Discovering a new world through the cross-border program

I currently lead the Generative AI Task Force while also being responsible for organizational culture reform and open innovation reform related to DX. In 2023, I participated in the "Cross-Border Program," one of Chugai’s digital human resources development programs ("CHUGAI DIGITAL ACADEMY"), which involved a one-year transfer to a venture company, after which I returned to my original department.

As part of the program, I was transferred to Travel Doctor Inc., a company that supports travel for people undergoing medical treatment. As a small company of three people in the travel industry, it offered a completely different environment to Chugai. I learned a great deal as it also made me realize how much I had been shaped by Chugai’s culture and shared beliefs. During the program, I worked on everything from planning of operations from scratch to establishing business processes and creating the company's mission. I gained a sense of the flexibility in the decision-making process and an understanding of the strong, selfless passion for the mission, which are somewhat unique to a venture company. With a newfound clarity on the differences between a large corporation and a smaller outfit, I made the decision to adopt the positive aspects of both types of companies to create a hybrid style in my own way of working.

Stepping out of Chugai to reaffirm what I value

Participating in this program was also an opportunity for self-discovery.

One major realization in the program was the importance of accomplishing something as a team. I became aware of my own inclination to drive things forward as a team while encouraging those around me to come together for a purpose.

I also reaffirmed for myself that Chugai’s purpose lies in contributing to society and patients, something which has real value for me. When I was previously involved in marketing therapies for rare cancers, I often dealt with specific patients, whereas my work on digital projects has certainly distanced me from the field. However, at Travel Doctor, I had the opportunity to spend time with patients receiving end-of-life care and to see the behind-the-scenes support provided by hospitals and healthcare providers to patients and their families. My desire to help patients has grown stronger because of my own involvement in the process.

I want to explore the challenging paths not yet taken

When asked where I want to go next, my response is "to a department that does not yet exist." I believe that we can achieve new combinations by discovering the unknown and the unseen and connecting them with the world around us, which will lead to innovation. Similarly to when I was transferred to the Digital Strategy Department, I want to continue exploring paths that no one else has taken, which will create experiences unique to me so that I can treasure the unexpected connections that I make along the

way.

To achieve the ambitious goals set out in TOP I 2030, we need to enter a phase of accelerated growth and explore new areas. I feel that this aligns with my own ways of thinking and being. I hope to contribute to the achievement of TOP I 2030 by discovering the unknown and unseen, connecting these discoveries with what already exists, and creating something new as a result.