Unlocking Creative Advantage: Transforming Innovation in Business

On September 10, 2026, Amana, a leading creative studio in Japan, will host an insightful online seminar titled "{Yamaguchi Shuu × Kusunoki Ken}: Improving or Changing? The Conditions for Companies to Break Free from Comparisons and Achieve Creative Advantage." This groundbreaking session will explore the intricacies of innovation and the necessary frameworks for businesses to thrive creatively.

According to independent researcher Shuu Yamaguchi, a smartphone that lasts a year on a single charge is not true innovation. For innovation to resonate, the standards that consumers use to evaluate products must evolve. This themed discussion will focus on the frequent discrepancies between strategic vision and creative execution within organizations. Yamaguchi and management scholar Ken Kusunoki will dissect this issue by employing the concept of 'context' as a guiding principle.

A critical discussion point will cover the barriers separating innovation from mere progress. Why is it that experts often fail to drive innovation? Furthermore, the session will delve into how organizations can cultivate creativity to gain a competitive edge or what is referred to as a 'Creative Advantage.' Participants will also have the chance to revisit key takeaways from the previously held seminar on July 23, 2026, which was fully booked.

Key Topics

- Four Types of Innovation and the Bias in New Business Ventures of Japanese Companies
- Peter Drucker's Definitions Differentiating 'Progress' and 'Innovation'
- What Does It Mean to Break Free from Comparison?
- Structural Reasons Why Experts Fail to Innovate
- The Three Types of 'Understanding Debt' Organizations Face and the Role of Outsiders

Please note, this online seminar will feature a recording of the earlier seminar titled "{Yamaguchi Shuu × Kusunoki Ken}: Why Organizations Need 'Creative Advantage' Now."

Speakers

Ken Kusunoki
Specially Appointed Professor, Hitotsubashi University
Honored as an expert in competitive strategy, Ken Kusunoki specializes in research surrounding sustainable competitive advantages for businesses. His impressive career includes roles as a professor at various prestigious institutions, including Bocconi University in Italy and Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy. He has authored several influential books and has been actively involved in various academic and advisory roles.

Shuu Yamaguchi
Independent Researcher / Author / Public Speaker
Born in Tokyo in 1970, Yamaguchi has made a name for himself as a thought leader in business strategy and organizational development. After working with major firms like Dentsu and Boston Consulting Group, he established his independence while continuing to serve as an advisor for several companies on strategic issues. His writes extensively on critical business paradigms and has authored multiple books addressing organizational strategy and leadership.

Who Should Attend?

- Executives and corporate planners who recognize the gap between strategic management and creative execution.
- Brand and marketing leaders seeking to balance intuition and logic within their roles.
- Heads of PR and communication departments looking to redefine their creative advantage to enhance competitive capability.
- Individuals engaged in new business development or innovation efforts.

Event Details

- Date: September 10, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM (JST)
- Capacity: 500 participants
- Cost: Free
- Registration Link: Click here to register
- Contact: Tel: 03-3740-4011 | Email: [email protected]

About Amana

Founded in 1979 as a photography production company, Amana has grown into one of Japan's largest creative studios. They specialize in visual production, including photography, video, CG, and various promotional strategies. With a wealth of creative resources and expertise amassed from over 10,000 annual projects, Amana is dedicated to transforming client communication through creativity. Their development of unique solutions supports business communication strategies and digital transformation efforts, fostering collaborative projects aimed at enhancing clients' corporate values.

Company Overview

- CEO: Goushou Kaneko
- Location: Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku, Higashi-Shinagawa 2-2-43
- Established: April 1979
- Capital: 100 million yen
- Employees: 520 (as of January 1, 2026)
- Business Scope: Visual communication strategies, planning, brand design, content marketing, and production.
- Website: Amana Official Site