EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS

Business Developer

Creating stores where every visit brings discovery, surprise, and lasting memories

Joined in 2024

Business Developer K.K.

＼ Career Path ／

Worked in​ both retail stores and e-commerce for an apparel company.
Transitioned into consulting, supporting retailers in a variety of capacities.
Managed pop-up stores after joining the company, then became the project lead for SEGA STORE TOKYO.
SEGA STORE TOKYO achieved more than 250% of its original sales target.
Expanding locations where we connect with customers around the world.
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Q1
Before Joining SEGA

I joined a big apparel company right out of college, and went from a sales associate to a store manager and eventually to a position at company headquarters. At headquarters, I was responsible for the e-commerce business, and grew my expertise in both in-store and online retail. I also worked on collaborations, where I was involved in marketing and licensing projects, so I gained experience working with IP holders and cultural institutions both in Japan and overseas. Then I moved to a consulting firm, where I worked as a consultant helping out with retailers' DX and OMO initiatives, engaging with the retail industry from a management-level perspective.

Q2
Why I Joined SEGA

What ultimately convinced me to join the company was the chance to lead the project for SEGA's first official store, SEGA STORE TOKYO. I was really excited by the opportunity to build a retail business from scratch at a globally recognized game company, drawing on my experience in store operations, e-commerce, licensing, and consulting.

Q3
My First Assignments at SEGA

In my first month at SEGA, I led a pop-up shop in Osaka that served as a test case for the SEGA STORE. I joined the project right before the shop opened, and I worked directly on the sales floor to assess the customer response, store layout, inventory management, and service operations. We experimented quite a bit during the event and adapted as we went, even going so far as to make major changes to the product lineup and store layout. It was definitely a challenge to build the foundations for merchandise, logistics, VMD, and promotions from scratch, and the support of colleagues across multiple departments was key in gathering the valuable insights that paved the way for permanent stores.

Q4
Biggest Surprise After Joining SEGA

As someone new to the entertainment industry, I was surprised by just how deeply people cared about both the company and its IPs. I was impressed by how teams treated the concepts and history behind each title with kid gloves, paying close attention to every detail. Seeing how different departments contribute their expertise toward a common goal has been both motivating and rewarding.

SEGA STORE TOKYO, Japan's first official SEGA store, opened on July 18, 2025.

Q5
Current Duties

I'm in charge of expanding SEGA's retail business in Japan and overseas through physical stores such as the SEGA STORE and SEGA POP-UP SHOP. My role covers everything from our store expansion strategy and store design to merchandise planning, promotions, and day-to-day operations, and I have to be sure to tailor our approach to the fan base and culture of each region. Physical stores provide a unique opportunity to interact directly with customers and understand their reactions firsthand, so I regularly review the feedback gathered at our stores and serve as a bridge between our customers and internal teams, helping bring the voice of the customer directly into SEGA.

Q6
Motivation and Successes

In its first year, SEGA STORE TOKYO reached over 250% of its original sales target, generating a lot of buzz. I think that success reflects not only the hard work of the teams who have built and supported SEGA's brands over the years, but also the passion of fans worldwide who had been waiting for an official store like this. We offer more than 900 products in the store, and we've used the latest in digital technology to create a fun and engaging experience for visitors. The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing customers discover something special and leave with a smile and a lasting memory of their visit.

Q7
Future Goals

I want to create more opportunities for people around the world to discover and connect with SEGA's titles through our retail business. I don't see our stores as simply places to sell products. Rather, I want them to be destinations where every visit becomes a memorable experience. We're always looking for ways to surprise and delight our customers with something new, whether that means new merchandise, a creative display, or an engaging in-store activation.

Q8
SEGA's Appeal

My day-to-day work at SEGA has given me a real appreciation for what it means to be part of a global company. I work closely with overseas offices and partners on a regular basis, and I travel internationally almost every month. Our team is made up of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including many who speak languages other than Japanese, and I also have managers from overseas. It's an environment where you can really feel the global reach of the SEGA brand, with requests and opportunities coming in from all around the world. Being exposed to different perspectives while continuously learning and taking on new challenges is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

Q9
Message to Applicants

I enjoy working with people who aren't afraid of failure, who are willing to think for themselves and take on new challenges. Retail is still a relatively new business for us, and we often find ourselves in situations where there's no 'right' answer. That's why it's important to always look for better ways to do things and to approach every decision from the customer's point of view. SEGA's IPs extend far beyond retail stores—they reach audiences through films, TV shows, concerts, books, and immersive entertainment venues. If you're excited about combining those IPs with new services and exploring new possibilities, SEGA offers a lot of opportunities to take on meaningful challenges and expand their potential.

Q10
A Recent Highlight

The 2026 World Cup recently left a strong impression on me. It was packed with unforgettable moments, from the squad announcement all the way through to the end of the tournament. The players has invested four years of their lives in that event and showed a tremendous amount of dedication. What stood out most was their unwavering determination in pursuit of a common goal. In a similar vein, as someone entrusted with a retail business that represents SEGA, I feel both the weight and the excitement of that role. Together with my team, I hope to continue bringing surprises and memorable experiences to customers around the world.

A Typical Day

8：30 AM　
Arrive at the office
8：45 AM　
Review the previous day’s sales performance and check emails
9：00 AM　
Organize team tasks and provide direction to team members
9：30 AM　
Internal meetings with related departments (product planning, marketing, etc.)
12：00 PM　
Lunch break
1：00 PM　
External meetings with store operations partners and other vendors
3：00 PM　
External meetings with partners regarding store systems and digital initiatives
4：00 PM　
Organize data and create materials for business meetings and project proposals
6：00 PM　
Review and adjust plans for tomorrow
6：30 PM　
Leave the office
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