About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and innovators to push boundaries in sport, culture, and design. With a legacy of groundbreaking creativity, Nike shapes the future of athletic performance and consumer experiences globally. In Japan, Nike drives cultural resonance through immersive retail environments and activations that celebrate sport, youth, and innovation. As a leader in the industry, Nike offers unparalleled opportunities for creative professionals to influence millions.

Role Overview

The Lead, Brand Creative Seasonal Retail & Experience Designer role in Tokyo, Japan, is a pivotal position within Nike Japan's creative team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Brand Creative, you will spearhead the design of seasonal retail experiences, brand activations, and immersive environments. This role bridges global Nike design ethos with local Japanese consumer insights, ensuring every space tells a compelling story of sport and innovation. Collaborate with APLA networks, global teams, and top agencies to deliver world-class projects that drive engagement and sales.

Key Impact Areas

Focus on retail storytelling, spatial design, and emerging technologies to create culturally nuanced experiences. Manage agency partnerships, budgets, and timelines while fostering cross-functional collaboration with Brand Marketing, Retail, Digital, and Sports Marketing teams.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, you will lead creative development from concept to execution:

• Lead creative strategy and execution for seasonal retail, live events, brand activations, and pop-ups across Japan.
• Adapt Nike’s global brand standards into locally resonant experiences infused with cultural nuance and consumer insights.
• Develop compelling 2D/3D presentations to pitch concepts to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate seamlessly with Store Development, Retail Brand, Digital, Comms, and external partners to ensure design feasibility and excellence.
• Drive design innovation through advanced materiality, spatial proportioning, and consumer journey mapping.
• Integrate physical and digital touchpoints for immersive storytelling that elevates brand engagement.
• Monitor design trends, consumer behaviors, and retail innovations to shape forward-thinking strategies.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks a visionary leader with proven expertise:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in retail design, brand environments, or experiential marketing.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, graphic design, industrial design, environmental design, or related field.
• Passion for sport, youth culture, and innovation, paired with exceptional collaboration skills for complex projects.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and 3D software.
• Fluency in English and Japanese, with strong visual/verbal communication and deep knowledge of local culture and retail.
• Ability to travel 10-20% domestically and internationally for execution and alignment.

Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments, balancing ideation, illustration, and execution while managing agencies and budgets.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing premium benefits tailored for top talent:

• Competitive salary estimated at ¥80M-¥120M annually, with performance bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and family support.
• Generous employee discounts on Nike products and exclusive athlete events.
• Professional development through global training, mentorship, and creative networks.
• Flexible hybrid work model with travel allowances and modern Tokyo office facilities.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and community impact programs.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is limitless for high performers. This Lead role positions you for advancement to Senior Creative Director or regional leadership in APLA. Leverage Nike's global mobility programs, internal networks, and leadership training to grow. Past team members have shaped iconic campaigns and retail flagship stores worldwide, building legacies in brand innovation.

Development Opportunities

Access Nike University courses, design workshops, and collaborations with athletes and agencies. Annual performance reviews and 360 feedback ensure personalized growth paths.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike Japan's creative vanguard, crafting experiences that redefine retail and sport in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Work with elite teams, influence global strategies, and immerse in Tokyo's vibrant culture. Nike values diversity, innovation, and bold ideas—your expertise will amplify our mission to bring inspiration to every athlete in Japan and beyond. With a supportive culture and endless resources, this is where visionaries thrive.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative, blending Tokyo's creative energy with Nike's global standards. Expect hybrid flexibility and team brainstorming sessions.

Is Japanese fluency required?

Yes, fluency in Japanese and English is essential for local partnerships and cultural adaptation.

What travel is involved?

Approximately 10-20% annually, including domestic Japan travel and international alignment trips.

How does this role fit into Nike's structure?

Direct report to Senior Manager, Brand Creative Japan, with matrixed partnerships across APLA and Global teams.

Are there opportunities for external agency work?

Yes, you'll manage key agency relationships to co-create top-tier executions.