About Me​

I am based just a few minutes' walk from the beach in Zaimokuza, Kamakura.

My mornings begin with Zen meditation, playing the shakuhachi (traditional Japanese bamboo flute), and Japanese calligraphy. Several times a week, I also go surfing or trail running in the hills behind Kamakura. Living in rhythm with nature and the body is not separate from my work—it is the foundation from which all of my projects emerge.

My journey into Zen began in 2008 during a period of personal crisis. Later, I deepened my practice through Vipassana meditation. These contemplative practices have become the foundation of everything I do today, including zenschool, Zen2.0, and my current work exploring the relationship between AI and human wisdom.

 

Roots & Mission

At the heart of my work is the legacy of my ancestor, Saint Paul Miki, one of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan, who was executed in Nagasaki over 430 years ago. Born into a samurai family, he remained true to his convictions during one of Japan's most turbulent periods. His spirit continues to inspire my own path.

Guided by this heritage, I seek to preserve the wisdom of Zen while contributing to the realization of a Mindful City Kamakura—a society rooted in compassion, inclusion, and respect beyond all forms of discrimination.

My mission is to help bridge East and West, tradition and innovation, the individual and society, supporting a global shift toward ways of living and working that are more meaningful, sustainable, and deeply human.

 

Core Projects

Zen2.0 & zenschool

My work began in 2011 with a simple question:

"Can Zen practice transform the way we innovate and do business?"

This experiment evolved into zenschool, where I developed the concept of True Innovation—an approach that starts not from analytical thinking, but from Hara, the Japanese understanding of intuition, embodied awareness, and inner knowing.

This exploration expanded further with Zen2.0, an international conference launched in 2017 at Kencho-ji, Japan's oldest Zen training monastery. In 2026, Zen2.0 celebrates its 10th anniversary under the theme:

"Wa — Resonating with All Existence."

Organizing Zen2.0 as a holacratic organization has also taught me the value of leading by letting go of control.

 

AI × Hara (Contemplative AI)

My current primary focus is the integration of AI with contemplative practice.

Artificial intelligence is exceptionally good at gathering information, recognizing patterns, and optimizing decisions—but it does not possess Hara, the embodied intuition that enables human wisdom.

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I propose a human-centered decision-making model:

Hara → AI → Hara

 

Humans begin with intention and embodied wisdom, AI assists with analysis and possibilities, and humans ultimately return to Hara to make the final decision.

I am currently writing a book on this topic, tentatively titled:

The Hara: Samurai Intuition in the AI Era

 

Global Market Entry Consulting

Drawing on my experience as a Visiting Lecturer at the Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, together with an international network spanning the UK, Italy, and beyond, I help overseas organizations in well-being, mindfulness, and nature-based retreats successfully enter the Japanese market.

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Deep Industry Expertise

Having organized one of the world's leading international Zen conferences for nearly a decade, I understand both the global well-being movement and Japan's contemplative traditions. I have supported European and international organizations in building meaningful and culturally authentic connections with Japan.

 

Exclusive Network & Unique Experiences

Through long-standing relationships with temples, shrines, and cultural institutions, I can arrange access to exceptional venues—including historic sites that are generally not open to the public—for workshops, retreats, and special events.

 

Bridging Cultures

I help bridge the gap between international business practices and Japan's unique cultural landscape, enabling organizations to enter the Japanese market with authenticity, sensitivity, and lasting impact.

 

Areas of Expertise

• Global Market Entry Consulting for well-being and mindfulness organizations

• AI & IKIGAI Coaching

• Contemplative AI and Hara-centered decision making

• Zen Philosophy & Mindfulness

• Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and Zen

• Resonance Marketing & Ikigai 2.0

• Zen-based Business Innovation through zenschool

• Executive coaching for True Innovation

• Mindful Leadership

• Conscious Innovation

• Human flourishing in the age of AI

 

Let's Connect

If you are interested in mindful leadership, conscious innovation, the future of humanity in the age of AI, or bringing well-being initiatives to Japan, I would be delighted to connect.

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Let's explore how we can turn meaningful ideas into lasting impact—together.