From precision engineering to smiles across Japan: discover how a Swiss company transformed itself from a distributor-led dental supplier into one of the leading players in Japan’s tooth replacement market. In this June Luncheon, Straumann Japan’s leadership will share insights into the role of innovation, education, long-term vision, and the enduring strength of “Swissness” in one of the world’s most unique and demanding healthcare environments.
Join us for our June Luncheon featuring Ms. Yuko Kitamoto, Country Manager Straumann Japan, and Mr. Ingo Soellner, Vice President, Head of Ortho Japan, for an insightful discussion on the evolution of Straumann in Japan’s dental industry.
From its early days as a distributor-led dental supplier to becoming a market leader in tooth replacement solutions, Straumann’s journey in Japan reflects a long-term commitment to innovation, education, and quality. During the session, the speakers will share the key success factors behind this transformation, including the importance of corporate culture, strong professional education networks, continuous technological advancement, and the enduring value of “Swissness” in the Japanese market.
The luncheon will also provide participants with a broader perspective on the structural complexities of Japan’s dental sector, as well as emerging trends and future opportunities shaping the industry.
This session offers a unique opportunity to better understand how a Swiss company successfully navigates one of the world’s most sophisticated healthcare markets through precision, trust, and long-term vision.
| Date: | Friday, June 19, 2026 |
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| Schedule: | 12:00 – 14:00 (D.O.: 11:45) |
| Venue: | Tokyo Edition, Toranomon @Meeting Studios I-III (2F) 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan (MAP) |
| Fee: | • Members: JPY 6,500 or 1 SCCIJ voucher 2026 • Non-members: JPY 9,600 |
| Registration: |  *Deadline: June 15, 2026, 12:00 JST.* *Until June 8, registration is prioritized for SCCIJ members. After this date, seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.* *No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be fully charged.* *Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.* |
| Concept: | • This event consists in a 3-course lunch followed by a presentation (and Q&A). The setting is ideal for networking. • Participants are typically members of the Swiss-Japanese business community, but non-members are also welcome to join. • Seats are not attributed (free seating). • Dress code is business / business casual. |
| Disclaimer: | • The SCCIJ may film and take photographs of this event. If you participate, please b• The SCCIJ may film and take photographs of this event. If you participate, please be noted that these pictures and videos may be used in various media, such as the SCCIJ website, SCCIJ social networking sites, and SCCIJ promotional materials. If you do not want to appear on these pictures and/or videos, kindly notify the SCCIJ staff at the event. • The views expressed by the speaker(s) do not reflect those of the SCCIJ as an organization. |
| Inquiries: | By e-mail to info@sccij.jp |
Biography of the Speakers
Ms. Yuko Kitamoto is a highly accomplished global executive with over 25 years of leadership across healthcare and energy sectors. She has a proven track record of transforming businesses and driving sustainable growth. Recognized for executing complex turnarounds and building high-performing teams within multinational environments, she consistently delivers market-leading performance. Currently serving as the Country Manager and Board Director for Straumann Japan, Ms. Kitamoto oversees operations for the world’s largest dental implant company. In this pivotal role, she leads the full P&L and strategic direction for a key global market, championing continuous growth, market expansion, and organizational transformation. Additionally, she holds esteemed leadership positions as a Board Member for both Nihon Implant and the International Team for Implantology.
Mr. Ingo Soellner was born in Germany in 1970. Holding master’s degrees in social sciences from the University of Munich and Osaka University. With over 20 years of leadership experience across Japan and the Asia-Pacific region in different industries, including dentistry, Mr. Soellner, has a proven track record of scaling businesses in complex, highly regulated markets. At Straumann Group, where Mr. Soellner has spent over a decade, he currently serves as Vice President and Head of ClearCorrect Japan. He is responsible for driving market expansion, commercial performance, and brand positioning, with a strong emphasis on digital strategy and customer-centric growth. Known for aligning global strategy with local execution, Mr. Soellner builds high-performing teams and accelerates the adoption of digital solutions to deliver sustainable growth in the orthodontics segment.
