Cluster Inc. CEO Naoto Kato　

Is immortality the goal? New social possibilities seen from the metaverse

Cluster Inc. CEO　Naoto Kato　(Kato Naoto)

■ Profile
He studied cosmology and quantum computing at Kyoto University's Faculty of Science. After dropping out of graduate school, he spent three years as a recluse. In 2015, he founded Cluster, a startup that makes full use of VR technology. In 2017, he released Cluster, a VR platform that can host large-scale virtual events. It has now evolved into a metaverse platform where not only events can be held, but also where people can gather with friends using their favorite avatars and post and play online games. In 2018, he was selected as one of "30 Japanese Under 30 Changing the World" by the economic magazine Forbes JAPAN. In 2022 and 2023, he was also selected as one of the top 20 in the "Japanese Entrepreneur Rankings" for two consecutive years. His books include Metaverse: Goodbye, the Age of Atom (Shueisha/2022).

Naoto Kato, CEO of Cluster Inc., continues to take on challenges at the forefront of the metaverse. Having dreamed of space since childhood, he entered the world of virtual reality technology through his university studies. Kato's journey and vision reveal the shape of a new society that technology will pave the way for.

■The basics of organizational management learned during university

I entered Kyoto University in 2007. I chose the Faculty of Science, inspired by my childhood love for space and my desire to explore it. I spent the first half of my student days learning organizational management on the student committee, and the second half of my time immersed in space and quantum computer research. I now run a company exploring the possibilities of the metaverse.
The first thing I focused on during my university life was my involvement with the student committee of the university co-op. I joined as a freshman and was assigned to the department that produced the free paper. In my second year, I was appointed as the representative of the student committee, which has a total of 200 members. As I hardly attended classes in my first year and had only earned a few credits, I initially declined the invitation to serve as representative, but with the support of the members around me, I fulfilled my role as representative.
What I learned in particular while leading the organization was the importance of having a solid operational system in place. When an organization grows, passion and momentum alone are not enough to sustain it. With the right system in place, the organization can continue to function smoothly even if members are replaced due to graduation or other reasons. This experience has helped me build the stable operational foundation of Cluster Inc. today.
 
■ Immersed in research and encountering simulation technology 

After retiring from the Student Council, I devoted myself fully to research activities at the Faculty of Science. In my third year, I joined laboratories in the different fields of cosmology and quantum computing, and wrote two graduation theses. At first glance, cosmology and quantum computing seem to be completely different fields, but they both share the common theme of using computer simulations to reproduce phenomena. My exposure to this simulation methodology formed the foundation of my current Metaverse project.
My current job is to create experiences that make people feel like they are actually there, using technology that simulates real-world physical phenomena in virtual space. The simulation technology I learned as a student has become an advantage when attempting to recreate reality in virtual space.
 
■ Passion for development and the motivation for starting a business

I then went on to graduate school, but my interest in app development, which I started to pursue to cover my tuition and living expenses, led me to drop out. From 2012 to 2015, I developed apps on my own and was able to ride the wave of the smartphone market's growth. While developing apps, I was writing a blog about game engines, and received an investment proposal from a venture capital firm, leading to the founding of Cluster Inc. in 2015.
 
■ Current activities and the future we aim for in the Metaverse

Currently, Cluster Inc. is a metaverse platform originating in Japan that has been adopted by many companies and local governments, supporting the holding of events in virtual space. In this way, by utilizing virtual space to provide real experiences, we aim for a future where people "live reality in virtual space." Through this business, I want to enrich people's life experiences in virtual space and create an environment where it can be used in a way that is close to everyday life.
Furthermore, the ultimate goal I would like to challenge is "immortality." I imagine there are two ways to achieve immortality. One is to prevent cellular aging through the power of biotechnology. The other is to connect the brain to a computer and store a person's consciousness in digital space. By perpetuating consciousness without a physical body, we may be able to realize a future in which we can continue to live without being bound by a lifespan. I am currently conducting research into this dream technology in collaboration with researchers from Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo.
 
■Message to university students

To all university students unsure of their future path, I would like to convey the joy of being on the side of making the rules. During my time as a student, I managed organizations of several hundred people and tried new technologies, and the experience of "making rules" continues to be a great source of nourishment for me today. When you enter society, you are required to not only follow existing rules, but also think about how to create rules that will create new value. I hope that you too will carve out your own future and develop the ability to create the rules and systems that society needs. Continue to challenge yourself, moving from being a rule follower to being a rule maker, and then to being able to influence society.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on November 1, 2024 by Yurie Watanabe, a first-year student at Josai International University

Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, second-year student, Haruna Shoji / Josai International University, first-year student, Yurie Watanabe / Toyo University, second-year student, Rinno Koshiyama