Head of Corporate Planning
Yuki Tanaka

 From launching new businesses and managing subsidiaries at an IT startup in Tokyo to providing business strategy consulting at a global company, Tanaka has built a diverse career. After getting married, Tanaka relocated to Kagawa Prefecture and now leads corporate strategy development, addresses organizational challenges, and drives digital transformation at Naigai’s Corporate Planning Office.

Many people are surprised by the move from a career in Tokyo to a regional manufacturer. For Tanaka, however, it never felt like an extraordinary decision.

“I enjoy taking on new challenges. What matters to me has always been whether an environment allows me to grow, rather than whether it’s in Tokyo or Kagawa.”

A Career Can Evolve Beyond the Big City

Naigai is a small and medium-sized enterprise headquartered in Higashikagawa, Kagawa Prefecture, but its business reaches around the world through overseas factories and extensive relationships with international customers. In 2024, the company was named a finalist in the Forbes JAPAN SMALL GIANTS AWARD and received the “Silent Hero Award,” earning recognition for taking on global challenges regardless of its size.

Tanaka has also worked on assignment at Naigai’s U.S. subsidiary, helping build customer relationships and develop new markets.

“People often assume that regional companies serve limited markets, but Naigai is the exact opposite. You can work with people from all over the world while living in what many would call the countryside. There’s something exciting about making a global impact from a place like this.”

The opportunity to take on global challenges while living outside a major city is one of Naigai’s greatest strengths.

The Satisfaction of Making Things Happen Yourself

Tanaka previously worked at a large company with global operations. Its clients were also major corporations, offering opportunities to contribute to projects with a significant impact on society. At the same time, the sheer scale of the organization often meant working as one part of a much larger machine.

“At Naigai, I feel that I’m personally driving projects forward. Our organization is compact, but many of our customers are large companies with global operations. The impact of our work is just as significant, yet I have far more ownership. If anything, the work has become more rewarding.”

“You don’t have to be in Tokyo to build your career, and working at a smaller company can make it easier to put your strengths to use. I see Naigai as a place where your career can evolve.”

Making the Company Better Through IT and Digital Transformation

Tanaka’s role extends well beyond corporate planning. Deeply involved in improving business processes and advancing digital transformation, Tanaka is also working to make Naigai a better place to work.

“Digital transformation may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary. What matters most is solving the problems people face in their day-to-day work and making their jobs easier.”

Helping shape the company’s future while solving practical challenges on the ground—the opportunity to do both is what makes the role so engaging.

A Richer, More Balanced Life in Kagawa

After graduating from high school, Tanaka spent around 15 years building a career in Tokyo. While the energy of city life was enjoyable, the crowds and lack of nature gradually became tiring.

“I’m originally from Hokkaido, so I like being close to nature. I had doubts about whether I could spend my whole life in a big city.”

Now living in Kagawa, Tanaka enjoys a life surrounded by nature.

Expansive rural landscapes, the tranquil beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, and night skies filled with stars are all part of everyday life. With easy access to Naoshima and Shodoshima—islands attracting attention in Japan and abroad for their art—as well as the Kansai region, Tanaka has discovered a deeply fulfilling way of life.

“You can live close to nature and keep growing your career. Naigai is a place where you can have both.”

Turning Change into Strength for the Next 100 Years

With a long history behind it, Naigai continues to pursue new value while preserving the strengths it has built over the years.

“I want to create new value while honoring the expertise and trust we’ve developed.”

By bringing together its glove-making expertise, global operations, and the possibilities of IT and digital transformation, Naigai is shaping a future that will carry it into the next 100 years.

That pursuit continues every day.