- What led you to choose ASICS?
After spending a year on a working holiday in Canada, I had the opportunity to work at an ASICS store there. Not only did I discover the exceptional quality of the products, but I also resonated deeply with the company's philosophy of "A Sound Mind In A Sound Body." This alignment with ASICS' core values inspired me to apply. Working for a company that combines my three passions—"sports," "a global environment," and "Kobe"—has made every day fulfilling.
Can you describe your current job responsibilities?
I am involved in the development of apparel, particularly in gamewear for events like the World Athletics Championships, Rugby World Cup, and inline items for soccer. To break down the development process simply, it consists of two main stages: "Material Selection" and "Sample Creation."
Material Selection
We choose materials, fabrics, and trims that will meet the demands of athletes and customers. The requirements vary significantly depending on the sport, making material selection extremely important. In addition to understanding the unique characteristics of each sport, we collaborate with the ASICS Institute of Sport Science to conduct experiments to create better products. We also prioritize using sustainable materials, always aiming to reduce our environmental footprint.Sample Creation
Once the materials are selected, the designs sketched by the designers are turned into samples. After the factory creates the initial sample, we conduct tests and improvements to refine the product. Once the final sample is approved, we pass it on to the mass production team to begin full-scale production.
A key aspect of my role is frequent communication with our international sales companies and overseas factories, which means I use English on a daily basis.
What would you like to challenge in the future at ASICS?
Having played field hockey since my student days, I would love to get involved in the development of field hockey shoes. I aspire to work with ASICS Oceania or ASICS Europe, collaborating closely with athletes on the development of footwear. My ultimate goal is to see athletes at the LA 2028 Summer Olympics performing in shoes that I helped to create!
Note: The profile and interview content reflect the information at the time of the interview.
