By Yasuo Deguchi (Program-Specific Professor, Institute for the Future of Human Society, Co-chairperson, Kyoto Institute of Philosophy), Jun Sawada (Executive Chairman, NTT, Inc., Co-chairperson, Kyoto Institute of Philosophy), and Toshiaki Higashihara (Executive Chairman, Hitachi, Ltd., Director, Kyoto Institute of Philosophy).

In September 2025, leading scholars in philosophy and the humanities and leaders from industry and other fields of social practice gathered in Kyoto from around the world to engage in philosophical dialogues. These discussions were grounded in a shared recognition that, in the face of technological transformations — most prominently exemplified by the rapid development of AI — it is necessary to reflect on fundamental values and, from that standpoint, to reimagine the shape of the world itself.
This high-level gathering, the Kyoto Conference, was hosted by the Kyoto Institute of Philosophy (KIP). KIP was established as a culmination of collaborative initiatives between a team of philosophers led by Professor Yasuo Deguchi at Kyoto University and Japan’s leading companies, including NTT and Hitachi. The Kyoto Conference has given further momentum to this movement towards high-level, philosophy-based collaboration between academia and industry. Companies in Japan and overseas have joined KIP as Supporting Members, reflecting a growing interest in philosophy among business leaders. Furthermore, collaborative relationships have been rapidly developing with  international organisations and research institutes, both in Japan and abroad, that share similar visions and objectives.
Why do leaders in industry now regard philosophy as crucial? Why did this movement start in Japan? What are the fundamental concerns behind it, and what does it seek to achieve? In this panel discussion, moderated by Professor Markus Gabriel (Senior Global Advisor, KIP), three members of KIP’s Board of Directors will share their views on why they believe it is now necessary to advance cross-sectoral initiatives grounded in philosophy.