Peter Kikuchi, General Manager, Overseas Sales Department

“You can experience the fulfillment of knowing that what you have created is benefiting people around the world! Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. is looking for colleagues to join us.

Self-Introduction

Name	Baricza Peter (Baricza Peter), commonly known as Peter Kikuchi.
Nationality	Hungarian
Years in Japan	21 years in total, 20th year at Musashi
Hobbies	Traveling in all forms (airplane, car, train, bicycle, walking, etc. 😊) Recently, I moved from the hilly city of Yokohama to the flat area around Urawa, and the joy of being able to ride a bicycle has sparked a growing interest in cycling.

What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?

I am in charge of overseas sales in the Sales Headquarters, mainly focusing on developing new clients, proposing solutions to existing customers, and following up to ensure that projects with paint approval prospects smoothly proceed to mass production. On a daily basis, I communicate in Japanese and English with automobile manufacturers, eyewear manufacturers, and other clients in North America and Europe, as well as with members from Musashi Paint’s nine countries and 13 locations.

Why did you choose Musashi Paint?

When I joined in 2005, very few companies in Japan were hiring foreigners as regular employees, and many of my applications did not pass document screening.

Musashi Paint, however, was ahead of the times, already hiring people from China and Korea at its Japan headquarters.

Additionally, during my interview, the then CEO (Mr. Shuhei Fukui, father of the current CEO) and other Directors were present, allowing me to experience the company’s positive and energetic atmosphere firsthand.

With overseas expansion rapidly advancing and Musashi Paint products being used by top brands in Japan and worldwide, I was immediately drawn to the idea of working for such a company and decided to join.

What are the attractions of Musashi Paint?

There are no strange factions, and everyone can focus on a single goal without unnecessary distractions.

The collaboration among members at nine countries and 13 manufacturing sites (plus additional locations) is excellent, allowing for friendly, rapid, and high-level responses that enable the company to maintain a no-discount stance even in niche markets.

The company’s foundation is stable, and it has been debt-free for 67 years, which is rare in today’s world.

On a personal level, as mentioned above, I have never received special treatment—positive or negative—simply because I am a foreigner. I have always been evaluated based purely on my work. Because the company constantly challenges itself in various areas, there are few rigid rules, and the corporate culture allows everyone to take on new challenges.

When do you feel fulfilled in your work?

Musashi Paint products are everywhere in the world, and everyone encounters them daily.

Our products are applied to the surfaces of the most visible parts of products from the world’s most famous computers, game consoles, smartphones, and car interior parts, made by major Japanese and Western manufacturers. The stylish colors, textures, and finishes are all brought to life by Musashi Paint products.

Working in the “selling team” (sales, development, technology), you can communicate directly with designers and engineers of major manufacturers. You may even get a glimpse of products still in development, allowing you to feel excitement and tension before the official launch, even if you don’t yet see the entire product.

Once the products are released onto the market, you can truly experience the fulfillment of knowing that something you created is benefiting people in the world. Whether in manufacturing, quality, or back-office departments, the joy of working in this company is shared by all employees.

What do you seek in your work?

I place great importance on being able to grow personally.

In fact, rather than consciously emphasizing it, I naturally seek work where I can feel growth, because that is where I find joy. Routine work is important, but I feel it does not suit me. I tend to take on tasks that challenge me with new things.

I particularly enjoy taking on tasks that no one has ever done, or at least that Musashi Paint has never done, and succeeding in them brings great joy. Of course, tackling new challenges comes with many difficulties, but the process of researching, thinking, and struggling is also enjoyable. Persistence, perseverance, and continuous effort are key.

What kind of colleagues do you want to work with?

I want colleagues who are serious, share the company’s goals, and work hard toward them.

Of course, not serious in a gloomy way, but people who can joke around, support each other through hardships, and be relied upon by others. This is realistically possible at this company. Even while being serious, you can have fun and move forward positively.

Message to readers

If you are willing to try and contribute with your own hands (through effort) to the manufacturing of products for world-famous companies, then please choose Musashi! This can be achieved across various departments, situations, and roles!

Comments from senior colleagues and peers

What kind of person is Mr. Peter Kikuchi?

• I have worked alongside Mr. Kikuchi for many years in sales. Though Hungarian by birth, he is highly proficient in Japanese and values the sense of “wabi-sabi” and etiquette even more than many Japanese people. He consistently maintains a polite and sincere attitude, building deep trust that crosses cultural and positional differences. Even customers he worked with over 10 years ago still speak of him. I deeply respect him.

• As the head of overseas automobile sales, he travels the world. Though he appears like a stylish Western person, he is meticulous, serious, a good listener, and kind—working with him is a pleasure.

• The first thing that comes to mind is his Japanese ability, which I personally feel surpasses native speakers. His outstanding communication skills, combined with innate curiosity and logical thinking, allow him to make influential statements and lead major projects effectively. He also has a gentle side, naturally praising good work by others. When in a good mood, he even performs sharp finger snaps while walking.

What do you respect about Mr. Kikuchi?

• Mr. Kikuchi has worked in various departments, including overseas sales, general affairs in Hungary and Japan, domestic sales in Japan, and testing departments. I have interacted with him in several of these areas, and in every department, he approaches his work straight and has applied all his experience to his current section. I deeply respect this.

• He organizes information, assesses the situation, communicates his opinions clearly, and produces solid results. I truly respect him. He is also extremely diligent, reading complex documents thoroughly and understanding key points.

What do you expect from Mr. Kikuchi?

• I am always impressed by his broad perspective, ability to analyze situations from multiple angles, and calm and accurate judgment. He never forgets to care for others, bringing positive energy to the organization and team. He possesses both professionalism as a salesperson and personal integrity, a rare combination. I look forward to seeing him leverage his strengths and succeed on the global stage.

Message to Mr. Kikuchi

• Currently, I work with Mr. Kikuchi in overseas projects from a development technology perspective, and I often receive his support. Ideally, I should be supporting (assisting) him, so I want to further improve my technical skills and paint development to provide more support in the future. I look forward to working with you!

• There are surely many good things ahead! Let’s continue working hard together!

• I am confident that your warm and profound personality will continue to positively influence many people. Wherever you are, please maintain your unique style and continue to thrive. When you see us at the headquarters or factories, please feel free to say hello. Let’s keep working together for the further development of Musashi Paint!

• Mr. Kikuchi has had a broad career, from establishing the Hungary office to back-office roles and frontline overseas sales. Despite his busy schedule as General Manager and overseas sales leader, he recently started studying German, showing initiative to learn new things. His approachable personality and proactive challenge-taking earn trust both inside and outside the company.