Miyuki Kawahara of Rice Platformer Takes the Stage at IVS2026 in Kyoto

Rice Platformer CEO Miyuki Kawahara at IVS2026

Miyuki Kawahara, the CEO of Rice Platformer Corporation, made a significant appearance at Japan's largest startup conference, IVS2026, held in Kyoto. With over 13,000 attendees registered, the event draws a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders aiming to generate innovative business ideas and solutions. Kawahara participated in a session focusing on "food, experience, and real-world infrastructure," discussing the company’s commitment to providing authentic Japanese food experiences, particularly through their specialty rice balls, known as "onigiri."

Miyuki Kawahara at IVS2026

Event Highlights

The session, moderated by Koki Tanaka from Incubate Fund, featured notable speakers including Ryu Wada, COO of Find, and Tetsuya Ohashi, CEO of CinemaLeap. The discussion ranged around pressing subjects including:

- Integrating AI into real-world businesses
- The importance of preserving human experiences amid technological advancements
- Strategies for expanding local businesses globally

Miyuki Kawahara emphasized the importance of maintaining the artisanal touch in food experiences, stating that each onigiri delivered fresh means more in a world now leaning heavily on digital interactions.

On the Panelists

1. Koki Tanaka
As a venture capitalist with Incubate Fund, Tanaka invests in seed-stage startups, focusing particularly on initiatives that address major social issues in Japan or leverage the country's strengths in food, tourism, and manufacturing.

2. Ryu Wada
Ryu Wada co-founded Find in 2021, a company that manages a lost-item tracking platform implemented at over 4,500 locations across Japan. His mission revolves around creating a world where every lost item can be found, a vital yet unresolved societal hurdle.

3. Tetsuya Ohashi
The CEO of CinemaLeap, Ohashi has been actively engaging in producing and distributing XR films and running immersive experience platforms, blending storytelling with cutting-edge technology.

Key Discussion Points

During the session, panelists discussed various aspects of how businesses can thrive in an AI-driven environment. The focus was not just on efficiency but also on maintaining human-centric value within the operations.

With a rich dialogue surrounding the notion that physical, experiential businesses face hurdles in attracting investment compared to software firms, each speaker brought their unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They probed into identifying each company's moat in relation to traditional software business models and concluded with insightful forecasts for the next decade.

Miyuki Kawahara's Remarks

Reflecting on her participation at IVS2026, Kawahara expressed her gratitude and resonated with the experiences shared at the event. She firmly believes that as AI continues to penetrate daily life, the value derived from personal, tangible experiences like tasting a hand-made onigiri will only grow.

Kawahara stated, "I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to discuss the infrastructures of food and experience in today's world. This stage has ignited new ambitions within me to pursue unparalleled challenges on a global scale." She reiterated her commitment to making onigiri a staple in the world's food culture.

Future Vision of Rice Platformer

Rice Platformer Corporation has set its vision to elevate onigiri to a global fast-casual experience. Following this notable appearance, the company aspires to leverage real culinary experiences in an age where digital interactions dominate, driving efforts in both domestic and international markets.

About IVS2026

IVS2026 is renowned as the largest startup conference in Japan, with over 13,000 individuals registered to attend. This year's event will take place from July 1st to 3rd, 2026, at multiple venues in Kyoto, showcasing the vibrant startup ecosystem.

For more information, visit their official site: IVS2026 Official Site.

About Rice Platformer Corporation

Founded by Miyuki Kawahara in April 2025, Rice Platformer Corporation aims to redefine fast-casual dining with its vision centered on onigiri. The company runs the specialty onigiri store "ONI&Co." located in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Company Info: