What drew you to Bandai Namco’s Toys & Hobby department, and how does it feel to work with brands like Tamagotchi?
Bandai toys were an iconic part of my childhood, so the chance to work on something I was genuinely interested in was a huge draw. As a fan since the original 90s launch, managing Tamagotchi is incredibly rewarding. While we lean into the nostalgia trend with the original device, my focus is on recruiting the next generation of fans by expanding the range into collectibles and evolving it from a single product into a rich, relevant IP.
What does a typical week look like for you, and what are your key responsibilities?
In this role, no two weeks are alike! I manage products from initial concept to market, which involves collaborating with global teams on local market needs and launch tools. Since we roll out new items monthly, my milestones include managing launch schedules, forecasting, and stock management. My most fulfilling project so far was the launch of Tamagotchi Paradise, where I worked with international teams to refine the product based on past learnings, resulting in a very strong launch for the brand.
How would you describe the culture within the Toys & Hobby team?
The culture is incredibly friendly and rooted in shared passion; most of us are fans of the products we work on. Because there are so many moving parts, success here really comes down to teamwork and communication. There is a great support system in place, and our strength lies in how we share our collective knowledge to keep everything running smoothly.
