YOTARO KOBAYASHI (1933–2015)
Chairman of the International University of Japan
Hata Brand Consulting, I understand it is a new dream of Mr. Hata who realized Louis Vuitton Japan as the biggest operating unit among the world of Louis Vuitton. He received an MBA from Dartmouth, worked for one of the Big 7 accounting firms where he gained experience in accounting and management consulting, and then Louis Vuitton.
YVES CARCELLE (1948–2014)
Vice-President of the Fondation d'Entreprise Louis Vuitton pour la Création
I met K. Hata for the first time in 1989. I was immediately impressed by his accurate vision of the market and his nearly ideological way of looking at brand building. When I became President of Louis Vuitton, we started to work very closely together. During more than 15 years, we probably talked on the phone at least three times a week. The conversation was never boring: each time I had a feeling of better understanding the situation in Japan and when I asked him to achieve something difficult, even on the human side, he always tried to answer positively even if that meant inventing a brand new idea. In fact this is what we liked the most to achieve together: finding innovative solutions, far away form the stereotyped attitude of many companies. K. Hata retired from his position at Louis Vuitton and since then we do not work together as we did before. But I always see Kyo (Hata's nickname) and take his point of view on things with the same pleasure.
TAKASHI MURAKAMI
Prominent Japanese Artist
When I received the announcement of his consulting company establishment, I remembered that Mr. Hata once said in a speech at a museum, "art is considered an ultimate brand". Then I thought, if it is the case, my way of thinking would be understood, I immediately contacted him and that is the way our relations started. Many things have become clearer to me after consulting with him. Since then, Mr. Hata has been a good advisor and has always given me his whole hearted support.
HISANORI ISOMURA
First Director of Japan Culture Center in Paris / Chairman of TMF
As the foremost individual to render distinguished services to establish a French brand in Japan, I expect to see him continuing his role in combining Europe culture with the needs of the world's most demanding consumers of Japan.
KENGO KUMA
Noted Japanese Architect
A client who understands architecture as well as Mr. Hata is rare. It may be said that Mr. Hata was the first person who originated the new form of collaboration between brand and architect.
DOMINIQUE BOESCH
Managing Director Automotive Europe ＆ Asia
Among all the countries I have worked in, Japan is by far the most complex. Hata san has helped me to decrypt the sophisticated consumer mentality and high expectations. Thanks to his profound knowledge about brand building in Japan and his open mind we have been able to adjust and increase the efficiency of our activities. I am very thankful for his kind and always very creative support.
MITSUHIRO KUROKAWA
President of the Toraya K.K. (a leading confectionary maker)
Louis Vuitton has gone beyond our normal expectation with its "fresh surprises". It was my good friend Mr. Kyojiro Hata who was responsible for the growth and success of Louis Vuitton in Japan. There is much to be learned from his achievements in leading and expanding the company throughout Japan and his ability to adapt to changes in the business while maintaining faithfully the highest level of craftsmanship. I believe seeking his advice will result in not only increasing the value of the company but also in improving business performance. (As in the case of Louis Vuitton)
KOUICHI MIZUTOME
President of the Akindo Sushiro K.K.
There is no doubt that Mr. Hata is the pioneer who established the brand business model in Japan and opened that concept to the rest of the world. This creativity is as like drawing a beautiful picture on a blank canvas. The accomplishment was achieved simply because of his strong conviction and spiritual strength. It is important that we continue to utilize his experience and foresight in the world of brand business that seems to be losing its way. I expect that Mr. Hata will continue to play an active role in the future.
KAZUO TSUBOTA
Professor of Ophthalmology at Keio University
A gentle challenger. Mr. Hata is always calm and speaks with a smile. There was a time when we had a discussion about branding in the medical field. Mr. Hata's gentle smiling face turned into an emboldened expression, the facial expression of a challenger. A person, who has the courage to stay as a challenger forever, best describes Mr. Hata.