#Japan #Tokyo #Planbase #Yoshikazu Goto #DX and AI

Yoshikazu Goto Takes on Role as External Advisor at Planbase

On July 1, 2026, Yoshikazu Goto, the former Deputy Director-General of the Manufacturing Industry Bureau at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), will join Planbase, Inc. as an external advisor. The firm, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, specializes in consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focusing on management, subsidy applications, and leveraging digital transformation (DX) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Profile of Yoshikazu Goto

Yoshikazu Goto began his career at METI in April 1980, where he held various key positions including Director of the Standards Division, Director of the Technology Division at the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, and Deputy Director-General of the Manufacturing Industry Bureau. He also served as a Counselor for the Minister’s Office overseeing the Manufacturing Industry Bureau.

After his retirement from public service, Goto became a Specially Appointed Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, and he currently holds external director roles at Sodick Inc. and Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd.

The Reason Behind His Appointment

Planbase, recognized as a certified support organization for management innovation, has assisted over 1,500 firms with subsidy applications, achieving a total of over 20 billion yen in accepted funding. Recent shifts in governmental funding approaches have emphasized growth investments rather than mere financial aid. This new focus encourages SMEs to invest in infrastructure and advance technological capabilities.

With Goto's extensive experience in SME policies and manufacturing industry strategies, his insights are expected to enhance Planbase's strategic approach in supporting SMEs, particularly in navigating public funding and optimizing operational efficiency.

Insights from Yoshikazu Goto

As an external director, Goto expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The vigor of SMEs is the foundation supporting Japan’s manufacturing and regional economies. The utilization of subsidies and various systems has evolved into critical policy mechanisms that promote growth investments and digital transformation in SMEs. Planbase’s mission to support SMEs through technology resonates deeply with this shift in policy.”

His commitment to leveraging administrative and industrial experience aims to drive the sustainable growth of Planbase and invigorate the Japanese economy.

Comments from Takarashi Takei, CEO of Planbase

Takarashi Takei highlighted the importance of utilizing subsidies, noting that achieving operational goals goes beyond mere compliance. “Our focus is on actual onsite changes and solving management challenges. The transformation of government support—from simple aid to strategic growth investment—has adjusted the landscape for SMEs,” he explained. Takei believes that Goto’s expertise will enhance their approach to support, ensuring the assistance provided yields tangible results in the marketplace.

As Planbase continues to integrate expert insights and facilitate relationships with financial institutions, tax consultants, and manufacturers, their goal remains to foster sustainable growth among SMEs while contributing to Japan's overall competitiveness.

About Planbase, Inc.

Founded with roots in the University of Tokyo, Planbase offers consulting services focused on subsidy application support and the development of AI-driven platforms for SMEs. Having accumulated extensive experience supporting thousands of companies, Planbase employs a team of professionals, including business consultants and administrative scriveners, equipped to address a wide array of management challenges.

The company has a proactive approach, ensuring that they not only assist businesses in obtaining financial support but also help them implement necessary operational improvements to thrive in today's competitive landscape.