Issei Saito

/ Saito Issei

Founder

He conducted research on human understanding using AI at the Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications, and the State University of New York. Leveraging the knowledge gained there, he worked as an AI engineer in R&D in the United States. For three years, he served as chief engineer in a joint research project with a major manufacturing company, focusing on optimizing production processes. He also participated in a joint AI research and development project at Matsuo Research Institute Co., Ltd.
With the passionate spirit of "seeing things through to the end" cultivated during his time on the American football team in college, he will use his skills and passion to ensure overwhelming victories for his clients, no matter what the circumstances.
In 2024, with companiesUnityStep: Walking TogetherBased on the philosophy of "[...]", he established UnityStep AI Co., Ltd., which handles everything from DX consulting to research and development, leveraging his background as a researcher.

Mutsumi Numazawa

/ Numasawa MUtsumi

Researcher

Affiliated with the Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications. Graduated at the top of his class from his undergraduate program and received the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Hatakeyama Award and the University of Electro-Communications Megurokai Award. Served as staff captain of the American football team, dedicated to supporting each member and ensuring the team performs at its best. An initial member of UnityStep AI Inc. Constantly challenges himself with new things and drives projects forward.

Shinya Yaku

/ Yaku Shinya

Chief Engineer

– 2013 Graduated from the Department of Mathematical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo, specializing in Systems and Information Engineering.
– 2015 Completed graduate studies in Systems Informatics at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo.
– 2015 Joined Yahoo! Japan Corporation (current position, will move to LINE Yahoo! Corporation in October 2023)

As a data scientist, I specialize in algorithm development, policy effectiveness verification, and large-scale data processing. After joining Yahoo! Japan Corporation in 2015, I worked as a backend engineer for Yahoo! Search, engaging in big data processing infrastructure development and machine learning model improvement. Since 2021, as a data scientist, I have been promoting data analysis and improvement proposals for various LINE Yahoo! products and in the HR field. Since 2025, I have also been working as a freelancer, providing technical support and advisory services related to data science.

Keita Fukuoka

/ Fukuoka Keita

VPoE/Domestic Engineering Supervisor

He is affiliated with the Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications. He is engaged in research on mathematical models for language understanding and meaning sharing using AI. He served as captain of the university's soccer team, leading the organization and contributing to its promotion to the league. He gained experience in system development through a long-term internship at an IT company. At Unity Step AI, he will utilize the theoretical thinking skills cultivated through research and the system development skills acquired through practical experience to tackle challenges.

Aiba So

Aiba So

AI Engineer/Manager

He is affiliated with the Department of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications. During his undergraduate studies, he received the Megurokai Award from the University of Electro-Communications. He served as captain of the American football team, leading the organization to promotion to a higher league. He joined the company after interning at an IT company and conducting joint research with a major manufacturing company.

Yoshihiro Kato

/ Kato Yoshihiro

AI Solutions Architect

He is affiliated with the Department of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications. He received an award for outstanding graduation research during his undergraduate studies. Currently, he is conducting research related to the fundamental technologies of quantum computing. He joined the company after completing a sales internship at a major manufacturer.

He also led the American football team as vice-captain and offensive leader, demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership skills. At Unity Step AI, he leverages the technical skills he cultivated through research and the management skills he gained through organizational activities to design AI solutions that are tailored to the client's challenges. 

Ritsuki Nakahara

/ Nakahara Ritsuki

AI Engineer/Consultant

He is affiliated with the Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications. He is engaged in research on control theory and AI, and has achieved presentations at academic conferences both domestically and internationally, as well as publication in academic journals. He has been playing soccer since elementary school, playing for the youth academy of a J.League team and for one of the top high schools in the prefecture. During a long-term internship at an AI startup, he worked on the construction and operation of data infrastructure and RAG, and launched multiple services. At Unity Step AI, he aims to create new value by utilizing the technical skills he has gained through research and practical work.

Tomoaki Nakamura

/ Nakamura Tomoaki

Technical advisor

– Completed graduate studies at the University of Electro-Communications, PhD (Engineering)
– 2013Joined Honda Research Institute Japan, where I am engaged in research and development of dialogue systems.
– 2014-2019Assistant Professor, Department of Intelligent Mechanical Engineering, University of Electro-Communications
– 2019 - PresentAssociate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, University of Electro-Communications
　
This is a competition for those engaged in research and development related to intelligent robotics, where participants compete to see who can build the best intelligent robot for home use.At RoboCup@Home, we won the world championship and became the world champions.Furthermore, their research results have been highly praised, and they have received numerous awards in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, including Best Paper Finalist at a top conference on intelligent robotics, a Paper Award in a robotics journal, and a paper award in an artificial intelligence journal.
He also serves as a special researcher at the Brain Science Institute of Tamagawa University, a technical advisor at the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Research Center of the University of Electro-Communications, and a technical advisor at UnityStep AI Co., Ltd.

Yo Ishigaki

/ Ishigaki Yo

Technology Strategy Advisor

He is a researcher who pursues risk visualization, medical device development, and the global deployment of research results, all centered around the theme of "visibility." He currently serves as the Director and Professor (Special Appointment) of the International Social Implementation Center at the University of Electro-Communications, and also holds a position as Professor (Special Appointment) at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University. After obtaining his doctorate from the University of Electro-Communications Graduate School, he worked at the IS Research Institute of Secom Co., Ltd. for 12 years. Subsequently, he also obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from Tama Art University Graduate School, establishing a unique research style that integrates engineering and design.
His major research achievements include the world's first smartphone-connected radiation sensor "Pocket Geiger," the air pollution measuring instrument "Pocket PM2.5 Sensor," the "OriMask" and "Pocket CO2 Sensor" developed as countermeasures against COVID-19, and the medical device "OculPad" for treating amblyopia in children. For these achievements, he has received numerous awards, including the Japan International Prize Heisei Memorial Research Grant (2020), the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award (2019), the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (2018), the Good Design Award, and the German Red Dot Design Award.
Currently, while serving as an advisor to several small and medium-sized enterprises and venture companies, he promotes problem-solving through collaboration between citizens and experts, based on his belief that "everyone can generate new ideas." He particularly focuses on the dissemination of medical equipment and the development of environmental measurement technologies in developing countries, and is actively developing projects in India and Africa.

Masahiro Nagano

/ Nagano Masato

Technical Advisor

– Completed graduate studies at the University of Electro-Communications, PhD (Engineering)
– 2023-2024Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) is engaged in research and development of computer vision and multimodal large-scale language models.
– 2024-2025Specially Appointed Researcher, Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications
– 2025-Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University
– 2025-Visiting Researcher, University of Electro-Communications
　
He possesses extensive knowledge of intelligent robotics and is engaged in a wide range of research and development. He boasts a track record of presentations at international conferences considered the pinnacle of the robotics field and has received numerous awards from organizations such as the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence and the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Furthermore, he has extensive experience in a wide range of projects at companies including JAXA, such as aircraft engine development and design, anomaly detection systems using computer vision, and document classification using optical character recognition, demonstrating his expertise in broad technological development. Leveraging his extensive research and development experience, he also serves as a technical advisor at UnityStep AI Co., Ltd.

Kazuya Ishii

/ Ishi Kazuya

AI x HR Advisor

Major food-related companies
– Head of Career Support Office, HR Department
– Chairperson, Disability Subcommittee, DE&I Committee
– Member of the Generative AI Utilization Project
– Board Member, Sustainable Career Support Association
Having accumulated many years of experience in the human resources field of large corporations, she has handled a wide range of tasks including the development and operation of performance evaluation systems, labor relations, and recruitment. Currently, as the head of the Career Support Office, she supports employees' career development while also addressing diverse HR issues such as employment of people with disabilities, support for employees returning to work after leave, and compliance consultation services.
In 2025, I joined UnityStep AI, sharing their mission to "leave a brighter, stronger Japan for future generations through the power of AI."
Based on our accumulated HR expertise and practical knowledge gained from handling a wide range of consultations, we are applying AI to talent development and mental health support, aiming to realize sustainable ways of working.

[Qualifications]
- Certified Hypnotherapist by the American Board of Hypnotherapy (ABH)
• CCA Certified Supervisor
• Career consultant (national qualification)
Industrial counselor
• Gallup Certified Strength Coach

Masaru Kimura

/ Kimura Masaru

AI x Human Resource Development Advisor

Restart Support Kimura Katsu Office Representative
– 1961 Born in Tokyo. After graduating from Hitotsubashi University's Faculty of Social Sciences, he joined Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., where he spent many years working in human resources.
– 2006 I left Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. by company order and transferred to an affiliated company where everyone was a human resources professional. I was appointed head of the staffing department, head of the secondment department, and head of the general affairs department. In these positions, I deepened my understanding of career development for middle-aged and senior employees.
– 2014 After retiring, he became independent and established "Restart Support Kimura Katsu Office," a human resources outsourcing firm, and "Administrative Scrivener Kimura Katsu Office." Even after becoming independent, he continues to work as an independent contractor, belonging to the human resources departments of several private companies, and remains an active human resources professional, addressing the HR challenges that arise on a daily basis.

His published works include "A Career Textbook for People Who Want to Work as Long as They Are Able to Work" (Asahi Shimbun Publications) and "If You Don't Want to Have Financial Problems in Retirement, Become a 'Semi-Independent Business Owner' at Your Current Company" (Nihon Jitsugyo Publishing).

Naoki Nishio

/ Nishio Naoki

Management advisor

– After graduating from the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tokyo University of Science,
– Joined Andersen Consulting (now Accenture Japan Ltd.)
– Founded MediaSeek Co., Ltd. in 2000. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers (now Growth Market) in the shortest time ever, just nine months. Has a proven track record in digital consulting and new business development, and has guided six venture companies to IPOs in its investment business.
– Currently, Vice President of Solvvy Inc.

Yutaka Matsuo

/ Yutaka Nagao

Technical advisor

Since 2019, he has been a professor in the Department of Technology Management and Strategy, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo / Research Center for Advanced Technology. His areas of expertise are artificial intelligence, deep learning, and web mining.
He has received several awards from the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence, including the Paper Award (2002), the 20th Anniversary Commemorative Project Award (2006), the Field Innovation Award (2011), and the Distinguished Service Award (2013).
From 2020 to 2022, served as a director of the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence and the Information Processing Society of Japan. Since 2017, has served as the chairman of the Japan Deep Learning Association. Since 2019, has served as an outside director of SoftBank Group. Since 2024, has served as the chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government AI Strategy Council. Since 2025, has served as an outside director of Panasonic Holdings Corporation. Since 2025, has served as the chairman of the Cabinet Office's Expert Committee on Artificial Intelligence Strategy.