From the world of finance to planning. The happiest career change in the world, following what you love

Taku Sugimoto joined NOMURA in 2019 as an experienced hire. 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 his reasons for changing careers, the fulfillment he has found in his new job, and his outlook for the future.

Bringing the greenery of Odaiba into the building. Creating a space that changes with the times.

▲ARTBAY TOKYO

Sugimoto belongs to the Creative Headquarters Planning and Production Center, and is involved in projects in a wide range of fields, including hotels and other hospitality-related fields, as well as commercial facilities, libraries, and exhibitions.

"Currently, I am mainly in charge of projects related to hotels, commercial businesses, and expositions, but this has expanded to include urban development and branding for new facilities."

One of the most notable examples of this is ARTBAY TOKYO, which took place in Odaiba (now finished). This was an urban development project based in the waterfront subcenter area, and attempted to create a space that would bring out the charm of the area.

"What was interesting about this project was that the team led by me acted as producers and collaborated with a wide variety of creators, including external architects, artists and designers. I was inspired in many ways by the process of creating the project together with a wide range of people, from world-famous artists to up-and-coming architects of my generation."

The project began in 2018 and took approximately two years to complete, with research ongoing until completion in late 2020.

"Odaiba has many commercial facilities, but it doesn't have as strong a historical context as other areas. So we had extensive discussions with architect Motosuke Bandai, who we invited to build the ARTBAYHOUSE pavilion that symbolizes the project, about what kind of space and experience would be unique to Odaiba.

And in fact, Odaiba's name is derived from an island that was created in the Edo period and still remains today. By transplanting and cultivating native plants into the pavilion, the entire building is covered in greenery over time, creating a space that changes. There are spaces without roofs and rooms where the light enters in different ways. Nature comes in and changes. We have created an interesting space where people can experience a new relationship between people and greenery."

The opening took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant traditional public relations activities were limited, but the response via social media was greater than expected.

"Taking advantage of its architectural concept design with its striking white walls, young people have been using it as a photo spot for social media, and it has also been featured in architectural magazines, making it a hot topic. In addition, the cafe located inside has helped us to make new connections with designers and creators.

The gravel texture used for the flooring stimulated the senses, especially of children, and I think it drew a wide range of reactions from visitors. Word of mouth spread through social media, and the pavilion eventually became so popular that people would line up to see it."

The happiest job in the world, an extension of what I love

Sugimoto is currently active as a professional in spatial design, but the origins of this can be found in a television program he watched as a child.

"When I was in elementary school, I enjoyed watching TV programs showcasing houses, and I was fascinated by every building that was introduced that was full of attention to detail. As the youngest child in a family of five, I didn't even have my own room, so I came up with a plan to rebuild my parents' house and even presented it to them using simple floor plans."

Sugimoto's desire to study architecture gradually grew stronger, so he majored in architecture at university and later studied abroad in Switzerland, where he gained a new perspective on architecture.

"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 thinking about the facility itself. Switzerland is a politically and economically stable country, so I was able to explore what is interesting and beautiful about space and architecture, and do so purely on the basis of what makes a good piece of architecture or a beautiful space."

While studying abroad in Switzerland, an incident occurred that dramatically changed Sugimoto's values.

"In Japan, it's common to start working straight after graduating from university, but it was completely different in Switzerland. Many people were building their lives at their own pace, such as studying sociology before going on to architecture, or relearning in their mid-30s. They thought carefully about what they wanted to value, and decided on the path they wanted to take while gaining a variety of experiences. I was surprised and impressed by that attitude."

Sugimoto's experience of visiting Sri Lanka while traveling around the world during his student days also had a major impact on his career.

"I was very impressed by a cultural facility I saw near a World Heritage site in Sri Lanka. It was extremely well done, with displays showing the restoration work and participatory, experiential displays. When I learned that it was a Japanese ODA (Official Development Assistance) project, I was intrigued by the idea that this was a possible form of international contribution."

Attracted by the idea of contributing to the international community, Sugimoto began working as an intern at an international organization while he was a student. There, he was advised by the director of the organization that "knowledge of finance and economics, as well as architecture, is important when considering a career at an international organization," and so he decided to apply for a foreign financial institution as his next step.

"I joined an international comprehensive financial services company, but it was a very demanding environment with a small number of people handling a large amount of work. I learned about the importance of individual professionalism and producing results every day, but finance was a field far removed from my interests. It was a valuable experience, but I didn't feel like it was the job I wanted to devote my life to."

During this time, a series of coincidences led to his encounter with NOMURA

"One of the first jobs 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 a task I had experienced in my previous job. I became engrossed in the work, researching the historical transition of commercial space and the latest examples both in Japan and overseas, through a process of trial and error. In the end, I ended up with a document as voluminous as a dictionary, packed with content, 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 perfect job for me."

Questioning the norm and going beyond preconceived notions. Creating new spaces to connect with the local community.

▲The Royal Park Canvas Sapporo Odori Park

Sugimoto's first major project was the condominium gallery "Brillia Shinagawa Minamioi Communication Salon oooi." He reexamined the concept of a condominium gallery and proposed a new format.

"We felt that conventional condominium galleries were like 'black boxes' that suddenly appeared before the sale and were removed once the sale was over. We had doubts about this way of being, 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 would be open not only to those considering purchasing an apartment, but also to local residents.

"The important thing is whether you can imagine what life in that area would be like. That's why we divided the space into the first and second floors, and made the first floor a communication space that can be used by local people. People who are thinking of buying an apartment can come down to the first floor after looking at the model room, where they can 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.

"We aimed to create a place where relationships between new residents and local residents would be gradually established even before the apartment complex was built. 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 was awarded the Good concept design Award, which was highly praised for providing new value that connects people, companies, and communities, and for focusing on resolving social issues.

Another representative example is The Royal Park Canvas, Sapporo Odori Park. In this hotel project, we took on two major challenges.

"One is to use Hokkaido wood in a variety of ways. The other is to position the hotel as a showcase for the region. We've introduced a system where guests can purchase furniture, art, photography, plants and other items made by artisans and artists with ties to Hokkaido. By connecting local creators with guests, we hope to create a circulation in the local economy and make the hotel a place that serves as a starting point for value creation, as one hub of a small economic zone."

Among the many new initiatives, we have deliberately chosen not to have televisions in any of the guest rooms, targeting millennials and Generation Z people under the age of 30.

"Sapporo is a city of music, and they hold a jazz festival there. We installed record players instead of televisions, which drew mixed reactions. There were some negative reactions from business users, but on the other hand, the younger generation was pleased with 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 offering cutting-edge experiences, rather than a safe, generic space."

Creativity born from collective intelligence. Because we are a company with interesting people, there are endless challenges and encounters

Sugimoto talks about his future goals and how he aims to realize the dreams he has been nurturing for some time.

"I have always wanted to make an international contribution through culture, so I would like to leave Japan and work around the world, particularly in Asia. The facility could be a hotel or a cultural facility, but I would like to create a facility or space that can contribute to nation building."

Sugimoto was promoted to room chief in March 2025 and took on the role of team manager. He talks about his thoughts as a leader:

"What I've felt since joining NOMURA is the wealth of collective intelligence that comes from being a team. The wonderful creativity that comes from coming together. Rather than being led by one exceptionally talented individual, we are a collective of individuals with rich personalities, and the combination of these individuals produces interesting ideas and new spaces. I want to place great importance on creating spaces that make the most of each individual's interesting personality and characteristics, both in my projects and with the members of my room."

Sugimoto says that the great thing about NOMURA is that it can take advantage of the long history of spaces built up by its predecessors.

"What we value is the perspective of learning from history. In that sense, we are always thinking about how we can take the ideas and creativity of our predecessors one step further through the spaces we create. Of course, we do our best to respond to requests from our customers, but at the same time, as creators, we also value what we can leave for the next generation while carrying on history."

Sugimoto offers his encouragement to anyone interested in this field.

"As someone who joined from outside the company, I can say that this is a company with interesting people. I have had many irreplaceable encounters with people in all professions, not just designers, that I feel will become lifelong relationships with. Since we organize members for each project, you get to meet new people all the time. This is a company where you can work on projects of all kinds, large and small, with really interesting people."

Sugimoto says that it's not necessary to have specialized training in architecture or spatial concept design.

"People with diverse backgrounds, including those with a background in literature, 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 try."

*The information provided is current as of May 2025.