TOMODACHI Generation: Asami Sunahara

ASAMI SUNAHARA has worked for Itochu Fashion System Co., ltd as a marketing consultant, and has experience planning and managing membership-based forums for various industries, as well as editing and writing for fashion marketing magazines. After moving to the U.S in 2014, Asami worked as a freelance planner for both the Japanese and North American markets, including providing business planning in the fashion industry, strategic marketing planning, and implementation support.

 

About Asami Sunahara

Q1: Why did you apply to the TOMODACHI UNIQLO Fellowship?

Being involved with Japanese fashion designers and textile manufacturers tapping into markets abroad, I strongly feel that the structure of the fashion industry, including the production process, is going through a significant change. Since the industry is at a turning point, I started to think about establishing an environment and a system in which one can connect local production with the rest of the world, support the creativity of designers and manufacturers, and learn from experience. I also realized the importance of developing world-class critical thinking and execution skills, which is why I decided to apply to an MBA program specializing in fashion. The TOMODACHI-UNIQLO Fellowship gave me the push to take on that challenge.

 

Q2: What would you like to learn from this program?

I would like to gain critical thinking and execution skills that will help me develop new ideas and innovative techniques to create something of value. I would also like to develop business skills to engage and cooperate with professionals from a variety of backgrounds. I am certain that there will be many things I can learn by discussing the future of fashion with classmates who have a lot of experience.

 

Q3: What connection and/or interest do you have with the United States?

I look forward to meeting people who take on new challenges in various fields. Today’s society is more complicated than ever, and it is getting harder and harder to create things of value on one’s own. I would like to be flexible, accept changes, and establish relationships in a team from which we can all learn through trial and error together.