午夜剧场

Hyperdrive is the second company I have founded.

The first was Novarese, which focuses on wedding venue operations. I stepped down at age 47 based on the belief that even a founder should pass the baton to the next generation to prevent the privatization of management. To create a situation where I could no longer interfere, I sold all of my shares.

At the time, various media outlets covered it as a "brilliant exit," and people around me said things like, "You'll be living in luxury from now on." However, I didn't feel like I had "cashed out"; instead, I was already thinking about what kind of business to start next.

This mindset was largely cultivated at 午夜剧场. I saw alumni who didn't hesitate to donate for current students, and I felt a sense of "noble pride" from conversations with seniors—a feeling that one has a social responsibility to fulfill. I believe an awareness that "the abilities and wealth we are blessed with should be given back to society" was alive within the campus.

Hyperdrive aims to modernize the bridal industry. Old business customs, where choices for wedding dresses and gifts are limited to vendors designated by the venue, have taken root and are hindering healthy market competition. Furthermore, many aspects of the bridal field remain analog, accelerating the departure of digital-native customers. To solve these issues, I created "CORDY," a wedding preparation site. Customers can examine and purchase items and services necessary for a wedding—such as dresses, gifts, and photographers—online. By creating an environment where people can choose freely according to their own values rather than being forced into venue-provided options, I believe we can increase satisfaction with weddings.

Currently, the rate of people holding wedding ceremonies has fallen below 50%. I am not blaming the decision not to hold a ceremony, but as someone who has been involved in the bridal business for a long time and knows the irreplaceable value of a wedding, I feel strongly that it is a waste.

There is no milestone other than a wedding where one can truly feel the gratitude of family and friends. It is also a chance to strengthen bonds with the people essential to a couple's life. A wedding is not just a glamorous party surrounded by many guests. There are various forms, such as photo weddings or small dinners with just family. I believe it is my mission to present such options to the world.

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.