Naoko Okawachi to Speak at the “Unknown Unknown” Opening Party

Ideafund Co., Ltd. (Tokyo; Founder & CEO: Naoko Okawachi) is pleased to announce that its CEO, Naoko Okawachi, will speak at Session 01 of the “Unknown Unknown” Opening Party on February 7, 2026.

“Unknown Unknown” is a multi-purpose complex comprising an event space, gallery, bar, and library. It aims to serve as a hub for the creation of knowledge and culture, exploring the direction of the 2020s and fostering the foundations for future innovation and social transformation.

Opening Party

Overview

To celebrate the opening of Unknown Unknown, an opening party will be held over two days, February 7 and 8. The overarching theme for both days is “2020s – Rethinking the Decade.”

Since the launch of its projects in 2022, De-Silo, a General Incorporated Association, has consistently explored the question, “What kind of era are we living in today?” in collaboration with researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Through this process, De-Silo has worked to translate these insights into projects that drive innovation and propose new social systems.

At this opening party, discussions will once again focus on the present state of our era and its future trajectory, against the backdrop of shifting international dynamics and rapid technological advancement.

DAY 1

The theme of Day 1 is “The Potential of Knowledge in the 2020s.” Discussions will range from the relationship between humanities and social sciences knowledge and innovation, to the design of hubs where academia and society can co-create, and to the construction of intellectual foundations for a post-American world.

Session 01
Toward Innovation and Social Transformation Rooted in the Humanities and Social Sciences

In an era marked by increasing geopolitical instability and the rapid evolution of AI following the advent of large language models (LLMs), the importance of deepening our understanding of humanity and society has never been greater. How can knowledge from the humanities and social sciences be connected to future innovation and the design of social systems?

This session brings together three speakers who have expanded the reach of knowledge through entrepreneurial ventures that translate research into societal practice, as well as through media engagement and independent initiatives. Together, they will explore how humanities and social sciences can serve as catalysts for innovation and social change.

The discussion will feature anthropologist and De-Silo board member Maho Isono, who has worked extensively on open and socially engaged anthropology; Naoko Okawachi, CEO of Ideafund, who specializes in research and consulting grounded in cultural anthropology; and Yosuke Yasuda, economist and co-founder of Economics Design Inc., who promotes the application of economics to business and also serves as a government advisor and media commentator.

Speakers:
Maho Isono (Anthropologist / Professor, Institute of Liberal Arts, Institute of Science Tokyo / Board Member, De-Silo)
Naoko Okawachi (Founder & CEO, Ideafund)
Yosuke Yasuda (Economist / Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies / Co-founder, Economics Design)
Kotaro Okada (Representative, De-Silo / Director, Unknown Unknown)

Event Information

Date & Time:
DAY 1 | Saturday, February 7, 2026
Session 01: 13:00–14:30 (Doors open at 12:45)
Venue:
Unknown Unknown
2F, 1-19-1 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
Admission: Free (Advance registration required)
Capacity: Limited to 30 participants per session
Organizer: De-Silo, a General Incorporated Association

For more details, please see below.https://desilo.substack.com/p/uu-release-0116

Contact info:
info@ideafund.co.jp