Hello, I’m Miyanouchi from Relative.
After working in product planning and retail operations in the fashion industry, I’m now active as a recruiter specializing in fashion careers.
The other day, I took a walk through Harajuku for the first time in a while. I had planned to do some shopping, but as I strolled the streets, old memories naturally came flooding back. I used to work for a company whose office was located in the Harajuku–Omotesando area, which still holds a special place in my heart.Street-born Harajuku fashion
Back then, Harajuku was home to a “pedestrian paradise” — a closed street where cars were banned and people could freely enjoy the unique local fashion scene. It was a place where culture truly emerged from the streets. Personally, I still hope that kind of energy will one day be revived.Laforet Harajuku and the weekends full of heat
Stepping out of Meiji-Jingumae Station, you’ll see crowds of people heading in one direction — toward Laforet Harajuku.
Every January, the store holds the Laforet Grand Bazaar, a legendary clearance sale that fills the building and even Meiji-dori with heat and excitement.
Tourists, street-style enthusiasts, and high-fashion lovers all gather here. It’s a chaotic, yet electrifying mix of values and styles — the essence of Harajuku itself.
Memories from the sales floor
There was a time when I too worked at Laforet Harajuku during the sales period, shouting until my voice went hoarse:
“Limited-time sale!”
“Everything up to 〇〇% off!”
Those were exhausting yet unforgettable days.
My main task was to make the brand profitable — overseeing everything from product planning and sales forecasting to final sell-through.
While traveling across Japan to support sales events, I was also advancing product planning for the next season, creating samples in close collaboration with the designers. When a sample didn’t meet my expectations, I would visit the factory repeatedly, asking for revisions and making adjustments day after day. It was a continuous process of trial, correction, and creation.
Behind every “sold out” sign was intense pressure — analyzing sales, inventory, and customer trends, and constantly adjusting to meet our goals. In this business, leftover stock at the Laforet Grand Bazaar meant storing it for another year — something that could seriously impact profitability. Those five-day bazaars were no easy feat.
From “products” to “work environments”
Today, I use that hands-on experience as a fashion career agent. My passion for fashion has led me to experience the industry from multiple sides — product development, retail, and now recruitment.
Although my work has shifted from “proposing products” to “proposing workplaces,” the essence hasn’t changed. In both, my goal is to help people experience that moment when uncertainty turns into conviction.
Harajuku and Omotesando — where high fashion and street culture intersect — continue to represent Tokyo’s unique creative energy. And being part of this ever-evolving scene reminds me why I love working in this field.
Career and recruitment consulting
If you’re considering your next career move — even if you’re still uncertain or just want to talk things through — please feel free to reach out.
Whether you’re already active with a high-end brand, exploring new opportunities, or a company seeking talent, I’d love to support you through the moment when “hesitation turns into confidence.”
📩 Contact us for consultation or inquiries:
https://hr.relative.company/contact/