Market Research Project Management
Resume:
Wakako Tashiro
********@*****.*** · 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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