Michi is a freelance consultant in the area of sustainable development of cities and communities based in Japan. Prior to starting his own company, he led the smart city business of Hitachi Ltd. working on project management in developing large-scale information systems as well as strategic planning in a corporate division. He is well connected to experts in smart cities across the globe both in academia and the public and private sectors and has been an invited speaker and panelist at prominent international events. He has published four books on smart cities both in Japan and other countries.