Toward a Society Nurtured by Sensitivity
We all have only one life to live.
I aim to create a well-being sociaty through the power of business.
As an expert in entrepreneurship research , I assist entrepreneurs in creating sustainable visions.
Over the past 30 years, I have been involved in the startup and management of 30 companies.
Based on my experience, I have written a book called “All of Empathetic Entrepreneurship (Kyokan Kigyo Taizen in Japanese)” which proposes businesses that are supported and sustained for a long time.
This book describes the mindset for successful business in Japan and how to start a sustainable society from a Japanese mindset.
If you are interested in Japanese values and starting a business with sensitivity and empathy, let's work together.
And let's expand the world of well-being together.
Profile
Koji Nakashima
Born in Japan.
I grew up with music and nature.
I started the first music distribution business in Japan in 1999.
After selling the company, I became a board member of an venture company (US) in Japan.
One day I saw a video of people living in developing countries.
I had to see for myself, so I traveled around the world.
I was shocked by the reality behind the economy in the world. I decided to improve society through business.
At returned, I have been involved in the startup and management of about 30 companies and supported many entrepreneurs.
My research focuses on sustainability, entrepreneurship, emotions and empathy.
My mission is to create businesses based on sensibilities and values.
I have written three books, Including “All about Empathetic Entrepreneurship" (Japanese only).
Activities
Sustainable business development
- SHIFT X Lab / SHIFT X Academy (jp) （Business creation, co-creation platform）
- Sustainable Story, Inc (jp) Founder / CEO (Management Company)
Education and Research
- Professional University of Information and Management for Innovation (en) / Visiting Professor
- Aichi Institute of Technology (jp) / Part-time Faculty (Theory of Venture Business, Internet Business, Media Industry)
- Society for Study of Well-Being, Social Innovation, Regional Revitalization, NPO / Member
Co-Creation Business Management
- NPO COMMON BEAT (jp) / Founder and Director (2003-)
- Future with Forest Association (en) / Co-Founder and Director
- HASUNA Co.,Ltd. (en) Director（2012 - 2023）
- eumo Fair Trade Coin (jp) Community Manager
more companies
History
Born in Japan.
I grew up with music and nature.
I wanted to change the world with music, so I graduated from high school and moved to Tokyo.
Founded Japan's first music distribution venture and M&A
I started my own business at 18, producing music and developing music synthesizers.
When the Internet started, I saw the possibilities and decided to change the music market.
I did research on music distribution technology and published it on my website. I wrote two books.
After I founded the company, we received investments from Microsoft and others.
And we were able to start the first music distribution in Japan. (copyright protection).
Later, my company was acquired by a U.S. venture firm.
One day I saw a video of people living in developing countries.
I had to see for myself, so I traveled around the world.
The Beginning of a Social Serial Entrepreneur
I was convinced that business needed sensitivity.
Because many companies are destroying the environment and causing problems for society.
In non-profit activities, COMMON BEAT has been an educational organization for 22 years. It conducts social education activities through musicals.
In venture business, I have established a mobile content service and a recruitment testing business one after another (about 15 companies in total).
I was also involved in record companies, broadcasting, carbon offsetting , HR, and more.
Co-founding and co-managing social ventures
Even if I started many businesses, the social impact would not be enough. So I decided to start or join a business with many entrepreneurs.
I has involved in the management of HASUNA(Ethical Jewelry), Future and Forest Association(Shinrin-yoku),EQ development, mental health, developmental disability support, career support, environmental detergents, etc. (Management of about 15 companies in total)
Based on my entrepreneurial experience and support for entrepreneurs, I started research on “sensitivity” and “entrepreneurship”.
Entrepreneurship training & support
I saw a need to support businesses that combine social impact and profitability.
Therefore, I decided to systematize and implement a method for training entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Economy(METI), local governments, and other business accelerator projects were implemented.
Many entrepreneurs were born.
Toward a society nurtured by sensitivity
Enrolled in graduate school to research entrepreneurship.
In October 2023, I woted "All about Empathic Entrepreneurship"
I'm a visiting professor and teacher of business administration at the university from 2024.
I founded SHIFT X Lab and started a business co-creation platform and academy
I conduct over 100 seminars a year, support many entrepreneurs, and work in business development for companies related to sustainability.
Achievements:
I have been involved in more than 30 companies and management, supported more than 500 entrepreneurs, and supported more than 1,000 business development projects.
We maintain the strictest confidentiality with regard to all support projects other than those for which we have received permission to disclose information. Please understand that I cannot answer about projects or contracts, including case studies, for which I do not wish to disclose information, such as advisory contracts and training provision.
（last modify 1 Jan 2025）
Project
