Musashino Art University and STUDIO ZERO Launch Serial Program 'Culture Shift Design Study Group (1st Term)' to Accelerate Corporate Culture Transformation

Musashino Art University (Kodaira City, Tokyo; President: Yūkazu Kabayama) and STUDIO ZERO, the intrapreneurial organization of Plaid Inc. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Kenta Kurahashi), will hold the serial program 'Culture Shift Design Study Group (1st Term)' from July 2026 as part of the joint research project 'Culture Shift Design Laboratory' established in January 2025. This program aims to nurture leaders who can drive corporate culture change.

Background

In recent years, with rapid changes in the business environment, many companies are being forced to reconsider their traditional corporate culture. However, many companies face a dilemma: 'Both management and the field understand the need for change, but organizational barriers hinder execution' and 'Strategies and policies do not connect to 'execution' in the field.'

Since its establishment in January 2025, the Culture Shift Design Laboratory has recognized the severity of these issues through dialogues with multiple companies, and has designed this study group as a practical program that integrates academic knowledge with the practical wisdom of a business collective.

Program Overview

This program consists of two parts: 'Lectures' by leading experts in various fields, and 'Networking (reception)' where leaders from different companies discuss organizational challenges and enhance practical knowledge. It is a three-session serial program that goes beyond mere classroom learning, providing a 'place for crossing boundaries and practice' for leaders driving cross-organizational projects to awaken as 'agents of change.'

Program Name: Culture Shift Design Study Group 1st Term

Target Participants: Leaders or potential leaders driving cross-organizational projects

Period: July 2026 – January 2027 (3 sessions, serial program)

Time: Lecture 19:00–20:30 / Networking 20:30–21:30 (common for all sessions)

Participation Fee: 30,000 yen per person (tax included, all 3 sessions)

Application Method: Apply via the detailed page below (selection process) https://peatix.com/event/5033292

Lecture Program and Speakers

Session 1: Theme 'Strategy' – July 10, 2026 (Fri) – Speakers: Tsuyoshi Kishizawa (Executive Officer, DX Promotion Department, Tokyo Gas); Hiromi Iwasaki (Professor, Musashino Art University); Facilitator: Kazuhiko Yamazaki – Venue: Musashino Art University Ichigaya Campus

Session 2: Theme 'Corporate Culture' – October 14, 2026 (Wed) – Speakers: Terumaru Sekimizu (Planning Director, HR Department, JT); Kunishige Sasō (Representative, BIOTOPE); Facilitator: Kanade Nishina – Venue: Plaid Office (Ginza)

Session 3: Theme 'Leadership' – January 18, 2027 (Mon) – Speakers: Kenji Takase (Manager, MC Infrastructure Business Division, NEC); Kazuhiko Yamazaki (Special Researcher, Social Creative Research Institute, Musashino Art University); Facilitator: Kanade Nishina – Venue: Musashino Art University Ichigaya Campus

Features of this Study Group

1. Industry-Academia Fusion: Program design combining the academic knowledge of Musashino Art University's Social Creative Research Institute with the practical wisdom of STUDIO ZERO in large-scale corporate transformation. 2. Lectures by Frontline Practitioners: Leaders driving transformation in major companies such as Tokyo Gas, JT, and NEC, as well as design management pioneers, will speak. 3. Cross-Boundary Networking: Networking sessions after lectures provide a place for leaders from different industries to share real organizational challenges and enhance practical knowledge. 4. Small Group Operation with Selection: By selecting participants and operating in small groups, high-quality dialogue and deep learning are achieved.

Comments from Stakeholders

Kazuhiko Yamazaki, Special Researcher, Social Creative Research Institute, Musashino Art University / Co-founder, X Design Institute Inc.: 'Since the establishment of the Culture Shift Design Laboratory, through dialogues with many companies, we have come to recognize that 'execution' of culture change is the biggest challenge. In this study group, we invite practitioners driving change at the forefront, and participants share organizational challenges across industries to create a place that nurtures 'agents of change.''

Kanade Nishina, Representative, STUDIO ZERO, Plaid Inc.: 'STUDIO ZERO has supported many large companies in their business transformation. Through this, we have become convinced that strategies and technology alone do not change organizations; 'culture' is the key to success or failure. This study group aims to produce as many leaders as possible who can execute corporate culture change through the knowledge of leaders on the front line and cross-boundary dialogue among participants.'

About Culture Shift Design Laboratory

A joint research project established in January 2025 by Musashino Art University and Plaid Inc.'s STUDIO ZERO. It aims to analyze the actual state of multiple organizations' cultures and build and deploy frameworks for creating the desired culture.

About Musashino Art University Social Creative Research Institute

Established in July 2019 to address the challenges of a rapidly changing and unpredictable modern era by crossing boundaries of companies, regions, governments, and education, conducting cross-disciplinary research on visions and prototypes to solve social problems and create new human values.

About STUDIO ZERO

A group of entrepreneurs with the mission to 'accelerate the transformation of industry and society.' They aim to create flagship examples in each industry by partnering with leading Japanese companies, SMEs supporting regional economies, startups, and government/public organizations, to leverage data for customer-centric new business creation and existing business transformation.

<Contact> Musashino Art University Collaboration Co-creation Team: social@musabi.ac.jp Plaid Inc. STUDIO ZERO (Contact: Nishina): studio-zero@plaid.co.jp