uSonar Hosts Special Lecture by Waseda Business School Professor Akiie Iriyama; Three Companies Including TOPPAN Discuss 2025 DX Strategies

uSonar Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Nami Fukutomi; President: Katsuhito Nagatake; hereinafter "uSonar") is pleased to announce the "1st DX Forum Accelerated by Data," to be held on Tuesday, December 10.
The event will feature a special lecture by Akiie Iriyama, a management scholar and professor at Waseda Business School known for his numerous books including "World-Standard Management Theory," followed by a discussion with uSonar President Nagatake.
The program also includes a panel discussion with three of uSonar's client companies, including TOPPAN Holdings Inc., and a presentation on new features by our sales managers.

*New registration is now closed

DX Forum Accelerated by Data: Special Lecture by Akiie Iriyama
https://usonar.co.jp/seminar/20241210_821.html

Six years have passed since the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released the "DX Report: Overcoming the '2025 Cliff' in IT Systems and Full-Scale Deployment of DX" in 2018, and the 2025 Cliff is now imminent.
Over the past six years, the term "DX" has gained widespread recognition, and many companies have invested in IT tools and talent. However, it is likely that only a small number of companies feel they have achieved a satisfactory transformation.

In this forum, we will introduce the DX initiatives of various companies and invite experts to share the latest trends and advanced knowledge regarding DX with all participants.

Recommended for Those Who Face the Following Challenges:
• Facing challenges with DX initiatives
• Want to learn about successful case studies from other companies or exchange information
• Interested in the latest information and case studies

1. [Special Lecture] Professor Akiie Iriyama, Waseda Business School
"The Importance of Data in DX Strategy"

Graduate School of Business and Finance,
Waseda Business School, Professor
Akiie Iriyama

Graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University and completed his master's degree at the Graduate School of Economics at the same university. After working at Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., primarily engaged in research and consulting for automotive manufacturers and domestic and international government agencies, he obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business in 2008. In the same year, he became an Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Management, State University of New York. He became an Associate Professor at Waseda Business School in 2013 and a Professor in 2019. His area of expertise is Management.

He has published numerous papers in major international management journals such as the "Strategic Management Journal." His books include "World-Standard Management Theory" (Diamond, Inc.), "What Are the World's Management Scholars Thinking Now?" (Eiji Press), and "Cutting-Edge Management Theory That Cannot Be Learned in Business School" (Nikkei BP), among others. He is also actively involved in disseminating information through various media.

2. [Dialogue] Professor Iriyama × uSonar President Nagatake
"What Is Necessary to Become an Organization That Can Utilize Data"

uSonar Co., Ltd.
President and Representative Director Katsuhito Nagatake

Joined uSonar Co., Ltd. as a new graduate in 2000. After serving in roles such as Sales Planning, was appointed Executive Officer of the Sales Division Planning Group in July 2014. Appointed President and Representative Director in February 2019. Oversees the entire Sales Division and promotes Customer Success and Marketing projects. Since becoming President, has grown uSonar Co., Ltd.'s revenue by 260% over five years. Actively participates in various meetings and events, building a network with over 1,000 executives and corporate leaders annually, and continues to conduct over 500 business negotiations per year. Continues to share the expertise gained from rapidly growing the company's revenue through data-driven sales and marketing activities not only with internal sales staff but also with partners and clients.

3. User Company Panel Discussion
Sales DX Realized Through uSonar Services
Speaker Introduction

Takara standard Co., Ltd.
Manager, Structural Reform & DX Promotion Office and Sales Division, Ms. Sayuri Niimi

Joined Takara standard in 2018. After working in site operations, participated in the SFA implementation project for the sales department starting in 2019. Led the construction and adoption of SFA as a core member. In August 2023, won the Large Enterprise Category at the National Salesforce Utilization Champion Tournament 2023, where user companies compete on their Salesforce business application cases. Became a member of the newly established organization directly under the President, the Structural Reform & DX Promotion Office, in April 2024. Engaged in company-wide DX and data utilization initiatives, including not only SFA utilization but also the development of new business areas using CRM and collaboration with production and logistics sectors.

TOPPAN Holdings Inc.
General Manager, Information Empowerment Team, Business Infrastructure Reform Department, Corporate Planning Division, Mr. Tomohiro Uchida

After joining Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (currently TOPPAN Holdings Inc.), worked in the sales department, handling major automotive manufacturers and advertising agencies. Transferred to the Planning and Development Department upon secondment to BrandXing Inc., where he was responsible for formulating and supporting CRM strategies for clients. After returning to Toppan Printing, he was responsible for formulating and supporting digital marketing strategies for clients while promoting B2B digital marketing for his own department. Has held a concurrent position in the Corporate Planning Division since 2019, promoting the company-wide expansion of B2B digital marketing. Has been dedicated to the Corporate Planning Division since 2023, currently promoting data-driven management for the entire TOPPAN Group.

USEN ICT Solutions CORPORATION (U-NEXT.HD)
Executive Officer, General Manager of Inside Sales, Mr. Eikichi Sumiya

After graduating from university, engaged in electrical equipment sales and department store operations for imported stationery brands before joining a human resources business firm. Simultaneously, accepted a contract for telemarketing operations in the department providing the corporate internet service 'USEN GATE02' for Wire and Broad Network Co., Ltd. (later renamed USEN Corporation; currently U-NEXT HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.). In 2003, shifted business focus and began inside sales operations, handling the entire process from lead generation to contract acquisition solely via phone, email, and fax. Subsequently joined USEN Corporation. Currently, at USEN ICT Solutions CORPORATION, which succeeded the ICT business from the company through a corporate split, continues to rethink the nature of inside sales and works on its evolution and transformation in line with the times.

Facilitator: uSonar Co., Ltd.
Executive Officer, DX Group, Sales Division, Masafumi Yuasa

Joined uSonar Co., Ltd. in 2005. For over 15 years, has been engaged in solving various business challenges as a B2B sales professional. Also delivers lectures at various seminars and events on the key points of building, maintaining, and utilizing customer databases, which serve as the foundation for B2B marketing. Appointed Executive Officer of the DX Group, Sales Division, in October 2018.

4. Introduction to New Features from uSonar

【講師】ユーソナー株式会社
営業本部 広域グループ マネージャー　木全 修一

Joined uSonar Co., Ltd. in 2018. Specializing primarily in the manufacturing sectors such as machinery and food, they have been engaged in proposing solutions for sales activity efficiency, as well as the integration and utilization of internal customer data, focusing on large-scale enterprises. Appointed as Manager of the Wide Area Group, Sales Division, in May 2024.

Speaker: Taku Fujisawa
Manager, Planning Group, Sales Division, uSonar Co., Ltd.

Joined uSonar Co., Ltd. in 2018. Since early in their career, they have been actively involved in large-scale projects, building accounts with major companies across various industries. Currently, as a manager, they lead multiple team members and are dedicated to promoting digital transformation for client companies.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM *Lunch and beverages will be provided
Target Audience: B2B Companies (Executives Only)
Organizer: uSonar Co., Ltd.
Venue: Hotel in Tokyo