I specialize in designing user behavior and experiences, providing support for new business planning, growth strategies, and the implementation of new technologies.

After establishing Art&Mobile, Inc. in 2009, I founded the creative firm THE GUILD in 2013. Currently, I serve as the CXO for both note Inc. and Bengo4.com, Inc. I also act as a cross-sector business advisor, which includes my role as the AI Strategy Advisor for Yokosuka City. Beyond my advisory work, I am actively involved in writing and public speaking.

Born in Tokyo on January 17, 1966, I made my debut in 1983 with “”Silhouette Knight”” in Weekly Shonen Magazine.

In 1989, I began serializing the boxing-themed manga “”Hajime no Ippo.”” The series became a massive hit, often cited as the magazine’s flagship title. It won the 15th Kodansha Manga Award (Shonen category) in 1991 and was adapted into an anime in 2000, followed by another adaptation in 2009.

I am also known as a passionate boxing fan; my hobby eventually progressed to the point where I now manage my own boxing gym.

I have been involved in internet services since my student days.

I joined Recruit Co., Ltd. in 2006, and after working in new business development, I founded RocketStart Co., Ltd. (later nanapi, Inc.) in 2009. following the company’s acquisition in 2014, I joined the KDDI Group and was appointed as a Director of Supership Inc. I have been serving in my current position since 2018.

Currently, I contribute articles almost daily to my subscription-based business media, “aru Development Room.”

I served as the Director of the Tokiwaso Project starting in 2010, worked as the Secretariat for the launch of the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair in 2012, and launched the website “Man-navi” in 2017. Throughout my career, I have been involved in numerous planning and operational roles for manga-related businesses.
In March 2024, I established the MANGA Research Institute (General Incorporated Association), which serves as the operating body for IMART (International Manga Anime Relation Trade, launched in 2019), and I took on the position of Representative Director.
Currently, I am working to develop IMART into a global manga and anime conference, while also aiming to establish an annual IP market survey for the industry.
[Works]
note: “Manga Industry News Summary”
Solo Publication: “Manga Business”
Co-authored: “E-Book Business Research Report 2023-25”