- What led you to choose ASICS?
I originally studied design at an art university in Chicago, and during my job search in the U.S., I was looking for a global company where I could leverage both my English and Japanese skills. While attending a bilingual job fair, I discovered that ASICS was recruiting for design positions, and I decided to apply. Through the interview process, I felt the warmth and friendliness of the employees, and the positive company atmosphere convinced me that I would join if I received an offer.
What were you passionate about during your student life?
During my student years, I was a member of the track and field club, focusing on short-distance. I was so dedicated to it that I even joined a club team outside of school. I found a strong sense of fulfillment in individual sports, where the more effort I put in, the more results I would get.
I also loved drawing, and alongside track and field, I was passionate about creating comics during high school. I even exhibited at Comiket a few times. After entering university, I focused on painting and often held exhibitions with my peers.
Can you describe your current job responsibilities?
As a designer for Sportstyle products, I work on a wide range of items, from inline to collaboration projects. My main responsibilities include color and material design. Together with global team members in Boston and Amsterdam, we research the market and trends to determine seasonal color palettes, while also conceptualizing and incorporating these ideas into products. For collaborations and custom designs, I work based on requests from other brands or external designers, proposing item concepts, designs, and color schemes.
Since I collaborate with various departments, including the design teams at overseas offices, merchandising, product marketing, and development teams, communication plays a crucial role in my job.
What do you find satisfying about your current work? And what project has left a lasting impression on you?
As a designer, I am involved in a wide range of areas, from the initial concept of an item to its marketing, so when a product is displayed in stores, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I have a deep attachment to the items I've worked on, and they feel like my "children."
Among the projects I’ve worked on, the Gel-LYTE III Patchwork is especially memorable. It was the first project where I designed every element, and the concept was centered around sustainability, which ASICS was heavily focusing on at the time. The challenge was to incorporate sustainable materials while expressing the "patchwork" design motif, all while maintaining comfort and balance. However, the product received an overwhelming response upon its release, and I was truly happy.
Can you share a story about challenging at work and how you overcame it?
In university, I primarily studied graphic design, so when I first joined the company, I had little experience or knowledge in product design. A training session that I was relying on got postponed due to COVID-19, so at the time I was working on the GEL-LYTE III Patchwork, I had insufficient knowledge not only of materials but also of shoes in general. However, my senior colleagues, who understood my situation, supported me, and I learned a lot while progressing with the project. The struggles I faced during that time have made my work flow much more smoothly now.
What is the work environment like at ASICS?
Everyone here is cheerful and friendly, and the atmosphere in the office makes it easy to talk to anyone. It's easy to approach senior colleagues from other departments, and the environment is conducive to open communication, even for young employees. I’ve never witnessed anyone shouting or scolding anyone else in the office. When younger employees make mistakes, the focus is always on how to avoid making the same mistakes again, and there’s constant advice and support. It’s an environment where you can quickly grow as long as you have a willingness to learn.
How would you describe ASICS to someone considering applying for a job?
Before joining, I thought the company might have a strict and formal atmosphere, but once I joined, I realized it’s open and free. It’s a mix of the best aspects of Japanese and international companies—there’s freedom, but it's not loose. ASICS trusts young employees with significant responsibilities, but they’re never left on their own. There’s always support available, so you can work without feeling pressured. In design, you get to be involved in every aspect of product creation, which is very rewarding. Even if you're not sure what you want to do when you first join, you can discover it through your work.
What kind of person do you think is suited for ASICS?
In the design field, I believe the most important quality is communication skills. Many people with design skills struggle with presenting their ideas, but in this job, you're frequently required to present and debate in front of others. I always strive to communicate my ideas and concepts clearly.
What would you like to challenge in the future at ASICS?
I want to become more of a bridge between the offices in Japan and abroad. Communication with international teams is crucial as ASICS expands globally. Sometimes, due to cultural differences or subtle nuances, I feel there are situations where being fluent in English is not enough. I believe if I can bridge these gaps, we can create even better products by incorporating diverse perspectives.
In the future, I’d like to be stationed in a country other than the U.S., where I lived for four years. By expanding my horizons further, I hope to contribute to ASICS’ activities across different countries and cultures.
Note: The profile and interview content reflect the information at the time of the interview.
