About Nike

Nike is the world’s leading sports brand, empowering athletes and consumers through innovative products, storytelling, and experiences. In Japan, Nike drives cultural movements in sport, fashion, and community, blending global vision with local relevance. As a leader in athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment, Nike Japan shapes the future of brand engagement in one of the most dynamic markets worldwide.

Role Overview

The Lead, Brand Creative, Japan role at Nike in Tokyo is a pivotal position within the Japan marketing team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Brand Creative for Japan, you’ll spearhead creative strategy and execution for priority Nike and Jordan Brand campaigns. This full-time role focuses on localizing global narratives, managing agency partnerships, and delivering resonant brand experiences across media, retail, and digital platforms. Ideal for visionary storytellers passionate about sport and Nike’s purpose to inspire every athlete.

Key Responsibilities

In this leadership role, you’ll drive creative excellence with hands-on involvement in high-stakes projects.

• Define and adapt creative concepts from global and APLA teams to deeply connect with Japanese consumers.
• Lead the full end-to-end creative process, from ideation to production, ensuring seamless alignment with Nike’s global brand standards.
• Harness consumer insights to develop high-impact ideas for brand media, omni-channel experiences, and activations.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Retail Marketing, Sports Marketing, and Communications.
• Manage relationships with local creative agencies, athletes, influencers, and community leaders to co-create storytelling.
• Present compelling creative concepts to cross-functional teams, Global Brand Marketing, and executives to secure buy-in.
• Oversee campaign budgets, timelines, and resources for efficient, on-brand delivery.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven creative leaders ready to elevate the brand in Japan.

• Minimum 6 years of experience in creative strategy, creative planning, copywriting, and/or graphic design.
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, advertising, marketing, fine arts, or related field.
• Exceptional creative acumen across brand narrative, art direction, production, and agency management.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating diverse work in design, typography, illustration, identity, digital production, and experiences.
• Fluency in visual and verbal communication in both English and Japanese.
• Passion for sport, consumer curiosity, and commitment to Nike’s inclusive brand purpose.
• Ability to travel 10-20% annually for local productions and activations.

Preferred Experience

Background in retail, tech, or consumer brands in Japan is advantageous. Proven track record collaborating with global teams and external partners on integrated campaigns.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike Japan offers unparalleled rewards for creative talents.

• Competitive salary estimated at 8-14 million JPY annually, based on Retail/Tech sector benchmarks with upside buffer.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and family benefits tailored to Japan’s standards.
• Employee discounts on Nike products, fostering a true athlete mindset.
• Professional development through global training, mentorship, and creative workshops.
• Flexible work environment promoting work-life balance and innovation.
• Impactful travel for campaign activations and industry events.

Career Growth

This Lead role is a launchpad for senior creative leadership at Nike. Excel here to advance to Senior Manager, Head of Creative Japan, or global roles in Brand Marketing. Nike invests in top talent with clear paths to APLA or headquarters opportunities in Beaverton, Oregon. Build expertise in emerging trends like digital experiences, sustainability storytelling, and athlete partnerships.

Why Join Us

Be at the heart of Nike’s Japan story, where creativity meets sport to create cultural moments. Collaborate with elite teams, influence global campaigns, and champion inclusive narratives. In Tokyo’s vibrant creative scene, you’ll amplify Nike’s purpose: to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in Japan. This is your chance to lead, innovate, and leave a lasting brand legacy.

Role FAQs

What is the reporting structure?

Reports directly to the Senior Manager, Brand Creative for Japan, with matrixed collaboration across Nike functions.

Is Japanese fluency required?

Yes, strong verbal and visual communication in English and Japanese is essential for local partnerships and consumer resonance.

What travel is involved?

Approximately 10-20% annually for production shoots, activations, and partner meetings.

Can I apply with a non-design degree?

A Bachelor’s in a related field is required, but equivalent experience with a stellar portfolio may be considered.

How does this role impact Nike globally?

Your localized campaigns influence APLA strategies and contribute to Global Brand Marketing learnings.