InterviewPower of People

I entered this industry almost by chance. As a law student, I didn’t initially have any particular interest in spatial design or exhibition work during my job search. However, while working part-time at a department store, I was always fascinated by the transformations of event spaces. It felt magical to see a space that was empty at night completely transformed into something entirely new by morning. This experience sparked my curiosity. Later, I stumbled upon a job posting from KOGEISHA and after an interview where I was told, “You can create any kind of space based on your ideas,” I decided to take on the challenge. Since joining the company, I’ve been involved in spatial design and operations for exhibitions and events, often juggling seven to eight projects simultaneously each month. Given the nature of this work, I sometimes sacrifice sleep to oversee on-site operations. Yet, every project is fulfilling, and each experience has contributed to my growth.

This job is a series of new challenges. Even with experience, no two projects are the same, and every situation presents unique obstacles. While that keeps the work exciting, it also comes with occasional failures. For instance, when designing a booth for a major automotive manufacturer’s exhibition, we faced numerous last-minute design changes under tight deadlines. My team and I worked through the night, repeatedly revising plans. In the end, the client was highly satisfied, but the experience reinforced how crucial adaptability and responsiveness are in this field.

One unforgettable challenge was producing a documentary project themed around disaster recovery. Suddenly placed in the role of producer representing the sponsor, I had no idea how to proceed at first. During meetings, I often felt scrutinized as if people were asking, “Who is this person?” It was overwhelming at times, but I resolved to bridge my knowledge gaps by researching extensively and seeking advice from experienced colleagues. When the documentary was completed and met with gratitude from our audience, the joy outweighed all the hardships. I even found myself rewatching it multiple times, cherishing the sense of accomplishment. Each new challenge brings fresh learning opportunities and unmatched satisfaction.

My role involves capturing the client’s vision, translating it effectively to our designers, and then presenting the final concept back to the client. Acting as a bridge between the two sides allows me to experience the creative process firsthand, which is one of the greatest rewards of this job.

Communication is key. Even for the same design, how it’s conveyed can lead to entirely different perceptions. For this reason, I strive to tailor my approach to each situation. For example, despite the rise of remote meetings, I still prioritize face-to-face discussions whenever possible. The nuances in expressions and atmosphere during in-person meetings often provide insights that enhance collaboration and improve outcomes. Smooth communication leads to better proposals, builds trust, and ensures clients feel confident entrusting their projects to us. I believe that attention to detail and thoughtful interaction directly contribute to higher-quality results and client satisfaction.

The reason I’ve stayed in this profession is simple: I genuinely enjoy it. No matter how hectic things get, I’ve always prioritized having fun while working. Many colleagues comment on how happy I seem while working, and I’ve found that this positivity often translates into better results. This mindset is shared across KOGEISHA. Our team is a group of highly skilled professionals, each driven by an independent spirit. While we typically work individually, our unity when pursuing a common goal is unmatched—like a collective of skilled artisans combining forces. Recently, I’ve had the privilege of watching younger team members contribute their energy and creativity, shaping the future of KOGEISHA. Their growth is inspiring, and I find joy in guiding them as a manager. By observing their progress, I can sense when they need support and step in only when necessary. Seeing them develop their problem-solving abilities has been bittersweet—it’s like watching fledglings leave the nest. However, it’s also incredibly rewarding to witness their enthusiasm and dedication. I’m confident they’ll carry forward the philosophy of prioritizing client needs, passing it on to future generations. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.