Hero’s Club is a learning community comprised of Presidents and CEOs of purpose-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), brought together through World U Academy, where they study "Purpose-Driven Management Theory." These leaders come together not just to improve their businesses, but to reimagine what business can be - a force for joy, meaning, and positive societal change.

In Japan, SMEs make up 99.7% of all businesses - over 3.3 million companies. These enterprises are the backbone of Japanese quality, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, service, and innovation. Many of the world’s oldest companies are Japanese SMEs, carrying generations of wisdom and tradition while driving forward-thinking ideas.

While each business may be small, together they hold the power to transform society. Hero’s Club unites a select group of these visionary leaders, members of World U Academy, who are committed to tackling social issues, growing as purpose-driven leaders, and creating businesses that have a lasting impact in Japan and beyond.

The name reflects our aspiration to be the kind of adults who inspire children to dream big and believe in the future. A hero is someone who appears when others say, “It’s impossible.”

Our members may not wear capes, but they share a common mindset: when others give up, we ask, “What would a hero do?” and “How can we make it happen?” We choose courage, vision, and persistence, living a “heroic way of life” by continuously striving toward hope and action.

Hero’s Club is built on the educational foundation of World U Academy, where leaders learn the principles of Purpose-Driven Management, a model that empowers SMEs to overcome challenges while making a meaningful contribution to society.

Many members joined with serious obstacles: high staff turnover, poor leadership dynamics, marital or family conflicts, lack of successors, and outdated business strategies. Others struggled to adapt to a rapidly changing world, grappling with modern marketing, financial planning, and sustainable growth.

At World U Academy, we help leaders break free from old patterns by guiding them into a new era; not the competitive 20th century, but the cooperative, heart-centered age ahead. Our immersive training programs take place in breathtaking locations around the globe, such as the Canadian Rockies, the Himalayas, and the Arctic Circle.

These retreats are filled with laughter, tears, and moments of deep insight. Surrounded by nature, leaders reflect on life-shaping questions like:
“What is my true purpose?”
"What does it really mean to be part of a team driven by shared purpose?”
“What kind of business strategies actually work in today’s world?”

They gain clarity about the future they truly want to create and learn how to transform their mindset from “It’s never going to work” to one of bold, purpose-driven action that brings that future closer to reality.

By fostering a supportive community of like-minded individuals, World U Academy helps SMEs overcome the universal challenges of people, money, and time. Our members, leaders who have tackled these issues firsthand, are now passionately committed to helping others by sharing their experiences and giving back to society.

These insights are then brought back to their companies, where they’re put into action with purpose and impact. Members support one another, celebrate wins, and build lasting bonds. The result is a trusted, values-driven community where growth, collaboration, and real change thrive. This dynamic network becomes one of their greatest assets—expanding in strength and impact year after year.

Through the Yamato Project, Hero’s Club is actively addressing some of society’s most urgent challenges. We focus on revitalizing four core pillars that form the foundation of a thriving nation:

By tackling these issues head-on, we aim to restore balance, resilience, and vitality to communities across Japan, and inspire change around the world.

Hero’s Club is more than a business network, it’s a movement. We’re redefining leadership, rebuilding communities, and inspiring the next generation. Join us in creating a world where work is meaningful, people are connected, and purpose drives everything we do.

The Hero’s Club Wadaiko Team is a group of active business leaders and executives from across Japan who share a passion for culture and connection. Together, they perform traditional Japanese drumming at events throughout Japan and internationally.

From sacred performances at Izumo Taisha and Nikko Toshogu Shrine to global appearances in the U.S., Canada, and Dubai, our team uses music to bridge cultures, inspire audiences, and revive Japan’s spiritual heritage.