In this new interview series, I introduce professionals from diverse industries and explore the stories behind how they built their careers. I hope these stories will inspire you to take your next step. My first interview is with Kimihiro Takano, a versatile creative producer making waves in the industry!
Drawing on his extensive experience from top-tier companies in Japan such as Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, PARTY, and Dentsu, Kimihiro serves as the Business Development Director at Wieden+Kennedy. In parallel, he is involved in various freelance projects, further diversifying his expertise and creative impact. His illustrious career includes serving as a Creative Producer for the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies and earning accolades like the Cannes Lions. Behind these achievements lies a story of challenges and turning points.
Kimihiro’s journey is sure to inspire and motivate many.
Let’s dive into Kimihiro’s life in creative advertising!
Career Origins and a Life-Changing Encounter
From Soccer to Creative Advertising
From childhood through his youth, soccer was central to Kimihiro’s life. “I played on top-tier teams from first grade through university. Competing alongside friends aiming to go professional was a huge foundation for my life,” he reflects. His soccer-focused lifestyle shaped his values and discipline.
However, stepping away from soccer after university left him with a profound sense of emptiness.
That emptiness was soon filled by his long-standing interest in international advertising campaigns and Nike’s short films. “I have vivid memories of watching Nike commercials like ‘1998 Brazil at the Airport’ and ‘2002 The Secret Tournament’ during World Cup years. They always started with upbeat music and featured star players making thrilling appearances. I would watch them over and over, captivated by the excitement. The tagline ‘Just Do It’ left a lasting impression on me,” he shares.
Looking back, he realizes, “At some point, I wanted to create work that could excite and inspire people in the same way. That might have been the first spark that led me to where I am today.”
First Steps: From Tohokushinsha Film Corporation to PARTY
Learning the Basics at Tohokushinsha Film Corporation
Kimihiro’s first step into the creative world was at the advertising production company Tohokushinsha Film Corporation. “I learned the fundamentals of advertising production and the attitude of a true professional. It taught me how meticulous attention to detail can elevate the quality of a project,” he explains.
While building his experience at Tohoku Shinsha, Kimihiro developed a new ambition: to challenge himself in the “creative realm” beyond traditional advertising. This aspiration was sparked by works such as SOUR’s “Hibi no Neiro“ “Mushika Mirror” and “Love Distance“, which won the Gold Lion in the Film category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2009.
“They were truly creative, transcending the boundaries of advertising. I found myself wondering, ‘How did they create this?’ and ‘I want to be involved in projects like this.’ I also wanted to collaborate with such creative talents. It was around this time that I learned about the establishment of PARTY,” he reflects on that period.
These experiences and inspirations fueled his desire to delve deeper into the creative industry, leading him to pursue opportunities that would allow him to work on innovative and impactful projects alongside like-minded professionals.
A Pivotal Interview with PARTY: The Courage to Leave “Stability” Behind
A Fateful Encounter with PARTY
In 2011, Kimihiro came across a feature in Brutus magazine that would change the course of their career.
The issue, titled “New Jobs and Our Future,” featured a photo of PARTY’s office on the cover, showcasing it as a peer among giants like Google, Sony, and Rakuten in the digital industry. “I thought, ‘What an incredibly cool company,'” recalls Kimihiro. Upon discovering that some of his admired creatives were among PARTY’s founding members, Kimihiro felt an immediate pull, sparking a strong desire to be part of this visionary team.
The Challenge to Join PARTY
After seeing the recruitment feature in Brutus, Kimihiro applied to PARTY. Passing the initial CV screening, the day of the interview finally arrived. “PARTY placed great emphasis on the intersection of creativity and digital innovation. During the interview, I could sense that I didn’t make the cut. Based on my experience at the time, it was clear I wasn’t yet at PARTY’s level,” Kimihoro recalls.
Despite these doubts, he took bold action. After the interview, he runs after the departing interviewers and said, “I don’t mind starting as a part-timer or intern. Please give me the chance to gain experience at this company.” His passion struck a chord, and he was offered a trial period to work at PARTY.
The terms of employment meant a significant reduction in salary compared to his previous role, but Kimihiro’s never lost his determination.
He prioritized personal growth and potential over financial security, choosing the path of challenge. This decision was rooted in a deep commitment to bridging the gap between his current skills and PARTY’s expectations. “At the time, what mattered most to me wasn’t money but time. I was confident that the experience at this company would help me grow,” he reflects.
“The opportunity to work alongside the professionals I admired felt invaluable. Even with a pay cut, I saw it as an investment in my learning,” Kimihiro says with conviction, embodying the determination and clarity of someone fully committed to their vision.
First Big Success: “Chrome World Wide Maze”
One of Kimihiro’s earliest successes was the Chrome World Wide Maze project with Google. “It symbolized how digital could be seamlessly integrated into advertising and communication,” he explains.
The project won global recognition, including a Gold at the Cannes Lions in the Mobile category. “Standing on the stage at Cannes, Kimihiro realized, “Just by changing my environment, I felt my dreams were much closer than I had imagined.” That moment marked a major turning point in his career.
What Success Taught Him
The day after the award, Kimihiro saw a photo of the PARTY team in a double-page spread in a daily newspaper. Reflecting on that moment, he said, “I realized that with the power of creativity, even a small team can compete on the world stage. This project was a unique experience that taught me the possibilities of creativity and the importance of believing in its power.”
Kimihiro’s story illustrates the importance of embracing challenges and forging your path. In the next part, I’ll explore the future of creativity in the AI era and his current role at Wieden+Kennedy. Stay tuned for his insights into the future and his heartfelt messages for young creatives!
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about Kimihiro’s life in creative advertising and stay tuned for more to come. Saaya Miyazaki.