InterviewPower of People

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved creating things. Whether it was building blocks or other crafts, I found great joy in seeing something take shape from nothing. I’ve always been captivated by the process of creation, piece by piece.

My journey into the field of spatial design began with an unexpected encounter. I met a craftsman while looking for a part-time job and was drawn in by the promise of earning ¥20,000 per day. What started as a quick gig helping him turned into a truly eye-opening experience.

The job involved assisting with for a Mainly exhibitions of camera manufacturers and photo exhibitions, taking me all over Japan—from Sapporo in the north to Fukuoka in the south. As a student, I had the rare chance to travel nationwide, and after work, I even got to enjoy time with seasoned professionals. (Those were some fun times!)

This multifaceted experience with spatial design planted the seed for my future career.

Of course, when I first started working, I faced plenty of setbacks and moments of discouragement. But I made up my mind to keep pushing forward, determined to prove myself after years of carefree student life. I told myself I had to "embrace the grind" and keep challenging my limits.

Through this journey, I came to an important realization: the projects where I expressed my own style and ideas were the ones that gained the trust of my clients. From then on, I adopted a proactive approach, confidently sharing my perspectives and showing the value of my unique contributions.

Rather than simply following directions, I positioned myself as a true partner to my clients, offering meaningful input.

Staying true to my unique style is a principle I continue to cherish today.

In my work, I’m involved in every stage of spatial design—from planning and design to construction and on-site management. And with that, challenges and unexpected situations are always part of the job.

The truth is, I thrive on solving these challenges. No matter how well-prepared we are, the unexpected inevitably happens in the field, and it’s in those moments that we, as professionals, have the chance to shine.

One particularly memorable experience happened during the pandemic, when exhibitor numbers for a trade show dropped dramatically. With last-minute cancellations leaving large gaps in the venue, the question was how to maintain satisfaction for both exhibitors and attendees. It was a tough situation for everyone involved.

It was at this time that the client came up with the idea of displaying the archives of this historic exhibition. The idea was to give people a chance to look again at the value of the exhibition itself and deepen their understanding of it, something they would not be able to do during normal times when the exhibition is overflowing with exhibitors. Therefore, we proposed a space set up to realize this great idea.

As a result, the organizers liked it very much and it provided an opportunity to strengthen the relationship of trust.

I’ve also noticed that overcoming challenges like these fosters a stronger sense of unity within the team. Successfully tackling obstacles together builds a sense of accomplishment that simply can’t be experienced alone.

To me, challenges are like key ingredients that help achieve the best outcomes. Approaching problems with this positive mindset and proactive action has not only brought success to projects but also contributed greatly to my own personal and professional growth.

As I mentioned earlier, one of my key strengths is having a broad “toolbox” of ideas and resources. By constantly observing various architectural styles and designs in my daily life, I’ve developed an ability to adapt and respond effectively in different situations.

Whether it’s subway ads, station signage, or urban buildings, I often draw inspiration from the details of everyday life.

These casual observations often prove invaluable when the moment calls for creative solutions. Honestly, though, I don’t do it specifically for work—it’s more of a long-standing habit or even a hobby that’s become second nature to me.

This versatility is not only an asset in serving clients but also in collaborating with team members and partner companies. For example, I can enhance a designer’s proposal, integrate feedback from on-site teams, and maintain clear communication across multiple perspectives.

This ability to draw from a wide range of ideas allows us to deliver the best possible outcomes, even in the most challenging situations.

Of course, this kind of adaptability doesn’t happen overnight. It requires ongoing effort to expand your “toolbox” and make the most of what you’ve learned. But I believe that continuously developing and leveraging this versatility is key to building trust with clients and fostering strong teamwork.

At KOGEISHA, our team shares a common mindset: a genuine desire to become our clients’ most trusted partners. This spirit, passed down through generations of our predecessors, has become a defining part of our company culture.

Now, as a manager, I feel a strong responsibility to carry on this legacy by embedding the value of “putting the client first” into the daily work of the next generation.

At the same time, in this fast-changing world, we must continuously pursue innovation and growth. As I’ve taken on more managerial responsibilities and worked more closely with younger colleagues, I’ve found myself increasingly motivated to challenge new ideas alongside them.

While I’m still exploring specific plans, I want to elevate the essence of spatial design—the unique ability to genuinely move people emotionally. As incorporating the fresh perspectives of younger team members, I hope to redefine what only Kogei can offer in spatial design.

For this reason, I’m committed to remaining a hands-on manager, actively engaging in on-site work. This career isn’t just a job to me; it’s a lifelong challenge.

I want to continue standing on the frontline with the younger generation, consistently delivering spaces that are perfectly tailored to our clients’ needs.

A lifetime of commitment—this is both my goal and the unwavering passion I bring to this work.