When you hear the word "BEAMS buyer," you might think that for people who are interested in apparel, this job is something they admire. How did you get to your current position?

After graduating from university, I worked for a completely different company, but then quit, started working part-time at a BEAMS store, became a contract employee after about six months, and then became an employee a year later. At that time, I moved to another store, and I was in charge of the label "BEAMS PLUS," which I am currently in charge of. So I worked for about two years and moved to a BEAMS PLUS Harajuku store, and after working for about three years...One day, I got an appointment and became a buyer.

I think only a handful of people can become buyers, but what do you think is the value of them?

Hmm... maybe that's just the case, but I think that when I was in the store, I was able to go to exhibitions with buyers, and what comments I made at the planning meetings between the store and the headquarters were caught up in.
I liked customer service, so I was sad to leave the store, so I didn't really want to do that at first (lol).

The only job of a buyer is to be "a person who buys products vaguely," but what does it mean?

Of course, we go to buy items, but when we make special orders (special orders), we are involved in planning the product, and for our own original products, we also have to consider the price while looking at the product's finish.

Do you think of it as going around wholesale stores?

It's a little different, and the main thing is to visit manufacturers you're dealing with, have meetings, and have them show you the factory. Sometimes I go around the store and find something good and find a manufacturer and approach them.

What are the key points to consider when selecting a product?

I try to think about whether the product is in line with the label's concept, whether I want to sell it, and whether there are customers who will buy it if I pick it up. I imagine my customers' faces when I was in a store and I think, "I think that person and that person will like this."

What kind of places do you find rewarding?

I have around 90 wholesale companies overseas, but when a large quantity of orders is received for something I make, or when something that I have been involved in, from selecting a special order to planning and commercialization, I still find it rewarding. It's also nice to receive responses from customers through Instagram DMs and comments, and to see people wearing them in town.

I think it's a difficult job that directly affects sales, but what do you think of your days off?

Basically, it's off on weekends, and sometimes you'll get help from the store. When I was in the store it depends on the shift.

Considering nursery schools and other things, the current weekends off is helpful. In addition, how easy it is to balance childcare and work?

The super flex system allows you to freely decide how long you can work, so it's easy to balance the situation. My child hasn't been to nursery school yet, but looking at his senior's plans, I can see that he has been able to keep his pick-up time.

How do you spend time with your children?

I go out or go shopping, but I bring my camera with me wherever I go. I wanted to keep some memories, so I bought it shortly before the baby was born. I think it would be nice to see everyone feel a little better than taking pictures with a smartphone. My wife sometimes tells me, "I'm just going to have cameras again" (laughs).

Thanks to this, I've been given the responsibility of doing small shoots at work (lol)

Today, I brought you a memorable item with your child, but have you been able to touch your child with BEAMS products?

This is a mini key chain from the brand L.L.Bean sold by BEAMS, and it seems that my son picked up the item when his wife came to the store with his son to go out. It's the perfect size to put in a Tomica so I like it and use it. My wife and I use this large size, so it seems like a matching pair for both parents and children. I don't think they know anything yet, but I'd be happy if they like what they like.

So, does your wife like BEAMS too?

Actually, I met my wife at work (laughs). I plan to return soon.

I see! Your child is a thoroughbred (lol). You can see the L.L.Bean logo on this stuffed animal too.

Yes, it's also an L.L.bean product, but I bought it when I was on a business trip to the United States. I own a dog at my parents' house, so I bought it with the hope that I would become a child who loves animals, so I decided to get used to it. Perhaps it was effective, but now I'm snuggling my family's dog. When my son was still young, I would take photos with him and record how he grew.

You said you want people to become animals, but are there any other things you want to grow up like this?

Since we are our "love" as our job, I hope they will work hard and pursue something we love straight away. I also try to take her to various events in order to give her as many experiences as possible.

What are the things you want to embody in your life in the future and what are your outlooks?

After all, it's about balancing work and raising children.
As for work, I'm branding under the brand called Beams Plus. I feel that things are going well overseas, but I think there is still room for growth in Japan, so I hope that this will become an entrance to help people become more widely known. Regarding child-rearing, I have also taken childcare leave for about a month, but I would like to take advantage of these systems to actively create time with my family.

I thought it would be difficult to take childcare leave due to the job type, but that's an understanding environment.

I think so. There's a way to take parental leave for generations. The other day, a senior took his daughter to a meeting, and when I heard that it was "it's my daughter's independent research." Apparently the theme was the father's work (laughs). I hope that the atmosphere of supporting child-rearing will expand.
In the first place, there are a lot of internal marriages, so I think that's what makes it easier to do. It is possible to support the team.

As a senior father, please give a message to those who are raising children.

My child is only 1.5 years old, but I feel that he will grow up in a flash, so I really think it's better to cherish the moment as much as possible and spend time together.