Anna Matsumoto
From Tokushima, Shikoku Island, Japan.
2021 Graduated from Tokushima Bunri High School, the first student to head to the U.S.
2020 - 2021 達人Student Researcher, National Institute of Informatics (Prof. Koya Narumi)
2021 - 2025 Undergraduate Researcher, Stanford SHAPE Lab (Prof. Sean Follmer)
2025 - 2026 Visiting Researcher, UC Berkeley Morphing Matter Lab (Prof. Lining Yao)
Currently, as a Steve Jobs Archive Fellow, I explore audio-visual-haptic interaction as both creative media and accessible interaction technologies. My work spans design, computation, and performance—building interfaces where sound, movement, and touch form a shared language between humans and technology. I aim to create multisensory, embodied experiences that can be felt beyond vision and hearing alone.
In Japan, I have also worked on accessibility and equity initiatives: promoting women in STEM, expanding HPV vaccination awareness, and helping provide education resources to remote and underserved communities. I co-founded and led an NPO supporting research resources for students.
My first book, 夢をつかむ力, became a best-seller in Amazon Japan (Education) in 2022 and 2023.
Media
Click for the source link.
The New York Times / 2021
Talked about Japan’s gender gap in STEM field.
Duolingo Campaign / 2021
As the first Japan Community Manager at Duolingo, I launched a campaign to provide free laptops and eligibility to take the Duolingo English Test for high school students facing regional or economic barriers across Japan.
Intern@Universal Music Japan / 2021
Youngest Digital Marketing Intern at Universal Music Japan; featured in the Talent Book, where I spoke about my work experience.
BRIDGE KUMAMOTO / 2023
After the biggest earthquake hit Kumamoto, did a charity talk event online for fundraising, with BRIDGE KUMAMOTO.
Judge @ EnXross Award, Tokyo Dome / 2025
Judged the EnXross Entertainment × Tech competition at Tokyo Dome, evaluating projects in AI, XR, and emerging technologies.
Tokushima City Mayor Secretary / 2021
Served as the Tokushima mayor’s secretary, supporting operations during the first COVID era. Designed the city’s official merchandise and directed a crowdfunding campaign to revitalize our traditional dance festival during the pandemic.
Book 『夢をつかむ力』"The Power to Seize Your Dream"
Published a book with KADOKAWA reflecting on how I cultivated creativity and passion in my hometown despite adversity.
#1 Amazon Japan Best Seller in 2022 and 2023.
Hobo Nichi
ANA Airline in-flight contents, and Quotes in Hobo-Nichi Diary, worldwide in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
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Sumitomo Corp: Enriching+ / 2025
Nothing is special about Women in STEM: I just love making things.
Asahi World Forum / 2025
Spoke at the Asahi World Forum, discussing the future of AI, emerging technology, and humanity, alongside Audrey Tang, Tomohiro Hoshi, etc.