Cybersecurity leadership in Japan is rapidly evolving, and certain individuals stand out for their expertise, influence, and strategic impact. These seven CISOs are shaping the landscape across corporate, cloud, telecom, and government sectors.
Shinichi Yokohama — NTT Corporation
Shinichi Yokohama serves as the Group CISO of NTT Corporation and the CEO of NTT Security. With a career spanning senior roles across the NTT Group since 2011, Yokohama has driven group-wide security strategy and participated in global forums advocating cybersecurity initiatives. Before joining NTT, he spent nearly two decades at McKinsey Japan and held positions at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Holding a Bachelor’s in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Tokyo and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, Yokohama bridges business strategy and technical leadership, positioning him at the forefront of Japan’s corporate cybersecurity efforts.
Shinsuke Honjo — Cyberseason
Shinsuke Honjo is the CISO for Japan at Cybereason, bringing years of cybersecurity experience that includes senior roles at BlackBerry, McAfee, and FireEye. Holding a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Tokyo, Honjo has led threat research teams and combined software engineering with security operations to strengthen organizational defenses. His leadership ensures Cybereason’s strategies in Japan are informed by deep technical knowledge and real-world threat insights.
Hayato Kiriyama — Cyber Security CloudÂ
Hayato Kiriyama holds dual roles as CISO and CSO of Cyber Security Cloud, Inc., while also serving as CEO and Asia-Pacific MD for Cyber Security Cloud Pte Ltd. Kiriyama has been instrumental in driving cloud security adoption and MSSP strategy in Japan and the APAC region. His thought leadership in cloud security, AWS partnerships, and SaaS security makes him a key figure in shaping the region’s cyber resilience.
Atsushi Sekino — Deloitte Japan
Atsushi Sekino is the CISO of Deloitte Tohmatsu Group in Japan, where he leads the firm’s cybersecurity strategy and advises enterprise clients across industries. Sekino’s career encompasses IT infrastructure and cybersecurity oversight for both Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. His role is particularly influential in guiding Japanese enterprises through risk transformation and cybersecurity advisory.
Tadashi Iida — SoftBank
Tadashi Iida serves as Senior Vice President and CISO at SoftBank Corp., overseeing security for one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies. With extensive experience embedded in SoftBank’s leadership, Iida ensures security strategies align with both consumer and enterprise business operations. His leadership has been pivotal in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of a major Japanese digital conglomerate.
Akira Saka — Digital Agency Japan
Akira Saka is the CISO for Japan’s Digital Agency and previously served as CISO for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee. With 23 years of experience at the National Police Agency, including leading cybercrime divisions, Saka combines law enforcement expertise with cybersecurity strategy. He continues to influence national digital policy and cyber risk frameworks, making him a critical figure in Japan’s public cybersecurity sector.
Eric Olsen — Rakuten Mobile
Eric Olsen is the CISO of Rakuten Mobile, where he manages cybersecurity for the fully virtualized mobile operator. Since taking the role in 2023, Olsen has focused on cloud-native network security, drawing on prior experience in cyber defense across Asia for financial institutions. His approach is notable for combining innovative network architectures with robust security operations, positioning Rakuten Mobile as a leader in telco cybersecurity.
Leading the Charge and Shaping Japan’s Cybersecurity Landscape
These seven CISOs exemplify the depth and diversity of cybersecurity leadership in Japan, spanning corporate, cloud, telecom, and government spheres. From strategic corporate oversight to national cyber defense, their work reflects a commitment to resilience and innovation, offering valuable insights into the future of cybersecurity in the country.