PresidentShinji SuzukiProfessor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Project Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo

Born in 1953 in Gifu Prefecture. In 1979, Suzuki finished the Master’s course at Graduate School of Engineering of The University of Tokyo. After being employed by Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc., he is currently a Professor Emeritus, the University of Tokyo, and a Project Professor of Institute for Future Initiatives of the University of Tokyo after retirement of a Professor of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics of the University of Tokyo. Doctor of Engineering. Specialization: aeronautical engineering. The 43rd President of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences. President of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences. His publications include Hikōki Monogatari (published by Chikumashobo Ltd.), Gendai Kōkūron (Editor, The University of Tokyo Press) and Ochinai Hikōki eno Chōsen (Kagaku-Dojin Publishing Company, INC).

Executive Vice PresidentYasuhiro SendaDirector of JAPAN-SME Innovation Association The Cutting Edge TAKUMI

In 1964, Senda graduated from the Department of Engineering of University of Tokyo and was employed by Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co. Ltd (currently KDDI CORPORATION). After his engagement in the research and development of international phone exchange system and data exchange system, Yasuhiro used to be the Chief of London Office, General Manager and Director of Telehouse Europe Co. Ltd. In 1996, he became the Director of O-net, Inc. Afterwards, in 2000, Senda becomes a committee of NASDA National Space Development Agency of Japan (currently JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), in 2012, a Director of Kokka-Vision Research Centre and in 2013, a Director of Japan SME Innovation Association.

Executive DirectorKakuya IwataPrincipal Investigator of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

In 1998, Iwata became a member of the Electrotechnical Laboratory belonging to Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s Agency of Industrial Science and Technology. Awards: 16th Electronic Materials Symposium Award and 12th Lecture Honorable Mention by The Japan Society of Applied Physics. Kakuya experienced the growth of white LED development from zero to trillion yen industry. After the development of semiconductor manufacturing equipment made him interested in robotics, in 2004, Iwata transfers to Intelligent Systems Research Institute of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and starts research and development of UAS. In 2007, Kakuya received the Outstanding Lecture Award by Transportation and Logistics Division of The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 2007, he engages in robot policies at Industrial Machinery Division of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In 2009, Iwata launched the UAV development for “NIIGATA SKY PROJECT”.

Secretary GeneralTomoyuki Kumada

In 1970, Kumada graduated from the Department of Political Economy of Waseda University. He worked in Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co. Ltd (currently KDDI CORPORATION). In 1999, Kumada established the company named “Icomnet” (currently known as Blue Innovation Co., Ltd.) and acted as its director. Through the management and technology consulting business, Kumada has been nurturing venture entrepreneurs in both local and overseas, and engaging in new technology development projects in various fields, including ITC, environment, energy and health. Having recognized the business possibilities of UAV in its early stages, Kumada advances various projects starting from machine development to research and development of various applications. In 2012, Kumada appointed Senior Advisor of Blue Innovation Co., Ltd. (retired in 2017) In 2014, Kumada appointed Director and Secretary General of JUIDA, to the present.

DirectorDaisuke Kubo

Daisuke Kubo is an associate senior researcher working for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. He has more than 15 years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) including a variety of technology fields flight dynamics, flight control, airframe design, and operations technologies and a wide range of platform size from an indoor micro aerial vehicle to a large high-altitude long endurance UAS conceptual design. He was an expert analyst in flight dynamics for JTSB (Japan Transportation Safety Board) of Japanese government. He was a visiting researcher at NASA Ames Research Center working for UTM (2017-2018). He earned a Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering from the University of Tokyo, 2008. He was born in 1979 in Iwate Prefecture. He has more than 100 flight hours as a current FAA student pilot training for his private pilot license.

TreasurerDaisaku YasuokaCertified Public Accountant

Born in Kochi prefecture of Shikoku Island in 1949. Yasuoka graduated Hitotsubashi University with Bachelor of Art and joined Daiichi Chuo Kisen Kaisha, a shipping company in 1974. He was engaged mainly in Administration Department and worked in London Representative office for about one year during the career. He left Daiichi in 1999 and started studying accounting for a Certified Pubic Accountant. In 2010 became CPA(Japan) after finished Waseda University Graduate School of accountings. Thereafter, he was mostly engaged in non-profit accounting.