Kong Partners with 11 Companies to Launch API-First Collaborative Declaration

Kong Launches API-First Collaborative Declaration with Industry Leaders

Kong, a prominent API management platform based in Minato City, Tokyo, has unveiled the "API-First Collaborative Declaration" in partnership with 11 leading IT companies and organizations in Japan. This initiative seeks to cultivate an API-first approach across the nation, essential for businesses to thrive in a digital society, and to foster a new ecosystem through collaborative efforts.

Background: Challenges Facing Japanese DX

The Japanese business environment is witnessing progress in digital transformation (DX); however, it still grapples with issues such as legacy systems, siloed operations, and security governance. As generative AI and AI agents proliferate, leveraging these technologies safely and effectively requires an API-first strategy, underscoring the mantra: "No API, No AI, No FUTURE." Acknowledging this necessity, Kong, recognized for its expertise in API management, has gathered major partners to advocate for an API-first mindset among Japanese enterprises.

The Declaration: Advocating API-First Adoption

The declaration aims to promote and institutionalize an API-first mentality within Japanese enterprises. Participating organizations are committed to disseminating knowledge and sharing success stories related to the API-first concept, targeting diverse industries such as finance, manufacturing, and public sectors to create new business opportunities and address societal challenges. Through collaboration with these companies, Kong will provide solutions and support services utilizing its API management platform, "Kong Konnect," enabling businesses to adapt to the demands of the DX and generative AI era.

The Core Message of the Declaration

No API, No AI, No FUTURE
"We declare our commitment to promoting API-first strategies, co-creating an open and reliable digital foundation crucial for sustainable societal and industrial advancement in the AI era."

Key Activities Planned

1. Showcasing Success in API Business: Sharing successful utilization cases of API platforms to offer new business opportunities to customers.
2. Sharing Ecosystem Insights: Redistributing knowledge related to technology, security, organizational culture, and business models back to society.
3. Enhancing Collaboration with Industry and Public Entities: Working alongside industry groups, governmental bodies, and media to widely convey the significance of the API-first approach.
4. Regular Collaborative Events: Hosting sessions, discussions, and networking events periodically to encourage knowledge exchange between participating companies.

Future Outlook

Kong and its partners will actively promote the integration of new technologies such as generative AI with APIs to drive innovation across industries. By regularly publishing activity reports and success stories, they aim to broadly disseminate the values of an API-first approach throughout society. Specific solutions targeting industry challenges, such as enhancing resilience in finance, streamlining manufacturing, and increasing transparency in public sectors through API applications, will be presented moving forward.

Perspectives from Participating Companies

Nobukatsu Kato, CEO of ABI:
Expansion in generative AI and the API economy necessitates an API-first mindset for businesses to connect data and services, creating new value. The declaration is critical for enhancing the value of APIs, contributing to Japan's overall industrial competitiveness, and ABI will strive towards realizing an API-first society for a brighter future.

Nobuo Takeda, Director of Cloud Solutions, Classmethod:
With the rise of cloud-native technologies, APIs are now central to service development and operations. This declaration is vital for reinforcing Japan's digital foundation and accelerating innovation. Our past experiences in cloud support will aid in extending the reach of API utilization among participating companies.

Masato Inoue, Head of Data Management, Dentsu Inc.:
Dentsu supports Kong's declaration, understanding the crucial role APIs play in digital transformations. We believe that by leveraging our consulting expertise, we can significantly enhance the competitive edge of Japanese enterprises.

Takahashi Yagi, Executive Officer, Nomura Research Institute:
APIs are increasingly a strategic asset influencing competitive strength in the digital society. Our collaboration with Kong aims to provide safer and more efficient solutions in alignment with the API-first approach.

Shinichi Matsunaga, Senior Manager at NTT DATA:
API has expanded to underpin the majority of internet communications, making this declaration significant for accelerating transformation and creating new value across Japanese enterprises.

Shin Sakaguchi, Deputy Head of IT Infrastructure Services at SCSK:
We resonate deeply with the API-First Declaration, seeing it as instrumental in enhancing enterprise competitiveness in the AI era.

In summary, as APIs become foundational for seamless integration and innovation across services, Kong and its partners are paving the way for a robust API-first culture that supports sustainable growth in Japan's technological landscape.