Sayaka Tanaka is a social entrepreneur and policy leader advancing gender equity in Japan’s digital economy. She is the founder of Waffle, a leading nonprofit closing the gender gap in technology through AI and digital empowerment education for girls and non-binary youth, alongside national-level policy advocacy. She serves on Japan’s Central Council for Education. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader 2024, Tanaka is also a Forbes JAPAN 30 Under 30 honoree.

Masao Masuda is a Member of the Board of Directors, Managing Executive Officer at the Development Bank of Japan Inc. He joined the bank in 1991 after earning a BA in Economics from Kyoto University and later obtained an MS in Management from Stanford University. His career includes senior roles in corporate finance, business planning, crisis response, and overseas operations, culminating in his current appointment in 2025.

Forbes JAPAN contributing editor and specially appointed professor at Tokyo City University.
Her areas of coverage include business and management, entrepreneurship education, and the startup ecosystem. Since 2023, Kumi has participated in the WEF’s Annual Meeting as one of Japan’s media leaders.

After graduating from Waseda University, Kumi joined Nikkei BP. She has served as a reporter for “Nikkei Business” and as deputy editor-in-chief of both “Nikkei WOMAN” and “Nikkei TRENDY.”