Fellow:Kotaro OKUYAMA


Name Kotaro OKUYAMA School (Cohort) Tohoku University (2023 cohort) Majoring in Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science Country Japan Email Special:EmailUser/Okuyama.kotaro

Bio

Kotaro OKUYAMA is a charismatic individual known for his gentle demeanor and infectious smile. As a UIF TOHOKU 2023 Fellow, he's dedicated to making a positive impact on society through his unique perspective and values.

With a diverse range of interests including traveling, dancing, music (especially J-pop and K-pop), sports, drawing, karaoke, and exploring new culinary experiences, Kotaro cherishes every moment and finds joy in life's simple pleasures. He approaches life with the curiosity and wonder of a child, seeking to live authentically along his own axis, free from the constraints of external influences like capitalism or technocracy.

At the core of Kotaro's philosophy lies his belief in design thinking as not just a problem-solving tool, but a way of life. He envisions a world where empathy and creativity drive innovation, leading to solutions that truly improve people's lives. His motto, "I wanna be an artist, I wanna be an artist as being a design thinker," reflects his commitment to staying true to himself while pursuing meaningful change.

Some of his motto;

"I wanna be an artist as being a design thinker."
"I wanna follow only my axis, don't follow other axis too much, like capitalism, purposism, environmentalism, humanism and so on. and so on."
"I know I can be who I am. (not who I wanna be)"
" I wanna stay only in a comfortable zone (donuts zone) for me. (The meaning of comforatbel is not the same as you know, but he does not yet have the power to give me the appropriate vocabulary.)"

Currently pursuing a career in Science Business, Kotaro aims to bridge the gap between technology, society, and human needs. He prioritizes delivering value to people over monetary gain, striving to create a future where technology serves humanity rather than dictates its course.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Kotaro is a devoted family man, the eldest son in a loving household with his parents and twin brothers. He values meaningful connections and has actively engaged in various projects and workshops aimed at empowering others through design thinking and life design principles.

Kotaro's journey as a UIF Fellow and his experiences at events like the UIF 2023 Meetup @Twente University have shaped his understanding of design thinking and strengthened his resolve to make a difference in the world. With his boundless optimism and unwavering dedication, Kotaro continues to inspire those around him to embrace their true selves and create positive change in their communities.

His favorite English Phrases;