Project Introduction

Projects

Haruka Amano joined NOMURA Co.,Ltd. as a new graduate in 2015, hoping to work in the cultural market, including museums and public facilities. As the sales manager of the Cultural Environment Division, she handles numerous projects. Having experienced childbirth and child-rearing, Amano also engages in R&D activities focused on the psychological and emotional accessibility of cultural facilities for a diverse range of users. Here, she shares her career and aspirations. "Being the customer's best friend is key," she says. Amano's Sales Promotion Division, Cultural Environment Division, Sales Department 1, Section 2, handles projects for public facilities, including museums, art galleries, science museums, libraries, and childcare support centers, with national and local government clients. "We cover a nationwide area, from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I'm primarily responsible for projects within Tokyo, and I'm currently working on multiple projects, including the design of a national displays facility and consulting for a ward tourist center and library," she says. A large-scale national displays facility project is currently in the schematic design stage. We carefully listen to the client's requests for the space and displays they want, and then work with the designers and planners on our team to incorporate these into the planning and concept design. Amano: "As a salesperson, I'm responsible for the detailed interactions with the client. This starts with project management, and I'm also responsible for drawing out the client's true feelings. As a salesperson, I want to be the client's best understanding partner. I want them to feel that they're easy to talk to and that they can understand what I'm saying, and I try to be closer to the client than anyone else in the company, not just listening to them but also understanding the thoughts behind what they say. For some of the clients in this project, it was their first time creating a museum displays. That's why I believe that listening carefully and thoroughly to their essential needs will lead to realizing what the client really wants to do." Amano adds that public facilities present different challenges than corporate projects. Amano: "Public facilities are operated using precious tax money, so we must first consider how they should be used by users such as citizens (taxpayers). A common method for doing this is to hold workshops with citizens and other users. Recently, we've been holding interviews with people with visual or hearing impairments, families with small children, and others who previously felt that visiting museums was a high hurdle and felt they couldn't, even though they wanted to. There's a growing movement to make museums more inclusive." While coming into contact with social issues and national efforts to realize a symbiotic society through her work, Amano herself became aware of these issues. For the past three years, she has been participating in an in-house R&D activity called "Inclusion & Art." Amano: "Under the themes of 'creating a symbiotic society' and 'creating systems for co-creation' through creative activities, I'm conducting research on how to improve the psychological and physical accessibility of destinations for all people." For example, we are developing "Inclusive concept design Patterns," a card-based workshop tool that allows for space creation through dialogue with users, and new tools that allow for art appreciation through touch and sound rather than relying on sight." She combined development and proposal skills learned at cultural facilities across the country. After maternity and childcare leave, she embarked on a new way of working. At NOMURA Co.,Ltd., even sales positions typically spend their first year working in the production department, before moving on to a sales position in their second year. However, Amano's case was a little different. "I was interested in planning positions even before joining the company. With the understanding of my superiors at the time, I was able to gain experience in the planning department in my second year." While this type of career path is not generally offered under the current system, Amano was given a special exception at the time, where she worked as a planner for one year, and then in her third year began working in sales, working on projects for cultural facilities across the country. Between 2016 and 2019, Amano worked on a wide range of projects, including displays design for Kumamoto Castle's main tower and Matsumoto City Museum, and construction work for Kikuchi City Central Library. "One of the defining features of government projects is that there are no ongoing customer relationships like with businesses. Once one job is finished, you have to start from scratch and build relationships with the customer again, and create new businesses and work yourself. I learned that 'development ability' is extremely important in sales in the Cultural Environment Business Division. Also, having experienced planning in my second year, I began to think that by combining 'development ability' with 'proposal ability', I could become a salesperson who could better draw out the essential needs and aspirations of customers. For example, if someone wants to create digital content, not only can I introduce trends and case studies, but I can also suggest alternative methods in a variety of directions, which will elicit the thought, 'That's what I really wanted to do,' and lead to concrete work. I felt that I wanted to improve my ability to present possibilities for turning ideas into reality." She then took maternity leave from 2019 to 2021. Before returning to work, she met with her supervisor and carefully discussed her future work style, which she says gave her peace of mind. "I told her that I wanted to work shorter hours, that before giving birth, I was in charge of projects nationwide and traveled a lot, but from now on, I'd like to be assigned to projects in the Kanto region, which would require less travel, and that I'd like to gradually increase my workload." After returning to work, Amano became more conscious of working more efficiently, with the support of those around her. "With the understanding of my supervisor and colleagues, I'm in an environment where it's easy to communicate my requests and circumstances. Currently, I leave work on time, without overtime, to coincide with my child's daycare pick-up time. I've become more strict with my schedule management than before, so that I can respond to sudden fevers or urgent work. I prioritize based on urgency and importance, and manage my daily schedule down to the minute." Leveraging her knowledge of inclusion and art, Amano takes on a new challenge. Her cultivated proposal skills blossom ▲ Miraikan's permanent displays "Nanairo Quest: A Tale of a Future Living with Robots." Immediately after returning from maternity and childcare leave, Amano gradually adapted to her new work style thanks to her supervisor's supportive role. Gradually, he says, he began to feel a growing desire to "run the business on my own and take on more challenges." One of the projects he was tasked with working on was the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) permanent displays "Hello! Robot," "Nanairo Quest - A Tale of Living with Robots in the Future," and "Nobel Q." It took him roughly two years to tackle this large-scale project, from the development stage through to proposal acquisition, displays, and construction. "It was a cross-sectional effort involving members I had never worked with before, including our internal content and graphics teams, and there were many people involved, so coordinating it was a challenge," says Amano. "displays in particular were unprecedented, combining robots with puzzle-solving and displays that allowed people to experience aging, so it was a new and unprecedented endeavor, and we worked closely with our internal team and our customers to create it." This project also placed emphasis on the perspective of inclusive concept design. "We conducted numerous demonstrations of displays, inviting people with visual and hearing impairments, wheelchair users, children, and the elderly, and incorporated various opinions that emerged. While this was a field I had a personal interest in, this was my first time fully involved in it professionally. I learned a lot from the many discoveries and insights I gained from the opinions of those involved." After being promoted to senior manager in 2023, Amano will take on the next challenge as a supervisor of the Tokyo National Museum's "Play Station ☺ Talk" project. ▲ Tokyo National Museum "Play Station ☺ Talk" © Nacasa & Partners. "In November 2024, the museum will open a limited-time space where children and parents can play freely together, a first for the museum. NOMURA Co.,Ltd. was in charge of planning and supervision. 'We want the children who represent the future to have fun at the museum and go home feeling like they had a great time!' We also want to provide a comfortable space for parents who visit with their children, where they don't have to worry about others. "This project was planned by the Tokyo National Museum with this in mind. Leveraging our in-house R&D expertise in "Inclusion & Art," we proposed safety measures for the fixtures and furniture for children's play spaces, as well as graphics, signage, and a calming down area. It was wonderful to see children having fun playing there after the opening." "Aiming for a cultural facility that's open to a wide range of users in an environment that supports their aspirations," says Amano. "In the future, I want to realize a cultural facility that's open to a wider range of people." Amano says, "Cultural facilities should be open to everyone, but I feel like the number of visitors is biased. In order to broaden the base and boost the cultural market, I want to propose a space that's accessible to everyone, leaving no one behind. My goal is to create a world where museums and other cultural facilities are a popular choice for people's outings. I hope that it will become a casual, familiar spot, rather than a difficult place to visit." Amano's passion for the cultural market is deeply rooted in his experiences in his hometown of Kumamoto. Amano: "I moved to Tokyo to enter university, and it was only after leaving my hometown that I really appreciated Kumamoto. From that experience, I thought that if there was a museum that could communicate the charms of a region, perhaps people could fall in love with the area without having to leave it. This is also why I wanted to aim for NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd. and be involved in the cultural market." Amano talks about the appeal of NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd. as follows. Amano: "I think it's a company that supports what you want to do. I'm involved in a project for a cultural facility, which was my dream, and if you want to try inclusive concept design or something new, colleagues will come together to help you master it and put it to use in your work. I feel that it's a company that not only helps you complete the tasks at hand, but also helps you achieve self-realization. Another attraction is the open atmosphere that makes it easy to work in a way that suits various life stages, such as an environment that makes it easy to return to work smoothly after maternity leave or childcare leave, and relationships with superiors." Finally, what does Amano think is the fun part of working in sales? Amano: "I get the most excited when I'm working on a competition or proposal. That's because it tests how well I understand the client's vision. Having my proposal adopted is proof that I've become the client's best friend. When I can truly feel that, that's the happiest moment for me." *The information is current as of May 2025.

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.

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Introduction Hello. I'm in charge of recruiting new graduates at NOMURA Co.,Ltd. We hold various events for students throughout the year to communicate the appeal of NOMURA Co.,Ltd., which "brings Delight and Passion to people through space creation." This one-day sales internship will involve working on the front lines of spatial creation to drive projects...

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