The interview series "My Philosophy®" is an informational site where editor-in-chief DK Sugiyama meets with people he wants to talk to, listens to their stories, and shares their experiences, life philosophies, and policies with readers. It started in 2007, when DK, who had just started his own business, planned it as web content to expand his business network.

The origins of the project date back to 1994. At that time, DK, then 14 years old, was involved in a magazine project called "AT&T Club Moshi Moshi." He had the fortunate opportunity to interview Mr. Sadaharu Oh, who is now the chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. This invaluable experience sparked a desire in him to hear more people's stories and use them as nourishment for his own personal growth. This aspiration eventually became the driving force behind the creation of the "My Philosophy®" series.

Courage can change the world. That is my belief, "the courage to take action."
As a father of four children, I am convinced that when each person acts positively, their courage can spread to others and brighten the world. My manga, "Do-chan and Me," was created with this sentiment in mind. Please give it a read. I hope it can be a small push to help you move forward.

It is natural to feel anxious, but let's overcome that anxiety, envision a "fun future," and focus on what we can "do" now. By doing so, the future awaiting us will surely be bright. The future can be carved out by our own hands. You can definitely do it too!

"Do-chan and Me" is a collaborative project with manga artist Ichibyo-san and the creative agency Cork Co., Ltd., themed "Spreading energy throughout Japan."

Since 2014, under the concept of "the courage to take action," I have been providing motivational speeches aimed at people who feel stuck, are considering a career change, need a boost of energy, want to turn their dreams into their careers, wish to change their lives, or are looking for the right job. These speeches emphasize "characteristics over job titles" and encourage individuals to choose their battles by leveraging their strengths.

I have delivered these talks at various prestigious venues and institutions including TEDx KeioUSFC, Prudential Life Insurance Co., Ltd., NTT DOCOMO, Inc., Yahoo Japan Corporation, SoftBank Mobile Corp., Financial Japan Co., Ltd., Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co., Ltd., Toho Bank, Startup Grind Tokyo, The University of Tokyo, Keio University, Keio University Graduate School of Business Administration, Rikkyo University, Hosei University, Akita International University, Digital Hollywood University, Showa Women's University, Tokyo Kasei Gakuin University, Akita Prefectural Noshiro High School, Chiba Learning Juku Cooperative, Suginami Venture Club, Shinagawa Ward Board of Education, Gifu Kaizu City Agricultural Forum 21 Training, Shinagawa Child Raising Mess Executive Committee, Shinagawa Ward Hino No.1 Elementary School, and many others.

Orphanage Support

In 2011, during a visit to an orphanage in the Philippines, I met children who had been sold in exchange for a bird or had become street children. I brought them candies from Japan. Without any specific preparation, I conveyed the message, "I can do it." I passionately communicated the importance of having confidence and dreams.

Philippine Reconstruction Project

In 2011, during a visit to an orphanage on Cebu Island in the Philippines, I encouraged children who had been sold or were living on the streets to have confidence. The orphanage had been damaged by a recent typhoon, so the planned visit was canceled. Instead, through a call for donations on Facebook, we gathered relief funds and decided to deliver aid supplies through a trustworthy NPO.