As the Tajima Group pursues its vision for the future, Mr. Kohei Kasai supports the company from a highly specialized field—intellectual property. Rather than simply protecting patents, he aims to build a proactive IP function that advances Tajima’s business. We spoke with him about the mindset and initiatives behind this approach.
A Path Shaped by the Search for the Essence of Intellectual Property
“I wanted to understand intellectual property more deeply.”
Mr. Kasai joined the Tajima Group in 2022. After working in product development at a manufacturer and gaining experience in patent prosecution at a patent firm, he chose Tajima as the next step in his career.
Reflecting on his time at the patent firm, he says:
“At the patent firm, I mainly drafted patent specifications and was trained to develop what we call ‘strong patents.’ Of course, that helped me build a solid foundation as an IP professional. But intellectual property—including patents—only gains real value when it is actually used within the business. As I continued my work, I felt a growing desire to learn how IP contributes to business success. I wanted to engage with IP not only as a specialist, but as someone directly involved in the business itself.”
Beyond Protection: Using IP to Drive the Business Forward
At Tajima, Mr. Kasai is responsible not only for managing patent rights and considering filing strategies, but also for determining how those rights can be leveraged as part of a broader IP strategy.
“We analyze what technologies other companies hold and where our own strengths lie,” he says. “We use that information to support business decisions and secure rights strategically with future developments in mind. I feel that opportunities to propel the business forward through ‘proactive IP’ have been increasing.”
At the same time, he is acutely aware of the weight his words carry whenever making judgments related to intellectual property.
“It’s not something where I can casually say, ‘We’re probably not infringing any rights,’” he explains. “As a patent attorney, my comments can be treated as an official opinion, so I approach each matter with great care.”
A patent attorney is a nationally certified specialist in intellectual property who supports the acquisition of rights such as patents, utility models, designs, and trademarks. With that responsibility comes significant weight—and it is this professional pride that underpins Mr. Kasai’s role in supporting the Tajima Group.
A Culture That Encourages New Challenges
Tajima’s IP division is currently pursuing new initiatives, and Mr. Kasai says that the process itself has become a major source of motivation.
“There’s a great deal of autonomy here, and the environment allows me to take on challenges I’ve never experienced before,” he explains. “That comes with significant responsibility, of course, but with the support of those around me, I find it deeply rewarding to move initiatives forward on my own.”
This spirit of embracing new challenges is reinforced by Tajima’s open and supportive corporate culture.
It also extends to the working environment—Mr. Kasai has taken parental leave twice since joining Tajima.
“It’s a workplace where even men can take parental leave without hesitation,” he says. “Being able to cherish time with my child gives me the energy to do my best at work.”
Driving Tajima’s Vision Forward
Surprise and excitement to your future.
To achieve this vision, Mr. Kasai believes that intellectual property must function not only as a shield, but also as a strategy that moves the business forward.
“It’s not just about protecting patents,” he explains. “My goal is to build an IP framework that truly aligns with our business direction. If Tajima can become a model case for manufacturers supporting Japan’s craftsmanship industry, it would be an honor.”
With a commitment to carrying Tajima’s technology—and the culture of embroidery—into the future,
Mr. Kasai continues to support the company each day through his expertise in intellectual property.
Sales & Planning Division | Kohei Kasai
Joined Tajima in 2022
After working in product development at a manufacturing company and later in patent prosecution at a patent firm, Mr. Kasai joined the Tajima Group.
A qualified patent attorney, he is involved not only in patent management but also in building IP strategies that drive business growth—aiming to realize a truly proactive approach to intellectual property.
This article is based on information available as of December 5, 2025.
