The Future Japan Envisions in a Global Digital Society
A New Era of Digital Architecture Designed by Zen AI and Blockchain
At NCC TOKYO 2025 Summer, experts discussed how Japan can shape the future of a global digital society through the lens of “Zen AI” and blockchain innovation. The session examined issues such as ethical alignment, social trust, and sustainability in an age of accelerating AI and decentralized technologies. Drawing on Japan’s values of harmony, coexistence, and trust, speakers highlighted the potential of merging spirituality and open-source culture to design a new “Digital Architecture” that balances technological progress with human and environmental well-being.
Agenda
Opening Session
Opening Remarks
Kaoru Hayashi
Keynote
Joichi Ito
“Zen AI” and Open Source
Since ChatGPT's release in late 2022, large language models have transformed daily lives while introducing significant challenges. This session explores a human-centered AI design philosophy rooted in Japanese “Zen” principles, moving beyond the technology expansion race to envision next-generation AI architecture.
Presentation 01
Mizuki Oka
Presentation 02
Hal Seki
Presentation 03
The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche
Panel Discussion
Hal Seki
Mizuki Oka
The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche
Ken Sakamura
Masaki Matsubara
Joichi Ito
Keynote
Keynote
Jun Murai
Session 02: The Future of Fintech Built on Blockchain
Blockchain technology holds the potential to complement existing centralized financial structures, bringing new transparency and reliability. Japan has established pioneering regulatory frameworks for web3 and digital assets, building foundations for a sustainable digital economy. This session examines Japan's leadership while providing diverse perspectives on blockchain's future impact on fintech and society.
Presentation 01
Junichi Kanda
Presentation 02
Robert Bench
Presentation 03
Ryosuke Ushida
Panel Discussion
Junichi Kanda
Robert Bench
Ryosuke Ushida
Joichi Ito
Session 03: How Technology Redefines Scaling
Technological evolution is fundamentally reshaping startup growth models beyond traditional constraints of time and capital. AI and blockchain enable new pathways for expansion that were previously unattainable. This session examines the core principles behind these emerging scaling patterns and their implications for business development.
Presentation 01
Eric Lagier
Panel Discussion
Eric Lagier
Taro Fukuyama
Teruhide Sato
Lisa Katayama
Session 04: “Moonshot” to “Earthshot”
The “Moonshot” spirit that guided humanity to lunar exploration is now evolving into an “Earthshot” perspective focused on planetary sustainability. This session convenes experts to discuss implementing transformative changes in technology, economy, and social systems centered on Green Transformation (GX) and environmental sustainability.
Presentation 01
Ariel Ekblaw
Presentation 02
Ujjwal Deep Dahal
Panel Discussion
Ariel Ekblaw
Ujjwal Deep Dahal
Joichi Ito
Closing Session
Wrap Up
Jun Murai
Ken Hasebe
Kaoru Hayashi
Speakers
Junichi Kanda
Member of the House of Representatives, the National Diet of Japan
Parliamentary Vice-minister of Justice
Ken Sakamura
Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo
The Director, INIAD cHUB, Toyo University
IEEE Life Fellow and the Golden Core Member of the IEEE Computer Society
Jun Murai
Senior Advanced Research Project Professor, Keio University
Ariel Ekblaw
Founding CEO, Aurelia Institute
GP, Aurelia Foundry Fund
Founding Director, MIT Space Exploration Initiative
Eric Lagier
Founder and Managing Partner, byFounders
Robert Bench
Co-Founder and CEO, Radius
Ken Hasebe
Mayor of Shibuya
The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche
Principal Researcher, the Chiba Institute of Technology
President & CEO, The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT
Taro Fukuyama
Managing Partner, Rice Capital
Mizuki Oka
Chief Researcher, Henkaku Center, Chiba Institute of Technology
Masaki Matsubara
The Abbot of the Zen Temple Butsumo-ji
Hal Seki
Founder, Code for Japan
Teruhide Sato
Founder and CEO, BEENEXT Capital Management Pte. Ltd.
Ujjwal Deep Dahal
CEO, Druk Holding and Investments Ltd.
Interim CEO, Gelephu Investment and Development Corporation
Magnus Hambleton
Investor, byFounders
Ryosuke Ushida
Chief FinTech Officer, Financial Services Agency of Japan
Lisa Katayama
Corporate Officer and CTrO, Digital Garage, Inc.
Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Garage US, Inc.
Kaoru Hayashi
Representative Director, President Executive Officer and Group CEO, Digital Garage, Inc.
Executive Chairman, Kakaku.com, Inc.
Joichi Ito
Co-founder and board member of Digital Garage, Inc.
President of Chiba Institute of Technology
Co-founder of Neurodiversity School in Tokyo
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