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Takashi IKEMATSU
Managing Director

I experienced working as a vintage clothing dealer during my years studying abroad in the United States. After working for an executive search firm in Japan, I founded A Balloon Consulting in 2008. I am mainly in charge of executive searches and M&A projects.

My daily routine involves waking up at 6 AM and walking my dog! I also serve as the captain of the A Balloon marathon club.
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Masato ISONO
Senior Vice President

I have experience working in management for international luxury brands. At A Balloon Consulting, I utilize my past networks and recruit prospective candidates for fashion stores throughout the country.

My hobbies include basketball and shoe shining. My shoe shining skills are second to none.
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Kana Kitagawa
Vice President

Since 2008 I have been in charge of the recruiting business supporting companies and candidates in the B2C fashion, cosmetics luxury industry. In 2021 I joined A Balloon Consulting. Let`s create the best opportunities together.

On my days off, I enjoy spending time with my toy poodle as well as having wine with friends.
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Tomoko MIYASHITA
Senior Consultant

I have been working in the recruitment business since 1997. I am in charge of searching for executive positions for international companies and for all domestic positions. During interviews, I place a heavy emphasis on creating a relaxing atmosphere. Consult with me about anything!

I am a health nut, and work out with the Gyrotonic method and have recently begun running!
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Takashi Miyanouchi
Senior Consultant

I have committed 20 years of my career as a pattern maker and eventually became a brand director to create a brand from scratch to re-branding of a brand. My strength is the massive network in the fashion industry from manufacturers, trading companies, and people in the industry I have encountered over the years.

I enjoy playing baseball with friends from the fashion industry on weekends. I also practice and perform Rakugo (comic storyteller), by the name, Shitateya Fukunouchi.
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Ai GOKUDEN
Associate Consultant

I joined A Balloon after working in the bridal industry. I am mainly in charge of research in western Japan.

I am a skilled researcher, and enjoy music, planning parties, and conducting research on good restaurants.
Ai Fujiie
Associate Consultant

In 2006, I moved to NY where I spent most of my years in my 20’s. After I graduated from College, I started my career with a Japanese Cosmetic trading company. 8 years of lifetime memories and magic in NY, I returned to Japan in 2014. I joined A Balloon after working as a Sales Assistant for an Apparel Distributor for 2 years.

Besides work, I enjoy being a mother of two; mother to an amazing little boy and an Italian Greyhound girl. Nothing is more precious than the time spent with these two little babies of mine.
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Mizutani Tomoko
Associate Consultant/PR

I joined A Balloon after working as a BA at a Luxury cosmetic brand for over 10 years. At A Balloon, I am responsible for Back Office and Domestic Searches. ( Mainly Eastern Japan position) Actively attending fashion events as an A Balloon PR. Love anything that are trendy, new, and photogenic. Please feel free to say hi if you ever bump into me!

Outside work, I love attending Fashion/Music Events and spend time with my beloved cat Oreo. Lately I’ve been hitting the gym to become BIJIRIST.