The World’s First AI token from Japan
backed by a real team & platform
Anthony Diaz
FOUNDER CHAIRMAN & CEO
Anthony Diaz is the Founder and Visionary behind the RYO Project. He has also established a number of successful global companies, ranging from health and wellness to marketing, rewards programs, personal empowerment, and the film and entertainment industry. In addition to his prowess in marketing, he has gained invaluable experience in driving revenues of international businesses, starting with the establishment of his first company in Japan in the 1990s, followed by the rapid expansion of his businesses across multiple Asia Pacific markets, including China.
Due to his worldwide reputation as a business innovator, marketing maverick, and motivational speaker, built over the past 38 years, many of his marketing philosophies and business models have been adopted throughout the world and continue to transform the lives of millions of people. Anthony has an uncanny ability to identify needs and untapped niches in the marketplace, to foresee trends before they emerge, and to capitalize on his insights. He has been a strong proponent of the cryptocurrency movement since 2012 and is a foremost leader in expanding blockchain awareness in Japan. A combination of his proven leadership ability, business acumen, and global vision is the cornerstone of RYO’s success.
Lani Dizon
CO-FOUNDER PRESIDENT
Lani Dizon is Co-Founder of the RYO Project. She brings a long list of achievements in business spanning over 30 years to this new venture. She has an impressive track record in co-founding and running multiple companies that have improved countless lives with special focus on health and beauty care, life enhancement, personal development, and the empowerment of women. In addition to the creation of her own line of natural beauty and wellness products sold globally, she has co-founded businesses related to point to cash systems, women entrepreneurs’ groups, and the film industry. Her entry into the business world began at a very young age, building corporate networks of over 120,000 people by the age of 21. She co-founded her first global corporation at the age of 25, achieving annual sales of over $100M US in only a few years.
Lani’s three decades of business experience in multiple markets has expanded her areas of expertise, including Corporate Infrastructure, Product and System Development, Branding, Global Marketing, and Executive Management. Her successful track record and wealth of experience in international markets is an invaluable asset, ensuring the success of RYO and its mainstream adoption.
JD Baltazar
LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER
JD is an experienced senior software engineer with extensive experience and expertise in back-end and cloud computing. He employs the latest technologies and trends to design and formulate cloud infrastructure, writing code from planning to deployment with an emphasis on creating unique solutions for difficult software engineering problems. JD has gained invaluable hands-on experience working with a number of well-established international companies such as Geeksforless, Hostopia, Deluxe, Hoofdkraan, and Italki.
Having spent more than 10 years in software engineering with a wide range of enterprises, JD has an in-depth understanding of which methodologies to use for efficient CI/CD on all RYO projects to ensure that they not only meet critical deadlines, but also deliver the highest standard in terms of performance.
David Kevin Thompson
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Early in his career, David capitalized on his degrees in science and education by conducting workshops and training programs for several pharmaceutical and medical device companies in Japan. Prior to joining the RYO Project, he spent over 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry, gaining international business development experience in global alliance management and executing successful licensing deals. His responsibilities also included managing requests and documentation for regulatory filings of sub-licensees in China, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, as well as liaising with legal teams and partners across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
With his exceptional business development acumen and experience as an avid cryptocurrency trader, David is a highly valued member of the RYO Project team.
Dean Hymel
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Dean’s career started as a young adult in the U.S. Air Force as part of a multi-country training team that educated military members on how to cohesively and effectively work together to achieve a common goal. This was a strong foundation for his 25-plus year career working with multiple international companies in the mining, farming, entertainment and venture capital industries. He was instrumental in leading a team at a major direct marketing descriptionmercial firm that achieved cumulative sales of over USD $2B.
Dean’s experience and expertise in international business development is extraordinary, ranging from the execution of global corporate expansion and multi-project management plans to the creation of strategic partnership alliances. Dean’s comprehensive skill set in negotiation, business intelligence, project management and interpersonal relations will prove to be invaluable in realizing the successful adoption of RYO as a payment rail around the world.
Nico Diaz
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
After completing his degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Nicoli entered the business world marketing high-end nutritional supplements in 2017. He demonstrated a strong proficiency in sales and quickly advanced in his role as Sales & Marketing Manager. His marketing efforts were well rewarded with the penetration of new markets in the Philippines and Vietnam in 2019, along with establishing novel marketing initiatives targeting millennials in the company’s core market in Japan.
Through his diligent efforts, Nico became Director of Business Development and spearheaded the companies marketing direction in the USA. Given his business acumen and the scope of his experience managing businesses in foreign markets, we are very fortunate to have Nico as part our multitalented team.
Heather Hartinger
STRATEGIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Heather’s proficiency spans from community and corporate culture development to global marketing, PR, blockchain, high net worth/ high profile networking, entertainment, and cybersecurity to name a few. Her deep expertise in the web3 space is complemented by her extensive background in global marketing and psychology. After a brief hiatus, she returned with an expansive corporate community that encompasses luxury branding, Motorsport, VC realms, family offices, startup consultancy, media, and the entertainment sector.
Highly respected and sought after for collaborations and consultancy, Heather has engaged with some of the most notable names and leading figures in corporate and public sectors. Boasting affiliations with top-tier corporate entities, brands, and influential figures, her goal remains steadfast: to usher in meaningful change and cultivate a responsible global impact through the vision of RYO.
Brandy Lea McKinney
PROJECT MANAGER
Brandy has spent the past 15 years working in the area of project management where she oversees and coordinates priorities, integrations, timelines, protocols and procedures to ensure that projects remain on track. This also involves analysis of Quality Assurance and the business rationale behind features, services, and processes within a particular ecosystem to maintain competitiveness and a positive user experience. As a result, she has a knack for managing people effectively, and honed her ability to motivate project members as they work towards meeting project goals. Prior to this, she worked 20 years for a private software development company where she managed a team of developers and customer service representatives, providing her with hands on experience in software management and customer/client relations.
Brandy’s exceptional work experience and expertise in project management will prove to be invaluable in the RYO Project as she oversees development teams to ensure there is an efficient workflow, forward thinking and planning towards achieving all objectives.
Akemi Tsuda
Operations Manager
Akemi is a distinguished Operations Manager, boasting over two decades of experience in customer service, operations management, and general affairs with remarkable versatility and dedication. Her professional journey began in the construction industry, where she sharpened her skills as an accountant, which later served her in the financial and banking sector.
Her foray into the direct sales industry marked a significant expansion of her expertise where she excelled in implementing and enhancing both internal and external training systems, optimizing point systems, refining corporate operations, and elevating the level of client support, underscoring her commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Atsushi Kurokawa
Business Systems Analyst
Kurokawa has a rich background in web development and design, particularly noted for crafting compelling website designs for leading cosmetics and wellness brands. His expertise extends beyond design; he boasts a comprehensive skill set that includes e-commerce platforms, promotional videos, system development, server management, database architecture, and digital transformation (DX) applications.
Kurokawa’s role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from conceptualizing project ideas to their successful execution. He also brings his experience in blockchain technology, including Web3, DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs. Kurokawa’s unique blend of creative design, technical prowess, and a keen understanding of the latest digital trends makes him a valuable asset.
Atsushi Fukuda
Operations Manager
Atsushi brings over 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and operations at international agencies such as McCann Erickson, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Ogilvy. Having managed teams across Asia, Europe, and North America, he blends global strategy with operational precision to deliver measurable performance. His career spans both agency and corporate management, developing integrated systems that elevate client service and creative delivery alike. Trilingual in Japanese, English, and Chinese, Atsushi has led initiatives for Toyota, Lexus, Nestlé, and Mastercard, steering complex cross-border transformations. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, structure, and accountability while nurturing creative freedom.
At RYO, Atsushi oversees project operations and governance frameworks that ensure efficiency, consistency, and adaptability across global teams. His ability to align people and process continues to strengthen RYO’s expansion into international markets.
Kalib Stevens
Corporate Communications
Kalib earned his MBA from Southeastern University and began his career at Lakeland Regional Health, supporting executive operations while studying blockchain innovation. During his time in Lakeland’s arts district, he helped local artists and architects adopt Web3 tools to protect and monetize their work through on-chain verification—an early bridge between creativity and technology. After relocating to Japan, he deepened his understanding of decentralized ecosystems, focusing on the social adoption of blockchain within gaming and virtual worlds.
Kalib’s multidisciplinary background in HR, communications, and community engagement enables him to translate complex systems into relatable stories. At the RYO Project, he channels his belief in accessible innovation, contributing to outreach that broadens awareness and builds connection under RYO’s mission of «Crypto for Everyone.»
Izumi Mineo
Human Resources Manager
After starting her career at a securities company, Mineo obtained national certification as a Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (Shakai Hoken Roumushi). For more than 20 years, she has specialized in HR and labor relations, balancing regulatory precision with a human-focused approach. Her work promotes fair practices, compliance, and employee well-being in dynamic, fast-growing organizations.
At RYO, Mineo leads recruitment, training, and engagement programs that cultivate trust and collaboration across teams. Her Master’s degree in Health Sciences complements her legal background, giving her a unique perspective on holistic workforce development. Through strategic guidance and empathetic leadership, she continues to build an environment where innovation, balance, and professional growth thrive together.
Hideaki Ohtake
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER
With his extensive tenure at a prominent apparel manufacturer, Hideaki boasts comprehensive expertise across various domains, including department store operations, store management, store development, and IT. He brings a wealth of experience in launching new brands, having served as a general manager for multiple businesses. Hideaki’s strategic acumen extends to overseeing sales, project management, and e-commerce business initiatives. In his role as IT department manager, Hideaki led the formulation of IT strategies and spearheaded DX promotion, driving initiatives such as website revamps and omnichannel strategies.
Transitioning to the retail sector, Hideaki excelled as an e-commerce business manager, driving growth strategies that encompassed the company’s own EC platform, marketplace ventures, and cross-border endeavors. With a proven track record of driving innovation and fostering growth, Hideaki brings invaluable insights and leadership to the RYO team, ensuring continued success in the ever-evolving Web3 landscape.
Shuichi Ogawa
CONSUMER RELATIONS MANAGER
Following university, Shuichi began his professional career at an advertising agency where he gained valuable experience in sales and media advertising. His achievements attracted the attention of a major cosmetic company which hired him for a profession within their advertising division. After transitioning to the sales department, he was promoted to the role of senior executive where he was involved in a wide range of tasks, including recruitment, training, customer base expansion, and sales amplification.
His responsibilities also included hosting key events such as seminars and conventions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and directly managing support staff. Shuichi’s impressive career spanning over three decades in the sales sector, and his versatility across different roles in sales, marketing, and customer service, provide him with a solid foundation for his work in consumer relations.
Tomonari Mataki
BRAND MANAGER
With years of experience in strategic marketing and branding, Tomonari ('Tomo') specializes in crafting integrated communication strategies that unify online and offline channels. His expertise spans business strategy, brand identity, digital advertising, public relations, and social media, along with product PR and event production. He views branding in Web3 as the art of expressing trust, transparency, and shared value in an interconnected world.
At RYO, Tomo plays a leading role in aligning vision and voice across creative and operational fronts. He empowers teams to communicate innovation clearly and authentically while fostering unity throughout the organization. His pragmatic yet imaginative approach transforms abstract ideas into results that resonate globally. Grounded in human-centered values, Tomo’s brand leadership continues to define how RYO communicates its purpose to a rapidly evolving market.
Nobutake Ando
CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER
With over three decades of editorial and media experience, Nobutake has built his career around storytelling in health, lifestyle, and culture. As Editor-in-Chief of a leading Japanese magazine, he managed the full editorial pipeline—from concept and feature planning to writer coordination and content delivery—producing projects that balanced depth with accessibility. His leadership shaped an editorial voice trusted by wide readerships. Expanding into digital media, he has led initiatives in content marketing, copywriting, and social engagement for both B2B and B2C sectors. His understanding of brand psychology enables him to craft narratives that foster empathy and loyalty.
At RYO, Nobutake merges editorial craftsmanship with digital strategy, strengthening the brand’s communication and building authentic connections between innovation and community.
Hirotoshi Kumamori
BUSINESS EXPANSION SPECIALIST
Hirotoshi is a veteran executive with over 34 years of experience in domestic and international advertising, currently driving business expansion for RYO’s Global Mall division. He combines creative insight with strategic rigor to accelerate growth, forge alliances, and optimize organizational design. Known for cultivating collaboration, he brings a steady hand to complex transitions and emerging opportunities. As Managing Director within the WPP Group, he led corporate restructuring, improved HR frameworks, and successfully repositioned a production agency to secure new client portfolios. His marketing due diligence in BPO expansion opened new revenue channels through data-driven innovation.
Guided by his «Think Global, Act Local» philosophy, Hirotoshi bridges international vision with local expertise—an asset crucial to RYO’s continued global development and sustainability.
Christian John Flores
QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST
Christian is a skilled software quality assurance professional with over 2 years of experience in ensuring the delivery of high-quality software products. Proficient in test planning, test case creation and defect management, he has collaborated with multiple cross-functional teams to document defects and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. He is also an experienced frontend developer with a passion for creating intuitive and visually appealing web interfaces. With his expertise in frontend frameworks such as React and Angular, he has successfully delivered a diverse range of projects by working closely with designers and backend developers to ensure seamless integration.
Christian thrives in collaborative environments, and is an important member of the RYO Project team due to his attention to detail and exceptional ability to transform complex concepts into user-friendly designs.
Raquel Deang
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Raquel is a software engineer who specializes in developing responsive websites and back-end services. She is a highly motivated developer who is passionate about her craft. From pixel-perfect web pages to cross-platform applications, her goal is to approach each project with innovation in mind and provide high-quality output that meets clients’ needs. She also has a multitude of experience in developing fully-functional websites with integrated CMS, and building dynamic web applications using various tech stacks.
To keep pace with ongoing changes in modern technology, she is continually taking on technical challenges to advance her knowledge base and overall skill set. Raquel brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the software development space to the RYO Project team.
Darylle Dizon
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Darylle is a software engineer with a successful track record in both front-end and back-end development. She specializes in building websites, particularly the conversion of web design mock-ups into perfect pixel, responsive frameworks and cross-platform web apps with back-end services. She also has experience with CMS and in building animated websites.
Darylle is a highly motivated individual who strives for perfection in all of her development work, and consistently meets tight project deadlines. Given her broad experience and special attention to quality in all of her software development work, Darylle is an important asset to the RYO Project team.
Seiki Bie
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER
With years of experience in the tech industry, Seiki feels privileged to have worked on a range of diverse projects in collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and secure software. His expertise lies in identifying vulnerabilities, assessing security risks, and implementing effective countermeasures. Security is a key aspect of his work to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets. He has honed his skills in ethical hacking, vulnerability analysis, and security assessments to protect organizations from cyber threats.
In addition to his technical skills, Seiki thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments, adapting quickly to emerging technologies and industry standards. Leveraging his software engineering skills and experience in penetration testing to contribute to innovative and secure solutions, he is a vital part of the RYO Project team.
Jayvee Basco
MID SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Jayvee is a seasoned software engineer specializing in front-end development, with a strong emphasis on creating compelling digital experiences. Leveraging frameworks like React and Next.js, Jayvee have over 5 years of experience and he excels at architecting responsive websites and dynamic web applications that captivate users and drive engagement. His collaborative approach sees him working closely with designers and back-end developers to transform concepts into fully-realized digital solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for user-centric design, Jayvee ensures that every project he undertakes delivers not only on functionality but also on aesthetics and user experience.
Beyond his technical prowess, Jayvee is a proactive communicator and natural problem-solver. Thriving in fast-paced environments, he leverages his analytical skills to troubleshoot issues and devise innovative solutions on the fly. Jayvee’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible ensures that he consistently delivers exceptional results. With his unique blend of technical expertise, creative flair, and collaborative spirit, Jayvee is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of front-end development.
John Arenson Aresgado
MOBILE DEVELOPER
John Arenson is a seasoned Mobile Software Engineer with a strong passion for crafting innovative mobile solutions. With over 5 years of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in developing cutting-edge applications for both iOS and Android platforms. His expertise lies in creating seamless user experiences and optimizing performance through meticulous coding and testing practices. John thrives in collaborative environments, where his adeptness as a team player shines through in his ability to communicate effectively and contribute proactively to project success.
His commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in mobile development ensures that John remains at the forefront of his field. Whether he’s tackling complex coding challenges or brainstorming creative solutions with his colleagues, John’s dedication to excellence drives him to deliver exceptional results. In every project he undertakes, John’s unwavering focus on quality and his enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of mobile software engineering consistently elevate the final product to new heights.
Cindy Espinar
Digital Marketing Manager
Motivated by a deep passion for spotlighting RYO, Cindy currently holds the position of Digital Marketing Manager at RYO Project. With extensive experience spanning marketing, sales, customer service, and operations, she brings a broad perspective to the table and is adept at infusing creativity and analytical strategies. Her expertise lies in fostering meaningful connections between brands and their audience, driving impactful outcomes.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Cindy is deeply committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends. She thrives in dynamic environments where she can collaborate with cross-functional teams and leverage her diverse skill set to drive tangible results.
With her steadfast dedication to excellence and having a lasting meaningful impact through marketing, Cindy is poised to continue shaping the digital landscape and help RYO forge lasting connections with its audience.
Sean Wong
VISUAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Sean earned degrees with high honors in Visual Communication and Digital Entertainment & Game Design from the College of Southern Nevada prior to embarking on a career in visual media. He is an exceptionally creative and multitalented graphic designer with extensive experience in multimedia, visual communication, marketing and print design. Prior to joining the RYO team, he spent over 10 years crafting and delivering unique digital experiences for global companies and startups with specialization in user experience (UX), user interface (UI), brand identity and interaction design.
In addition, he has gained valuable insight in the gaming space through his work as a Game Developer at 2K Games and Petroglyph Games. Due to his unquestionable talent as a multi-disciplinary visual designer and creator of aesthetically pleasing visual media, Sean was handpicked to head our Visual Media Department for the RYO Project.
Marco Norris
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
After receiving his Master’s Degree in Visual Arts at the Brera Academy of Fine Art and his diploma in editing at Luchino Visconi Film School in Milano, Marco worked as After receiving his Master’s Degree in Visual Arts at the Brera Academy of Fine Art and his diploma in editing at Luchino Visconi Film School in Milano, Marco worked as a TV Editor for the Official TV Channel of the Italian soccer team AC Milan. Working in the TV studio proved to be invaluable work experience as he learned how to manage vast amounts of footage in a very short time, and gained a much greater appreciation of what TV production workflow entails. He also had the opportunity to work as Assistant Editor for the production of documentaries and movies, honing his creative skills and knack for effective storytelling.
Marco moved to Japan from Italy several years ago, and currently leads the multimedia team for RYO which specializes in motion graphics and video content for the web. His attention to detail and ability to design around the evolving needs of both end-users and the company has proven to be a tremendous contribution to the RYO Project.
Kate Pascual
LEAD MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER
With a rich and diverse 8-year career, Kate is a dynamic, results-driven designer who excels in a number of areas, from boosting online presence to driving sales and customer engagement. Her skill set includes market research, creative graphic design, and video editing, all of which have consistently delivered effective marketing strategies and visually engaging content. Throughout her career she has demonstrated a knack for enhancing the online footprint of a number of companies by using social media platforms to expand organic followers and generate daily leads. Her analytical mindset and meticulous attention to detail has also proven to be a huge advantage in her video editing work.
Kate’s creative prowess in designing captivating videos that attract viewers and consistently drive engagement in social media has made her an invaluable addition to the RYO Project.
Claudia Stevens
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Raised by her father, renowned Taiwanese artist Chen Yenzhong, Claudia was immersed in art and design from an early age. She graduated from Kyoto University of Art and Design with a focus on Digital Graphic Design, later becoming a lead designer at GrapeCity, where she created educational materials, apparel lines, and print campaigns for international audiences. Fluent in English, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese, she blends Eastern refinement with Western clarity to create designs that communicate emotion and precision.
Drawn to RYO’s vision of accessible technology, Claudia continues to shape the project’s creative identity across global markets. Her design philosophy—uniting simplicity, elegance, and purpose—embodies RYO’s spirit of making innovation both human and universal.
Louis Bernard
LEAD 3D ANIMATOR
Originally from Burgundy, France, Louis built a strong academic foundation with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Graphic Design and Packaging Design from ESEPAC, then earned a Master’s in Art Direction & Web Design at École Sup de Pub Lyon. In 2023, he relocated to Tokyo to expand his creative vision and explore new perspectives within Japan’s design culture. He began at AN-YAL in Takadanobaba as a 3D Animator, where he refined his storytelling and visual rhythm, before joining CPC in Chiba as a Video Editor to deepen his mastery of motion and post-production. Skilled across print and digital media, Louis manages the creative process end-to-end—from concept through delivery—combining precision and imagination to achieve cohesive visual results.
A self-taught 3D modeler and motion designer, Louis integrates emerging technologies with timeless design principles. His disciplined artistry and cross-cultural sensibility enable him to deliver work that unites creativity, consistency, and strategy—a natural fit for RYO’s commitment to world-class visual innovation.
Satoshi Nagao
COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
Satoshi spent his formative years in both Japan and the U.S., graduating cum laude from the University of Virginia and Michigan State University. Over the past two decades, he has built a distinguished career as an interpreter and translator, beginning with Tata Consultancy Services and extending to major government ministries such as Justice, Internal Affairs, and the Environment. His client portfolio includes global leaders like Toyota, Honda, and Amazon Web Services, reflecting deep experience across technology and manufacturing sectors. In 2021, he established his own language services company to advance precision and cultural understanding in multilingual collaboration.
At RYO, Satoshi ensures seamless communication between teams and partners worldwide, enabling cross-cultural synergy essential for the project’s international expansion.
