- What led you to choose ASICS?
I wanted to pursue a career that involved researching human movement from a scientific perspective and creating better products. My interest began during my time in the track and field club in middle and high school, where I became fascinated by the mechanics of running itself. I studied ergonomics at university and later conducted biomechanics research during graduate school, naturally wanting to apply this knowledge to the sport I love - track and field.
ASICS is equipped with a sports engineering research institute and is renowned for its scientifically-driven product design. I believed that at ASICS, I could engage in logical development, creating products that enhance performance, such as making athletes run faster or preventing injuries.
What were you passionate about during your student life?
During my time at university and graduate school, I worked part-time as a service staff member at a wedding venue for five years. Initially, I wasn’t interested in customer service, as I was never particularly comfortable with it. However, I decided that when it came time to choose a career, I wanted to pursue something I truly loved. So, I deliberately chose to challenge myself by taking on a job I thought I wouldn't enjoy.
To my surprise, it turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. One day, a couple arrived for their wedding, and it happened to be their anniversary as well. After the ceremony, I made and served them a celebratory red-and-white cocktail. They were genuinely delighted, and later, I received a heartfelt letter of thanks from them. This was actually my first time experiencing the tangible results of taking on something I had not initially been eager to do. It left a lasting impression on me, especially since I didn’t often receive direct feedback from my academic studies and research.
Can you describe your current job responsibilities?
Currently, I am part of the Performance Running Development Team, where we work on the development of various marathon shoes, ranging from race-specific models to training shoes. I am a member of the C-Project, which focuses on designing shoes for top athletes, and my main responsibility is overseeing the development of METASPEED series.
The development process involves a complex series of steps, from evaluating material composition and functional structures to finalizing the specifications for factory production. In the C-Project, we place great importance on individual athlete feedback and data from running experiments, which adds another layer of complexity. Within this framework, I believe the key to success is integrating the insights from ASICS' extensive research, advice from researchers, and feedback from athletes to make well-rounded decisions and ultimately arrive at the best possible solution.
What do you find satisfying about your current work?
I will never forget the first shoe I worked on that was released to the public — the 'METARIDE AMU,' a collaboration with renowned architect Mr. Kengo Kuma. During my university years, I had the opportunity to study architecture, so I was already familiar with his work. I decided to create my own design proposal, separate from the internal designer's concept, and to my surprise, my design was chosen as the structural base for the project. When the product was finally released, it sold out online in just six minutes, and there were long lines at the stores, making it a hot topic. This experience not only gave me invaluable confidence but also became a defining moment in my career.
Can you share a story about challenging at work and how you overcame it?
The C-Project was a big project directly overseen by our CEO, so the pressure was always intense. Despite numerous tests, the results weren’t as expected, and I found myself becoming frustrated. However, I was able to withstand the pressure thanks to the guidance and support from my senior colleagues and the research team. Rather than focusing on failures, they provided clear and constructive advice on areas for improvement, and they also made sure to acknowledge the progress that had been made. Thanks to their encouragement, I was able to continue with the development process without fear and move forward with a proactive mindset.
What is the work environment like at ASICS?
The reason I am able to approach my work with confidence is largely due to the atmosphere in the workplace. Both my seniors and managers are proactive in embracing ideas from younger employees, encouraging us to freely share our thoughts and ideas. What makes ASICS stand out is not only their willingness to listen but also their commitment to turning those ideas into reality. I believe the number of prototypes we’ve worked on that haven't been released to the public is far greater than that of other companies, and I've been given numerous opportunities to take on various challenges.
How would you describe ASICS to someone considering applying for a job?
ASICS is a company that encourages anyone, regardless of their years of service or age, to take on challenges if they have a strong passion. One example of this is when my design for a collaboration model with architect Mr. Kengo Kuma was accepted, even though I was only in my third year with the company. Initially, the project was set to be based on proposals from the in-house designers, and due to time constraints, my non-designer proposal wasn’t even considered for presentation. However, I didn’t give up. I directly approached my manager, and as a result, I was given the opportunity to create a prototype and present my idea to Mr. Kuma. The reason I was able to push through as a younger employee was because of the flat, open culture at Asics, where there are no barriers to sharing ideas.
What kind of person do you think is suited for ASICS?
I believe the kind of person who would thrive at ASICS is someone who can always keep the end user in mind. When it comes to shoe development, having a strong conviction of 'this is how a shoe should be' is important, but it should never be self-serving. At ASICS, the fundamental belief of 'wanting to make the wearer happy' is deeply ingrained, and it feels like everyone is working towards that same goal. This is why I believe Asics continues to create such great shoes.
What would you like to challenge in the future at ASICS?
As a member of the C-Project, my goal is to create better shoes that help as many athletes as possible stand on the podium and set personal bests. I believe that through these efforts, ASICS will eventually regain its market share in Japan's racing sector and reestablish itself as the No. 1 brand.
In the future, I also hope to gain experience through overseas business trips or working abroad. By developing a global perspective, I would like to bring ASICS products to more people and further elevate the value of the ASICS brand.
Note: The profile and interview content reflect the information at the time of the interview.
