Akita Advanced Design Works
Founder & Principal Advisor
Nearly three decades spanning two of Japan's most storied automakers. From the physics of a suspension component to the strategy of a software-defined vehicle platform — a career built at the precise intersection of engineering depth and executive vision.
Core Competencies
Conceptualizing new technologies and product visions, and building the strategies to bring them to life — from early ideation through organizational alignment.
Track record leading teams of 5 to 46 across engineering, planning, and co-creation projects — managing complexity, schedules, and quality simultaneously.
Four years leading international development teams in Europe, with hands-on experience navigating cross-cultural collaboration and supplier negotiations across continents.
Hands-on co-creation of SDV strategy and agile PoC development alongside Technology Subsidiary — bridging the gap between hardware-centric traditions and software-led futures.
Deep technical expertise across suspension, steering, and platform systems — including first-of-kind innovations such as hollow-beam torsion bar suspensions and belt-drive steering assist systems.
Successfully led new international supplier sourcing — including first-ever engagement of a global Tier-1 supplier for a compact SUV — with expertise in negotiation, quality assurance, and strategic supply chain development.
Career History
Founded AADWorks in May 2026 as an independent advisory practice, drawing on nearly three decades of experience at Japan's leading automakers. Partnering hands-on with clients across product planning, software-defined vehicle development, and future mobility innovation — bringing insider judgment directly into the room, not from a distance.
Independent Advisory Strategy SDVLeading future mobility value creation projects in a rapidly evolving landscape that extends beyond the automotive industry. Working at the intersection of software innovation and mobility strategy.
Playing manager directly under the Premium Brand Division President, responsible for new concept planning, carbon neutral strategy, and advanced technology exploration. Led a team of six across multiple high-visibility projects.
Led a team of 40 engineers responsible for chassis platform development across all FR-platform vehicles, including the flagship model. Delivered keynote presentation at Chassis Tech international conference in Germany (2018), contributing to premium brand presence in Europe.
Led steering component development for D-segment vehicles including D-segment sedan and compact SUV. Introduced the OEM's first belt-drive steering assist system on the D-segment sedan, and led the first-ever engagement of an overseas steering supplier for the compact SUV.
D-Segment Sedan Compact SUV Global Supplier SourcingLed suspension and tire development for the North American compact sedan, and managed local-content component development for compact sedan production in Brazil and Argentina.
Compact Sedan North America Local SourcingLed a seven-member international team in Belgium, developing and launching chassis components for locally-produced compact vehicles. Spearheaded the French plant vehicle launch and established sustainable local procurement processes.
Europe Compact Car International TeamDesigned and developed suspension systems for the Compact Car platform. Pioneered the OEM's first hollow-beam torsion bar rear suspension, and developed a new lightweight lower arm structure for the 3rd-generation compact car front suspension.
Compact Car Platform First-of-kind InnovationBegan career designing suspension and chassis components for multiple vehicle platforms. Introduced the OEM's first torsion beam rear suspension on the new compact vehicle. Also served one year at the Mizushima plant factory design office, resolving production-line quality issues in real time.
Education
Chuo University
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Department of Precision Mechanical Engineering
Languages
Japanese · English
Native Japanese. Business-level English — developed through 4 years leading international teams at European Regional Operations and international conference keynotes.
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