15 New Members Join 'JDX Ambassadors' to Drive Japan's DX Across Industries and Regions, Expanding to 65-Member Network

The Japan Digital Transformation Promotion Association (hereinafter, JDX) has appointed 15 practitioners actively advancing digital transformation (DX) across various industries and regions as new 'JDX Ambassadors' effective June 17, 2026. This brings the total number of JDX Ambassadors to 65.

The newly appointed ambassadors are leaders who have implemented practical initiatives such as business process reform, talent development, generative AI utilization, and organizational transformation in diverse fields including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, local governments, finance, and smart cities. JDX aims to support DX advancement across companies and municipalities nationwide by sharing the ambassadors’ real-world expertise.

Additionally, at the 'Japan DX Award 2026 Summit & Award,' to be held on July 22 (Wed) and 23 (Thu), 2026, at TODA Hall & Conference Tokyo, JDX will introduce the newly expanded ambassador team and host roundtable discussions focused on 'Talent Development' and 'Generative AI.'

Background and Purpose: Why Is On-the-Ground Practical Knowledge Needed Now?

While the importance of DX has been widely recognized among Japanese companies and local governments, many still face persistent challenges such as 'not knowing where to start' or 'tools being introduced but failing to take root in daily operations.'

JDX believes the key to overcoming these challenges lies not in theoretical discussions, but in real-world, on-the-ground practical knowledge. By appointing individuals who have actively driven organizational change through hands-on experience, JDX aims to widely share not only success stories but also the struggles and failures encountered along the way—thereby empowering others across Japan facing similar challenges.

Introduction of New Ambassador Members (in Japanese alphabetical order, titles omitted)

The 15 newly appointed members are not merely technology specialists, but leaders who drive change with a focus on people and organizations.

Yuji Arata (Executive Director, Suzuka Co., Ltd.)

Implemented data-driven customer insights in a Saga Prefecture-based kimono and jewelry retail business. Led the transformation from a 'product-selling company' to an 'experience-providing company,' winning the Grand Prize in the UX category at Japan DX Award 2023 and the President’s Award from the IT Coordinator Association at the National Cloud Practice Awards.

Mokujika Ishida (Administration and Public Relations, GooNees Group Inc.)

Addressed structural challenges in SMEs such as information silos and inefficient operations by promoting the design and development of an internal portal using no-code tools. Provided end-to-end support from proposal to implementation. Recipient of the Special Jury Prize at People Innovation Awards.

Rieko Umi (Representative Director, Human Group Inc.)

As the third-generation leader of a local enterprise in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, reduced employee turnover from 12% to 3%. Developed in-house business systems using no-code tools and achieved digitalization across multiple industries, later commercializing these as DX consulting services. Holds qualifications as an IT Coordinator and Career Consultant, bridging HR, organizational development, and technology.

Masato Kato (Group Technology Strategy Office, Japan Tobacco Inc.)

Views AI and advanced technologies as driving forces capable of transforming 'the way work is done, decision-making processes, and even human roles.' Actively promotes the practical implementation and organizational integration of generative AI, serving as a bridge to a future where technology and humans collaborate.

Miho Konishi (Manager, DX Talent & Organization Design Division, DX Strategy Promotion Center, Digital Co-Creation Division, Asahi Kasei Corporation)

Transitioned from over 20 years of experience in resin development and technical services to talent development and organizational design using design thinking. Actively promotes DX with a focus on both customer and employee perspectives.

Masakazu Satokawa (Section Chief, Information Systems Department, Musashigaoka Hospital, Tanakakai Medical Corporation)

Promotes hospital-wide DX starting from electronic medical records and databases. Has implemented numerous generative AI-powered automation initiatives, significantly reducing workloads across multiple professions. Awarded the Grand Prize at the Japan Hospital DX Promotion Association Award 2025.

Misa Suzuki (Public Relations Department, Wakakai Group)

Serves concurrently in both public relations and DX promotion at a healthcare and welfare group celebrating its 100th anniversary. Digitized over 2,500 paper manuals to the cloud, reducing new employee training time by 75% and achieving a total of 84,240 hours in organizational workload reduction. Recipient of the National Grand Prize at the National Workstyle Reform Awards.

Yuji Sumimoto (Customer Success Manager, Organizational Development Promotion Department, Panasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd.)

Transitioned from engine development and DX team leadership at a major automotive manufacturer to leading organizational development across the 230,000-member Panasonic Group. Leads the internal community 'The Circle of Psychological Safety Starts Here' (over 4,500 members), centered on psychological safety. Recipient of the Panasonic Group CEO Award and multiple other honors.

Makoto Takeyama (Head of IT Strategy Department, LifeNet Life Insurance Co., Ltd.)

Began as a financial IT engineer, served as CTO of a startup and cybersecurity lead, and now holds his current position. Leads the transformation of 'security from the final barrier to the first partner.'

Junzo Naito (Coordinator, Planning Department, Otakejima Town, Toyota District, Hiroshima Prefecture)

Former middle school teacher and information policy officer, now a regional informatization advisor for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As the only fully remote island municipality in Hiroshima Prefecture, achieved beta' network modeling and zero-trust implementation. Actively advances both cybersecurity and DX while addressing challenges unique to small municipalities.

Miki Nogami (General Manager, Social Welfare Corporation Kaze no Mori)

Operates six licensed daycare centers in Suginami Ward, Tokyo. In the childcare industry, where staffing shortages are severe, implements human-centered DX that fundamentally transforms operations. Recipient of the Chairman’s Award from the Cloud Service Promotion Organization at the National Workstyle Reform Awards 2025 National Conference.

Tsubasa Hayasaka (DX Promotion Team Leader, Planning Group, Planning Department, Yanmar Green System Co., Ltd.)

Established a DX promotion team in 2023 and promotes 'inclusive,全员-participation DX' by lowering psychological barriers through the use of a digital character named 'John.' Recipient of the Special Jury Prize at People Innovation Awards 2026.

Manami Hara (Section Chief, Planning Department, Star Maintenance Support Co., Ltd.)

Led back-office efficiency improvements and e-commerce expansion from the frontlines at a seafood wholesaling and processing company. Took full responsibility from rule design to system implementation and stabilization. Has practiced full remote work since 2018, advocating for business designs and flexible workstyles resilient to life events.

Kazunori Matsui (Director, DX Promotion Department, Hakuhodo DY Corporate Initiative Inc.)

Led organizational transformation for approximately 500 employees using a 'beginner’s mindset toward AI' from a planner’s background. Achieved over 98.7% AI tool adoption and in-house development of more than 20 internal applications, resulting in over 100 million yen in reduced outsourcing costs. Grand Prize winner at People Innovation Awards.

Naoki Minamikata (Head of Smart City Division, LINE YAHOO Communications Co., Ltd.)

Signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Fukuoka City and is advancing over 120 smart city projects. Leads community-driven regional transformation through initiatives like 'Yatai DX,' which won the Excellence Award in the Regional DX category at Japan DX Award 2025.