Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kotaro Furuya

Sapporo

Summary

International freelance buyer and interior coordinator, recently transitioned into independent sourcing. I source vintage furniture and handcrafted goods from Europe and Morocco with a focus on quality and cultural heritage. Previously served as Area Manager at ANYNAL Co., Ltd., overseeing three stores and leading procurement, sales strategy, store layout, and staff training. This hands-on retail leadership sharpened my trend sensitivity and informs my buying decisions, supported by practical experience in pricing, logistics and customs coordination, wholesale/retail distribution, and financial planning. Currently building the foundation to export Japanese antiques and crafts to Europe.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Buyer

Self-employed
03.2023 - Current
  • Sourced vintage furniture and handcrafted goods from Europe and Morocco, with a strong focus on quality and cultural background.
  • Coordinated with international logistics partners to manage shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to Japan.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with local artisans, vintage dealers, and global suppliers.
  • Developed story-driven product strategies by documenting craftsmanship and cultural heritage for marketing use.
  • Managed financial planning, including cost analysis, customs duties, and pricing strategies for wholesale and retail distribution.
  • Established a foundation for exporting Japanese antiques and crafts to overseas markets.
  • Provided interior coordination services for private residences and designed furniture layouts for hair salons at the time of opening.

Area Manager

ANYNAL Co., Ltd.
01.2020 - 06.2024
  • Assisted in launching new vintage furniture retail stores, handling product procurement, sales strategy, and store layout design.
  • Provided customer service to both individual clients and business partners, offering flexible furniture coordination proposals from single items to full interior styling.
  • Negotiated and collaborated with suppliers, gaining practical experience in B2B transactions and partnerships.
  • Promoted to Area Manager in the second year, overseeing three stores with responsibility for staff training, management, and overall operations.
  • Analyzed sales performance and customer demographics for each store to implement sales improvements, merchandising strategies, and optimized staff allocation.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Architecture And Building Systems Engineering

Polytechnic University of Japan (Shokunoryoku Kaihatsu Sogo
Kanagawa
03-2011

Skills

  • International Sourcing & Purchasing
  • Logistics & Customs Coordination
  • Supplier & Artisan Relationship Management
  • Interior Coordination & Styling
  • Pricing Strategy & Financial Planning
  • Cross-cultural Communication
  • Project & Team Management
  • Market Trend Analysis
  • Story-driven Product Development
  • Wholesale & Retail Distribution Strategy
  • Negotiation & Contract Management
  • Digital Marketing & E-commerce (Instagram / Online Sales)

Accomplishments

  • Managed three vintage furniture stores at ANYNAL Co., Ltd., overseeing procurement, sales, and staff training.
  • Delivered interior coordination for private residences and new salons with tailored layouts.
  • Founded freelance business sourcing vintage furniture and crafts from Europe and Morocco.
  • Built a foundation for exporting Japanese antiques and crafts to Europe.

Languages

Japanese
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Intermediate (B1)
get
Beginner (A1)

Timeline

Freelance Buyer

Self-employed
03.2023 - Current

Area Manager

ANYNAL Co., Ltd.
01.2020 - 06.2024

Bachelor of Science - Architecture And Building Systems Engineering

Polytechnic University of Japan (Shokunoryoku Kaihatsu Sogo

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Kotaro Furuya