#Japan #Tokyo #Aoba-BBT #ABS #Yoshida Koichiro

A Unique Online Dialogue: Redefining Work Culture in Japan

Aoba-BBT Group is set to host a dynamic online discussion on March 11, 2026, which marks a pivotal event in their anniversary project. This initiative emphasizes the importance of individual talent and aims to redefine the working culture in Japan. The event will feature Yoshida Koichiro, the CEO of CrowdWorks, one of Japan's largest crowdsourcing platforms, as a guest speaker.

The discussion will focus on Yoshida's remarkable journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and overcame to create an influential platform in Japan’s gig economy. The conversation will dive deep into the central theme of how to transform setbacks into opportunities, illustrating Yoshida's entrepreneurial spirit and the essence of effective management.

The Background of the Event: Passing the Baton of Challenge

The dialogue is part of a series of events that Aoba-BBT Group is conducting from 2025 to 2027, under the theme “Life-time Empowerment in Invisible Continent.” With multiple educational institutes celebrating their milestones, this event is not just a commemoration but also a stepping stone for value creation aimed at impacting the next 50 to 100 years. Yoshida, an alumnus of the Attackers Business School (ABS), has a background filled with rigorous challenges and achievements that set the stage for building CrowdWorks. Through sharing his journey of breaking traditional standards and constructing a new industry, he aims to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Highlights of the Discussion: The Power to Turn Struggles into Success

During this session, attendees will explore Yoshida's transformative story, examining how he metamorphosed from a troubled entrepreneur facing significant hardships to a pioneering leader.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Turning Setbacks into Belief

After experiencing a difficult three years post-independence and shedding the label of a public company executive, Yoshida encountered numerous obstacles that shaped his mission: to establish a society that values individual talents without reliance on traditional organizations. The dialogue will unveil how he successfully linked his failures to the achievements of CrowdWorks.

Business Portfolio Restructuring and Growth Strategies in the AI Era

CrowdWorks has evolved its business model by progressing from crowdsourcing to developing a solid database, which serves as a foundation for new ventures such as agent services and DX consulting. Currently pushing for structural reformation in its business portfolio, CrowdWorks seizes the rise of AI as a unique opportunity for individual brilliance. This segment will outline strategic foresight and potential paths for growth amidst today’s fierce competition.

Guiding the Next Generation: Insights from 20 Years of Experience

With over two decades of evolution from a crowdsourcing business to DX consulting and AI-BPO, Yoshida will suggest critical philosophies and actions that equip leaders to navigate an unpredictable future effectively. As an ambassador for entrepreneurship education, he integrates his vast experiences into actionable insights aimed at future leaders.

Event Overview

• - Date: March 11, 2026 (Wednesday) 12:00 – 13:00
• - Format: Online via Zoom Webinar
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Registration Deadline: March 10, 2026, 15:00
• - Registration Link: Register here

Who Should Attend?

• - Business professionals seeking to forge careers independently.
• - Individuals exploring survival strategies in the AI era or ways to elevate their market value.
• - Leaders and entrepreneurs looking to enhance their decision-making frameworks amid uncertainty.
• - Those interested in gaining insights into platform strategies and business portfolio restructuring relevant to new ventures and digital transformation.
• - Students and alumni of educational institutions like ABS aiming to connect their learning to real-world outcomes.

Profiles of the Speakers

Yoshida Koichiro

Yoshida, the CEO of CrowdWorks, is a graduate of Tokyo Gakugei University. After working with Pioneers and Lead Exhibition Japan, he played a pivotal role at Dricom as an executive officer before founding CrowdWorks. His journey includes battling through challenges to create Japan's leading crowdsourcing platform. A recipient of multiple accolades, including participation on various educational committees, he stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit.

Shibata Iwao

Shibata, the president of Aoba-BBT, is an accomplished academic with degrees from prestigious institutions, including the London School of Economics. With a wealth of experience in IT and strategic consulting, he has taken initiatives to promote innovation in the educational sector as CEO of Business Breakthrough Inc. Under his leadership, Aoba-BBT continues to develop a broad spectrum of educational services and expand its global footprint.