Accelerating Cultural Transformation in Businesses: Workshop Series by Musashino Art University and STUDIO ZERO

In response to the rapidly changing business landscape, Musashino Art University and STUDIO ZERO, an internal startup organization under Plaid, are introducing the "Culture Shift Design Workshop Series (Phase 1)". This three-part series aims to develop leaders who can effectively implement organizational culture changes, commencing in July 2026.

Background

In recent years, many companies have found themselves compelled to reevaluate their existing corporate cultures due to swift changes in their operational environments. Organizations frequently encounter a paradox where both management and staff acknowledge the necessity for transformation; however, internal barriers prevent effective implementation. Additionally, the strategies and directives often fail to translate into tangible actions in the workplace. The Culture Shift Design Institute recognized these serious challenges through ongoing dialogues with several businesses since its establishment in January 2025. This realization led to the creation of this practical program that fuses academic insights with real-world business practices.

Program Overview

The workshop series consists of two key components:
1. Lectures by industry leaders
2. Networking sessions that facilitate discussion and sharing of organizational challenges among peers.
Each session is designed to provide more than just academic instruction— it aims to awaken participants as "agents of change" by offering a platform for cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange and practical experiences.

Workshop Details

- Program Name: Culture Shift Design Workshop (Phase 1)
- Participants: Leaders or prospective leaders driving cross-functional projects
- Duration: July 2026 to January 2027 (Three sessions)
- Session Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM for lectures / 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM for networking (common across all sessions)
- Cost: ¥30,000 (tax included, covers all three sessions)
- Application Method: Interested individuals must fill out the application form on the detailed page here (selection process applies).

Lecture Series Information

The workshop will feature noted speakers such as:
1. Session 1: Strategy
- Date: July 10, 2026
- Speakers: Tsuyoshi Kishizawa (Tokyo Gas Executive Officer, DX Promotion Division) & Hiroshi Iwasaki (Professor, Musashino Art University)
- Venue: Musashino Art University, Ichigaya Campus

2. Session 2: Corporate Culture
- Date: October 14, 2026
- Speakers: Akira Sekimizu (JT HR Planning Director) & Kuniyuki Sasou (BIOTOPE Representative)
- Venue: Plaid Office (Ginza)

3. Session 3: Leadership
- Date: January 18, 2027
- Speakers: Kenji Takase (NEC MC Infrastructure Division Manager) & Kazuhiko Yamazaki (Special Researcher, Musashino Art University)
- Venue: Musashino Art University, Ichigaya Campus

Unique Features of the Workshop Series

1. Integration of Academia and Industry

The program is thoughtfully designed by blending academic insights from Musashino Art University’s Social Creative Research Institute with hands-on experience from STUDIO ZERO.

2. Expert Speakers

Leading change-makers from major corporations such as Tokyo Gas, JT, and NEC will share their experiences and insights alongside pioneers in design management.

3. Cross-Industry Networking

Post-lecture networking sessions will provide an opportunity for leaders from various sectors to share real organizational challenges and enhance collective practical know-how.

4. Selective Participation

The program will operate with a selective admission system, ensuring a smaller, high-quality interactive environment where deep learning and rich dialogue can flourish.

Stakeholder Comments

Kazuhiko Yamazaki, Special Researcher, Musashino Art University

Comment: "Since the establishment of the Culture Shift Design Institute, we have recognized through discussions with numerous companies that the execution of cultural change is the greatest challenge. This workshop aims to cultivate agents of change by inviting industry leaders who drive transformation and enabling participants to transcend industry boundaries to share challenges."

Kanade Nishina, Representative, STUDIO ZERO

Comment: "STUDIO ZERO has supported various large-scale corporate transformations. Through this experience, we've come to realize that strategy and technology alone cannot change an organization; culture is what truly determines the success of change. This workshop will generate as many leaders as possible capable of executing cultural transformation through the insights of those at the forefront of change and peer-to-peer learning."

About the Culture Shift Design Institute

The joint research project established by Musashino Art University and STUDIO ZERO in January 2025 aims to analyze the realities of multiple organizational cultures and build frameworks that will enable the desired cultural evolution.

About Musashino Art University's Social Creative Research Institute

Founded in July 2019, this institute addresses the pressing challenges of our rapidly changing environment and unpredictable future by transcending barriers among businesses, communities, administration, and education. It aims to propose societal solutions and create new human values through innovative visions and prototypes. Find out more here

About STUDIO ZERO

Operating under the mission of "Accelerating industrial and societal transformation," STUDIO ZERO partners with both large conglomerates and small-to-medium enterprises to create flagship instances of change by leveraging data for customer-centered new business development and transformation of existing operations. Explore further here