InterviewPower of People

To be honest, I didn’t join KOGEISHA with a burning passion for creating spaces. I didn’t have a particular interest in or knowledge of space or product design. My only goal during my job search was to secure a role in sales.However, I’ve always loved attending events and concerts. The overwhelming atmosphere of these spaces, the energy generated by people coming together, and the unique excitement and surprise of those moments always captivated me.It’s this love for the energy of events that led me to choose KOGEISHA, where I could work as a salesperson and be involved in creating such experiences.Currently, I focus on sales proposals for booth and exhibition organizer construction projects. Listening to clients’ needs and bringing their ideas to life has become my greatest joy.The challenge of maximizing a limited space to create a memorable and impactful experience—especially for short-term events like exhibitions—is a unique and rewarding aspect of this job.In my daily work, I hold meetings with clients, collaborate with designers and partner companies, and create plans that meet both budgetary constraints and aesthetic goals. Crafting attractive booths within these parameters is where my skills truly shine.

It was about three to four years after joining KOGEISHA that I naturally began adopting the mindset of a producer. A turning point came when I was tasked with handling a booth for a motor show—a dream project I had always hoped to be involved in. This opportunity arose from proactive cold-calling efforts I had undertaken, and I vividly recall the determination with which I approached each day.

Through this motor show experience, I discovered a guiding principle: "Take center stage yourself." It’s not just about meeting client requests but about considering how to captivate and engage attendees. How can we create impactful experiences? By actively leading the project as a producer, engaging everyone around me, and thinking creatively, we achieved results that exceeded all expectations. I realized that the key to successful spatial production is to face forward and guide others with confidence. Of course, I’ve encountered many failures along the way, but every misstep has been a stepping stone for growth. Standing still out of fear of failure only hinders progress.

In this line of work, building trust with clients is paramount. Our job isn’t just about creating spaces but about fully understanding and bringing to life the desires and expectations of our clients. The process leading up to the final result is just as important as the result itself. For this reason, I make it a point to go beyond formal meetings and often invite clients to dinner afterward. These informal settings allow for open, candid conversations that often provide valuable insights for the next steps. It’s about getting closer to the client and uncovering their true feelings, which ultimately helps improve the quality of our proposals.

Even in an age where remote meetings have become the norm, I maintain this approach. Meeting face-to-face allows me to pick up on subtle expressions and nuances that would otherwise be missed. It also accelerates decision-making and streamlines the overall workflow. While it requires additional effort, this "slow and steady" approach has proven to be invaluable in building strong client relationships and driving project success.

At KOGEISHA, it’s common for one salesperson to take full responsibility for a client. However, I believe it’s time to gradually evolve this model alongside my younger colleagues. Both our company and the methods of spatial design must adapt to the changing times. While preserving KOGEISHA’s distinctive approach, I envision fostering more team-based efforts that leverage the diverse skills of both seasoned and younger team members. Since becoming a manager and working more closely with my juniors, this vision has grown even stronger. Traditional methods alone can no longer create the fresh and impactful experiences that today’s clients demand. As managers, it’s our responsibility to pave the way for the next generation of spatial design. Incorporating the flexible and innovative perspectives of younger members can lead to groundbreaking approaches that transcend conventional limits of location and format. For example, imagine transforming a truck bed into a mobile exhibition space that could be deployed anywhere with the push of a button. This concept could provide an affordable and flexible solution for clients who previously struggled with budget or venue constraints. Fortunately, KOGEISHA offers an environment that embraces challenges. I’m excited to keep moving forward, rallying those around me to explore and shape the future of both KOGEISHA and spatial design.