2025/10/16

Professor Gustavo Tanaka from the Faculty of Global Engagement, Department of Global Studies, has contributed three case studies to Nikkei BizRuptors.

① Innovation Against Isolation: How OryLab’s Avatar Robots Bring People Together
This case study highlights how OryLab Inc., a Tokyo-based IT company, enables people with disabilities to participate in social and professional activities remotely through its avatar robot “Orihime”. It explores the potential of technology to promote social inclusion and support employment.

② YKK – At the Crossroads of Growth and Social Responsibility
The focus of this case study is on how YKK (a global leader company in the zipper industry, with around 40% of market share) balances its long-term competitive strategy with its corporate social responsibility agenda, amid intensifying global competition.

③ Strategic Cost Management – Improving performance in SMEs through the right Costing (and Pricing)
This case examines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in emerging markets can remain competitive by optimizing costing and pricing strategies. Using a Thai company (TMX), the case compares three different costing methods and explores the most effective approaches to improve business performance.

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