CEO Insights Magazine

In the dynamic realm of corporate leadership, Takahide Kasai emerges as the pivotal figure at the helm of Anique, exemplifying the quint essential role of a CEO in orchestrating the trajectory of a business. Kasai's illustrious journey is characterized by academic excellence, having honed his skills in Economics at Keio University. His strategic odyssey commenced with Citi Group in 2011, where he immersed himself in the intricacies of Equity Research. In a significant career pivot in 2013, he transitioned to Morgan Stanley Investment Banking, showcasing his adaptability and prowess.

In 2023, armed with a wealth of experience, Kasai assumed leadership at Anique, infusing the company with his seasoned expertise and forward-thinking vision. This transition marked a transformative phase for Anique, propelling its evolution and solidifying its position as a formidable player in the convergence of digital and physical experiences. Kasai's journey serves as a testament to his ability to navigate diverse landscapes within the financial sector and drive innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the companies he steers.

We engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Takahide Kasai, let’s hear from him.

Can you provide a concise overview of your professional history and experiences? Additionally, could you share the driving motivation that energizes your daily activities?

Following my graduation from Keio University, I embarked on a dynamic professional journey, initially serving as an equity analyst at Citi Group. During my three-year tenure, I extensively covered diverse industries, including retail and TMT. Subsequently, I transitioned to Morgan Stanley's investment banking division, specializing in TMT coverage. Over my decade long association with Morgan Stanley, I actively participated in significant deals, ranging from M&A to equity and debt offerings. In the last three years, my focus shifted to overseeing startup IPOs and collaborating with prominent Japanese internet companies.

Motivated by a profound desire to contribute positively to the world and elevate Japan's competitiveness and global perception, I made the transition to Anique last year. In my current role, I derive immense satisfaction from being an enabler for Japanese manga/ anime intellectual property to achieve global recognition. My overarching goal remains rooted in making incremental contributions to improve the world and advance Japan's standing on the global stage .

Can you share insights into the distinctive experiences provided by Keio University in Japan? Additionally, what lessons did you glean from the campus that extended beyond the realm of academics?

At Keio University in Japan, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of exceptionally bright and highly motivated students. Despite excelling in English during high school, I found myself in a middle-level class at Keio and was unable to enroll in upper-level courses. This experience instilled in me the realization that there will always be individuals who excel, prompting me to persevere and continuously strive for improvement.

A pivotal influence on my entire career trajectory was my participation in a seminar from my third to fourth years. In this seminar, I delved into the realm of international trade theory under the guidance of Professor Fukunari Kimura, a distinguished chief economist at ERIA. Beyond imparting theoretical knowledge, Professor Kimura encouraged us to question the 'why' behind concepts and adopt a critical perspective toward existing systems. This invaluable experience at Keio University not only shaped my academic understanding but also laid the foundation for a mindset of perpetual curiosity and a nuanced approach to established frameworks.

Could you characterize Anique and its market standing?

Based in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, Anique stands as a trailblazing entity committed to forging a seamless fusion of digital and physical experiences, transcending borders to amplify the global presence of brands. At the heart of our success lies a robust commitment to collaboration, underscored by partnerships with over 60 Japanese manga and anime intellectual properties, a testament to our industry influence since inception.

Anique's unique identity is sculpted by a dexterous incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as XR, blockchain, and AI. This strategic integration propels us to the forefront of the immersive experience industry, where we consistently redefine fan engagement, establishing unparalleled benchmarks. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of innovation, Anique remains unwavering in its dedication to setting new standards and elevating the intersection of technology and entertainment to unprecedented heights. Our journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the transformative impact we bring to the market.

Share insights into your leadership style. What principles or methodologies guide your approach as a leader?

Embedded within my leadership philosophy is a resonance with Andy Grove's 'Only the Paranoid Survive,' a tome emphasizing a critical mindset and receptiveness to all potentialities. These principles find resonance in the teachings of the Kimura seminar, where a culture of perpetual questioning, open-mindedness, and adaptability to change was ingrained. In the contemporary dynamic landscape, marked by swift technological advancements, evolving consumer trends, and heightened competition, the ability to anticipate possibilities becomes paramount.

Leveraging my background in finance, I underscore the importance of data-driven decision making, anchoring choices in numbers and logic rather than intuition. The rapid pace of the business environment necessitates a proactive stance, contemplating diverse scenarios to maintain a competitive edge. This leadership approach, rooted in vigilance, adaptability, and evidence-based decision-making, serves as the compass guiding my strategic thinking and choices. It ensures a resilient and forward-thinking leadership style, imperative for navigating the complexities of today's ever evolving business ecosystem.

What future destination do you envision?

At the core of both my personal mission and that of Anique is a commitment to catalyzing a revolutionary user experience, transcending geographical boundaries by seamlessly intertwining the real and digital realms. I am driven by the ambition to saturate the global landscape with a rich tapestry of diverse intellectual properties (IPs), weaving them intricately into the fabric of users' lives. To actualize this vision, our strategic focus centers on crafting services that serve as transformative catalysts, fundamentally altering the landscape of user interactions. We staunchly believe in the extraordinary potential of extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to usher in a paradigm shift, redefining how users engage with IPs and elevating their enjoyment to unprecedented heights, thereby forging a new era of immersive experiences.

Drawing from your extensive industry experience, what counsel would you offer aspiring leaders?

Firstly, prioritize cultivating a robust foundation and derive enjoyment from your journey. Secondly, live authentically, placing less emphasis on external judgments and societal values. These principles encapsulate valuable guidance for emerging leaders in the field.

Takahide Kasai,  CEO,  Anique

Takahide Kasai, the ceo of anique, graduated from keio university with a degree in economics in 2011. He initiated his career in 2011 at citi group, specializing in equity research, and subsequently transitioned to morgan stanley investment banking in 2013. In the year 2023, he became an integral part of anique, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the company.