What an extraordinary few days in Tokyo.
After 10 years, Esomar was back to Tokyo!
I had the immense privilege of opening the ESOMAR APAC Conference 2026 as ESOMAR President. And what a conference it was.
Under the inspiring theme of “Beyond Balance”, Tokyo became the gathering point for some of the sharpest, most passionate minds in research and insights from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Three days of bold ideas, honest conversations, and the kind of human connection that reminds you exactly why this industry matters.
I want to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to the ESOMAR Programme Committee and its chair Akiko Koyasu for curating a truly exceptional agenda: thought-provoking, relevant, and beautifully structured. The quality of the content reflected months of hard work and genuine dedication to our profession, and it showed in every session.
To the entire ESOMAR team, and Rhiannon Bryant, Amy Collins, Annechien de Groot, thank you. Your professionalism, your energy, and your care for every detail made this event what it was. You are the backbone of everything we do, and it never goes unnoticed.
To our ESOMAR Representatives, Momoko Kishigami and Shinichi (Shin) Hosokawa, and local associations across the APAC region: your engagement, your support, and your commitment to building vibrant research communities in your markets is what gives ESOMAR its true strength at the local level. Arigato.
And a very special word of thanks to the JMRA, the Japanese Market Research Association, for your incredibly warm welcome to Tokyo. Japan showed us, once again, what gracious and generous hospitality looks like.
A historic moment for ESOMAR.
Tokyo was also the stage for a very special announcement that I was proud to make personally.
It is with great excitement that I announced Patrick De Regt as the new CEO of ESOMAR. Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience, vision, and passion for our industry, and under his leadership, ESOMAR will continue to grow, innovate, and serve our global community with even greater impact. Please join me in warmly welcoming Patrick to this role, a truly exciting new chapter begins for our organisation.
Now, to the Awards.
One of the most memorable moments of the conference was celebrating the outstanding talent recognised through the ESOMAR APAC Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.
A special congratulations to Matthew Jorgenson, Greater China Leader of Human8, whose recognition was thoroughly deserved and celebrated by everyone in the room. Jason, your work is an inspiration, not just for the APAC region, but for our global community.
Leaving Tokyo, I carry with me renewed energy, new connections, and an even deeper pride in this community we are building together.
“Beyond Balance” was not just a theme. It was a provocation, and this conference answered it with ambition, and excellence.
Until next time.
