Hidakuma CEO Kotaro Iwaoka

Born in Tokyo in 1984. After graduating from Chiba University, Iwaoka joined an architectural design firm where he worked on the design of private homes and multi-family housing. He later entered the graduate program at Keio University, engaging in research and creative work in digital fabrication.

In 2011, inspired by the concept of combining a creative production environment with a café, he joined Loftwork Inc. In 2012, he became the director of the first FabCafe in Shibuya, Tokyo, overseeing its planning and operations.

In 2015, he helped establish Hidakuma Inc., a public–private joint venture based in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. In 2016, he opened FabCafe Hida and began exploring new projects rooted in forest resources.

Since April 2018, he has served as Executive Vice President of Hidakuma Inc., and in April 2019, he became its President and CEO.

From 2011 to 2013, he was a part-time lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts (Tokyo Geidai), AMC (Art Media Center).