- What led you to choose ASICS?
Having been involved in sports from a young age, I always knew I wanted to work in the sports industry. Coming from a physical education background, I even considered becoming a health and physical education teacher. However, the sports world is vast, and considering its ongoing development, I realized that working in a corporate environment might allow me to have more fun and growth.
I applied to many companies in the sports sector, but what stood out about ASICS was its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and its status as one of the few Japan brands that competes globally. This aligned perfectly with the vision I had for my own growth. Additionally, during my interview, I made a mistake and awkwardly created an uncomfortable atmosphere, yet ASICS welcomed it with a laugh. The company's "get up after falling" sportsmanship spirit was apparent even in that moment, which made me decide to join.
Can you describe your current job responsibilities?
I joined ASICS as a general employee and am currently working in sales. I am responsible for two major sports retail accounts that span the country. For one of these accounts, I also serve as the team leader, overseeing operations.
My core responsibilities include preparing sales presentations for buyers in various sports categories to help them place orders. Once agreements are made, I coordinate delivery schedules and create post-sale revenue plans. Additionally, I work on long-term sales promotion marketing strategies.
Another key part of my role involves visiting stores to conduct events and staff training sessions on our products. I strive to make our displays more accessible to customers, gathering feedback from staff on the ground to share with our internal teams, which helps inform future sales strategies.
Recently, managing the e-commerce platforms and social media accounts of our clients has become an important part of the job as well, directly impacting sales. This includes regular maintenance and adjusting content strategies for timely information dissemination.
Managing national accounts carries significant influence, and I frequently participate in internal meetings. I also take part in devising and leading company-wide sales strategies for basketball, ensuring alignment not just with account strategies, but also with category-based strategies within the company.
Although most of my work involves managing existing accounts, the strategy formulation and execution for each account are largely left to the discretion of each sales representative. This level of freedom allows me to leverage my strengths and develop unique strategies to drive sales. While the responsibility is substantial, it is also rewarding and exciting. It's an attractive role where hard work allows you to see your ideas come to life.
What would you like to challenge in the future at ASICS?
In sales, I have the unique opportunity to be in close proximity to the user, as I visit stores and events regularly. I want to better understand what customers are looking for and ensure that these insights are translated internally, so we can deliver truly sought-after products to the market. I believe this is one of the key joys of managing chain store accounts.
On the other hand, having joined a sports manufacturer, I also want to be involved in the core area of product development. Whether in product planning or marketing, the key is understanding the needs of the user. I believe it’s crucial to avoid creating products based solely on personal satisfaction.
Moreover, the way products are delivered is equally important. Just making a product is not enough to provide true value. This is not only my personal belief but also a challenge that I recognize as a company-wide issue.
I aim to step up to the next department after gaining a strong customer perspective. My goal is to deliver products I've helped create to as many users as possible, allowing them to experience the thrill of sports. That is my next target and my dream.
Looking further ahead, I hope to expand my focus beyond just products to include services and digital solutions that address challenges in sports. There are numerous issues within the sports industry that go beyond products, and various services are also in demand.
For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating opportunities for people to engage in sports again, improving running form, and providing guidance on other aspects—there’s still so much more ASICS can do. I hope that, as a company, we can come together and create a world where people can enjoy sports even more.
Note: The profile and interview content reflect the information at the time of the interview.
