Exploring the Creator's Dilemma: The Affirmative Theory of Creators

Understanding the Creator's Dilemma at Aqua Star

On March 17, 2026, Aqua Star Co., Ltd. is set to hold its 60th internal seminar titled "Share Nova" at its headquarters in the heart of Tokyo. The seminar will feature Hiroki Sakai, the CEO of d-land and producer at Musashino Art University, as a special guest speaker.

The theme of this seminar, The Affirmative Theory of Creators: Turning Uncertainty into Work, aims to provide insights into the creative process, particularly for creators dealing with the complexities and uncertainties inherent in their work. Many professionals often find themselves grappling with moments of doubt, questioning the validity of their work. This seminar will encourage attendees to reevaluate their creative journeys and embrace the uncertainties they face rather than shy away from them.

During his talk, Sakai will emphasize the growing importance of questioning and maintaining a reflective attitude in today’s creative landscape. The seminar aims to equip participants with a mindset that prioritizes process and exploration over the pursuit of definitive answers, fostering an environment where creativity can thrive despite ambiguity.

Incorporating concepts from his book, Narrative Model, Sakai will share practical approaches to face the uncertainties within daily creation and professional practices. This session is designed to be a moment of pause for attendees, allowing them to reflect on their methods and explore how to navigate the 'unknown' efficiently as they step into a new business year.

Event Overview

- Theme: The Affirmative Theory of Creators: Turning Uncertainty into Work
- Date and Time: March 17, 2026, from 5 PM to 6 PM (Doors Open at 4:30 PM)
- Venue: Aqua Star Co., Ltd. Headquarters CANVAS, 1-13-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo, 104-0045
- Speaker: Hiroki Sakai, CEO of d-land and producer at Musashino Art University

About Hiroki Sakai

Hiroki Sakai is a prominent figure in the creative sector, known for his role as the CEO of d-land, a creative company that designs business frameworks and mechanisms. Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1977, he completed his Master's degree at Musashino Art University and has since been involved in various co-creative projects with local governments, educational institutions, and communities.

Sakai has produced numerous projects, including the Chuo Line Elevated Station Development and various initiatives aimed at realizing creative ideas within communities. He is also the recipient of multiple awards, including the Good Design Award. His book, Narrative Model — A Business Design Approach from a Human Resource Perspective, published by Musashino University Press, outlines innovative strategies for approaching business challenges creatively.

Share Nova Initiative

Share Nova is a talent development and knowledge sharing initiative started by Aqua Star in 2021. It aims to facilitate the exchange of insights and expertise across different departments, enhancing individual and team growth within the organization. Reaching its 60th edition in March 2026, this initiative has evolved into a platform for learning, inviting external guest speakers to share their experiences and knowledge across various industries.

About Aqua Star Co., Ltd.

Since its founding in 1991, Aqua Star has been engaged in the production of visual content, focusing primarily on storyboards and illustrations for advertising. Since 2020, the company has expanded its services to include licensed illustrations for anime and video games, as well as digital marketing through web and social media channels and VR space design.

Aqua Star specializes in addressing promotional challenges faced by companies and local governments through the power of visuals, handling over 5,000 projects annually. The company's mission is to communicate complex concepts clearly and engagingly, driving impactful content creation that resonates with audiences.

For more information about Aqua Star and its initiatives, visit their official website or explore their portfolio.