What it's like to work for DW Japan - Hidehiko's Insider Story
In this Insider Story we get to meet Hidehiko, known internally as Hide. Learn what it's like to work for a Swedish company in Japan and which (awesome) hobbies he has!
- Works as Offline Sales Director
- Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan
- Plays basketball on weekends and plays the electric guitar in a band
- Joined DW back in 2018
How come you joined DW?
I used to be working in US and Italian companies in Japan. The culture in the Italian company was rather tough, and it was difficult to voice opinions on how to adapt to the Japanese market. It gave the sense of top-down companies with decision-making from one person, which was not a good match. During that time, I found DW who were newly formed in Japan and I saw exciting challenges. I applied and got to meet with the CEO in the process and from that meeting, it seemed to be a better culture match where you could share your thoughts and ideas. Not the same hierarchy. My ideas were valued.
What have you been working with throughout these years? And what are you working with today?
I've had various titles and responsibilities but overall, you can say that I've been a Representative Director for Japan. At the start, we focused on expanding the retail business and today we work more with B2B and distributors. I'm leading the Japan team where we work towards adapting the global business to the local market and develop strategies to grow the brand in Japan.
What is unique about working in a global company, being based in Japan?
We never feel alone here in Japan. We have colleagues around the world. Just like having a chat with you right now sitting in Stockholm. After covid, online meetings have become so easy. Even though we are in different parts of the world, we don't feel far away. And a few times I had the chance to go to Sweden.
What's your favourite period/moment/happening working here?
My best memories are from when I traveled and met with colleagues around the world - I went to Hong Kong to have an APAC meeting, I went to Stockholm two times and this year I went to Barcelona for an event. I met my colleagues and managers and it has been fun to experience all the human sides, not only the business sides, with them. It's a global feeling working with a warm human touch.
What does the future hold for DW and you?
We are a fashion company with high ambitions, and I want to support the company and be a part of growing the business. I want to help make the plans succeed. We have great potential to be very successful in the fashion accessory segment.
If someone wants to join the team in Japan, what would you recommend to them?
We like people that are not afraid to share their opinions. Don't be shy. We are often going to disagree and argument, but we all need to get involved in the decision-making. We don't want the top-down feeling. It's great for the company when we get ideas from new people joining.
Are you curious about joining DW Japan? Learn more about us on our Location Tokyo Page and connect
