Join us for our November Luncheon with Mr. Yasuo Hayashi, Head of Country Leadership and President & Representative Director of DKSH Market Expansion Services Japan K.K., who also leads Business Unit Technology, and Mr. Satoshi Asada, President of DKSH Japan and General Manager of Performance Materials, as they reflect on two decades of transformation in Japan.
A DNA of Transformation: Focus on the Last 20 Years of Enabling Change in Japan
In this special anniversary session, Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Asada will share real-world stories of how DKSH introduced foreign concepts not just into Japan, but rooted them to thrive within its unique cultural and business context. From generic pharmaceuticals and third-wave coffee to sustainable packaging and yuzu exports to Europe, they will explore how pushback often marks the beginning of long-term transformation, and how bidirectional exchange creates value in both markets.
| Date: | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 |
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| Schedule: | 12:00 – 14:00 (D.O. 11:45) |
| Venue: | Grand Hyatt Tokyo, @Residence Anise Minato City, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Tokyo 106-0032 (MAP) |
| Fee: | • Members: JPY 6,500 or 1 SCCIJ voucher 2025 • Non-members: JPY 9,600 |
| Registration: |  *Deadline: November 7, 2025; 12:00 JST.* *Until October 23, 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 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
Mr. Yasuo Hayashi joined DKSH in 2001 and has held various leadership roles across IT, Business Process Management, and Technology. Since January 2022, he serves as President & Representative Director of DKSH Market Expansion Services Japan K.K., and Head of the Technology Business Unit. In 2025, he was appointed Head, Country Leadership of DKSH in Japan.
With over 25 years of experience spanning investment planning, IT systems, and executive management, Mr. Hayashi has played a pivotal role in driving DKSH Japan’s transformation and growth. Earlier in his career, he worked in investment planning at JAFCO Co., Ltd., and later at Reebok Japan, where he was involved in IT and Information Services, gaining hands-on experience in systems management that laid the foundation for his leadership in digital transformation and business process optimization at DKSH. Mr. Hayashi holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Hitotsubashi University.
Mr. Satoshi Asada is President & Representative Director of DKSH Japan K.K. and leads the Performance Materials business unit as General Manager. With over 35 years of experience in the food & beverage and specialty chemicals sectors, he brings extensive industry knowledge and a strong track record in leadership, innovation, and business development.
Since joining Nihon Siber Hegner K.K. (now DKSH Japan) in 2002, Mr. Asada has held a series of senior roles, including Executive Officer and Business Line Manager for the Food & Beverage Industry. Prior to DKSH, he built a broad foundation in production, R&D, quality control, sales, procurement, and international business at Stange (Japan) K.K., part of McCormick & Company.
He is recognized for his strategic vision and dedication to driving transformation and sustainable growth across DKSH Japan’s Performance Materials business, which spans Food & Beverage, Specialty Chemicals, Personal Care, and Pharmaceutical Ingredients. Mr. Asada holds a Bachelor of Law from Kyoto Sangyo University.
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