InterviewPower of People

Even after 20 years in this profession, the excitement I feel when stepping onto a project site remains the same. I joined KOGEISHA as a new graduate and have since worked as a planning and sales professional, designing booths for numerous exhibitions and events. In the beginning, I knew nothing and spent every day trying to keep up with my senior colleagues, absorbing as much as I could. While I’ve always been interested in creating things, I didn’t have any specialized knowledge or technical skills when I started. In fact, I originally dreamed of becoming a magazine editor and was part of the journalism club at university. Perhaps it’s because of this background that everything I learned on-site felt so invigorating. As I gained more knowledge and experience, I became deeply drawn to the core of this work: creating spaces that solve our clients’ challenges. With this in mind, I approach every client meeting with the utmost care and attention. At KOGEISHA, simply meeting client requirements isn’t enough. Our job is to uncover needs the client may not even realize they have and go a step further by offering innovative solutions. I am meticulous about quality and will never propose something I’m not fully satisfied with. This commitment to delivering exceptional value has naturally led to long-lasting relationships with many of our clients.

Since joining KOGEISHA, my perspective on design has evolved significantly. When I was younger, I sometimes focused on creating designs that I thought were “cool,” prioritizing my own satisfaction over the client’s needs. Today, my approach is entirely different—my priority is always, “How can I create a space that genuinely benefits the client?” One pivotal experience that shaped this mindset involved a large-scaled exhibition project. It was a project I inherited from a senior colleague, and I still vividly remember how hesitant the client felt about entrusting it to me, as I was just approaching my 30s at the time. Determined to rise to the occasion, I revisited the proposals and design plans repeatedly, collaborating closely with the client and involving them in the process to build something truly impactful together.

Of course, things didn’t always go smoothly. There were countless moments of frustration, and I often felt overwhelmed. However, with the support of my colleagues and perseverance, we eventually delivered a successful project. Hearing the client say, “We feel just as confident entrusting this to you as we always have,” made every challenge worthwhile. That moment of fulfillment is something I’ll never forget. This experience solidified two core principles in my work: an unwavering commitment to quality and the importance of valuing the client’s voice. No matter how busy I am, I make it a point to approach every project with sincerity, carefully capturing each client’s needs. Through extensive discussions and a relentless exchange of ideas, I ensure that every detail aligns with their vision. This dedication has become an integral part of how I approach my work—and it’s a standard I’ll continue to uphold.

Working on exhibitions and events is always a race against the clock. The challenge and the thrill of this job lies in delivering the highest quality results within tight deadlines. But no matter how limited the time may be, I never compromise on quality. Instead, I focus on making the most of the time available by ensuring I’m always prepared.

This means anticipating potential issues with design direction, installation procedures, or logistics, and meticulously planning every detail during the preparation stage. Even with the best preparation, unexpected problems can arise. When they do, I see them as opportunities to demonstrate adaptability and decision-making skills by collaborating closely with on-site teams and maintaining a positive mindset. Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces that leave clients feeling, “We’re so glad we chose KOGEISHA.” No matter how busy things get, I never lose sight of the client’s needs.

KOGEISHA’s greatest strength is, without a doubt, its culture of “freedom.” It’s a company where even younger employees are expected to take on-site responsibilities, which perfectly suited my desire to work closely with the field. From the start, I was entrusted with a great deal of autonomy and encouraged to take on challenges—a formative experience that has shaped who I am today. Now, as a General Manager and department head, I’m increasingly involved in the development and management of our team, including mentoring younger employees. My hope for them is simple: embrace new challenges with creativity and an open mind. There will undoubtedly be failures along the way, but what truly matters is learning from those experiences and applying those lessons to the next opportunity. Reflecting on my own journey, I’m deeply grateful for the support and guidance I received from my seniors when I was younger. Now, I see it as my turn to take on that role and help nurture the next generation. As the industry grapples with an aging workforce, I believe the key to transformation lies in striking a balance between the expertise we’ve accumulated and the fresh perspectives and values of younger generations. Embracing their ideas with flexibility will be essential to driving meaningful change within the company—and I’m committed to playing an active role in that process. At the same time, I’m not ready to settle into a purely managerial role. I want to hold onto the passion that first drew me to this field—the desire to create. By staying true to that spirit, I aim to grow alongside the younger team members together.