Former Sony, Rakuten, KPMG, and McKinsey executive Masayuki Chatani explores how AI is reshaping leadership in his new book.

Tokyo, Japan, 16th Sep 2026 – Masayuki Chatani was involved in the development of successive PlayStation platforms at Sony Computer Entertainment (now Sony Interactive Entertainment), before holding senior leadership positions at companies including Rakuten, KPMG, and McKinsey.

Today, Chatani practices what he calls the “Solo CEO with AI” model, an approach in which a single entrepreneur leverages multiple AI systems as a virtual team. Grounded in more than 30 years of experience at the forefront of Japan’s technology industry, his new book examines how the rise of AI is transforming leadership and presents a vision for the future of technology leaders.

Following “Behind the Scenes at PlayStation: Former CTO Talks about 16 Years of Creation” and “A Compass for Leaders who Create the Future” (Trilogy – Survival Strategy, Practical Implementation, Future Outlook), this book serves as a guide for current and future leaders navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape.

 

Key Points of the Book

Cover of the New Book

1. AI may first transform the role of the “leader,” not the frontline worker

Before practical tasks such as writing code or preparing documents, the core responsibilities of leaders—including gathering information, evaluating options, making decisions, and developing strategies—are increasingly becoming areas where AI demonstrates strong capabilities.

Having observed the evolution of technology for more than 30 years, Chatani directly addresses this uncomfortable paradox: the very skills traditionally associated with leadership may be among the areas most affected by AI.

2. The author is not a commentator, but a practitioner

After leaving his position as head of Build by McKinsey Japan, Chatani has been putting the “Solo CEO with AI” model into practice, using multiple AI systems as part of his daily operations.

This book is not only an analysis of AI and leadership but also a record of practical knowledge gained through his own experience as an AI solopreneur.

3. From managing people to orchestrating AI: A new measure of leadership

Drawing on leadership experience ranging from the launch of PlayStation to management roles at global professional services firms, the book explores how leadership may shift from managing large organizations to effectively orchestrating AI systems.

It offers a new perspective for technology leaders navigating the changing relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.

4. Answering the question: “What remains?”

Through the concept of “Science, Technology, and Business: Integrated Thinking,” the book reframes AI not as a threat, but as a “creative partner.”

It presents a new vision of leadership beyond traditional definitions of technology leadership, while exploring what responsibilities and values will remain in an era where AI increasingly participates in analysis, decision-making, and creation.

 

Background: Why Reconsider “Tech Leaders” Now?

With the rise of generative AI, discussions about “AI taking people’s jobs” have traditionally focused on frontline professionals. However, many core responsibilities of leaders—including collecting information, comparing options, and making decisions—are increasingly becoming areas where generative AI can provide significant support.

The era when leading a large organization was considered the defining characteristic of leadership is giving way to an era of the “Solo CEO with AI,” or AI solopreneur, where an individual entrepreneur can leverage multiple AI systems as a virtual team.

The starting point of this book is the question of what aspects of leadership may disappear, and what essential qualities will remain.

This perspective is developed around the concept of “Science, Technology, and Business: Integrated Thinking.” Regarding the “Solo CEO with AI” (AI solopreneur) concept, Chatani discussed its emergence in a 2021 Forbes JAPAN web column. Drawing on his own experience as an AI solopreneur, he explores its background, practical implementation, and future possibilities.

The concept points toward a new working model in which a solo entrepreneur collaborates with multiple AI systems as a virtual team.

 

Book Overview

Title:
“Tech Leaders in the Age of AI – The Fading Tech Leaders”

Author:
Masayuki Chatani

Structure:
10 chapters (312 pages; paperback and hardcover editions)

Publication Date:
August 2026

Publisher:
Office Chatani Publishing

Price:
Hardcover: GBP 28.00
Paperback: GBP 20.00
eBook: GBP 8.00

Distribution:
Available through Amazon stores in 17 countries, including UK.

Prices are individually set for each country’s store.

ASIN:
B0HHDGGWY5 (Paperback edition)

Available on Amazon:

https://amzn.eu/d/0e9uWkmx (UK Amazon)

 

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Disappearing Tech Leaders

Chapter 1: Imagination and Daydreaming—The Keys to Surviving an Era of Discontinuity

Chapter 2: Tech Leaders Must Be Able to Unite the “Otaku”

Chapter 3: Can AI Be Creative?

Chapter 4: What Does “Learning” Mean in the Age of AI?

Chapter 5: AI “Does Not Die.” That Is Why It Cannot Possess Wisdom

Chapter 6: Become the Strongest “Homo Ludens”

Chapter 7: Young Professionals Should Use the Number of Attempts as Their Weapon; Veterans Should Use Trust

Chapter 8: The OS of Society Is Being Rewritten—The Polarization Between “Mega-Corporations” and “Solo Entrepreneurs”

Chapter 9: The Real Reason GAFAM Hasn’t Emerged from Japan

Chapter 10: Those Who Take Responsibility for an Unfinished Future

In Closing: A Future Where, 30 Years From Now, We Can Say, “That Was the Lowest Point”

 

Author’s Comment

This book follows “The Age of Creators” and the trilogy for future leaders, “A Compass for Leaders who Create the Future” (Survival Strategy, Practical Implementation, and Future Outlook).

Masayuki Chatani’s Business Books

Drawing on the experiences and knowledge accumulated throughout my career while looking toward the future, this book conveys a message of hope and aspiration for those who will create value in society in the years ahead.

It has been developed as a guide for addressing the uncertainty that anyone may experience in the age of AI and offers perspectives on how individuals can continue creating value in a rapidly changing world.

 

Author Profile – Masayuki Chatani

Masayuki Chatani was involved in the development of successive PlayStation platforms at Sony Computer Entertainment (now Sony Interactive Entertainment), where he served as CTO.

He subsequently held senior positions including Executive Officer at Rakuten, CEO of KPMG Ignition Tokyo, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of KPMG Japan, and head of Build by McKinsey Japan within McKinsey’s digital team.

He is currently Representative Director and CEO of Office Chatani Co., Ltd., supporting the growth and success of numerous companies.

As a writer, he contributes an ongoing column as an official columnist for Forbes JAPAN. He is also active as a calligrapher under the name “KouTetsu Chatani.”

KouTetsu Chatani’s Calligraphy Books

Media Contact

Organization: Office Chatani, Inc.

Contact Person: Masayuki Chatani

Website: https://www.office-chatani.com

Email: Send Email

City: Tokyo

Country: Japan

Release id: 49187

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