INTERVIEW
From initial concept to daily operations and on-site efforts for Hitachi-KDDI Place—
Through interviews with those involved in the project, we explore their hopes for the project and uncover the stories behind their challenges.

Masayuki Takeuchi
Executive General Manager, Global Corporate Brand & Communications Division
Strengthening partnerships itself was a major achievement
Moving forward with the bonds forged at the Expo

Masahiro Ito
General Manager, Corporate Communications Dept.(Japan)
Global Corporate Brand & Communications Division
EXPO2025 Project
By bringing together the strengths of both parties,
we explore new ground

Hideki Okita
Ph.D.
Sub-Leader, Future Society Project
Research & Development Group
Perspectives and insights from ordinary people are our greatest asset.

Ryo Fukumaru
Design Lead, UX Design Department
Digital Innovation R&D Design Center
Research & Development Group
Not just a technology showcase.
An opportunity for visitors to imagine the city of the future
from the viewpoint of ordinary citizens.

Nobunao Kojima
Manager
Corporate Communications Dept.(Japan)
Global Corporate Brand & Communications Division
EXPO2025 Project
184 days of learning and growth through trial and error
We worked our way toward better on-site operations

Tomomi Yasui
Assistant Manager
Corporate Communications Dept.(Japan)
Global Corporate Brand & Communications Division
EXPO2025 Project
Our new social media promotion was a big success

Nobuyuki Saito
Senior Director, Social Innovation Business Division
Digital Systems & Services Division
Approaches without preconceived ideas
I also realized that relying only on existing partners—those we choose based on familiar assumptions like “for this type of business, we should work with that company”—is not enough, and that it is vital to engage in dialogue with partners we had never considered working with. In addition to getting everyone in the company involved, drawing on our strengths, and establishing a clear business vision, we also need to free ourselves from preconceived ideas and create opportunities to communicate with people who look toward the future. That is the strongest impression left on me by EXPO2025. I had never experienced opportunities like this before, so I am personally grateful for the valuable insights I gained.

Akiko Kubota
Manager
Global Government & External Relations Division
Networking with domestic and international governmental organizations through the EXPO2025

Yasutaka Inoue
Manager
Corporate Sales & Marketing Group
Gaining confidence in commercialization through the exhibition