Q. Please tell us about your background.
After majoring in textiles at a university in London, I worked in design at an apparel manufacturer, a textile design firm, and a company that handles interior goods.
Q. Why did you choose Izawa Towels?
While there are many gift towels that add value through the use of different materials, place of origin, and presentation boxes, I was interested in the company's quest to create functional towels that focus on everyday life, and decided to join the company.
Q. Please tell us about your job duties and challenges.
My work is divided into two main parts. The first is creating proposal materials for customers. I work with the planning and sales staff to propose functions, shapes, color schemes, packaging, and other aspects in line with the customer's requests. Next, once the proposal is decided, I create samples for commercialization and give shape to the idea. The challenge is how quickly we can turn various ideas into actual products.
Q. Please tell us what kind of team you work in.
The design team is made up of members of a wide range of ages, and each member is responsible for their own production. Depending on the content of the project, we often divide the work among the team, and in order to be able to respond to customers of all categories, we regularly exchange information on sales floor research, trends, weaving techniques, new ideas, etc., and use this information in our work.
Q. What is the best part and rewarding part of your job?
It's when the design proposal perfectly matches the customer's request. To achieve this, I visit the store and ask myself, "What is missing in the sales floor? What kind of products would make them happy?" in order to be able to immediately picture the products and sales floor when I hear the customer's name. I make it a point to see and experience with my own eyes.
Q. Please tell us about any new skills or experiences you have gained at Izawa Towel.
I have been involved with textiles for many years, but I first learned towel design techniques at Izawa Towel. Towels are characterized by their fluffy, three-dimensional appearance, created by the pile (loops) woven into them. I learned the fun of creating products by understanding the thickness and type of thread, as well as the three-dimensional weaving structure, and focusing on various aspects such as how to express patterns and the uneven feel when touched, as well as the techniques to express them.
Q. Please tell us what kind of growth environment is available.
You will be involved in large-scale product development with major clients who operate nationwide. As we are currently moving towards global expansion, you will be able to take on the challenge of doing business with a global perspective.
Q. Please tell us about your company and team culture and working style.
Although I have been involved with textiles for many years, this is my first time designing towels, so there is an environment in which I can freely ask my senior colleagues for advice on anything I don't understand.In addition, there is active information sharing and study sessions with other departments, such as information on new materials from the Technology Development Group and market conditions from the Planning and Sales Group.
Q. Please tell us about your ambitions for the future.
Towels are the textiles most familiar to our lives. I want to deliver high-quality towels that can be used daily by many people, from babies to the elderly. I will continue to hone my design skills with the goal of creating new towels that will become a global standard beyond Japan, and letting people all over the world experience the quality of Izawa towels.