I did sales all the way before joining OWNDAYS so I had zero knowledge about eyewear. I started as a shop staff, learning about the basics of glasses and gradually moved up to Shop Manager and then Supervisor.

I had a chance to go to Singapore because of Mizoguchi. He was the Area Manager of Kansai Area that time and also a close friend of mine. Mizoguchi went to Singapore first. He was Manager in Singapore and he encouraged me to join him there. Mizoguchi told me that I could experience the evolution of the company in Singapore, like waves rising and falling. It was something that I could not go through in Japan. Initially, I wasn’t particularly keen about going to Singapore but his words were a huge inspiration and motivation for me.

I didn’t speak any English so I had to start from scratch when I arrived in Singapore. Gradually, I was able communicate and convey my ideas to everyone.

Right now, I’ve set my mind to spreading the world number one Japanese service quality around the world. My top priority at work is how to let local staff understand Japanese service quality and for them to put that into practice.

In OWNDAYS, we use an electoral system to decide the staff who will take up managerial positions. We apply the same system whether in Japan or overseas. Even though this is a very unusual HR practice in Singapore, many staff are stepping forward to run for elections. Their high motivation and enthusiasm really give me a sense of accomplishment.

My goal is to make OWNDAYS a globally recognised brand. I hope to raise the service quality in both OWNDAYS Singapore as well as in neighbouring countries to the same level it is in Japan. And with that, to move forward as a global company.