WonderPlanet Inc., based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, has announced significant changes to its executive leadership during a board meeting on June 22, 2026. The company's current CEO, Tomoki Tokugawa, will resign due to health-related issues but will remain involved as a Board Founder, playing a vital role in partner relations, development infrastructure, and new title development where he can leverage his strengths and founder’s perspective.
In his place, Akihiro Sato, who joined the company as CFO in 2016 and has served as COO and CFO since 2024, will take on the role of President and CEO. Sato aims to optimize business leverage and capital efficiency while leading the company into a new chapter.
The new management structure emphasizes tapping into the individual strengths of its leaders to accelerate initiatives aimed at enhancing corporate value. The transition has been a long time coming, and the board believes that this new setup will better address the dynamic challenges faced in the industry.
Leadership Transition Details
New Position: Board Founder
Previous Position: President and CEO
New Position: President and CEO
Previous Position: COO and CFO
This transition is effective as of June 22, 2026.
New CEO Akihiro Sato's Background
Akihiro Sato was born on August 22, 1984, and has an extensive career in the financial sector, having held positions in several major financial institutions, including Daiwa Institute of Research and Daiwa Securities Group. He joined WonderPlanet in early 2016 and has been instrumental in various growth strategies that the company has undertaken.
In his inaugural statement as CEO, Sato expressed optimism amidst the current industry challenges, asserting that the company's new direction would focus on three key areas over the next three years:
1.
Expand Collaborations with Strong IPs
2.
Restart Development of New Original Titles
3.
Refine the Hybrid Casual Base (SEED)
Details of these initiatives will be shared in future earnings announcements, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and strategic planning.
Sato remarked on the energy and vision of the team that he joined more than a decade ago, highlighting a shared ambition to achieve global recognition. He believes that the persistent enthusiasm of the team will guide the company through its current transition and into a successful second growth phase.
Comments from Former CEO Tomoki Tokugawa
Tomoki Tokugawa, now a Board Founder, shared his perspective on the leadership transition, expressing confidence in Sato's capabilities. Tokugawa's decision to step down was primarily due to health concerns, but he is excited to focus on strategic partnerships and foundational development initiatives alongside Sato. He aims to continue fulfilling the company's vision while facilitating significant new title developments.
Tokugawa's leadership since the company's inception has established a solid foundation for the business, and he extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the company over the years.
About WonderPlanet
WonderPlanet Inc. is a mobile game development company based in Nagoya, specializing in innovative gaming solutions. Established on September 3, 2012, the company has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a mixture of original titles and strategic partnerships with popular intellectual properties. For more information about WonderPlanet and its corporate strategies, visit their official website at
WonderPlanet.
With these exciting changes, WonderPlanet looks poised for a promising future, reinforcing its commitment to creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.