ZUKAI as a company

What ZUKAI is

A visual think tank that reads complex information and systems and turns them into diagrams anyone can handle. We take knowledge that is hard to reach — because of specialisation or division — look at its structure, and build a shared language that moves dialogue and action.

We develop our own frameworks, such as Bizgram, the Purpose Model and the Map of Accounting, with specialists in each field, and put them into training, consulting and digital products. We publish our books in full online before release, because knowledge we make should circulate as a public good.

Company information

Name

ZUKAI Inc.（株式会社 図解総研）

Founded

Started 2018 / incorporated 15 July 2022

Representative

Tetsuro Kondo, President and CEO

Director

Makoto Okiyama, Executive Vice President

Address

ALES 3F, 1-1-1 Kanda-Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041, Japan

What we do

Structuring complex information and systems through diagrams; developing and providing frameworks; training; designing and running co-creation projects; publishing

Certification

Certified B Corporation (May 2026)

Purpose of the company

To organize and structure specialized, complex information simply through diagrams, and by inventing common languages — visual notations or communication tools with defined rules — that enable dialogue across differing positions and fields, to advance the structural resolution of social issues and the creation of new businesses. (Reference translation; the registered Japanese text is authoritative.)

Principal activities

1. Research and communication design concerning specialized and complex information and issues
2. Communication support and consulting services concerning specialized and complex information and issues
3. Planning, sale and design of content, products, services, publications, advertising and PR related to the above
4. Planning, operation and management of study groups, training, lectures, workshops and events related to the above
5. Planning, operation and design of media, communities and spaces related to the above
6. Planning, operation and design of outreach, education and capability development related to the above
7. Research, information gathering and dissemination, and the publication of journals, books and other materials for the activities above
8. Management, operation and licensing of intellectual property rights
9. Any other business necessary to achieve the purposes of the company

History

So far

1. 2018.01.27Business Model Diagram Production Committee founded
2. 2018.09.12Renamed Business Diagram Lab
3. 2018.09.29Business Model 2.0 Visual Guide published (KADOKAWA)
4. 2019.10.02Business model diagram wins GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2019
5. 2020.03.27“Business diagram” registered as a trademark (No. 6240386)
6. 2020.03.31Renamed ZUKAI
7. 2020.04.21How to Make Diagrams That Show How a Business Works published (Smart Shinsho)
8. 2020.04.30ZUKAI incorporated as a general incorporated association
9. 2021.01.18“Purpose Model” registered as a trademark (No. 6342018)
10. 2021.03.16The Map of Accounting published (Diamond)
11. 2022.07.15ZUKAI Inc. incorporated
12. 2022.08.10Purpose Model: How to Build Co-creation That Draws People In published (Gakugei Shuppansha)
13. 2023.05.16Opened Zukai Shoten, a shop selling diagrams
14. 2023.05.29ZUKAI Inc. obtains the Japanese government’s unified qualification for suppliers
15. 2023.12.07Policy Diagrams published (Nikkei BP)
16. 2025.03.05Business model diagram officially renamed Bizgram
17. 2025.06.24“ビズグラム” registered as a trademark (No. 6941039)
18. 2025.06.24“Bizgram” registered as a trademark (No. 6941040)
19. 2026.01.26Business Model 3.0 Visual Guide published (KADOKAWA)
20. 2026.05Became a Certified B Corporation