QuEra Computing President and Director Takuya Kitagawa Appointed Advisor at CPA Excellent Partners

CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kensuke Kunimi; hereinafter "CPA") is pleased to announce that Takuya Kitagawa, President and Director of QuEra Computing, has been appointed as an "Advisor" to our company, effective July 1, 2026.

Background of Advisor Appointment

As the importance of AI technology rapidly increases in all businesses, acquiring specialized knowledge and strengthening our systems in the AI and data fields have become extremely critical themes for CPA's sustainable growth.

Mr. Kitagawa possesses not only a sophisticated scientific perspective as a theoretical physicist but also a proven track record of leading large-scale data organizations, having overseen the AI and data strategy for the entire Rakuten Group as Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Data Officer (CDO).

Furthermore, he has demonstrated outstanding achievements and deep expertise in both the social implementation of cutting-edge technology and corporate management, including managing global tech companies and serving as an outside director for a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.

Moving forward, Mr. Kitagawa is expected to provide CPA with advanced insights in AI and data science. This will enhance the resolution of CPA's digital strategy, accelerate the development and lifelong support of accounting and finance professionals, and drive business innovation.

About Advisor Takuya Kitagawa

[Biography]

President and Director of QuEra Computing, a company that develops and manufactures quantum computers.

Outside Director of Mercari, Inc. Former Senior Managing Executive Officer, CDO (Chief Data Officer) of Rakuten, and Global Director of Rakuten Institute of Technology. He led the execution of AI/data strategy and research for the entire group, overseeing an organization of over 700 people across five overseas locations including the US, India, France, and Singapore, as well as Japan, and spearheaded AI/data businesses. Co-founder of Well-being for planet earth and the Unson Foundation. Previously, as a theoretical physicist in condensed matter physics, he proposed a theory for deriving non-equilibrium topological phases. Co-founder of Topologic, which industrializes topological materials. Graduated from Harvard University with a major in Mathematics and Physics, and completed the doctoral program in Physics at the same university.

[Appointment Comment]

I am deeply honored to be appointed as an advisor to CPA Excellent Partners, a company dedicated to nurturing and producing the next generation of professionals.

The evolution of AI is fundamentally questioning the premise of "what people learn and how they create value." I believe that in this new era, what is truly needed are individuals who can not only master AI but also formulate their own questions, discern the essence of things, and create new value, rather than those who compete solely on the quantity of knowledge.

I will leverage the scientific thinking I have cultivated through theoretical physics, AI/data science, and on the front lines of business, along with my perspective on maximizing human potential through technology, to contribute to CPA Excellent Partners' mission of "nurturing leaders who create the next era."

Comment from Kensuke Kunimi, Representative Director of CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd.

I sincerely welcome Mr. Takuya Kitagawa, President and Director of QuEra Computing, as our advisor, effective July 1st.

After engaging in world-leading research as a theoretical physicist, Mr. Kitagawa oversaw AI and data strategy at the Rakuten Group, and has since accumulated outstanding experience in both the social implementation of cutting-edge technologies and organizational management, including managing global tech companies in areas such as quantum computing, and serving as an outside director for listed companies.

With the advancement of AI, the value required of accounting and finance professionals is also changing significantly. In addition to judgment backed by expertise, the ability to utilize technology and create new value is becoming increasingly important.

At CPA, under our mission "We support people to expand their potential and enrich their lives," we have been dedicated to lifelong support for accounting and finance professionals through learning, career development, and professional exchange. By leveraging Mr. Kitagawa's deep insights, we will further evolve our AI and data utilization, deliver better learning experiences and career support to each individual, and challenge ourselves to create a society where accounting and finance professionals can demonstrate greater value in the future.

About CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd.

CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd.

Representative Director: Kensuke Kunimi

Established: September 2001

Location: Shinjuku THEATRE Building 5F, 3-14-20 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Reference URL: https://cpa-excellent-partners.co.jp/

Business Activities: Operation of "CPA Kaikei Gakuin," a CPA qualification school (https://cpa-net.jp/)

Operation of "CPA Learning," an e-learning platform for learning bookkeeping and accounting finance completely free of charge (https://www.cpa-learning.com/)

Operation of "CPASS Career," a recruitment agency specializing in accounting and finance professionals (https://cpa-career.jp/)

Operation of "CPASS," a lifelong support platform for accounting and finance professionals (https://cpass-net.jp/)

Operation of "CPA Jobs," a job site specializing in accounting and finance professionals (https://cpa-jobs.jp)