Overview
Creative Trend Specialist Jobs in Tokyo, Japan at New Balance Japan
Title: Creative Trend Specialist
Company: New Balance Japan
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Title: Creative Trend Specialist
Date: July 22, 2026
Reporting to: Senior Manager, Creative Trend, ADS
JOB MISSION:
New Balance Japan is seeking a creative and trend-savvy individual to join our team as a Creative Trend Specialist for the Asia Design Studio. In this role, you will support the Senior Manager, Creative Trend, in developing the design and aesthetic direction of our lifestyle apparel line, as well as identifying new business opportunities based on in-depth consumer research and analysis. The Asia Design Studio focuses on three key markets: Japan, Korea, and China. We are looking for someone with a keen eye for emerging trends in fashion, sports, and lifestyle to help ensure our products resonate with consumers.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Consumer Insights Analysis
- Monitor and analyze emerging trends in fashion, sports, and lifestyle across Asia and globally.
- Conduct market research to understand consumer preferences and forecast future needs.
- Collaborate with in-country Consumer Insights teams to gather localized data.
- Benchmark competitor products and industry developments to inform design strategy.
2. Consumer & Cultural Insights
- Leverage consumer feedback, surveys, and data analytics to refine trend strategies and creative direction.
- Integrate cultural and consumer insights from Japan, Korea, and China into seasonal planning.
- Utilize regional digital platforms to capture trend behaviors and data-driven insights:
- China: Xiaohongshu, WeChat, Tmall
- Japan: ZOZOTOWN
- Korea: MUSINSA, Naver DataLab, KREAM
- Cross-market: Instagram, TikTok, Google Trends
3. Trend Forecasting & Seasonal Planning
- Develop trend forecasts and long-term predictions to guide seasonal product releases.
- Align trend timelines with product development and production schedules.
- Translate emotional and cultural signals into actionable design narratives relevant to both local and global markets.
4. Creative Direction & Integration
- Support the Senior Manager in developing seasonal trend stories and creative direction in alignment with global teams.
- Provide actionable insights to the Design team, enabling them to incorporate trends into product concepts.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Design, Marketing, Merchandising, and Product Development, to ensure trend consistency.
- Contribute to decisions on color palettes, fabrics, and design elements that reflect current trends.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in merchandising, trend analysis, or consumer insights, preferably in fashion or lifestyle.
- Strong understanding of Japanese consumer culture and fashion market dynamics.
- Experience with social media platforms and influencer content analysis (SNS).
- Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.
- Business-level English proficiency (verbal and written).
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to synthesize data into clear, actionable insights.
