a TIME100“Most Influential People in AI” honoree (2023)

Recognition as Taiwan’s Cyber Ambassador and inaugural Digital Minister marked a historic milestone as the world’s first non-binary cabinet minister. Selection for the TIME100 in 2023 as one of the most influential figures in AI acknowledged a lifelong commitment to self-education, prominence in the free and open-source software community, and promotion of civic technology through the g0v movement and participatory-democracy platforms. Contributions to Taiwan’s effective pandemic response have also garnered international acclaim.

Artist / creator of the basic concept for the Japan Pavilion at EXPO 2025

Graduation as valedictorian from the Graduate School of Tokyo University of the Arts preceded an active career as an artist. Interpreting Japanese culture, customs, and beliefs from a unique viewpoint, works are created that offer new perspectives through technology. Recognition includes the Excellence Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival and the Honorary Award at Ars Electronica, with a role as creator of the ‘Japan Pavilion Basic Concept Project’ for Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.

Pure Land Buddhist monk/Visiting Professor at Musashino University

Graduating from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Tokyo and obtaining an MBA from the Indian School of Business set the stage for a multifaceted career as a Buddhist monk, futurist, author, and speaker. Holding positions as Visiting Professor at Musashino University; General Producer of KANFA Tree Village; industrial monk at Interbeing Inc.; and monk at Komyoji Temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. Publication of the book The Monk’s Guide to Mindful Cleaning, translated into 20 languages, and dissemination of insights through the podcasts Temple Morning Radio and voice.

President, Human Renaissance Institute

Following a career at a major bank, joining OMRON Corporation in 1996 led to roles spanning domestic and international sales, product planning, business planning, management of overseas subsidiaries, and marketing within the Industrial Automation Business. Appointment as President and CEO of OMRON Taiyo Co., Ltd. in 2021 marked the launch of Japan’s first operating company where persons with disabilities and non-disabled persons work side by side. Assuming the current position in January 2023, ongoing efforts leverage the future-prediction ‘SINIC Theory’ as a catalyst for creating a better future society beyond corporate boundaries.

Executive Officer/Senior General Manager,Technology & Intellectual Property HQ, OMRON

Completion of the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Ritsumeikan University in 1997 preceded entry into OMRON Corporation that same year. Engagement in research and development of image and optical sensing has continued since. Appointment as President and CEO of OMRON SynicX Co., Ltd. occurred in February 2018, followed by roles as General Manager of the Technology & Intellectual Property Headquarters and Director of the Technology & IP Strategy Office in March 2022, and as Executive Officer in April 2022. Concurrently holding visiting professorships at the Graduate School of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, and the Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, alongside a seat on the Board of Directors of the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence.

Research Vice Predisint OMRON SINIC X^*
*Institute of Cutting-Edge research

Completion of doctoral studies at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, in March 2014, followed by a research appointment at NTT Communication Science Laboratories (CS Labs) in April. Service as a lecturer at the University of Tokyo (Harada Ushiku Laboratory) in 2016 and appointment as Principal Investigator at OMRON SynicX Co., Ltd. in October 2018. Assuming the role of Research Vice President at OMRON SynicX in 2024, alongside concurrent responsibilities as Chief Research Officer at Ridge-i Inc., Representative of Ninebulls LLC, and CEO of NexaScience Inc.

Executive Fellow, Human Renaissance Institute

After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at Keio University, he worked at FUJIFILM Corporation before joining OMRON's "Do Tank" Human Renaissance Institute Co.,Ltd. in 1991 as a founding member. Based on the SINIC theory, he captures omens of the future both in Japan and overseas, and foresees the future from a humanistic and social approach. He has also worked on creating near-future social needs and implementing them in society. He is the author of "SINIC Theory: OMRON's Futurology: Predicting the Past Half Century and Predicting the Coming Half Century" and others.