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Daisuke Imanishi Achieves a Landmark in Data Science

Daisuke Imanishi, a Senior Data Scientist at Japan Digital Design (JDD), has made headlines by securing his seventh gold medal in the prestigious Kaggle competitions, specifically at the event focused on healthcare challenges, titled PhysioNet - Digitization of ECG Images. This achievement further cements his position as a Kaggle Grandmaster, the highest rank on the platform.

The competition, which ran from October 22, 2025, to January 23, 2026, nurtured participation from 1,428 teams worldwide. Imanishi, collaborating with two external teammates, obtained an impressive eighth place, ranking within the top 0.5% of participants. This accomplishment reflects the advanced capability instilled by JDD's data science environment, which encourages challenges and the incorporation of insights into practical applications.

Competition Overview

The primary goal of the PhysioNet - Digitization of ECG Images challenge was to develop a machine learning model capable of extracting and reconstructing original digital time series data from paper-based electrocardiograms (ECGs). By converting accumulated image-based ECG data back into analyzable formats, the competition aims to enhance research in the field of cardiology and improve the quality of healthcare.

Participants were assessed based on comprehensive model performance, including restoration accuracy and execution efficiency. Imanishi's team not only excelled in model accuracy but also focused on optimizing the speed of the model execution—an essential factor since there were strict time restrictions for submission.

Insights from the Winner

Reflecting on the process, Imanishi expressed that their success hinged on the effective sharing of expertise and insights among team members. Formed in the latter half of the competition, the team shared pre-existing models that each member had developed with sufficient accuracy to compete for high rankings. This collaborative effort unveiled innovative approaches and improvements that had not been previously considered, which were then integrated to enhance overall accuracy.

The final ensemble model, combining the strengths of each individual model, enabled the team to achieve a precision level suited for gold medal contention, showcasing the indomitable spirit of teamwork. Imanishi noted, “It would have been difficult to reach such results alone. Our focus on both accuracy improvement and execution speed played a crucial role in attaining this success.”

Achievements and Background

Currently serving as a senior data scientist within JDD's M-AIS (MUFG AI Studio), Imanishi is involved in the M&A AI Matching Project, which aims to enhance efficiency in M&A origination through AI-driven proofs of concept (PoCs). Having begun his Kaggle journey in 2021, he received his fifth gold medal in 2024, subsequently achieving the Grandmaster status.

To date, he has accumulated seven gold medals, fifteen silver medals, and two bronze medals, indicating a remarkable trajectory in competitive data science (Kaggle Profile: Daisuke Imanishi).

JDD's Commitment to Innovation

Japan Digital Design functions as a strategic subsidiary of the MUFG Group, gathering expertise in AI, engineering, customer experience design, and digital transformation consulting to drive digital innovation within financial services. Data scientists at JDD don’t merely stop at PoCs; they engage comprehensively in strategy formulation, validation, implementation, and operationalization. The cutting-edge modeling and validation skills sharpened in such competitions are directly applied to decision support and business enhancement within the financial sector.

The environment at JDD promotes taking challenges as invaluable growth opportunities. Insights gained from competitions are systematically shared internally, creating a cycle where challenges and practices inform one another, enhancing the collective capabilities of the team.

A Progressive Workplace for Growth

Revamping traditional working styles, JDD embraces a flexible working system, including flextime and remote work. This policy empowers each team member to achieve a working style that suits their individual needs. Many employees can collaborate on impactful projects that are socially significant while enhancing their professional expertise within a vibrant and supportive culture that's reminiscent of dynamic startup environments but backed by MUFG's stability.

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JDD is currently seeking to strengthen its talent pool by hiring data scientists. Interested candidates are invited to participate in casual interviews to learn more.

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About Japan Digital Design

Japan Digital Design, established on October 2, 2017, aims to create better financial experiences under its mission to "innovate new norms in finance and contribute to people's growth" as part of the MUFG Group. Their focus includes advanced data analysis, AI model development, and user-centric experience design, providing solutions for MUFG's digital transformation activities. JDD also leads financial innovation through R&D collaborations and talent exchange with MUFG, constantly upgrading financial experiences for customers and enhancing the business environment.

Official Note

• - Company Name: Japan Digital Design, Inc.
• - CEO: Renpei Iwata
• - Headquarters: 3-3-5 Nihonbashi Hon Ishicho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0021, Japan
• - Website: https://japan-d2.com/

For inquiries: [email protected]