Harnessing the infinite potential of AI to transform work and organizations to the fullest extent.
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Hello, this is Akaiwa from the Corporate Planning Division. This time, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Ikeno, who is active in the AI & Data Science Department. Mr. Ikeno participated in an internship at Reazon while researching deep learning, and was attracted to both the business and the corporate culture, which led to his decision to join the company. He shared his experiences during the internship, challenges in the Menu Business Division where he was initially assigned upon joining, his current work advancing the introduction of AI products, and his future goals. If you are interested in AI, deep learning, or learning more about Reazon's internship program, this is a must-read. Please take a look!
INDEX
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Koichi Ikeno Operation Unit, Non-standard Promotion Team, menu Co.
Graduated from the Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering.
In 2018, joined Reazon as an intern through introduction from his research laboratory. Worked on expanding sales in the social gaming business using data analysis. Joined the company as a full-time employee while still a student, participated in launching the food delivery business "menu," and engaged in data analysis, business management, and operational efficiency. Currently belongs to the AI & Data Science Department, driving initiatives such as utilizing data for analysis and operational efficiency across group businesses, and conducting proofs of concept for AI implementation in business operations.
Acquired an Analytical Perspective Essential for Business During his Reazon Internship
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I heard that you joined Reazon as an intern while still in university. Could you first tell us about your research focus during your university days?
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I was researching deep learning. This technology is complex in structure, leaving many aspects unclear to humans. Therefore, I attempted to create mechanisms that demonstrate the rationale behind data outputs, aiming to elucidate the background and reasoning behind the outputs. At that time, revolutionary breakthroughs like ChatGPT had not yet occurred, but there were technologies achieving sufficient accuracy and speed to substitute some human functions. I was researching with the question in mind: Despite deep learning being capable enough for societal application, why isn't it more widely utilized?
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Back then, deep learning wasn't as widespread as it is today. What prompted you to participate in the Reazon internship?
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While grappling with this question in my research, my associate professor introduced me to the Reazon internship, mentioning, "There's an interesting company." Given the strong compatibility between Reazon's social gaming business and AI technologies like deep learning, I thought I might find answers to my questions and decided to participate in the internship.
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What kind of tasks did you take on during the internship?
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I took on analytical approaches to boost game sales. Utilizing deep learning and machine learning, I worked on analysis alongside the company's employees. I appreciated being able to structure projects aligned with my interests rather than simply tackling assigned tasks. Moreover, the employees listened eagerly to my perspectives as an intern, sometimes even helping with data extraction. Their kindness left a strong impression on me. Over the three-month internship, I felt I gained diverse learning experiences.
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What specific lessons did you learn?
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In research, assembling objective information and pursuing facts is highly valued, whereas in business, presenting data that lead to outcomes such as increased sales is the goal. Therefore, I realized the importance of devising how to present data effectively. It's crucial to prioritize data presentation so that those utilizing the analysis can understand the data, contemplate next steps, and prepare additional information as needed. During this internship, I ultimately conducted analysis and proposals based on insights gleaned from interpreting user behavioral logs and game app behaviors, rather than relying solely on machine learning approaches.
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You learned how to approach business-specific analysis. I understand you joined Reazon directly after graduating.
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Through the internship, I experienced firsthand the collaborative atmosphere among employees and the comfortable work environment, including benefits. Understanding the company's atmosphere and culture deeply, I decided to join Reazon as a full-time employee. For students interested in Reazon, I highly recommend participating in the internship to gain such insights.
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Fostering Skills to Drive Major Projects Involving the Entire Organization
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Please share an example of a specific AI product introduction.
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We implemented a project to generate game backgrounds and rough images using AI. Our gaming business releases numerous game apps daily, consuming vast assets like images. Although we partnered with external sources, we couldn't keep up with image creation solely in-house, leading us to explore efficiencies. AI image generation excels at creating rough images, so we developed a system where AI creates avatars matching backgrounds and game characters. Moving forward, I want to support creating an environment focused on enhancing productivity through the introduction of AI products.
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Your work is essential for Reazon's future growth! What gratification do you currently find in your work?
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I find satisfaction in contributing. Through proposing new ways to utilize AI products and improving business operations through automation and efficiency, I can tangibly feel the results and changes. Additionally, the warm atmosphere where everyone supports each other is also greatly appreciated.
The project to introduce image-generating AI initially started with just myself and a designer. However, during the prototype stage, the designer recruited other collaborators and reached out to departments related to what seemed to be relevant. After that, we started receiving support from people in other departments, with comments like, "I heard about the project," "Looking forward to it," and "Good luck," which helped us smoothly advance the project. It was an episode where I felt the company culture supports new challenges embraced by the entire organization.
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It's a story that really captures the essence of Reazon. Do you have any other memorable episodes?
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One that remains vivid is my involvement in the "Kanda Curry Grand Prix" shortly after joining in 2019 under the menu business. It was an event to determine the number one curry out of over 400 curry shops, and "menu" participated as part of our promotional activities. At the time, I had assumed that such initiatives were handled entirely by advertising agencies, so I was surprised to discover that we were planning and executing everything in-house. Furthermore, the enthusiasm within the company was beyond my expectations; daily operations checks, cooperation from other departments during rehearsals, and their participation in enjoying curry on the event day—witnessing all this, as someone who had just joined, I thought, "Can a regular company be this passionate? I've joined a great company!"
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I am developing skills to drive big projects that involve the entire organization.
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It's a story that shows your dedication to the business and love for your colleagues! Since you joined in 2019, the number of employees has significantly increased. Have you noticed any changes in Reazon?
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While the company's passion and spirit for challenges remain unchanged, I do feel that with the increase in the number of employees, it has become harder to fully grasp everyone within the company. When the company was around 150 people, I could know almost all employees, but now with about 650 people, there are many colleagues I have fewer opportunities to interact with through work... I believe there are many employees with excellent skills and knowledge within the company, so I want to actively communicate and expand my network by sharing information about myself.
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Increasing interaction could lead to new collaborations. Are there any challenges you are currently facing?
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I find communicating in English a bit challenging. Due to the company's expansion, I now work with many colleagues of foreign nationalities, and it seems I will have more such opportunities in the future. Especially in departments related to AI, many employees with specialized technical skills are English speakers, so I feel the need to further improve my English. Currently, I prepare summaries translated into English in advance and ensure there are no misunderstandings, but I want to study and achieve further improvement.
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I'm rooting for you! Could you share what you appreciate about Reazon, which continues to grow day by day?
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I appreciate the company culture where new ideas and different perspectives are welcomed and respected under the vision of "Becoming the world's best company." Moreover, the atmosphere of cooperation among employees and the environment where everyone can easily achieve results are strengths of Reazon. It's a perfect company for those who want to deliver results in their work.
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Lastly, please share your future goals with us!
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I would like to lead larger projects involving more people. Currently, we are introducing AI products at the department and team level to improve operational efficiency, but in the future, there may be opportunities to build organizations and businesses based on AI. I expect challenges to arise when more people are involved, but I want to establish clear policies and become someone who can see them through. To achieve that, I will continue to keep up with the latest technologies and deepen my understanding of the services of each business. Also, I aim to increase my visibility within the company and ensure smooth project progress.
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Thank you for sharing your valuable insights today!
I look forward to seeing Reazon grow further with the power of AI!
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CONTACTIf you are interested in REAZON HOLDINGS, please check the recruitment site for more information.
RECRUITI'm involved in launching the Design Headquarters at Reazon. Not only overseeing the organization, but also continuing to embody the spirit of a designer, and actively contributing as one.
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Because of a passion for games, one can discover challenges. The goal is to become a professional in analysis.
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