Wakako Tashiro

206-***-****

ad1ke0@r.postjobfree.com · www.linkedin.com/in/wakako-tashiro

Market Research Consultant

Qualifications Summary

Provided detailed U.S. consumer electronics market trends, significantly contributing to Mizuho's production of profitable research reports for investors

Experienced in managing communication with major game publishers and a key online retailer, serving as vendors

Demonstrated strong negotiation skills, especially in terms, to navigate complex discussions, ensuring favorable outcomes and fostering positive vendor relationships

Oversaw and reviewed contracts (agreements) to ensure alignment with the current business structure

Tracked agreements with vendors, including renewals and auto-renewals, and communicated with in-house stakeholders to determine which vendors need to be continued or discontinued

Ex Serve as expert consultant to Nikon around innovative product ideas and business strategy

Proven ability to develop relationships with global business executives and identify market expansion opportunities

Strong skill in Excel data analysis, and Power Point presentation

Demonstrated strengths in analyzing data, identifying trends, and presenting reports to senior management

Certified in Global Business Management (University of Washington Business School Seattle, WA)

Fluent in Japanese and English; heavy experience working in both countries and understanding their business customs/culture

Employment History

Localization Specialist (contract) Nintendo of America Redmond, WA: 2023

Translated web server configuration related materials and general communication into both Japanese and English

Post-edited machine-translated content between Japanese and English

Used translation memory and terminology tools when translating content

Supported other technical writing, translation, and localization projects as required

Bilingual Administrator Associate (contract) Nintendo of America Redmond, WA: 2021-2022

Managed communication with vendors who are major game publishers and a major online retailer

Assisted in finalizing approximately 15 agreements with major game producers and initiated an ongoing agreement with a major retailer.

Monitored contracts with vendors, managed renewals and auto-renewals, and liaised with internal stakeholders to assess whether to continue or discontinue agreements.

Coordinated licensing agreements and approvals between Nintendo's legal team and third-party publishers

Served as a key liaison between Nintendo of America, Nintendo Japan, and third-party software game publishers

Applied bilingual skills in English and Japanese to communicate with business partners and stakeholders

Reported project statuses to top executives and proposed solutions to roadblocks using project management software such as Jira and Smartsheet

Created a manual for the workflow on Confluence software

Market Research Consultant Nikon / Freelance Bellevue, WA & Melville, NY: 2006-2021

Supplied innovative product ideas and research-driven business solutions to Nikon's president and top executives

Initiated new niche market opportunities in the consumer electronics division of the company

Received recognition for helping Nikon achieve the #1 U.S. market share in the compact camera category

Prepared and presented complex data and strategic recommendations, including trends related to weekly price movements, new products, and retailer and consumer responses related to consumer electronics

Designed a database to capture pricing, demographics, and locations for multiple electronics retailers

Conducted business analysis for retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon.com

Predicted the bankruptcy of Circuit City and minimized Nikon's damages related to unpaid inventory

Market Research Consultant Mizuho Securities & Freelance Projects Bellevue, WA: 2006-2013

Provided client management teams with expertise in market research, data analysis, and market trend analysis

Analyzed and prepared consumer confidence trends and monthly U.S. retail sales reports

Attained trusted advisor status with the consumer electronic division senior analyst team

Investigated/analyzed the financial and business activities of major competitors and consumer electronics retailers

Analyzed trends involving the top 20 consumer electronics retailers based on annual sales data and other metrics

Senior Equity Research Analyst Assistant Reed Global Advisors (Mizuho Securities) Bellevue, WA: 2004-2005

Created a daily U.S. market news report system in Japanese for the research team

Established a consumer electronics retailer's site research report, which included feedback from the sales staff, customers, and store promotions

Analyzed market data and information from multiple research sites to create a weekly Market Trend Report for investors

Assisted in the analysis and preparation of equity research reports

Facilitated meetings with investor relations representatives

Edited monthly reports on U.S. electronics industry trends and collaborated with the production staff in Japan

Assistant Sales Manager Nichimo International Bellevue, WA: 2002-2003

Negotiated price, quality issues, and claims on seafood products

Analyzed market information and quoted prices to worldwide providers

Prepared documentation, including certificates of origin and health certificates for product purchases and sales

Established a working relationship with NOAA Fisheries to support strategic sales planning

Acted as a liaison between quality control and fisheries suppliers and modified the manufacturing plan, which led to a 10% improvement in fish quality

Researched and interpreted governmental policies and regulations

International Operations Assistant DMX/AEI Music Seattle, WA: 2000-2002

Managed business accounts and maintained customer relationships with over 150 global affiliates

Provided accurate translation in both Japanese and English of agreement documentation between DMX US and DMX Japan, ensuring a mutual understanding

Prepared monthly sales reports for presentation to the Director of International Business

Partnered in the narration and direction of a promotional video of AEI music for the Japanese market

Managed customer service analysis to develop a customized music selection for the first Starbucks store in Japan

Administrative Assistant University of Washington Medical Center Seattle, WA: 1998-1999

Managed multiple administrative and clerical duties within the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Developed and maintained a detailed records management system

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Arts

St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Major in Performing Arts

Minor in Mass Communications

Ruth Gant Piano Scholarship recipient

Business Advantage Certification

University of Washington Business School, Seattle, Washington

Completed 196 hours of intensive business coursework in topics such as Leadership, Finance, Accounting, Competitive Strategy, Business Law, Business Communications, Marketing, Negotiations, HR Management, and Career Planning

Global Business Management Certification

University of Washington Business School, Seattle, Washington

Completed three quarters of Global Business courses. Topics included Global Law and Finance; Legal, Political, Cultural & Economic Factors; Techniques for Global Business Negotiation; and Marketing & Trade Strategies

Certified Data-Driven Decision Making

Authorized by PwC and offered through Coursera, received March 2020

Completed Health Policy and Affordable Care Act Coursework

Authorized by Dept. of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, and offered through Coursera

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