Hideaki “Hank” Akimoto

Hideaki “Hank” Akimoto is a Visiting Scholar at the US-Asia Technology Management Center for the 2024-2025 academic year, where he investigates how academic institutions can foster open innovation within major Asian corporations.

As Vice President of Yazaki Innovations, Inc., Hank leads the company’s open innovation strategy from Silicon Valley, steering the development of new business models and technologies that bolster Yazaki’s global operations.

Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Hank joined Yazaki Corporation in 1993 and has since held key leadership roles across Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Italy, France, and the United States.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Hank is the Chairman of the Silicon Valley BBQ Association and a certified BBQ Instructor through the Japan BBQ Association. He shares his passion for BBQ by teaching others how to blend American and Japanese hospitality cultures through this beloved culinary tradition.