Representative of
SLGBTQ+ CENTER,
General Incorporated Association

DK Sugiyama

DK Sugiyama, born in Tokyo in 1979 and raised in New York, started his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19. After graduating from Keio University’s Faculty of Policy Management, he obtained an MBA from the university’s Graduate School of Business Administration. In 2014, he served as the president of Quantum Leap Inc., a company founded by the late Nobuyuki Idei, former chairman of Sony.

Currently, Sugiyama serves as the CEO of ILI Inc., a company guided by its corporate philosophy, “Do Today for a Better Tomorrow.” ILI actively promotes diversity and inclusion through various initiatives. For 17 years, Sugiyama has been the editor-in-chief of the interview series My Philosophy, where he has interviewed industry leaders and pioneers. One of the most notable interviews was with Masakazu Yanagisawa, who came out as gay during a TEDxTokyo talk, which generated significant attention.

Growing up in New York, Sugiyama naturally embraced diversity and inclusion, and he has been an active participant in LGBTQ pride parades. Recently, during Pride Month in June, he visited Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, London, and Paris, engaging in meaningful dialogues with stakeholders. While understanding and support for LGBTQ issues are improving in Japan, there remains a shortage of organizations capable of addressing these matters comprehensively.

Amidst this landscape, ILI operates as a unique organization striving for true equality and diversity. Sugiyama’s extensive experience and commitment to respecting diversity have played a significant role in the establishment and activities of the SLGBTQ+ CENTER. Under his leadership, ILI and the SLGBTQ+ CENTER work together toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Attending global events and engaging with the community