On September 30, INMA awarded 30 young professionals around the world with its second class of “30 Under 30” award as part of its Young Professionals Initiative. This is the 27th in a series of 30 features about these impressive rising media stars who are shaping our industry. 

While working as a voice actor in college, Hiroya Kato became an expert at explaining things. As a Web developer for Nikkei, he sees his role as very similar.

“My main job is to find the best way to convey news to readers and build article content in the best way.”

His ability to plan and create visualisations for stories has helped the company win prestigious design awards for its Web site, and he was the first to use the Virtual YouTuber technology that synchronises human motions with the character model in the news media.

His work is innovative and forward-looking, and he’s perpetually looking for new ways to connect with his audience.

“Delivering information to readers quickly and in a non-misleading way is an important mission of the news media. This mission has never changed.”

He is now using all the tools of digital technology to increase engagement and make the news more accessible for everyone: “I am always looking for better communication with readers.”

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