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
Kanagawa03-2011
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