From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Japan with Naomi Takase(Washimi)
In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with Naomi Takase(Washimi) about her transition from global luxury talent acquisition roles at Richemont and LVMH to joining her husband’s Indian-inspired jewelry brand, TaroWashimi, in 2024. Naomi describes a year-long, anxiety-filled decision process driven by concerns about career trajectory, reputation, and losing the corporate “name,” then explains how startup life requires more generalist skills while still relying on identifying problems and executing solutions. She discusses working closely with her husband, the brand’s detailed craftsmanship, and the constraints of scaling handmade products, including long waitlists and growing the team from about 5 to 15. Naomi also shares her HR priorities, hiring for potential, flexible work, and supporting working mothers, along with challenges of international expansion, such as regulations, shipping, and rising gold costs.
The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide
In this episode you will hear:
- How Naomi made the leap from a luxury career to entrepreneurship
- Insights into building a flexible and inclusive workplace culture
- Her perspective on people and leadership in growing a business
- Overcoming self-doubt and redefining professional identity
- Challenges and triumphs in expanding a niche brand across Asia
- Embracing career changes with agility and vision
About Naomi:
Naomi moved to Japan from New Zealand after graduating from university a long time ago. She began her career in Japan, in HR in a small recruitment firm that grew rapidly to over 700 employees during her 12-year tenure, and she was responsible for a lot of that. Naomi then moved in-house to talent acquisition, spending the next nine years with luxury groups, including
Richman and LVMH. In both organizations, her roles were newly created and she was responsible for establishing the function. And then in 2024, she took a big jump and joined her husband's jewelry company, TaroWashimi. And it's a transition from a startup to a scale-up. And she enjoys the entrepreneurial environment and contributes through strategic organizational development.
Naomi is also a busy mother of three and recently took up running with her husband.
Connect with Naomi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-takase/
TaroWashimi: https://www.tarowashimi.jp/
Connect with David Sweet:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp
Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/
Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/
This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.
“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.
