Ryoko Takei 武井涼子
A truly diverse individual, Ms. Ryoko Takei holds degrees from the University of Tokyo (BA, Sociology), Columbia Business School (MBA), and Showa Graduate School of Music (PhD in Arts Management). A former McKinsey consultant and marketing manager at Walt Disney Company (Japan), she currently serves as a Professor of Voice and Arts Management at the College of Music, Ferris University, where she was appointed Vice-President (University Planning) in 2024.
As an award-winning opera singer, Ms. Takei is a member of Tokyo Nikikai Opera Foundation and the Japan Federation of Musicians. Her roles have included Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Mimì in La Bohème, the Queen of Heart in Alice in Wonderland (composed by Makiko Kinoshita), and Rosita in Chistophorus. In New York’s Opera as Drama, her portrayal of Desdemona in Otello was praised by the renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes. In concert, her performances include the role of Brünnhilde in the Wagner Grand Gala Concert conducted by Christian Hammer, appearances at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and annual invitations to perform at the “La Folle Journée TOKYO” concert series in Marunouchi for seven consecutive years. Recently, she has expanded her performances to the metaverse, showcasing opera arias on the platform Fortnite. Additionally, she participates annually in Italy’s Montefeltro Festival, where she also serves as Direttorice Esecutiva for MICA Opera’s Japan-oriented programming.
In arts management, Ms. Takei serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit Sogakukai Association, producing numerous opera and concert events, including projects supported by Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Her initiatives in supporting artists during the COVID-19 pandemic were featured in major media such as the Nikkei. Ms. Takei is also dedicated to training the next generation of opera singers and pianists through the Tokyo International Vocal Arts Academy (TIVAA), which she established over a decade ago. TIVAA’s annual workshops, held in collaboration with experts such as Music Director of the Moores Opera Center, Jorge Parodi, and Metropolitan Opera assistant conductor, Howard Watkins, provide rigorous, American-style Young Artist Programs for emerging talent, many of whom now perform in Japan and internationally.
In her marketing and business career, Ms. Takei has developed communication strategies for automotive clients at Dentsu, contributed to the Japan office for the FIFA World Cup, and worked in consulting at McKinsey and in marketing at Walt Disney Japan. She also taught marketing and business strategy at the Graduate School of Management, Globis University. Currently, she is an independent board member for companies including Yanmar Holdings and serves as a program director and marketing advisor for various other firms, actively supporting corporate growth and project advancement. She frequently speaks as a panelist and moderator at conferences such as Ad tech Tokyo, Adobe Summit, Dreamforce, and CIC’s Venture Café.
Ms. Takei’s unique dual career as an opera singer and marketer has been highlighted by Nikkei Woman and METI Journal, among other media. As an Official Columnist for Forbes JAPAN Web and a Pro Picker on NewsPicks, she shares insights with an audience of over 33,000 followers on topics related to business and marketing. Her book, Introduction to Practical Marketing, received the Japan Society for Persuasion and Negotiation Award and has helped broaden access to practical marketing knowledge.
University of Tokyo (BA, Sociology). Columbia University (MBA). Showa University of Music (PhD in Arts Management).