Top 10 Business Leaders in Japan

Onouchi Takahiro, Executive Director, FPT Consulting Japan & Vice President, FPT China
Onouchi Takahiro : Leading Strategic Collaboration Across Asian Markets

In Japan, the role of Executive Directors has become increasingly vital as organizations navigate globalization, digital transformation, and cross-border collaboration. With Japan’s growing engagement in regional ecosystems, the responsibilities of Executive Directors often extend into building trust, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth across multiple markets. A clear example of this evolving leadership role is seen in Onouchi Takahiro, who serves as Executive Director of FPT Consulting Japan and Vice President of FPT China. With two decades of consulting experience at Accenture Japan, he brought to FPT a strong background in advising enterprises on transformation strategies and implementing large-scale solutions. Over the past six years with FPT, he has applied this expertise to guide the company’s operations in both Japan and China.

Japan Rebuilding its Economic Prowess in an Uncertain Global Business Climate
By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor
In 2024, Japan was overtaken by Germany as the third largest economy, a development that rang alarm bells for yen’s depreciating value.

Mobilizing AI for Sustainable Future through Technology Leadership
By: Ajit Kulkarni, Vice President & India Market Leader, AVEVA
With more than 28 years of experience and a distinctive approach to leadership in the industry, Ajit Kulkarni, Vice President, India Market Leader, AVEVA, empowers

Establishing a Data Lake in the Age of GenAI: A Guide

By: Spencer Kimball, Co-Founder & CEO, Cockroach Labs

Despite progress in data technology, many organizations continue to face challenges in accessing outdated mainframe information.

Generative AI in 2025 : Transitioning from Hype to Business Transformation

By: Ed Anuff, Chief Product Officer, DataStax

Ed Anuff has over 30 years of experience as an executive, setting product strategy at early-stage and publicly traded firms, and as an entrepreneur, developing and selling several businesses and

Managing AI Integration, Employee Upskilling for Change Environment

By: Sriraman Raghunathan, Head - Digital Innovation & AI & Principal Architect - Deep Tech, Marlabs

With over 20 years of experience, Sriraman is a seasoned leader in digital innovation, emerging tech, and sustainability. He spearheads Marlab's

Top 10 Business Leaders in Japan - 2025

Japan’s business leaders are actively focusing on renewing traditional industries while preserving the nation’s rich cultural identity and stable economic foundations. They are guiding their companies through accelerated digital transformation, incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and sophisticated automation to stay competitive on the global stage. This shift represents more than just upgrading daily operations and it reflects a strategic, long-term vision built on innovation, improved efficiency, and the flexibility required adapting to an ever-changing business environment.

One trait of leadership evident in these leaders is their commitment to sustainability. Companies in all sectors of the economy are allocating resources to renewable energy, eco-friendly products, and circular production systems. These longer-term initiatives arise from an increased level of awareness surrounding global environmental issues and a sincere desire to contribute to the building blocks of a greener future. Moreover, business leaders are working to blend their own corporate growth trajectory through sustainability efforts that account for environmental responsibility in alignment with economic progress.

"The influence of Japanese leaders comes from their ability to preserve heritage while pushing industries into the future"

Through international partnerships, developing emerging markets and establishing cross-national collaborations, Japanese leadership seeks to enhance Japan's impact on the world economy. The desire to engage abroad indicates readiness to transform from a primarily domestic orientation to being more globally connected. At the same time, there is a strong focus on building talent and creating strong organizational cultures. Leaders are advocating for diversity, supporting employee development, and developing workplace cultures that advocate innovations and thinking long-term. Overall, Japan's business leaders show a combination of tradition and orientation toward the future. The alignment of modernization with cultural principles ensures Japan will remain a stable and progressive leader on the global business stage.

CEO Insights Asia in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Business Leaders in Japan - 2025' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.

Top 10 Business Leaders in Japan - 2025

Company Management	Company Name	Company Description
Kohei Nishiwada , Founder & CEO	Asuene	With an entrepreneurial vision, he focuses on leveraging technology and data-driven strategies to drive growth, efficiency, and social impact
Dr Makoto Sawaguchi , Chief Executive Officer	Ppro Japan	He has over four decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and CRO industries, including 17 years in executive positions
Masayuki Omoto , President & CEO	Marubeni Corporation	He is known for his expertise in corporate management and steering organizations toward operational excellence and sustainable success
Mickey Mikitani , Chairman & CEO	Rakuten	An entrepreneur known for pioneering Japan’s online retail industry and driving the company’s expansion into fintech, digital content, and mobile services
Onouchi Takahiro, Executive Director	FPT Consulting Japan	With 20 years of consulting experience at Accenture Japan, he brings extensive expertise in advising enterprises on transformation strategies and leading large-scale projects
Shinya Honda, President & CEO	BBSS Corp.	He has 20 years of experience in software, hardware, and network security sales, marketing, planning, operations, and management in Japan’s IT industry
Takaaki Kitajima, Founder & CEO	Relic Holdings	He was responsible for new business development, business strategy and planning, and oversaw the creation and growth of multiple businesses
Toshiaki Tokunaga , President & CEO	Hitachi	He has experience in digital technology and business transformation, overseeing the company’s Digital Systems & Services Business Sector
Yuko Furuichi , President & CEO	Comexposium	She has dedicated her career to driving growth and innovation in the digital media and advertising technology industry, gaining experience at agencies
Yutaka Sasaki, Representative Director, President & CEO	NTT Data Group	He provides services from consulting to system development and operations, aiming to leverage digital technology for business transformation and addressing societal challenges

Other Issues