In the first part of this interview, I reflected on Kimihiro’s creative journey, exploring the experiences, skills, and challenges that have shaped his career. Did you enjoy the insights shared
so far?

In this second part, I delve deeper into the future of creativity in the AI era and encouragement for young creatives. We look at how he integrates AI and new technologies into his work and how these advancements will influence the industry and his career moving forward. Additionally, he shares valuable advice and encouragement for those aspiring to enter the creative industry and those already making their mark.

With Kimihiro’s unique perspective, this segment is packed with thought-provoking insights. I hope you enjoy reading until the very end!

Embracing AI in Creativity

We will dive into the future of creativity in the AI era and encouragement for young creatives and first we take you back to Kimihiro’s first encounter with AI. This was in 2016 when an AI engineer joined a project at PARTY. That year, at SXSW, he took on the challenge of incorporating AI into a creative exhibition for Spotify HOUSE. The project involved developing a jukebox equipped with an image recognition system that could identify band logos on visitors’s T-shirts—such as The Beatles or KISS—and automatically play corresponding songs from Spotify. For example, if a visitor wore a Beatles T-shirt, the jukebox would sync with Spotify and play tracks like Let It Be.

“At the time, machine learning was still in its early stages, so we experimented with different approaches—buying over 100 actual band T-shirts, collecting more than 2,000 images of band logos, and integrating image search technologies. It was a process of trial and error,” he recalls. The project was well received and turned out to be a great success.

For Kimihiro, this was his first AI project and a moment when he truly realized AI’s potential. “This experience made me see how merging physical interactions with AI-driven systems can be an innovative creative approach,” he says.

Coexisting with AI and the Future of Creativity

“AI-powered content still faces challenges, but depending on how we use it, AI can be an incredible tool for inspiration,” says Kimihiro. Over the past few years, AI has rapidly advanced, integrating into everyday life, business, and research. The emergence of generative AI has enabled machines to contribute to traditionally human-driven creative fields. This shift requires us to explore new forms of co-creation. The future, he believes, is not about AI replacing human creativity but rather enhancing it. “I see AI as an enabler rather than a threat. Creativity and empathy remain uniquely human qualities, while AI serves as a powerful tool to augment these capabilities. The ideal relationship is one where AI supports and expands our creative potential.” He also emphasizes the importance of crafting effective prompts when using AI, as the quality of output heavily depends on how we interact with it. “How we ask AI questions greatly impacts its responses. This process is similar to creative direction—giving precise instructions yields useful proposals, whereas vague questions produce mediocre results,” he explains.

While he values AI as a tool, he stresses the need to preserve essential human qualities. “Rather
than fearing technological advancements, we should integrate them in a balanced way to create deeper, more emotionally resonant communication. By embracing AI wisely, we can produce richer creative work.” He envisions a future where humans and AI collaborate, unlocking new forms of creative expression. That’s how he sees the future of creativity in the AI era.

Career Milestones and New Goals

One of the most significant turning points in Kimihiro’s career was when he returned to PARTY after a secondment at Dentsu and was promoted to executive officer. “Starting as a trial employee, I never imagined I’d rise to an executive officer position. I was thrilled that my efforts were recognized and that I could contribute more to my team,” he reflects. This moment prompted him to think about how he could support both his team and the company, leading him to take on a management role.

His experience working on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies reinforced his belief in the power of teamwork. “You can climb small mountains alone, but for massive challenges, teamwork is essential. My next goal became fostering an environment where teams grow together.”

The Next Career Step: Going Global

Joining Wieden+Kennedy marks another major transition in his career. “Since joining W+K, every day has been filled with discoveries. Working with diverse colleagues from different backgrounds has expanded my perspective and helped me generate new ideas. Communicating in English and experiencing different cultures firsthand has accelerated my growth.” He was also drawn to Wieden+Kennedy’s long-term branding philosophy, exemplified by Dan Wieden’s iconic ‘Just Do It’ campaign. “Branding is a marathon. What matters is creating actions that remain memorable five or ten years down the line. Great branding is about inspiring and supporting people, sparking positive emotions.”

Building Teams and Future Vision

Ultimately, Kimihiro aspires to create environments where people connect, innovate, and grow. His vision is to contribute to the next generation while continuing his own development.

“The process of building something as a team is incredibly fulfilling. I want to create an environment where I can grow while supporting others.” He plans to pursue an MBA this year(2025) to gain deeper insights into business management. “Without a solid understanding of management, young professionals may feel uncertain about their future. That’s why I believe in continuous growth—both for myself and for my team.” He envisions a future where personal and team growth leads to better support for clients and a fair, creative community. Additionally, he is expanding his personal projects, including supporting a team opening a rum bar in Okinawa. “Engaging in diverse activities enriches life and leads to unexpected opportunities. The connections formed through these experiences often pave the way to new ventures.”

Message to Young Creatives

Embrace Flexibility
For Kimihiro, professionalism is all about adaptability. “Flexible thinking fuels creativity and the ability to generate ideas. Sometimes, we get stuck in rigid mindsets, but I always try to stay
open-minded.” By exploring new ideas and experiences, he believes we can discover entirely new landscapes. “It’s important not to seek definitive answers too soon—embracing the unknown leads to greater innovation.”

The Importance of Communication and Passion
Kimihiro also values the quantity and intensity of communication. “Deep respect for each professional’s expertise is crucial, but what truly matters is the dedication and energy we bring to
a project.” He believes that even the best ideas or technologies won’t succeed without strong communication. “The effort and passion we invest determine the quality of discussions and ultimately, project outcomes.”

Fail Harder: The Power of Continuous Challenge

One of the phrases Kimihiro holds dear is Fail Harder, a Wieden+Kennedy motto that emphasizes growth through fearless challenges. “Failure is just part of the journey to success. The key is how much you challenge yourself.”

It has been an honor to interview Kimihiro and learn from his flexible mindset, relentless pursuit of challenges, and unwavering commitment to growth.His insights on professionalism—staying adaptable, embracing new experiences, and continuously evolving—are truly inspiring. His leadership in the creative field offers valuable lessons for everyone. We hope this interview
has provided you with fresh perspectives for your career and daily life. This was an insightful view into the future of creativity in the AI era and encouragement for young creatives.

Stay tuned for more interviews with inspiring professionals in this series. Thank you for your continued support!  Saaya Miyazaki.

You can read the first article about Takano Kimihiro here.

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