In Part 1, I introduced Daniel Inoue’s early career, from Goldman Sachs Tokyo to the New York headquarters, where he thrived at the forefront of global finance. In this second half of Daniel’s story, we explore how he’s bridging Japanese entertainment to a global audience through brand work and creative leadership. It will include his experiences at Apple Japan and his current mission of taking “Japan-born IP” to the global stage.
Follow Daniel’s journey as he continues to craft a career true to himself, bridging cultures across Japan and the U.S.
From Finance to Creativity
Daniel made a bold shift from a career in international finance to the creative industry — a move that might seem unexpected on paper. “Working in finance sharpened my analytical thinking and data skills. It was an incredibly valuable experience,” he shares. Yet, living in the high-pressure environment of New York also prompted deeper reflection on his identity and future. What truly excited him, he realised, were the moments rooted in creativity.
“Though I didn’t major in design in college, I’d always had an interest in the creative field. I began exploring how I could leverage my five years in finance and found potential in roles like brand or account manager.”
Off to work for Apple
That exploration led him to the Apple Japan-dedicated team at TBWA\HAKUHODO — a space where his bilingual and bicultural background was a perfect match.
“I’ll never forget the first time I saw an ad I worked on out in the real world. Seeing my work out there was so refreshing — it gave me a real sense of impact.”
At TBWA\HAKUHODO, he worked as an account manager, handling various marketing initiatives.
The role allowed him to experience the joy of turning ideas into tangible results while working closely with clients from the agency side.
From Agency to Brand Side — A Shift in Perspective
After leaving TBWA\HAKUHODO, Daniel took time off to reassess his next steps. That break led him to Apple Japan’s WPC team — an ideal fit where he could apply his previous experience.
Working on Apple Pay operations and marketing support, Daniel found his unique background in finance and advertising gave him a strong advantage.
“Apple’s culture and approach to marketing had become second nature to me during my agency days, so the transition felt smooth.”
Now, on the brand side, he finds himself receiving proposals from agencies. With experience on both ends, he developed a sharper sense of how to communicate for better outcomes, finding the right balance of quality expectations and respectful communication.
Why He’s Taking on the Global Expansion of Japan-Born Entertainment
Now in his 30s, Daniel made another bold move.
“If I’m going to take on a new challenge, it should be sooner rather than later,” he recalls.
He left Apple Japan without securing his next role and returned to the U.S.
“I always had a desire to return to the U.S. deep down. When I thought about how to leverage my Japanese sensibilities abroad, I realized that bridging Japanese IP to the global audience was the most exciting and meaningful opportunity.”
That realization aligned perfectly with a new opportunity — joining a team responsible for the overseas expansion of a Japan-born entertainment brand.
As an Associate Brand Manager, Daniel now manages strategy and execution for the U.S. market.
Spreading Japanese Entertainment Worldwide
“I’m involved in everything from strategy to execution, with a particular focus on growing our brand in the gaming space,” he shares.
Though the entertainment industry was a new domain for him, Daniel has actively absorbed industry-specific context and trends through on-the-ground learning.
His diverse background has proven invaluable.
“Working with global teams, analyzing market data, managing visual and video production, running marketing campaigns — everything I’ve learned from different industries connects to what I’m doing now.”
Where He Stands Today
He continues to shape a style of his own, combining brand identity, company culture, and his personal perspective.
His current mission — bridging Japanese entertainment to the global stage — aligns deeply with his vision for the future.
“I hope that someday, when it comes to robot animation, people around the world will recognize our IP without a doubt. That kind of recognition is what I believe true global branding looks like.”
This isn’t just Daniel’s personal dream — it’s a shared vision with his team.
From the front lines of cross-border brand management, his challenge continues.
Bridging Japanese Entertainment to a Global Audience: A Mission Rooted in Culture
Having worked in both Japan and the U.S., Daniel has gained a keen understanding of cultural nuance.
For instance, he notes, “American directness can sometimes come off too strong in Japanese workplaces. Even if it’s well-meaning, delivery matters a lot. I often feel like that’s such a missed opportunity.”
To build trust in Japanese offices, he emphasizes the importance of listening and showing respect.
Making an effort to communicate in Japanese and honoring cultural norms can also go a long way in creating rapport.
Embracing and Respecting Differences
Another principle Daniel values is treating people as equals, regardless of culture.
At workplaces like Goldman Sachs and Apple Japan, he learned the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.
“In Japan, I found that harmony, thoughtful communication, and team unity are highly valued. In multinational teams, however, it’s all about showing up as an individual expert — regardless of title or background.”
Working with people who differ in language, culture, and identity helped Daniel internalize a key lesson: there is no single “right” way.
He believes that mutual care and complementary teamwork — across different values and life stages — is what makes a team truly strong, and what allows him to feel most like himself at work.
His Two Guiding Principles for Career Transitions
Daniel’s career journey is grounded in two personal principles.
The first is: “Am I truly convinced about this next step?”
“When I feel like something is missing, I dig deep to find the real reason. If part of me still says, ‘Have I fully seen this through?’ then I know there’s something left to do.”
This reflective mindset has guided every major transition he’s made.
The second is: “How often does my heart feel moved?”
“Comfort isn’t really a priority for me. What matters more is whether I experience moments of excitement or challenge in my daily work. That’s what I use to evaluate what’s next.”
He wants to choose work that excites him — even when it’s tough.
And he constantly asks himself whether he feels a sense of purpose in how he spends his time.
“To me, working is all about how you invest your time. I want to make choices I won’t regret.”
For Daniel, his career is a core expression of personal growth — and a reflection of his individuality.
“In a world where efficiency and automation are rapidly advancing, I keep coming back to one question: what is the unique value that only I can offer? That’s why these two principles are so important.”
Daniel’s career is a testament to the power of having a personal compass.
His bilingual strength and cross-cultural experience have led him to the exact place where those qualities intersect. “Even if my next challenge isn’t the ‘right’ one, if I choose it with conviction and find meaning in it, it will absolutely help me grow.”
His words offer solid inspiration and guidance for anyone navigating uncertainty in their own career.
Thank you for reading to the end. I hope Daniel’s story helps you reflect on your own values — and perhaps even rediscover your own career compass.
Stay tuned as I continue to share new perspectives and real stories of people making bold career choices.
Cogs Agency is an executive search and recruitment agency specialising in connecting creative-minded individuals with global career opportunities.
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