DE&I Fair 2023

Keynote Speech by Sputniko!
"Unconventional Thinking: The Power of Divergence and Encounters with People"

We invited Sputniko!, an artist and the CEO of Cradle Inc., who works in a wide range of fields, including management, education, and entertainment, to speak at Epson's DE&I Fair. Drawing occasionally on her experiences as a commentator on television programs, she spoke about the importance of unconventional thinking and of diversity, sharing insights on the value of interacting with people from various backgrounds.

Profile: Sputniko! (February 2023)

Hiromi Ozaki, known as Sputniko!, was born in Tokyo.
She graduated from Imperial College London with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, and completed a Master's in Design Interactions at the Royal College of Art (RCA). Her RCA graduation project, Menstruation Machine, Takashi's Take, gained widespread attention.
She was an assistant professor at MIT Media Lab and an Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo. Currently (February 2023), she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Design at the Tokyo University of the Arts.

Keynote Speech by Yuima Nakazato
"The Future of DE&I from the Perspective of Diversity in Fashion"

Epson has formed a partnership with fashion designer Yuima Nakazato and his brand YUIMA NAKAZATO. Our goal is to drive a transformation in the fashion industry. Together, we are working to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production, implement optimal production systems that respect individual uniqueness, and develop technologies for a more sustainable future. Mr. Nakazato shared his initiatives and discussed the trends of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, as well as how Epson can leverage its strengths in this field.

Profile: Yuima Nakazato (November 2023)

Yuima Nakazato was born in 1985.
He graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 2008 and founded YUIMA NAKAZATO Co., Ltd. in 2015.
In July 2016, he was selected as an official guest designer for Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, where he presented his collection.
He continues to present collections in Paris, pursuing the possibilities of made-to-order fashion by fusing technology and craftsmanship.
In 2021, he launched the Fashion Frontier Program to support the next generation of creators.

The Future of Fashion Co-created with YUIMA NAKAZATO

Keynote Speech by Miyoko Kimura
"Business Grows Stronger with More Ideas: The Importance of DE&I and Communication"

Ms. Miyoko Kimura, Director of King Jim Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote speech. She has had a diverse career. She was deeply involved in the launch and growth of ASKUL, a division within, and later a subsidiary of, PLUS Corporation that provided total office support services. Ms. Kimura also served as president of a subsidiary and led the LOHACO e-commerce business. She shared her experiences on the importance of diversity and collaboration in creating new value. She also discussed tips for incorporating various ideas and opinions from team members, and the qualities required of future leaders.

Profile: Miyoko Kimura (November 2023)

Ms. Kimura joined PLUS Corporation in 1988 and ASKUL Corporation in 1993.
She served as Executive Officer for Office Life Creation in 2004, President of Asmar Co., Ltd. in 2009, Executive Officer and Head of Consumer Goods Division at ASKUL in 2013, Director and CMO in 2017, Director of Branding, Design, and Supplier Relations in 2021, and Outside Director at ARE Holdings in 2021 (current).
She was appointed Director and Senior Executive Officer, Head of Development Division at King Jim Co., Ltd. in 2022 (current), and Outside Director at Japan Post Holdings in 2023 (current).