Global Marketing & Corporate Communications Masahiro Nishiguchi
“Both job satisfaction and what you seek in life are up to you—but there is no doubt that the people around you matter most.”
Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. is Looking for Colleagues to Join Our Team
Please Introduce Yourself
My name is Masahiro Nishiguchi, and I joined Musashi Paint in June 2024.
| Profile | Date of Birth: May 1964 Hometown: Kyoto, Japan |
| Hobbies | Magic tricks, physical exercise |
| What I value most | Time with my family (my wife and two daughters), friends and teammates, and an “American football–style” way of thinking and acting. By that, I mean a balance of strategic and rational thinking combined with teamwork, passion, and perseverance. Each member brings different skills and strengths, and by leveraging them toward a single goal, the team gives its best and achieves victory together. |
What Kind of Work Do You Do at Musashi Paint?
I am responsible for a wide range of activities related to marketing and corporate communications as part of the Global Marketing & Corporate Communications department.
This department was newly established when I joined the company in June last year, and I personally named it and initiated its activities. My main responsibilities include
| 1. | Creating new customer opportunities and increasing brand awareness |
| 2. | Planning and executing both offline and online marketing initiatives aimed at expanding awareness and business with target customers |
In addition, I serve as the point of contact for Musashi Paint’s participation in the Osaka–Kansai Expo, oversee related PR activities, collaborate with local communities, and promote initiatives to strengthen internal communications.
It has been just over a year since I started this role, and honestly, I sometimes feel frustrated that results have not yet fully materialized. However, every project is stimulating, my colleagues at Musashi Paint are incredibly kind and supportive, and thanks to their cooperation, I truly enjoy every day. I will continue to put in my best efforts to generate more output and deliver it on a global scale.
Why Did You Choose Musashi Paint?
In my previous role as a chemical manufacturer, I was responsible for Musashi Paint as a supplier-side sales representative. From 1999 to 2009—roughly the decade when Musashi Paint rapidly expanded globally, I worked closely with the company, eventually becoming a sales manager. It was an intense and memorable period in my career. Thanks to that long-standing relationship, when I reached retirement age at my previous company, I was invited with words like, “Let’s do marketing together,” and “Let’s enjoy it.” With gratitude and a sense of excitement, I decided to join Musashi Paint.
What Do You Find Appealing About Musashi Paint?
There are so many things.
| ・ | Our CEO, Ms. Fukui, is positive and forward-looking, and genuinely committed to social contribution, sustainability, and the happiness of employees and all stakeholders. |
| ・ | This philosophy has existed since the company’s founding and is deeply embedded throughout the organization, creating a strong sense of unity on a global scale. We call it “The Extended Family Principle,” and it truly feels that way. |
| ・ | Everyone is warm, sincere, and deeply human. I have never met a selfish or unkind person here. People are extraordinarily supportive and considerate. |
| ・ | This environment, combined with leadership that encourages challenges, allows employees to take on new initiatives with confidence. |
| ・ | The company possesses strong resources for sustainable growth: advanced R&D capabilities, a well-established global network, a robust lineup of sustainable products, and a thorough customer-focused support philosophy. |
In short, Musashi Paint is a company with many strengths.
When Do You Feel a Sense of Fulfillment at Work?
To be honest, during my 36 years as a working professional, I rarely stopped to consciously think about “job satisfaction.” I believe that is because every role I have had was fulfilled in its own way.
Looking back, I realize that fulfillment came from being allowed to think for myself and act on those thoughts. In other words, fulfillment is something you create for yourself through how you approach your work. For that, I feel nothing but gratitude toward my previous company and Musashi Paint.
I have always enjoyed taking on new challenges.
At Musashi Paint, many of my responsibilities are areas I had little experience with before. However, they all involve communicating with a wide range of people both inside and outside the company. New encounters still make me nervous and uneasy at times—even at my age.
I never imagined I would be working this hard at this stage of life, but I always have stories to share with my family and friends. And without exception, they tell me, “That sounds like fun,” or “You really seem to be enjoying yourself.” Things do not always go as planned, of course, but even that seems to be part of the fun. Having experiences that you genuinely want to talk about, that ongoing state is, for me, what fulfillment truly means.
What Do You Look for in Your Work?
I have never really given much thought to what I “expect” from work. That reminds me of how fortunate I am. Being given a mission, thinking myself about how to approach it, expanding its scope, engaging sincerely, and enjoying the process—if I can continue working in such an environment, I could not ask for anything more.
What Kind of Colleagues Would You Like to Work With?
When I turned 60, I found myself thinking less about what kind of work I wanted to do, and more about who I wanted to work with. I want to work with people who support one another, who respect one another as teammates. Musashi Paint is truly a team of outstanding colleagues.
A Message to Our Readers
I am already 61 years old, but when I am working, I completely forget my age. I may be a veteran, but at Musashi Paint, I am only in my second year—still a rookie.
At 34, I transferred from Osaka to Tokyo and joined a new American football team.
At 54, I was transferred to Shanghai and joined a touch rugby team, despite barely knowing the rules.
At 58, I was assigned to a privately owned Chinese company acquired by my former employer, working in a completely different business culture.
At 60, I changed jobs and joined Musashi Paint.
Everywhere I went, I met wonderful people. How fortunate I have been!
I am usually the oldest person in the room, and I try my best—sometimes a bit forcefully—to look younger than I am.
Ultimately, I believe that job satisfaction and what you seek in work and life are up to you. But there is no doubt that the people around you matter most.
At Musashi Paint, an exceptional team is waiting for you. After all, even someone like me—a slightly intense, highly particular older gentleman—is treated with warmth and kindness here
Comments from Seniors and Colleagues
What Kind of Person Is Mr. Nishiguchi?
- I worked with Mr. Nishiguchi as a sales colleague at his previous company, and my first impression was that he had a strong athletic background. Having played American football in his student days, he has a solid build and a physical presence, yet he also thinks strategically and has a delicate side—his hobby of magic is a perfect example. He has many interests and loves talking, which allows him to quickly connect with anyone.
- Mr. Nishiguchi previously worked as a sales professional at a resin manufacturer for coatings. After his retirement, we were fortunate to work together again on the same team. I have already been involved with him since my days in paint development, and that long-standing relationship continues. He is always cheerful and positive. Because of that, when we began working on next-generation paint development, he was the first person who came to mind.
- He is well known throughout the industry, often entertaining people with magic tricks at industry gatherings. His friendly personality, humor, and unwavering sincerity toward work have never changed.
What Do You Admire About Mr. Nishiguchi?
- There are many things, but his communication skills stand out. At events such as New Year’s receptions and local meetings, he actively approaches people and builds rapport effortlessly. His wide range of conversation topics is something I truly admire.
- Among all the sales professionals I have worked with, he is the one I respect most. He listens carefully to customer needs, strives to meet them, consistently offers proposals, and shares valuable market and development insights. He always made discussions feel promising and meaningful. He values his colleagues and subordinates deeply and has a passionate side that drives him to act without hesitation. He possesses many qualities that I do not, which makes him someone I respect both professionally and personally.
- He truly loves his work—and people. Above all, I deeply admire his willingness to take on new challenges without fear of failure.
Messages to Mr. Nishiguchi
- Mr. Nishiguchi always looks stylish when visiting the factory, it’s impressive! Although your new responsibilities at Musashi Paint may be challenging, your energy brightens both our internal and external environments. We look forward to continuing to work with you.
- Mr. Nishiguchi knows our company well and has a personality that allows you to blend in immediately. We hope you will continue to share the valuable experience you gained at your previous company with us. We are honored to be your colleagues.
- Seeing you take on the marketing field, something you once said you disliked—after retiring from sales is both surprising and highly inspiring. Let’s create new values together through marketing. As an industrial coatings manufacturer, let’s define what challenges we solve, what value we deliver, and how we deliver it. I look forward to building that story together.
- Mr. Nishiguchi maintains a firm, unwavering core in his work, while his friendly humor puts everyone at ease. His love for both work and people are evident in everything he does.Having him join Musashi Paint’s marketing division after years as a trusted business partner has been a great inspiration and a valuable learning opportunity for all of us. Please continue to lead the way and help us build a new Musashi with your experience and perspective.