#Japan #Tokyo #Musashino Art University #STUDIO ZERO #Culture Shift

Accelerating Corporate Culture Transformation

Musashino Art University, located in Kodaira, Tokyo, has partnered with STUDIO ZERO, a venture organization under Plaid Inc., to launch the 'Culture Shift Design Study Group (Phase 1).' Set to commence in July 2026, this initiative aims to cultivate leaders capable of implementing transformative cultural shifts within organizations. This program is part of a joint research project that was established in January 2025 and is designed to address pressing challenges that many companies face today.

Background of the Program

In an era marked by rapid changes in the business environment, numerous organizations find themselves compelled to reevaluate their existing corporate cultures. Companies acknowledge the necessity for transformation at both the management and operational levels, yet many struggle with internal barriers that hinder implementation. Businesses frequently experience the dilemma of having strategic plans that fail to resonate on the ground, causing a disconnect between leadership and everyday execution. The Culture Shift Design Institute recognized these challenges early on and has planned this study group as a practical program that fuses academic insights with real-world business knowledge.

Program Overview

The Culture Shift Design Study Group consists of three sessions featuring two main components: an ‘honorary talk’ led by experts from various fields, and networking opportunities allowing participants to engage with peer leaders from different organizations. This program emphasizes interaction and practical knowledge over mere theoretical learning. Leaders who facilitate cross-organizational projects will participate as 'agents of transformation,' awakening their potential to drive real change.

Program Details

• - Program Name: Culture Shift Design Study Group (Phase 1)
• - Target Participants: Leaders or prospective leaders engaged in cross-organizational projects
• - Duration: July 2026 to January 2027 (three consecutive sessions)
• - Session Times: Lecture from 19:00 to 20:30 and Networking from 20:30 to 21:30 (for each session)
• - Participation Fee: 30,000 yen (including tax) for all three sessions
• - Application Method: Interested individuals can apply by filling out the necessary details on the official page here (selection process applies).

Schedule and Speakers

Session 1: _Strategy_
Date: July 10, 2026
Speakers: Tsuyoshi Kishizawa (Tokyo Gas executive) and Hiroshi Iwasaki (Musashino Art University professor)
Venue: Musashino Art University, Ichigaya Campus

Session 2: _Corporate Culture_
Date: October 14, 2026
Speakers: Terumasa Sekimizu (JT, HR) and Kunihiro Sasou (BIOTOPE representative)
Venue: Plaid Office (Ginza)

Session 3: _Leadership_
Date: January 18, 2027
Speakers: Kenji Takase (NEC, management) and Kazuhiko Yamazaki (Musashino Art University special researcher)
Venue: Musashino Art University, Ichigaya Campus

Features of the Study Group

1. Industry-Academic Fusion: The program melds scholarly knowledge from Musashino Art University with the practical business insights of STUDIO ZERO.
2. Expert Lectures: Leaders driving change in significant corporations like Tokyo Gas, JT, and NEC will share their experiences along with design management pioneers.
3. Cross-Industry Networking: Networking events allow leaders from various sectors to discuss authentic organizational challenges and enhance their practical knowledge together.
4. Selective Management for Quality: A focus on selected participants allows for a smaller group dynamic, promoting high-quality discussions and in-depth learning.

Testimonials

Kazuhiko Yamazaki, Special Researcher, Musashino Art University:
'Since the establishment of the Culture Shift Design Institute, we've recognized that actualizing culture change is the primary challenge. This study group aims to bring together leaders at the forefront of transformation to share organizational challenges across industry boundaries.'

Kanade Nishina, Representative, STUDIO ZERO:
'At STUDIO ZERO, we believe that mere strategy and technology cannot drive organizational change—it's culture that determines success or failure. We hope to foster leaders who can enact cultural transformation through the insights gained from frontline leaders and peer discussions.'

About the Culture Shift Design Institute

Established in January 2025 by Musashino Art University and STUDIO ZERO, it aims to analyze corporate cultures across multiple organizations. The institute strives to build and deploy frameworks conducive to fostering the cultures organizations aspire to achieve.

About Musashino Art University’s Social Creative Research Institute

Formed in July 2019, it tackles modern societal challenges across industries, aiming to propose solutions and create new human values.

About STUDIO ZERO

Mission-driven to accelerate transformations in society and industries, STUDIO ZERO partners with leading companies and authorities to harness data for new business creation and existing business transformation.

Contact for More Information:
Musashino Art University Collaboration Team: [email protected]
STUDIO ZERO, Plaid Inc. (Contact: Kanade Nishina): [email protected]