Global Ecosystem Case Study ： 

The Fusion of AI and Marketing: Hybrid Marketing Conducts Strategic "Japan-Market Practical Training" for DATA CHORD Apprenticeship Program in Collaboration with Koh & Associates

Hybrid Marketing co.,ltd. (hereinafter "Hybrid Marketing") is pleased to announce the successful completion of the "Hybrid Marketing & Digital Strategy" training module for the apprenticeship program hosted by DATA CHORD, an organization dedicated to developing and deploying elite global data science talent.

This training was made possible through a robust strategic partnership between Hybrid Marketing and Koh & Associates, led by Dr. Daniel Koh, the representative of DATA CHORD.

This article details the training conducted from December 19 to 26, 2025, highlighting the growth of the participants and illustrating how our "Global Ecosystem" supports the next generation of business leaders and corporate global expansion.

Hybrid Marketing and Koh & Associates maintain a strategic business alliance to provide comprehensive support for Japanese companies expanding abroad and international companies entering the Japanese market.

While Koh & Associates excels in advanced analytics and AI technology based on data and behavioral science, Hybrid Marketing offers decades of digital marketing expertise and a vast local network spanning legal, HR, and real estate sectors.

This training applied the synergy of these two firms to talent development. The goal was to provide next-generation data scientists with a practical marketing perspective—moving beyond mere numbers and algorithms to understand Japan's unique business customs and contextual nuances.

■ Training Overview

• Period: December 19 (Fri) – December 26 (Fri), 2025
• Location: Hybrid Marketing Osaka HQ (Inogate Osaka) and field research across Osaka City.
• Apprentice: Mr. Pham Duc Minh (DATA CHORD)

Instructors: Hisayoshi Tokuyama (CEO), Kimi Nakamura (Executive Vice President)

■ Classroom Sessions: The "Origin" of Frameworks and Critical Thinking

To cultivate leaders capable of adapting to a volatile business environment, this training prioritized depth over simple information input.

We revisited established frameworks in marketing and management through a critical lens, deconstructing "why and in what historical context" they were created. We then debated their application—and their limitations—in today’s modern markets.

By posing fundamental questions such as "What is marketing?" and "What is innovation?", our practitioners shared real-world insights from the front lines of the Japanese market to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical execution.

■ Osaka/Umeda Field Research: Decoding "Intent" in Japanese Commerce

Following the classroom sessions, the apprentice participated in field research at major commercial complexes around Osaka Station.

Japanese business etiquette and consumer habits are distinct, characterized by a level of subtlety rarely found elsewhere. During the field research, we analyzed product displays, customer service interactions, and store layouts to uncover the "hidden intent" of the providers.

By asking questions like "Why is this product placed here?" or "Why is this message phrased this way?", the apprentice gained a tangible understanding of how the Japanese culture of Omotenashi (hospitality) and "reading the air" is translated into concrete marketing strategies.

■ Profile and Achievements: Mr. Pham Duc Minh

The program’s apprentice, Mr. Minh, is an exceptionally talented engineer from an influential Vietnamese family. He holds a BSc in Computer Games Design from Staffordshire University and an MSc in Data Science from the University of Hertfordshire (UK). As a manga enthusiast, he possesses a unique blend of creative design thinking and a rigorous logical foundation in data science.

As part of Phase 3 of the DATA CHORD Apprenticeship Program—which includes high-level technical training in Python, Machine Learning, and AI Ethics—Minh completed this marketing module with distinction.

Message from Mr. Minh:

"Throughout my seven months of data science training, this marketing module has provided me with a completely fresh perspective. Moving beyond just focusing on algorithms as an engineer, learning about Japanese Omotenashi and intentional customer flow design has given me a concrete vision of how to use data to contribute to the real world. This week truly felt like a new set of skills was 'unlocked' within me."

1. Impressions of the Training: "Unlocking New Skills"

"Initially, I thought this would be a standard marketing course, but the four-hour daily sessions were even more intensive and stimulating than my university lectures, which typically capped at three hours. Over the course of this week, I felt as if a new skill set had been 'unlocked' in my life, and I am certain this will be incredibly useful for my future career."

2. Outcomes of the Osaka/Umeda Field Research

"Initially, I thought this would be a standard marketing course, but the four-hour daily sessions were even more intensive and stimulating than my university lectures, which typically capped at three hours. Over the course of this week, I felt as if a new skill set had been 'unlocked' in my life, and I am certain this will be incredibly useful for my future career."

3. The Importance of Marketing from an Engineer’s Perspective

"I feel that a marketing perspective is indispensable for data analysts and engineers. It is not just about generating data; by understanding what consumers want and what the market trends are, we can develop games that sell better and services that provide more value. These insights will serve as a powerful pillar for any creative endeavor, whether at a major corporation or as an indie developer."

4. Gratitude to Instructors and Future Outlook

"Mr. Tokuyama and Ms. Nakamura were extremely kind and passionate in their teaching, and our discussions were truly enjoyable. This program is of immense value, and I would highly recommend it to my friends studying business or marketing if they ever have the opportunity to visit Japan."

Evaluation from DATA CHORD:

DATA CHORD highly commended Mr. Minh for developing a "strong technical foundation, sound analytical thinking, and the professional discipline necessary to contribute meaningfully to real-world business environments." They also expressed formal gratitude to Hybrid Marketing’s leadership, Mr. Tokuyama and Ms. Nakamura, who provided marketing mentorship alongside AI Ethics expert Professor Kathrin G. Kind.

■ The "Global Ecosystem" Provided by Hybrid Marketing

Over the past 15 years, Hybrid Marketing has supported over 200 clients. Our experience has shown that global expansion involves challenges far beyond marketing, such as legal compliance, accounting, talent acquisition, and securing physical locations.

Our "Global Ecosystem" is designed to solve these hurdles. By leveraging a worldwide network of partners and specialists, we provide one-stop support—from market research and strategy to web development, legal entity establishment, and recruitment.

This training service is a vital component of that ecosystem. We empower global success by offering practical learning opportunities for international firms entering Japan or companies wishing to re-master the unique marketing customs of the Japanese market.