/Content Creator with 3.8 million subscribers primarily focused on Roblox, which is the fastest growing platform in gaming and on YouTube. Have been creating content on Roblox since 2021, and throughout that time, I have accumulated over 1 Billion views world wide, and garnering 7 billion+ impressions in shot-form, long-form and livestream content.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Victor is the Co-founder and Head of Infrastructure at Tryp.com, a Denmark-based AI TravelTech startup. Founded while many of its founding members were still university students, Tryp.com has rapidly grown into one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe’s travel sector. With thousands of tickets sold each month, multiple VC-backed funding rounds, and ongoing TV campaigns across several countries, the company is steadily establishing itself as a new household name in the leisure travel space.
During his three years in Hokkaido, Victor founded Guramu Software G.K., a software consultancy, and launched the Hokkaido Entrepreneurship Expo, a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting and strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial community.
More recently, he has gained attention as the initiator of “Don’t Kill Foreign Entrepreneurship in Japan,” a movement protesting proposed changes to the Business Manager visa that could negatively impact foreign entrepreneurs in Japan.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

After beginning his career in the financial sector, Yamato transitioned to the Sapporo City Government, where he worked on entrepreneurship and startup support initiatives. He played a key role in bridging local communities and startups through programs such as “STARTUP CITY SAPPORO,” and led international collaboration events and public–private pilot projects.
In March 2024, he left the Sapporo City Government and co-founded Kantomint Inc., a public–private bridging company, with two former colleagues who also departed the city office.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Kentaro Morita graduated from Hitotsubashi University and earned a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. He previously served as an Economic Officer at the Embassies of Japan in Estonia and Romania, and has held roles as Assistant Manager at a Japanese–Estonian startup and Manager at a major Japanese think tank.

Since joining SIPA Partners in 2024, he has been engaged in public policy and political consulting for major global tech companies. He is also active as a mentor for the European accelerator InnovX and serves as an international organizer for the Shake H conference.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Sera brings experience from Mitsui & Co., Ltd., where she worked on forestry and afforestation initiatives as well as real estate development in the U.S. and Southeast Asia. After completing her MBA at IE Business School with a focus on sustainability and impact investing, she joined Digital Garage in 2021. There, she develops new sustainability businesses and supports startups through ESG and impact-driven investments. She holds a degree from Wesleyan University and the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

After graduating from Waseda University, he began his career in business development for a Japanese medical device company, covering markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He later worked in product marketing at a global medical device manufacturer.
He joined 01Booster, a leading Japanese accelerator, in 2017, where he oversaw multiple acceleration programs and led the development of strategic partnerships with international accelerators.
He also founded InnoScouter, an innovation management SaaS startup, and successfully exited the company.
Currently serving as an Executive Director at 01Booster, he drives cross-border collaboration between Japan and Asia, with a strong focus on supporting startups in their global expansion and entry into the Japanese market.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Seiko Miura is the CEO of North Greenation LLC and the General Manager of the Sapporo Transnational Expansion & Partnership (STEP) initiative.

She specializes in supporting international companies entering Hokkaido and Sapporo, and in building cross-border collaborations across industry, government, and academia. Her work spans global acceleration programs, international delegation management, and the design of partnership-driven initiatives with universities and research institutions.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Stephane Gantchev is General Partner at LAUNCHub Ventures, one of the leading Early Stage Venture Capital funds in Central/South Eastern Europe, a long time entrepreneur, and angel investor.

Stephane's background includes 15 years in IT and Telecom with positions held at IT service
providers, telecom operators, startups. Gantchev was Head of Innovations at the French telecom Orange for the Mobile branch of the company and has been an entrepreneur in the mobile space.

He joined LAUNCHub in June 2013, actively supporting South Eastern Europe’s entrepreneurial community and event scene. Stephane was also co-organizer of DigitalK, a leading European Digital/Tech/Startup conference in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Alfredo Coppola is Co-CEO at US Market Access Center (USMAC), the longest-standing startup accelerator in Silicon Valley for foreign companies seeking to successfully enter global markets through Silicon Valley, through its flagship program: “Thing Big, Start Smart, Scale Fast”. In addition, Alfredo is Chairman and co-founder of Prospera Women, an organization that equips female founders with the skills & resources needed to grow beyond local markets & succeed on a global scale. Alfredo is also an executive member of Marin-Sonoma Impact Ventures, an angel investor organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that invests in both American and global startups.

Alfredo is a seasoned chief executive with a proven track record in helping foreign governments to bolster their tech ecosystems by increasing the strength of their startup communities along with their respective stakeholders. Alfredo has coached and mentored more than 1,500 startup founders as part of his day-to-day activities at USMAC. Since 2011, Alfredo has had direct influence in helping more than 2,100 startups to enter global markets from Silicon Valley – 48% of which have been successful in winning customer contract and PoCs, and more than 18% has raised more than $5.1 billion USD in capital from investors.

Alfredo joined USMAC in 2004 as a volunteer mentor, following his previous successful exit of his startup company, Animatics Interactive, a computer gaming company that was acquired by gaming giant Corel Corporation in 1996.

Alfredo is a certified Kauffman FastTrac instructor and teaches the “Tech Venture” and “GrowthVenture” curricula to foreign entrepreneurs and economic development groups worldwide.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Alexander Broekman is a Dutch entrepreneur and connector based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is the founder of Superconnectors, the “TED of Connection”, an event series held alongside major conferences across Europe the US and Asia, where startups ask for a specific introduction and 20–30 Superconnectors (highly connected people) compete to deliver the best match. Alexander also founded Mimotica, a research venture in cognitive hearing, and is active across the European deeptech ecosystem.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Sumeet is the co-founder and CEO of Crafting, building best-in-class production-like environments for enterprise engineering teams like Brex, Faire, Verkada, and more. Previously, he was an early engineering leader at Meta, Uber, and Discord. He has been an active angel investor and advisor for years before taking the founder leap himself

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Max Gurvits is a Dutch/Bulgarian entrepreneur and investor based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Founder of two exited startups and two VC funds, Max is the co-founder of SuperSummit and has been active in startup and venture ecosystem development worldwide. Since 2020 he is the founding and managing partner of Vitosha Ventures, a CEE venture capital fund in Sofia, Bulgaria, and serving as Deputy Chair of the Bulgarian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (BVCA)

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference

Alexandria Lee is a Senior Researcher at Discord, where she specializes in user and market research focused on gaming, media, and pop culture. Over the past 4.5 years, Alex has shaped Discord's understanding of its core gaming audience by uncovering user needs, tracking gaming industry trends, and translating insights to help product and marketing teams make better products and experiences.

Before Discord, Alex established the gaming research practice at AnswerLab, a user research consultancy based in San Francisco, and conducted hardware accessibility research at Microsoft on the Surface tablet line and related accessories.

Speaking Engagements／登壇・講演予定
February 25 (Wed), 10:00-17:00　SHAKE H Conference