sentimental & co.

Members

CEO
Satoshi Shibata
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Profile

Profile

Beginning his career in the political sphere as a former secretary to a Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, this executive has been at the forefront of global business strategy, primarily in Asia. Currently, he serves as CEO of multiple companies, including sentimental & co.
He possesses an extensive track record in advertising and PR, branding, investment and M&A, real estate, and sports and entertainment. Highly skilled in strategic design leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies, he utilizes his unique insights and global network to foster corporate growth.

Career Summary

  • sentimental & co. (CEO)
  • Septembers Ltd. (CEO)
  • NijyuYon Co. Ltd. (CEO)
  • TLA Co., Ltd. (COO)

Business Strategy Related Projects

  • Partnership with “Have Fun” Game Technology School in Henan Province (2018)
  • Partnership with Zhejiang Province and Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province as a Director of the Blockchain Innovation Consortium (2018)
  • Received the Excellent Content Award at the NetEase Global City Partners Conference (2019)
  • Appointed Advisor for the Japanese subsidiary of Chinese film giant JOY PICTURES (2020)
  • Collaboration with a membership-based e-commerce and trading company (5 million members) (2020)
  • Japan PR for Geely Automobile’s AI/AR smart glasses “Dream Smar” (2024)

Brand Strategy Related Projects

  • Produced AC Milan Soccer School Toyohashi (2017)
  • Lamborghini Winery video achieved 1.1 million views in 1 hour (2018)
  • Strategic partnership between Toyohashi City and NetEase News Japan (2018)
  • Produced an International Game Festival, collaborating with companies from 8 countries (2020)
  • Appointed Asia-Pacific Ambassador (2021)
  • Developed Asia strategy and supported exclusive contract for MIW (apparel) (2022)
  • Supported global expansion for drift drivers and Muay Thai champions (2023-2024)

Skills

  • Global Business Strategy Design
  • Brand Strategy, PR, and Video Production
  • Business Development in the Sports and Entertainment Industry
  • Strategic Planning Utilizing AI and AR
  • M&A/Real Estate/Overseas Expansion Support

Strengths

Leveraging unique perspectives and international sensibility, he crafts strategies across a wide range of fields, from entertainment and sports to cutting-edge technology. He is a multi-talented producer who combines a management perspective with strong execution capabilities.

COO
Kyo Izuchi
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Profile

Profile

With over a decade of experience at a Swiss financial institution and a Big4 consulting firm, Kyo has provided global-centric consulting on management strategy, risk management, and compliance for both Japanese and international clients. He currently serves as CEO of TLA Co. Ltd and CENTRALE LLC, leading international business support initiatives. His clients include government agencies, GAFA, and listed corporations, and he specializes in providing strategic support that integrates practical implementation with institutional knowledge.

Career Summary

  • sentimental & co. (COO)
  • TLA Co. Ltd (CEO)
  • CENTRALE LLC (CEO)
  • Deloitte Tohmatsu Group (Senior Management)
  • PwC Business Assurance LLC (Senior Manager)
  • PwC Aarata (Forensic Investigation, Finance, and Compliance Support)
  • UBS Fund Management (Property Management)

Business Strategy Related Projects

  • Advised an EU member state’s financial agency on drafting financial legislation
  • Conducted an international e-crime investigation in Southeast Asia at the request of the Prime Minister’s Office
  • Led international policy research for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
  • Supported the enhancement of internal controls for the Japanese subsidiary of a GAFA company
  • Provided strategy and implementation support for a new business venture for Sumitomo Group
  • Delivered investigation, technical advisory, and litigation support for a major cryptocurrency theft case
  • Developed and implemented IoT integration strategies for major infrastructure companies
  • Assisted multinational corporations with anti-tax haven measures

Skills

  • Strategic Design of International Law and Financial Systems
  • Forensic Investigation, AML, and Risk Management
  • New Business Development and Overseas Expansion Support
  • Cryptocurrency Security Investigation
  • Execution of Government and Public Sector Projects

Strengths

Leveraging high-level expertise and a global perspective, he delivers essential solutions to complex challenges for both public and private sector clients. He excels at designing and executing cross-disciplinary strategies that fuse insights from the legal, financial, IT, and energy sectors.

Senior Manager
Xu Yang
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Profile

Profile

After graduating with honors from Tsinghua University, Yo-san earned an MBA from Hitotsubashi University, specializing in business and marketing. He then joined one of the Big Four accounting firms, where he was responsible for all marketing activities within the consulting division. His diverse responsibilities included analysis and strategy development to support client growth, managing external events and PR activities, and designing high-quality programs. He also focuses on investment consulting in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge technologies, and possesses over a decade of experience in real estate services and investment.

Career Summary

  • Big Four Accounting Firm – Consulting Division (Marketing Manager)

Business Strategy Related Projects

  • Oversaw all marketing functions for the consulting business
  • Provided analysis and solutions for client growth strategies
  • Supported, planned, and managed external events and PR activities
  • Designed and delivered high-quality training programs
  • Conducted investment consulting in new technologies, renewable energy, and AI
  • Gained over 10 years of practical experience in real estate investment and services

Skills

  • Marketing Strategy Development and Analysis
  • Business Growth Support and Solution Design
  • Event and PR Activity Support
  • Investment Consulting (AI, Renewable Energy, New Technologies)
  • Real Estate Investment and Asset Management Consulting

Strengths

Leveraging specialized knowledge across diverse industries and a global perspective, he provides strategic support that contributes to the sustainable growth of companies. His extensive experience, covering everything from marketing to investment and real estate, enables him to deliver highly effective consulting.

Senior Consultant
Nick Zhan
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Profile

Profile

A trilingual professional fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese, Nick specialized in Molecular Nutrition at Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of Agriculture. His diverse expertise spans market research, M&A support, energy asset management, and real estate investment. At Deloitte, he was involved in M&A due diligence for PE funds, market entry strategies for AI technology firms, and marketing strategy for emerging fields like Web3. He has also driven the Japan market entry for a Fintech company, managed power storage assets, and developed electricity trading strategies.

Career Summary

  • Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC (Business Consultant)
  • Lehmansoft AU (M&A Project Management)
  • Global Asset Partners (Asset Management & Business Development)
  • Setsurotech Inc. (Head of Overseas Business Development)

Business Strategy Related Projects

  • Developed and executed Japan market entry strategies for AI companies
  • Supported Pre-BDD and CDD for PE funds (marine civil engineering)
  • Formulated and implemented Web3-related marketing strategies
  • Supported the Japan market entry of an Australian Fintech company
  • Managed PMI and the acquisition of business licenses through M&A
  • Managed operations, construction supervision, and licensing for high-voltage power storage plants
  • Developed trading strategies and systems for the electricity market
  • Planned and promoted business strategy for the APAC market
  • Built relationships with VCs and supported fundraising efforts

Skills

  • Strategy Formulation and Implementation (Market Research, Growth Strategy)
  • M&A Support (Pre-BDD, CDD, PMI)
  • Overseas Expansion and Market Entry Support (Focus on APAC)
  • Energy Sector Asset Management (Power Storage, Electricity Trading)
  • Real Estate Investment and Management (Acquisition to Exit)
  • Project Management (Handling multiple stakeholders)
  • Multilingual Business Proficiency (Japanese, English, Chinese)

Strengths

A hands-on consultant who provides end-to-end support, from strategy to execution, grounded in extensive practical experience. He delivers results across a wide range of fields, including emerging technologies (AI, Web3), renewable energy, real estate, and Fintech. Combining flexibility with strong execution capabilities, he contributes to enhancing corporate value and achieving sustainable growth.

Senior Consultant
Nigel Zhao
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Profile

Profile

Nigel holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Hokkaido University. He began his career in the strategy division of Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC, where he engaged in a wide array of projects, including research in the Blue Economy and Circular Economy, use-case development for Generative AI, DX strategy for major corporations, and Pre-DD support for PE funds. He later joined Global Asset Partners Inc. as an Asset Manager, overseeing the development and operation of high-voltage power storage plants and formulating strategies for the electricity market.

Career Summary

  • Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC (Strategy Consultant)
  • Global Asset Partners Inc. (Asset Manager)
  • Independent Consultant

Business Strategy Related Projects

  • Conducted market research on data utilization in the Blue Economy (marine and fisheries sectors)
  • Researched policies and case studies in human rights and the circular economy
  • Supported the development of Generative AI use cases for an insurance company
  • Formulated strategy and facilitated workshops for a major company’s DX project
  • Provided Pre-DD support for PE funds (financial research, growth strategy)
  • Manages operations, construction, and licensing for high-voltage power storage plants
  • Develops strategies and systems for electricity market trading
  • Executes project management and business expansion initiatives

Skills

  • Market Research and Report Creation
  • Strategy Formulation and Workshop Facilitation
  • Investment Target Research and Pre-DD Support
  • Cross-Border Project Management (Japanese, English, Chinese)
  • SNS Marketing and Generative AI Integration Support

Strengths

Delivers high-quality output that meets diverse client needs through flexible thinking and meticulous execution. Leveraging his experience in trilingual environments, he acts as a valuable partner who can support clients through the entire process, from strategic planning to AI implementation.

African Area Director
Emmanuel Omijeh
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Profile

Profile

As CEO of Rudders Sports Management, General is dedicated to sports management, international talent development, and business creation. A FIFA-certified agent, he has held numerous prominent roles, including former coordinator for the Nigerian U23 national team, founder of a university sports league, and sports analyst for AIT. He is also a life coach committed to fostering youth innovation and entrepreneurship through sports. With a career spanning over two decades, his strengths lie in diplomatic negotiation and community development.

Career Summary

  • Rudders Sports Management (CEO)
  • Nigerian U23 National Team (Former Coordinator)
  • AIT (Sports Analyst)

Business Strategy Related Projects

  • Oversees international sports management
  • Develops and supports player transfers as a FIFA-certified agent
  • Founded and managed a university sports league
  • Fosters innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in young people
  • Designs and implements international mentorship programs
  • Investment and trade in agriculture and mining
  • Planning and negotiation of community development projects

Skills

  • International Sports Management and Player Support
  • Life Coaching and Youth Support Programs
  • Diplomatic Negotiation and Community Development
  • Agribusiness / Mining Sector Investment and Management
  • Media Analysis and Sports Commentary

Strengths

Building a career at the intersection of sports and international business, he demonstrates broad leadership from youth development to global business and community contribution. Armed with over 20 years of hands-on experience and a flexible, strategic mindset, he contributes to the growth of the next generation and society.