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Kumanomics CEO Naoki Hashimoto Joins Michi wo Tsukuru as Advisor

Naoki Hashimoto, the CEO of Kumanomics based in Setagaya, Tokyo, has officially become an advisor for the non-profit organization Michi wo Tsukuru. This organization, headed by Takashi Yoshida in Ikomashi, Nara Prefecture, is planning to open the e.f.t. Nara Tenri Campus in 2027. Hashimoto resonated deeply with the vision of arts education promoted by the campus, which emphasizes that art should be a way of life rather than merely a tool, and advocates for a learning environment that integrates both education and community living.

Background

Hashimoto's connection with Yoshida dates back to 2021 during the I-OPEN PROJECT initiated by the Japan Patent Office. Hashimoto was involved in the project aimed at leveraging intellectual property to tackle societal issues, and through this initiative, he supported the venture “Mahō no Dagashi-ya Tyroldo,” which has strengthened their relationship over the years. After establishing Kumanomics, Hashimoto sought to further develop ideas for future education by collaborating with Yoshida and his team at atelier e.f.t.

The move to join Michi wo Tsukuru as an advisor came after Yoshida recognized Hashimoto’s contributions and extended an invitation for this role.

Hashimoto's Message

Reflecting on his journey, Hashimoto shared, “I first met Takashi Yoshida during the launch of the I-OPEN project in 2021. As I confronted the challenging question of solving social problems through intellectual property, I found his vision aligned perfectly with the future I imagined. When ‘Chiroldo’ received the Good Design Award, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy as if it were my own achievement. Now, facing the important issue of school refusal, we are on the brink of establishing a school that embodies the ideals we have long pursued.”

Hashimoto emphasizes that the mantra of Yoshida—“fun is essential”—mirrors the very attitude they strive for. With the urgency of addressing the current reality wherein 350,000 children have chosen not to attend school, he believes the focus should not be on the children, but rather on evolving the adult perspective that shapes education.

Thus, Hashimoto embarked on a path as a “Nomad Policy Maker,” challenging existing norms and actively working beyond organizational and municipal boundaries to solve pressing issues. He strongly believes policies should derive from the zeal present in grassroots efforts rather than being the sole responsibility of administrative bodies. His approach combines the “bird’s-eye view” of a former bureaucrat with the “bug’s-eye view” of a designer who empathizes with on-the-ground experiences. He aims to transform the educational landscape beginning from Nara and Tenri into a significant movement that involves local corporations and governments. Hashimoto expresses his readiness to collaboratively forge the “michi” (path) towards this goal.

In closing, he appeals to the public, stating that in order to launch the e.f.t. College of Arts, it is essential to renovate an outdated children's center into a vibrant hub for fostering creativity. He urges businesses to contribute, stressing that support for this institution is not merely a donation but an investment in the future of the children. “Together, let us pave this exciting new path,” he concludes, inviting heartfelt support.

About Naoki Hashimoto

Naoki Hashimoto, born in 1986 in Hyogo Prefecture, is a University of Tokyo law graduate who joined the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2010. Hashimoto was the first national public servant to study at Parsons School of Design in the United States, earning an MFA. He has been involved in promoting design management and implementing service design methodologies within the Digital Agency. His initiative, the I-OPEN project, received the Good Design Award in 2023, and he established Kumanomics after resigning from the ministry in 2024.

Organization Overview

Name: Michi wo Tsukuru
Established: August 18, 2025
Location: 763-3 Ichibuncho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture (planned to move to Okeino, Tenri City in April 2027)
Executive Director: Takashi Yoshida, a leading educator, designer, and musician.

About Takashi Yoshida

Born in 1977 in Hyogo Prefecture, Yoshida currently resides in Nara. He is a multifaceted educator, designer, and musician, leading the art school atelier e.f.t. He has gained recognition as a co-founder of “Mahō no Dagashi-ya Tyroldo,” which won the Good Design Award Grand Prize in 2022. Engaged in addressing educational and social issues, Yoshida has expanded “Tokyo Coffee” to approximately 400 locations nationwide, receiving double accolades from the Good Design Award and the Kids Design Award in 2025. He is noted for his numerous lectures, including at the National PTA Research Conference.

Upcoming Book Release

Yoshida’s first solo book, titled “Is it bad to not want to go? Designing joint education for both adults and children starting from Tokyo Coffee,” is set to be published on December 17, 2025.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this article, please reach out to the PR department of Kumanomics (Midoriko Hashimoto/Kosuge).
Web: Kumanomics
MAIL: [email protected]