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Voices Executive/Board Member Dialogue

Customers' Delighted Faces―the Force that Drives Us
Saying "Yes" Only to the BestTakuro Akiyama, Gaku Yosano & Hiroaki Tanaka (Hiro)

Beyond Figures, the Hobby Industry, Games and Anime!
Elevating GSC's Presence in the Entertainment Industry
Akiyama
Hiro (Tanaka) joined the company a while after the two of us. What was your impression of GSC when you joined the company in 2017?
Tanaka
Actually, I was interested in GSC before I even joined the company. It's quite rare for a company to continue growing and expanding in the figure industry. I actually thought its growth would stall one day, but it never stopped (laughs).
Yosano
Hearing that makes me happy.
Tanaka
For example, when trouble arises, GSC's response is completely different from that of other companies. You can feel that customers' interests are always the focus. The company's adaptability to the changing times is always impressive, be it social media, e-commerce, etc.
Akiyama
GSC has always placed its focus on creating a market for products and services that customers are not even aware they wanted.
Tanaka
It's amazing to be able to put that principle into practice. When I first joined the company, I was impressed by the Production Department, which creates prototypes, and the Manufacturing Department, which is in-charge of the logistics of mass production. Both of these departments are extremely important to the figure creation process. The fact that the artistic Production Department and industrial-focused Manufacturing Department are well-organized with great potential for growth is thanks to Yosano's management skills.
Yosano
Hearing that makes me happy.
Akiyama
Yosano, that's all you've been saying since earlier (laughs). Yosano has built a career in the manufacturing and production departments, and earlier this year he has also also been put in charge of the planning department. When he took charge of the planning department, he told the staff there that they could push the production and manufacturing departments harder.
Yosano
I think GSC's strength lies in its high product quality. As Hiro expressed earlier, the manufacturing department is very professional and proud of its approach to manufacturing, despite the rising cost of raw materials and changes in at the factory level. We are proud to say that the quality of our prototype reproduction is also amongst the top in the industry. To ensure that customers are not disappointed by products when they arrive, we strive to make our products as identical as possible to the sample images customers see when they preorder items. However, in order to further surpass customers' expectations, I feel that the connection between the planning, production and manufacturing departments is important. By expecting more from one another, these departments will be able to work together to make even better products.
Tanaka
I think that universality and stability are indispensable for a company's growth, but at the same time, an company in the entertainment industry cannot lack stimulation and change. That's why I feel that the concept of pushing one another to do better is very important, and that the presence of staff like myself who join the company mid-career are important in providing external stimulation.
Akiyama
Hiro created a plastic model and robot toy brand called "Mecha Smile" upon joining the company. Back then, the common way in the industry to announce new products was through social media. However, he adopted video footage into his promotion strategy, on top of the usual methods.
Tanaka
I wanted to make use on my personal professional experience while tapping on GSC's strengths, in order to break into new territory. I feel that my role is to not only make positive changes in GSC, but also to develop new types of products, as well as introduce a new way to make and market figures in the industry.
Yosano
Hiro's strength lies in the fact that there is meaning behind everything he does. It's not just about being efficient, but more of how his actions have a large impact on all the staff. I want to be able to predict upcoming trends and surprise the world with the products and services GSC provides.
Akiyama
I agree. I believe that GSC will be able to grow and expand in various entertainment fields, while still retaining the essence of the figure making company that people have come to know and love. We intend to keep going at full speed ahead.
  • PROFILEManaging DirectorTakuro Akiyama

    Oversees the planning, production and promotion departments. The third employee to join Good Smile Company who has demonstrated his skills as a key player in creating value since the founding of the company. Joined the GSC team in 2003.

  • PROFILEExecutive DirectorGaku Yosano

    Oversees the departments responsible for planning, prototype production and manufacturing. A key figure in GSC's figure making business who has supported the company for many years. He also serves as the Development Supervisor of a subsidiary and the representative of a mold manufacturer. Joined the GSC team in 2005.

  • PROFILEExecutive DirectorHiroaki Tanaka

    The producer of Mecha Smile, a plastic model and figure brand specializing in robots, mecha and heroes that transcend time. Tasked with bringing change to the company. Joined the GSC team in 2017.