Mid-career Professional

Career recruitment

Yosuke Ando's career at NOMURA Co.,Ltd. has been driven by two interests he had as a student: architecture and spatial experience. Since joining the company in 2005, Yosuke Ando has been working to create spaces that are in tune with "how people spend their time. We will unravel his thoughts and journey as he continues to take on challenges, innovate, and create value through experiences. Ando is involved in the entire process from planning to architecture and interiors- keeping the concept concept design ApproachAndo belongs to the Creative Production Center "no.10" in the Creative Division. He is a member of a team that works on a wide range of projects from architecture to interior design, creating new experiences concept design through space. Ando: "My area of responsibility varies depending on the project. Recently, we worked on an in-house recruiting space, an apparel store, and a café in Saudi Arabia. Last year, I worked on a house from architecture to interiors, and now I am working on a hands-on training facility in collaboration with a local specialty product and the renovation of a large-scale commercial facility. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of projects in which we are involved in the entire process from the initial planning stage to architecture and interior design. He is involved from the planning stage in collaboration with planners. Ando: "In my team, we place importance on the "ease of understanding" of the initial concept that is given form as it is. By being involved from the planning stage, it is easier to build a coherent concept for the facility as a whole, and we believe that we can create a space with a higher degree of perfection than if we were to proceed piecemeal. However, it is difficult to complete everything on your own, so collaboration with planners is essential." no.10 focuses not only on the quality of concept design, but also on customer satisfaction in the process. As part of this process, we use software called a game engine to visualize the completion projection. Ando: "With the game engine, you can experience the completed space as if you were actually walking through it. Unlike conventional still-image perspectives, the game engine can intuitively convey an image of the space, which speeds up the decision-making process for the client and ultimately improves the quality of the project. Although it is time-consuming, we use it for most of our projects." Construction takes time and money, and it is not easy to redo a project once it has been completed. Ando: "We want the client to be satisfied with the project before moving on to the next phase. To this end, we use digital tools to carefully build consensus. I think this process is very important in the creation of spaces. He was attracted to the "charm of space itself" during a visit to the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art when he was in high school, and chose to study architecture at university. Ando: "At the time, I had a strong impression that architecture was a job of creating a "box" called a building, and that architects created works of art that projected their own personalities. However, as I studied, I came to think that I wanted to make proposals that were closer to people's lives and rooted in their actual lifestyles. I also like music, and I used to be a DJ when I was a student. I was strongly attracted to work that is "close to people" through the experience of directly feeling the joy of customers up close and personal. interiors This is also how I became interested in the display industry." With these thoughts in mind, he came across NOMURA Co.,Ltd. while conducting his job search. Ando: "I was attracted by the results I saw in magazines and the way my seniors at the university seemed to enjoy working there. The free atmosphere of the company building at the time was also appealing." He felt that concept design was an environment where he could work closely with consumers and decided to join the company. After joining the company, I was assigned to the Communication concept design Department, where I was in charge of designing corporate showrooms and event spaces. As he was involved in the creation of spaces, he became convinced of something. Ando - "The way people spend their time changes a lot depending on concept design and the space. The shape of a space naturally guides people's gaze and movement. displays By designing how things are presented and how they are perceived, the quality of the visitor's experience itself can be enhanced. This approach came to fruition in 2015 with the "Yaskawa Electric Miraikan," an interactive showroom for which Ando was in charge. Ando: "I worked on this space to communicate industrial robot and motor technologies to the general public in an easy-to-understand manner. As a facility to displays showcase futuristic technology, we made the space itself look like it was inside a robot concept design and used slanted walls instead of the usual vertical walls. The walls are not at 90-degree angles, but rather irregularly shaped to create a distinctive space. We also installed LEDs in a line on the floor to express a futuristic feel through color changes and blinking. Ando: "In a design with many slanted wall surfaces, it is necessary to adjust the angles in detail while checking the actual appearance in the 3D space. Usually, we outsource perspective production, but to create the intended space, it is much smoother to verify and fine-tune the design by ourselves. This project won several awards. The method of creating spaces with an awareness of people's experience and behavior had a great impact on subsequent projects. A one-of-a-kind space created through a combination of technology and thought ▲Rias coast residenceIn 2016, Ando was transferred to the concept design team "onndo," which was in charge of commercial projects, which he had hoped to work on since joining the company. This team is the predecessor of no.10, to which Ando still belongs today. What awaited him there was a large-scale project to renovate an entire building, Times Square, a commercial facility in Shanghai, China. Ando: "It was a complete renovation, including the architecture and interior design, including removing the flooring, building a bridge, and completely renewing the exterior. It was an ideal project for me because I was able to conceptualize the entire space from scratch over a period of about three years. Ando: "When making proposals to people in other countries, due to language and cultural differences, it is difficult to convey our intentions with just drawings, and I feel that it is difficult for them to understand without visuals. Therefore, in the past, we were asked to revise our perspective many times. As a result, we felt that there was nothing better than a "hands-on" proposal, so we decided to introduce VR. Ando: "During the presentation, I had the president put on VR goggles and had him experience the space while I operated the goggles with a controller. We also partnered with an outside company to analyze the VR model, and by measuring brain waves in six subjects, we were able to quantify their feelings about the space, such as how comfortable they felt. By quantitatively showing the difference before and after the renovation, the presentation became much more persuasive. This was the culmination of a project that encompassed everything from architecture to interior design. Ando: "It is rare for NOMURA Co.,Ltd. to be entrusted with the design of a house, and the opportunity to be involved from the architectural stage was also valuable. For this project, we made full use of BIM (Building Information Model)* and managed data consistently from design to construction. We consolidated all information, including materials used, floor and wall specifications, and facility details, as if we were constructing an entire building in a digital space." The strong northerly winds characteristic of the Sea of Japan region were addressed by incorporating the city's alleyway structure into the architecture. design administration Ando: "The most enjoyable part of the project was that we were able to design not only the building itself, but also the relationship with the surrounding topography and streetscape, as well as the scenery seen from the residents' point of view. For Ando, this was a project in which he was able to mobilize all of his learning and perspectives, and it won awards both domestically and internationally. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. concept design BIM is a system that streamlines operations by using information for design, construction ・maintenance and management by providing 3D digital models with "attributes" such as floors, walls, and ceilings, and "management information" such as finishes, costs, and schedules. In his work from architecture to interior design, Ando has pursued a concept design that is close to people's lives. The most rewarding part of his work, he says, is the moment when a client is pleased with his work. Ando: "In architecture, it is difficult to see the whole picture until completion, and it is a repetitive process of hypothesis and verification. In the process, I find it very rewarding when I realize that my hypothesis was correct, or when I gain the client's sympathy for my attention to detail. The moment when I feel that I have made even a small contribution to people's happiness is a moment that gives me an irreplaceable joy. Ando: "I studied architecture as a student, but I joined NOMURA Co.,Ltd. because I wanted to work on concept design, which is closer to consumers and their daily lives. On the other hand, I have always wanted to be involved in architecture from a people-centered perspective. Recently, I have been entrusted with more and more architectural projects, and I feel that I am getting closer to the ideal that I had envisioned when I was a student. NOMURA Co.,Ltd. I would like to continue to pursue concept design, always with people at the center of my thinking, while expanding the scope of my work from areas close to people, such as consumers and interior design, to architecture and urban development. Ando: "Looking back, NOMURA Co.,Ltd. provided an environment that gave me many opportunities as long as I was willing to learn and challenge myself. I am very grateful that I was allowed to work on what I was interested in and wanted to challenge myself at each milestone, such as the introduction of digital tools or a change in departments. I am grateful for the opportunities I was given. Ando believes that "space has the power to change people's behavior," and he continues to take on new challenges in the field today. The above information is current as of May 2025.

Mizuki Ogura joined NOMURA Co.,Ltd. in 2018 as a development sales representative. He currently serves as a manager, working on the concept of domestic mixed-use developments. Previously, Ogura worked at a trust bank, managing domestic securities assets for institutional investors. He discusses the reasons behind his career change after encountering spatial design and the rewards he finds in his new environment. Mizuki Ogura, a member of the Yokohama Sales Office, Development Department 1, First General Affairs Division, Business Production Headquarters, works closely with clients from the concept stage and builds trust through his information editing skills. As a business producer, he is involved in the development of various businesses. Ogura: "My department supports the planning and review of urban mixed-use developments and new facility developments, primarily for domestic developers. We primarily handle concept work, including the land acquisition and business decision-making stages at the very top of the project." In particular, Ogura is responsible for building networks with developers, primarily in the Yokohama area, and developing new businesses. Ogura: "I'm involved in a variety of development projects, including commercial facilities, offices, entertainment facilities, hot spring facilities, and parks. Sometimes I'm approached at the planning stage with vague questions like, 'What use and scale would be best for this location? We're not sure what we should do,' but sometimes I'm asked for my professional opinion after a certain amount of consideration." In response to these types of consultations, a team is formed centered around in-house planning staff to analyze the area and location. They then derive a direction that takes into account the needs of the local community and the wishes of the customer. In this type of work, Ogura says that what he values most is his "ability to edit information." Ogura: "Because we never know from what angle a consultation will come, we make sure to gather information on a wide range of subjects. We exchange information with customers on a daily basis to learn about the features of their business and what they might be interested in, so we are prepared to respond immediately when they come to us with a consultation. Sometimes bringing up the topic ourselves leads to new work. As part of our information gathering, we actively participate in seminars and cross-industry networking events. When we see keywords that are popular these days, such as 'sustainable' or 'agriculture and food,' we visit the event and build a network of people with whom our customers would not likely have any contact. We run into mutual acquaintances in unexpected places and connect with unexpected contacts. We compile the knowledge and information we have gained in this way as we discuss things with our customers and search for keys to resolving their problems." NOMURA Co.,Ltd. says that one of its strengths is that it has employees with diverse know-how and specialized knowledge, and can assign the right people to meet customer needs. Ogura: "We have a diverse range of talent and are able to form appropriate teams, which allows us to provide a sense of security and comprehensive strength. When originality or industry-specific expertise is required, we also utilize external networks to form teams. With NOMURA Co.,Ltd. handling overall direction and project management, we are able to create optimal teams by leveraging our internal and external networks." Ogura's previous job involved asset management at a trust bank, where he felt the need for a more nuanced workplace, paved the way for him to pursue spatial concept design. Feeling the need for a space where people could refresh in a workplace that requires concentration and precision, he began studying spatial concept design at a concept design school for working professionals around 2015. After leaving the bank in 2017, he interned at concept design and architecture firms. Ogura: "Through my experiences at concept design school and as an intern, I realized the significant psychological effect that changes in space can have on changing people's moods. I also learned about the power of concept design, and I wanted to meet needs in this industry." Realizing that he could utilize the skills he had gained from his previous job through project management, Ogura aimed to work in sales for a company related to space creation, and in 2018 he discovered NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Ogura: "The job they were recruiting for was 'development sales,' and I was attracted to the idea of being involved in the upstream processes of a wide range of conceptual projects, such as finding new customers and developing new business models. In my previous job, I was relatively focused on work carried out with a set group of people and according to set rules, but I began to feel a desire to team up with more diverse people and take on the challenge of work with a new perspective." For Ogura, who had just started his new career, the project for the Sumitomo Life Vitality Plaza was his first iconic project as a salesperson. Ogura: "Around the summer of 2018, they were promoting health promotion insurance at displays, and we dropped in to exchange information, which is how our relationship began. As we talked, I realized that rather than simply selling a new product, they wanted to work with the local community and provide health support that was tailored to people's lifestyles. At the time, NOMURA Co.,Ltd. had a history of focusing on community revitalization through urban development, so we continued to communicate from that perspective. They then mentioned that they wanted to have a physical base to realize this philosophy, which led to them contacting us for advice." After about a year of communication, we were awarded the contract to develop the business model. Rather than a store that sells insurance, they opened the first store in 2019, followed by two and three more, and then the flagship store in Ginza in 2021, as an information hub where people can experience and support health promotion activities. This experience gave Ogura an important realization. Ogura: "Rather than proposing methods such as store construction from the start, I learned that by focusing on understanding the customer's vision and mission and engaging in repeated discussions as an advisor, I was able to build a relationship of trust and lead to success."New product development and anniversary project: the "value of a network" common to different challenges▲Yokohama Landmark Plaza "Yokobaru"Since 2021, he has been involved in the development project for the "(tentative name) WOOD FLOOR UNIT 3.2" product, which utilizes domestic wood, as a challenge in a new field. Ogura: "An existing client approached us about developing a new product for their group company, which operates a comprehensive forestry business. What was unique about it was that we aimed to create a product that could be sold in large quantities as a ready-made product, rather than a custom-made item. We started by holding idea exchange meetings within the company and gathering knowledge from each department. We also reached out to external companies, such as a general metal building materials manufacturer and a wax manufacturer, and ultimately formed a development team with the participation of six companies, including Mitsubishi Estate and MEC Industry, which was able to release the product. We aimed to develop a product that could be adopted on a large scale, taking into consideration the revitalization of forestry and the circulation of forests. Various verifications were required, such as balancing price and strength and achieving the load-bearing level of a typical floor. This was my first attempt at product development, but I worked with experienced members within the company as well as the legal and public relations departments, and completed it after two and a half years. Currently, with awareness of environmental considerations on the rise, we are receiving inquiries about large-scale projects, such as ``we want to use it in an entire building.'' Another project that he has been working on since 2021 is to mark the 30th anniversary of Yokohama Landmark Plaza. Ogura: "As a facility that represents Yokohama, we have been discussing with our clients for several years how we can continue to lead the city into the future. What was unique about this project was that we interviewed experts in multiple fields and incorporated external perspectives in an unbiased manner. Usually, we decide on the direction of the plan and then hold interviews to verify it, but for this project we adopted an approach where we only decided on the broad framework and then listened to opinions without preconceptions." As a result, the first theme chosen was to create a place that would promote the appeal of the region and its food, and Yokobaru opened on May 29, 2025. Ogura: "The reason the client chose 'food' from among the many themes was because it was a topic that visitors would find familiar. Furthermore, I was able to ask Yokohama-based artist Yamashita Ryohei to create the mural thanks to an introduction from a former member of the school's management when I was attending concept design school. Through this project, I realized that by regularly interacting with people from a variety of fields, I can come up with new approaches to business and proposals, which was a great learning experience." Ogura explains the joy of development sales, which involves picking up on a customer's comment and using information from both inside and outside the company to find a solution. Ogura: "I find it rewarding when we can help a client's 'ambitious projects' move forward. Working together with the client to rack our brains and move things forward is interesting, and although there can be pressure at times, it's also rewarding." When building relationships of trust, Ogura strives for a deep understanding of the business and a flexible approach. Ogura: "It's important to delve deeply into our clients' businesses and fully understand their concerns and needs. Even when a proposal comes up in casual conversation, we don't say 'we can't do it,' but first explore feasible ways to implement it. Even when there's no right answer, I believe the mission of development sales is to make the best decisions based on the client's needs and information gathered both inside and outside the company." Regarding future prospects, Ogura says he hopes to advance business development along two axes. "First, we want to advance business development along two axes. The first is to propose spaces and projects that incorporate themes like 'sustainable society' and 'coexisting with the Earth,' rather than simply promoting them. The second is to incorporate extraordinary elements, such as entertainment, into everyday life. I feel these elements are required when considering attracting customers. Ultimately, we want to combine these two axes to create new spaces. We hope to continue to involve everyone in new challenges, regardless of genre." Regarding the appeal of NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ogura says the following. Ogura: "I feel that there are many people who work here who make the most of their individuality. Rather than having uniform knowledge or skills, many people have specialized skills in their own interests and areas of expertise. In development sales in particular, teams change for each project, so there is a constant need to build teams with new members. I think this is an environment that suits people who want to meet all kinds of people, incorporate diverse ideas, and update their own way of working." Ogura himself has a clear vision of what he aims to be within the organization. Ogura: "I would like to be someone that people think, 'If I just talk to Ogura, he'll probably be able to put together a good team,' 'I'm sure he'll give me some ideas,' or 'I'm sure he'll have some useful information if I ask him.' I personally think that my unique personality lies in my curiosity and my interest in everything. I want to be able to express my individuality by maintaining an interest in a wide range of fields." *The information is current as of May 2025.

Taku Sugimoto joined NOMURA Co.,Ltd. in 2019 as an experienced employee. He is currently working on planning hotels, displays spaces, and facilities that collaborate with the local community. Sugimoto has a unique background, having previously worked at a foreign financial institution. He talks about the reason for his career change, the fulfillment he found in his new job, and his outlook for the future. Inviting the "greenery" of Odaiba into the building. Creating spaces that change over time▲ Sugimoto belongs to the Planning and Production Center of the ARTBAY TOKYO Creative Headquarters. He works in a variety of fields, including hospitality, mainly hotels, as well as commercial facilities, libraries, and exhibitions. Sugimoto: "Currently, I am mainly in charge of hotel, commercial, and exhibition work, but I have expanded from there and am also involved in urban development and branding of new facilities." One of his representative achievements is the "ARTBAY TOKYO" held in Odaiba (ended). This was an art-based urban development project based in the waterfront subcenter area, and he attempted to create a space that brings out the charm of the area. Sugimoto: "What was interesting about this project was that the team led by me took a producing role and collaborated with a wide variety of creators, including external architects, artists, and designers. We were inspired by the process of creating the project together with a wide range of people, from world-famous artists to up-and-coming architects of the same generation." Research for the project began in 2018 and took around two years to complete, until completion in the second half of 2020. Sugimoto: "Odaiba has many commercial facilities, but it doesn't have as strong a historical context as other cities. So we had extensive discussions with Bandai Motosuke, the architect we invited to build the ARTBAYHOUSE pavilion, which is the symbol of the project, about what kind of space and experience would be unique to Odaiba. In fact, Odaiba is named after an island that was created in the Edo period and still remains to this day. By transplanting and growing plants that grow there into the pavilion, the entire building is covered in greenery over time, creating a space that changes. There are spaces without a roof, and rooms where the light enters in different ways. Nature seeps in and the space changes. We've created an interesting space where you can experience a new relationship between people and greenery." Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic meant that traditional public relations activities were limited, but the response via social media was greater than expected. Sugimoto: "The striking white walls of the building's architectural concept design have been used by young people as a photo spot for social media, and it has been featured in architectural magazines, becoming a hot topic. The café inside has also created new connections with designers and creators. The gravel texture used for the flooring stimulates the senses, especially of children, and has been able to draw a wide range of reactions from visitors. Word of mouth spread through social media, and in the end, the pavilion became so popular that people lined up to get in."The happiest job in the world, an extension of what he loves Currently, Sugimoto is active as a space design professional. The origin of this was a TV program he watched as a child. Sugimoto: "When I was in elementary school, I loved watching TV shows introducing houses, and I was fascinated every time a building full of attention to detail was introduced. As the youngest child in a family of five, I didn't have my own room, so I came up with a plan to rebuild my parents' house and even presented it to my parents using a simple floor plan." Gradually, Sugimoto's desire to study architecture grew stronger, and he majored in architecture at university. He then studied abroad in Switzerland, where he gained a new perspective on architecture. Sugimoto: "In Switzerland, I learned the essential way of thinking about architecture. For example, when designing a school or art museum, the approach is to start by considering the facility itself. Switzerland is a politically and economically stable country, so I was able to explore what good architecture is, what a beautiful space is, and other aspects of space and architecture in an environment where I could pursue their beauty and interest." During his time studying abroad in Switzerland, something happened that greatly changed Sugimoto's values. Sugimoto: "In Japan, it's common to get a job straight after graduating from university, but in Switzerland it was completely different. Many people were building their lives at their own pace, studying sociology before studying architecture, or going back to school in their mid-30s. They thought carefully about what they wanted to value, and decided on the path they wanted to take while experiencing a variety of things. I was surprised and impressed by that attitude." A visit to Sri Lanka while traveling around the world during his student days also had a major impact on Sugimoto's career. Sugimoto: "I was very impressed by the cultural facilities near the World Heritage Sites I saw in Sri Lanka. They had displays that showed the restoration work and participatory and experiential displays, and they were very well done. I found out that it was a Japanese ODA (Official Development Assistance) project, and I was really drawn to the idea that this was a way of making international contributions." Sugimoto, who was attracted to international contributions, first began working as an intern at an international organization while he was a student. There, the director of the internship company advised him that "knowledge of finance and economics, as well as architecture, is important when considering a career at an international organization," and he decided to apply for a foreign financial institution as his next step. Sugimoto: "I joined an international comprehensive financial services company, but it was a very tough environment with a small number of people handling a lot of work. I learned about the importance of individual professionalism and producing results every day, but finance was a field far from my interests. It was a valuable experience, but I didn't feel like it was the job I wanted to do for the rest of my life." Then, by chance, he came across NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Sugimoto: "The first project I was involved in after joining the company was a research project to consider the future of commercial facilities. Although the field was different, research was something I had done in my previous job. I was absorbed in the project, learning about the historical changes in commercial spaces and the latest examples from Japan and abroad, through trial and error. In the end, I ended up with a dictionary-like volume of very rich material, which was well received by the client. The members assigned to the project were all unique individuals, and I was able to think about and concept design the future of spaces with such interesting people. I felt that this was the best job I could have ever had."Questioning the obvious and going beyond preconceived notions. Creating new places to connect with the community ▲The Royal Park Canvas Sapporo Odori ParkSugimoto's first full-scale project was the condominium gallery "Brillia Shinagawa Minamioi Communication Salon oooi." He reconsidered the concept of a condominium gallery and proposed a new form. Sugimoto: "We felt that conventional condominium galleries were like 'black boxes' that suddenly appeared before a property went on sale and were removed once the sale was over. We questioned this approach and started by asking ourselves, 'What kind of new condominium gallery would be appropriate for the coming era?'" The project aimed to create a space that was open not only to potential buyers of condominiums, but also to local residents. Sugimoto: "The important thing is whether or not people can imagine living in the area. So we divided the space into the first and second floors, and made the first floor a communication space that local residents can use. People thinking of buying a condominium can come down to the first floor after looking at the model room and hear local people talking and taking part in activities, get a feel for the local atmosphere, and get an idea of what life in the area would be like. Even before the condominium is built, relationships between new residents and local residents will gradually develop. We aimed to create a place like that. We created a space that connects the inside and outside, like a 'veranda,' and made the facility visually and psychologically open, where the connections between people are physically visible from the outside." This initiative won a Good concept design Award. The hotel was highly praised for providing new value that connects people, companies, and communities, and for focusing on solving social issues. Another representative example is The Royal Park Canvas Sapporo Odori Park. This hotel project tackled two major challenges. Sugimoto: "The first was to use Hokkaido wood in a variety of ways. The second was to position the hotel as a showcase for the region. We introduced a system where people could purchase furniture, art, photographs, plants, etc. made by artisans and artists with ties to Hokkaido. By connecting local creators with guests, we aimed to create a circulation of the local economy and make the hotel a base for a small economic zone and a place that would become a starting point for value creation." Among the many new attempts, the hotel deliberately chose not to place TVs in any of the guest rooms, targeting millennials and Generation Z under the age of 30. Sugimoto: "Sapporo is a city of music, where jazz festivals are held. We installed record players instead of televisions, which drew mixed reviews. Some business users were negative, but the younger generation liked the fresh experience of actually dropping the needle and listening to music. A good hotel is a place where you can feel the personality of the creator. We aim to create a memorable hotel by providing cutting-edge experiences, not a safe space that is the most common denominator." Creativity born from collective intelligence. Because it is a company with interesting people, Sugimoto, who has endless challenges and encounters, talks about his future goals and how he aims to realize the dream he has been nurturing. Sugimoto: "I have always wanted to contribute to the international community through culture, so I would like to leave Japan and work around the world, especially in Asia. The facility can be a hotel or a cultural facility, but I would like to create facilities and spaces that can be involved in nation building." Sugimoto was promoted to room chief in March 2025 and is now in a position of team management. He talks about his thoughts as a leader as follows. Sugimoto: "What I feel when I join NOMURA Co.,Ltd. is the wealth of collective intelligence as a team. The wonderful creativity that comes from coming together. Rather than being led by one outstanding talent, we are a group of individuals with rich personalities, and the combination of these individuals produces interesting ideas and new spaces. I want to value creating spaces that make the most of each individual's interesting personality and characteristics, both in projects and with the members of the room." Sugimoto says that the good thing about NOMURA Co.,Ltd. is that it can utilize the long history of spaces built by its predecessors. Sugimoto: "What we value is the perspective of learning from history. Within that, we are always thinking about how we can take the ideas and creativity that our predecessors have spun through the spaces we create. Of course, we do our best to respond to the challenges that our customers give us, but at the same time, as creators, we value what we can leave for the next generation while inheriting the history." Sugimoto sends his support to those who are interested in this field. Sugimoto: "As someone who joined from outside the company, I can say that this is a company with interesting people. I've had many irreplaceable encounters with people of all professions, not just designers, that I feel will remain lifelong relationships with. Because we organize members by project, you get to meet new people all the time. This is a company where we can work on projects of all kinds, large and small, with really interesting people." Sugimoto adds that it's okay if you don't necessarily have specialized training in architecture or spatial concept design. Sugimoto: "We have people with diverse backgrounds, including those with letters degrees, who are active here. It's a place where you can find work that is an extension of what you love. If you're interested, I encourage you to give it a go." *The information written is current as of May 2025.

Large-scale special artifacts, such as monuments and decorations, attract visitors to theme parks and other venues. Yasuhiro Fujinuma has been involved in numerous projects as a director in charge of their production. He is a specialist in sublimating two-dimensional visuals into three-dimensional forms, including "Howl's Castle" at Ghibli Park Witch's Valley. We will discuss the secrets of production management that he has cultivated, and his vision for the future. The key to transforming two-dimensional images into three-dimensional ones is to share the same image with the customer through detailed planning. As a director, he has been involved in numerous projects to create "large-scale special formative objects" such as monuments and ornaments for theme parks and other unusual spaces. Fujinuma: "Most recently, I directed a large-scale renovation project of an art facility for about a year as the director. The work has now been completed and the facility has successfully opened." Fujinuma's projects include photo locations and monuments with an overwhelming presence that leave a lasting impression in the memories of visitors. Fujinuma's work includes large, tall sculptures and large scale decorations that create a sense of "the extraordinary. Fujinuma: "The production of large-scale special forms is an extremely complex process that involves a high degree of fusion of space, structure, and staging. Every step of the process requires a high level of expertise and precision in operations, from the selection of materials and structural design, to the layout planning of lighting and equipment to be incorporated into the interior, and the methods of division, delivery, and installation at the site. If there is even a single flaw in the design, it will directly affect the overall completeness of the project, so uncompromising design and management is essential down to the smallest detail. The most critical aspect is the "appearance" of the product. We pursue a level of realism that exceeds that of the real thing through meticulous design and verification, down to the texture, luster, and surface finish of the materials. To achieve this, it is essential to combine artistic sensitivity with structural knowledge. construction The most delicate and difficult part of sublimating the two-dimensional concept design into a three-dimensional form is "how accurately we can share and realize the image in the customer's head," according to Fujinuma. Fujinuma: "At the beginning, there are only two-dimensional illustrations and perspectives. From there, we realize them into three-dimensional objects, but the specific images, such as the texture of the materials used and the nuances of the details, exist only in the customer's mind. The key to success lies in how accurately we are able to capture that image. That is why we thoroughly listen to the client at the first meeting to find out all the questions and unclear points. We ask questions so detailed that you may think we are asking a little too much, in order to share our worldview with you in depth. We believe that the first meeting is the most important step in order to create a quality product that exceeds the customer's imagination. Especially for projects with short deadlines, a single error in judgment can affect the overall progress of the project. In addition, since visitors will actually see and sometimes touch the product, it is essential to consider safety and durability. We carefully work out every detail, presenting samples and confirming specifications, to ensure both high quality and reliability. Fujinuma: "For large-scale models, it is necessary to divide them into individual parts and transport them to the site. Therefore, we have to precisely plan in advance how the parts will be divided, in what order they will be transported and delivered, and even how they will be assembled at the site. From the production stage, we are required to precisely study the structure and process, just like a puzzle. I had a vague idea that I wanted to be involved in the creation of theme parks, and this idea became a reality when I was given the opportunity to work on the creation of monuments that would become symbols of attractions at an amusement park site led by a senior staff member at NOMURA Co.,Ltd.. Fujinuma: "It was a very moving moment for me to actually be at the forefront of the industry, even though I didn't know what was going on right or left. "After that, I began to get involved in theme park projects in earnest, after working in showrooms and interiors operations such as displays meetings. The following year, however, the scale of the project orders shrank, and Fujinuma was left in charge of the project alone. Fujinuma "desperately thought about how to meet customers' expectations and win more work with limited resources," he said, looking back on that time and showing his strength to overcome the challenges. Gradually, Fujinuma began to win projects, and as he took on both production and sales duties, he accumulated a high level of expertise in the production of large special modeling objects. He became familiar with a wide range of tasks, including schedule management, production method considerations, drawing management, estimation, and quality control. In particular, he established a unique method for managing schedules within a limited production period. This schedule management method was later utilized in the Ghibli Park project and is highly regarded. Fujinuma's work is not limited to mere production, but has established a unique and unparalleled position in the world of large-scale special plastic arts, which requires precise planning and quick response. Fujinuma: "We first create the entire process for two months and make a clear list of necessary tasks. We thoroughly plan, 'Who will come to which plant on what day and at what time, and what will be checked? This ensures smooth progress throughout the project. In large-scale projects, there tends to be waste in the scheduling and progress of meetings, but by sharing the schedule in advance, the project can proceed efficiently. We always pay close attention to schedule management and create an environment where everyone can check the schedule at the same time." There is also a big challenge at construction. Fujinuma: "At sites with fixed operating hours, such as theme parks, work hours are limited, so progress must be carefully planned. In order to efficiently carry in parts, install them with a crane, perform electrical wiring, and assemble them, we calculate the work order and number of workers, and take weather and other factors into consideration. The judgment and efficient work progression skills that I developed on site are the foundation of my current work, The challenge for Fujinuma and his colleagues in charge of production was to create "Howl's Castle" in the Ghibli Park "Valley of the Witches," which was to be completed in 2024. This project, for which he was selected in recognition of his skills cultivated in large-scale special modeling, boasted an unprecedented sense of scale that was integrated with the large-scale architectural exterior. Fujinuma: "This was our first experience with a sculpture that was much larger than anything we had done before and that was also integrated with the architecture. There were many things to consider, and it was a very challenging project." In order to pursue the world view, we were also very particular about the selection of materials. Fujinuma: "Goro Miyazaki, the director of Studio Ghibli who supervised the entire project, presented a clear image of 'a rugged and somewhat mysterious industrial product like a warship,' but it was not easy to express that worldview as a model. What Fujinuma came up with was a composition that combined FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) for the base layer and metallic materials such as copper plates for the surface layer. While expressing a massive and rugged presence, Fujinuma realized a precision modeling design that considered durability, construction performance, and on-site assembly efficiency. Fujinuma: "In the past, I have often worked alone on projects, but this time it was a complete team effort. Each of us was aware of our roles as professionals in structure, mechanics, modeling, drawings, procedures, site management, and so on, and we all fulfilled our roles. Fujinuma: "No one ever said, 'It's impossible,' and they always seriously considered how they could express themselves. This positive attitude was a great help in moving the project forward." With the support of his collaboration with numerous partner companies, Fujinuma describes the real thrill of working as a director through this experience. Fujinuma: "The most exciting part of my job as a director is the moment when I directly feel the reactions of people who say 'wow,' 'cool,' or 'cute' to the shapes and spaces that I have been involved in. I think the true appeal of this job is to deliver surprise and excitement and provide visitors with new experiences." Fujinuma has built a solid track record in the field of large-scale special modeling, challenging himself to go beyond conventional concepts and create "interesting spaces. Fujinuma has built a solid track record of achievements in the field of large-scale special modeling, a challenge that has always been his "attitude of taking on challenges. Fujinuma: "How did you do this? I am attracted to intricate and unique forms that surprise people by asking, "How did you do this? The more difficult it is, the more rewarding it is. As a result, I have become more involved in large scale modeling, but at the core of my work is the desire to continue to create "interesting spaces" regardless of scale or genre. Fujinuma, who has worked on scenography for theme parks and amusement facilities that everyone knows, will continue to create experiences that surpass "Delight and Passion" in the future. Fujinuma, who has been involved in the scenography of theme parks and amusement facilities that everyone knows, will continue to create experiences that surpass ". The information is current as of February 2025.

There are over 20 large hotels in the area surrounding Tokyo Disney Resort. Urayasu City has approximately 12,000 guest rooms. It is the number one theme park town in Japan, and also one of the largest concentrations of hotels in the country. One of these large hotels has undergone a revolutionary renovation with a new perspective and ideas, following a change in management company. A convenient and comfortable hotel designed with the customer in mind has been born.

Fumito Matsuda, CEO of Heralbony, who launched a company that deals with art by people with disabilities, and Akane Yamaguchi, a designer at NOMURA Co.,Ltd., who has been exploring spatial concept design that generate various forms of communication. What new value are they trying to create through the collaboration between the two companies? We spoke to the two of them.

Thirteen years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Reconstruction has finally begun in some areas. What kind of reconstruction will they aim for in these disaster-stricken areas, which are still uninhabitable? The challenge continues to be to build new community spaces where people of all ages can gather and connect, while reviving the connections that once existed between people.

We have invited architect Yuko Nagayama, known for her architectural concept design that encompass not only the building itself but also the experience of the place, to speak with Asako Harayama NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd. about the new relationship between architecture and interiors, sustainable architecture for the future, and more.

In the Business Production Department where I work, we draw up ideas to solve social issues and engage in business development activities to realize them. In particular, in the Public-Private Partnership Business Development Department, we are working on the development of new public facilities in response to the recent increase in dual-income households, changes in the environment surrounding children, and the aging of public facilities, which has led to a growing movement to reorganize facilities.

The R&D project "material record" that NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Future Creation Laboratory has been working on and the resulting sound device "noon by material record"* (hereinafter referred to as "noon"). Just recently, the Osaka Healthcare Expo 2020 Osaka Kansai...

How children spend their time after school is a major issue in society today. There are issues such as overcrowding in childcare facilities and being busy with extracurricular activities and cram schools, which means children are unable to find time to play freely. In December 2023, the government will announce "Guidelines for creating places for children," which include specific efforts to create places for children, such as "increasing" and "...

How children spend their time after school is a major issue in society today. There are issues such as overcrowding in childcare facilities and being busy with extracurricular activities and cram schools, which means children are unable to find time to play freely. In December 2023, the government will announce "Guidelines for creating places for children," which includes specific efforts to create places for children, such as "increasing" and "striving"...