3rd MIDS Happy Data Hour 🍕🍺 - "The Age of AI Democratization: Redefining Data Science Together"
Every 2nd Friday 18:00-20:00 | Musashino University Ariake Campus
3rd Session: Friday, September 12th
Hey everyone! The International Data Science Department (MIDS) at Musashino University's Distance Learning Division, scheduled to open in April 2026, hosts an open seminar called "HAPPY DATA HOUR" every second Friday of the month. For our third session, we're excited to create another space for new discoveries and connections with everyone interested in data science and AI.
Why HAPPY DATA HOUR?
Bringing Silicon Valley culture to Ariake Campus. When I (Takahashi) was in Silicon Valley, I regularly participated in an event called "HAPPY DATA HOUR" held in San Francisco. It was a place where data scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, and VCs gathered to casually exchange information over 🍕 and 🍺.
This event went beyond mere networking and played a crucial role in fostering Silicon Valley's unique culture of "openly learning and helping each other." People would discuss technical challenges with strangers, share job opportunities, and seek feedback on new products. I realized that this cultural foundation is what keeps Silicon Valley as the holy land of innovation.
MIDS is not just another department, but aims to create a new ecosystem centered on data science × international collaboration × industry-academia partnership. Now, before the department's establishment, we want to nurture the community that will become the foundation of this culture. That's the motivation behind continuing HAPPY DATA HOUR.
Theme and Content for the 3rd Session
Theme: "The Age of AI Democratization: Redefining Data Science Together"
With the advent of AI tools accessible to everyone like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, the landscape of data science has dramatically changed. Building on the 1st session's "Actionable Metrics vs Vanity Metrics" and the 2nd session's "From Data to Action," this time we'll tackle the fundamental question: "What is a data scientist in the AI era?"
Program Content:
18:00-18:15 Welcome & Recap of Previous Sessions
18:15-19:00 Interactive Session: "If AI exists, are data scientists unnecessary?"
19:00-19:30 Group Work: "What do you think data science in the AI era should be?"
19:30-19:50 Sharing & Discussion
19:50-20:00 Networking Time (Cheers with 🍕🍺!)
Topics we'll discuss:
MIDS admission consultation & consultation for other universities welcome
Research themes and career strategies in the AI era
Corporate AI utilization & DX promotion consultation
Possibilities of Data Science × AI × Entrepreneurship
International collaboration & overseas expansion data utilization strategies
Target Participants
Non-prospective students are also very welcome! High school students, university students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, corporate representatives, and anyone interested in data science and AI. Just like Silicon Valley's HAPPY DATA HOUR, encounters with people from diverse backgrounds create the most value.
Especially recommended for:
Those interested in data science in the AI era
Participants from the 1st and 2nd sessions who want to continue learning
Those wondering "What do you actually do in a Data Science department?"
Those who want to utilize data in entrepreneurship or product development
Those considering careers from an international perspective
Voices from Previous Participants
1st Session Participant (High School Senior): "I understood the difference between Vanity Metrics and Actionable Metrics well. It was great to learn that data science isn't just about analyzing numbers, but a discipline that understands and changes human behavior."
2nd Session Participant (30s, Office Worker): "I realized I was only chasing Vanity Metrics at my company. I'm applying the perspective of thinking about 'next actions' that I learned in the workshop to my actual work."
Continuous Participant (University Sophomore): "There are new discoveries every time. The talk about entrepreneurial mindset was impressive, and I want to develop an attitude of taking on challenges while enjoying them without fear of failure."
Coordinator
Yusuke Takahashi, PhD
Associate Professor, Faculty of Data Science, Musashino University
With entrepreneurial experience in Silicon Valley (accepted by 500 STARTUPS), he practices data science education from an entrepreneurial perspective with the motto "Change the world with products." His entrepreneurial mindset of "working incredibly hard while genuinely enjoying it" and the concept of "Actionable Metrics" have influenced many participants.
Event Details
Date & Time: Friday, September 12th, 18:00-20:00
Location: Musashino University Ariake Campus, Building 5, 2F Asia AI Research Institute
Participation Fee: Free (🍕🍺 included)
Capacity: 50 people (first-come, first-served)
No registration required
🍺 Today's Special: RETO RUNNING CLUB Original Craft Beer
For this special occasion, we've managed to obtain original craft beer made by RETO RUNNING CLUB - the running club established by Daichi Kamino (also known as "The Mountain God") - at Beer Brain, THE place for craft beer in Tokyo! Kento Tamura, a former Aoyama Gakuin University alumnus who is now a professional trail runner representing Japan, serves as a coach for this club. Please enjoy this specially crafted beer alongside our data science discussions! Of course, we'll also have soft drinks like cola available for those who don't drink alcohol. Looking forward to it! 🍻
Access
Musashino University Ariake Campus
3-3-3 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8181
7 minutes walk from Rinkai Line "Kokusai-Tenjijo" Station
6 minutes walk from Yurikamome Line "Tokyo Big Sight" Station
Contact
Asia AI Research Institute, Musashino University
Email: yusuke@muds.ac
Tel: 03-5530-7564 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00)
What's Next?
The 4th session is scheduled for Friday, October 11th. We're considering the theme "International Collaboration × Data Science: From Asia to the World." We plan to delve deep into MIDS' international initiatives and collaborations with overseas partner universities.
Let's make the world more actionable, one metric at a time!
Looking forward to meeting fellow companions who want to change the world with data. Work hard, play hard, and never forget to be grateful! 🚀