Ninja Rico

Ninja RICO (Yuta Kuroda)

Guided by the motto, “You never know unless you try,” Ninja RICO is a modern cyber ninja whose work crosses business, technology, entertainment, fitness, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

His concept of the modern ninja is an intelligence operative navigating today’s information-driven society—using agility, adaptability, and insight to make people’s credibility, talent, and potential more visible.

After graduating from Sophia University with a degree in Russian Studies, RICO spent approximately five years at Sojitz Corporation. His experience included risk management, the automotive business, an assignment in Indiana, and coordinating business development between the company’s Japanese headquarters and its U.S. subsidiary. He later joined Robert Walters Japan, where he worked for approximately three years in recruitment specializing in digital marketing and e-commerce.

Today, he serves as Head of Business Development and Director of Corporate Planning at TimeTicket, leading the expansion of TimeTicket USA. TimeTicket creates opportunities by transforming people’s time, skills, and experiences into meaningful value and trusted connections. In the United States, RICO focuses on creator and agency development, TikTok LIVE and the creator economy, strategic partnerships, events, and brand building.

Outside the corporate world, RICO has built a uniquely diverse public profile. He was named First Runner-Up at Mr. Gay Japan and has worked as an LGBTQ+ speaker and advocate, professional GOGO dancer, personal trainer, and underwear model. He is also a physique competition champion and a former contestant on the Japanese athletic television program SASUKE.

At Tokyo X, Ninja RICO represents a new kind of Japanese identity—one that combines the spirit of the traditional ninja with modern business, technology, diversity, and entertainment. By connecting Japan and the United States, talent and opportunity, and people and technology, he seeks to create a world where everyone has the confidence to take on new challenges and the chance to be recognized for their true value.

Yuta