Last week, Mikimoto announced the appointment of Mr. Kentaro Nishimura as the President and CEO of Mikimoto America.
Mr. Nishimura brings with him over 25 years of experience with Mikimoto, beginning in 1997 in Tokyo, where he managed the wholesale and gift operations.
Later, he joined the custom product team, which was responsible for creating bespoke pieces for corporate clients. These early career experiences have underscored Mr. Nishimura’s thoughtful and personalized approach to luxury.
In 2000, he relocated to the US and worked his way up from Assistant Manager in Las Vegas to key leadership roles across purchasing and merchandizing, ultimately paving the way to his appointment as the Chief Operating Officer at Mikimoto America.
During his illustrious career, Mr. Nishimura’s work has not only touched every corner of Mikimoto’s business, but has been highly instrumental in expanding Mikimoto America’s retail footprint while elevating its brand positioning in the US market.
His appointment comes at a time when heritage luxury brands like Mikimoto are working to balance tradition with evolving luxury consumer expectations in the American market.
With Mr. Nishimura’s deep institutional knowledge, retail driven mindset and insight into the world of luxury, Mikimoto America has found the “just right” person to lead the brand into its next chapter.
Soon after the announcement, I had the opportunity to catch up with Mr. Nishimura to discuss his vision for Mikimoto America along with his thoughts on the future of luxury, especially pearls.
You have been with Mikimoto for over 25 years. What has been the most defining or memorable moment in your Mikimoto career so far?
Kentaro Nishimura: Throughout my 25 years at Mikimoto, one of the most defining moments was being part of the brand’s continued growth in the U.S. market. Watching Mikimoto evolve from a heritage brand rooted in traditional craftsmanship to one that resonates with a modern audience has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m particularly proud of our ability to elevate the Mikimoto experience through innovative retail expansion and collaborations such as Chrome Hearts and Comme des Garçons. Seeing the brand’s timeless elegance remain relevant in today’s world, while also embracing new creative dimensions, is truly special to me.
Being named President & CEO of Mikimoto America marks a new chapter in that journey, one where we continue to balance our rich history with future innovation.
How do you think your experience across so many areas of the business—retail, merchandising, bespoke design—has shaped your leadership style today?
Kentaro Nishimura: Having had the privilege of working across nearly every facet of Mikimoto’s business – from retail management to bespoke design and merchandising- I have gained a comprehensive understanding of how to nurture and uphold a brand of distinction.
These diverse experiences have reinforced the importance of listening to our customers, understanding their needs, and adapting thoughtfully to the ever-evolving landscape.
It is through these principles that we continue to honor the craftsmanship and values that define Mikimoto, ensuring that every piece we create resonates with the same passion and dedication that has guided us for over 130 years.
You have spent a significant time in both Japan and the US, starting in Tokyo and now leading the American division. What are some of the key differences and similarities you have observed in the luxury consumer landscape between these two significant markets?
Kentaro Nishimura: Both Japan and the U.S. have distinct and vibrant luxury markets, but there are certain shared values – an appreciation for craftsmanship, artistry, and exclusivity – that define consumers in both regions. In Japan, there is a deep respect for tradition and subtlety, which is reflected in the way customers engage with luxury brands. On the other hand, the U.S. luxury consumer tends to be more diverse, with a greater emphasis on personalization and experiential luxury.
While both markets appreciate timeless elegance, in the U.S., we see a growing desire for brands to not only offer products but also unique, personalized experiences. We aim to offer our customers with these experiences through activations both inside and outside our boutique locations such as our Pearl Master Classes which offer a look into how the process that our pearls go through from harvest to final design.
We feel that providing this storytelling helps show why our pieces are so special and help educate our customer to our different pearl types as well as quality. The key for Mikimoto has been adapting our approach to both regions while maintaining the same core values of artistry, authenticity, and refinement.
The announcement of your appointment as President and CEO of Mikimoto America mentions balancing tradition with evolving luxury consumer expectations. Could you elaborate on what some of these evolving expectations are in the U.S. market and how Mikimoto plans to meet them?
Kentaro Nishimura: In the U.S. market, luxury consumers are increasingly seeking brands that offer a deeper, more meaningful connection that extends beyond the product itself. There is a growing emphasis on personalized experiences, sustainability, and authenticity. This shift calls for not only exceptional craftsmanship but also a narrative that aligns with these evolving values.
Mikimoto is embracing this change by enhancing our digital presence, expanding our bespoke offerings, and engaging in collaborations that resonate with a wider and more diverse audience.
Given your experience with custom product creation for Mikimoto, how do you see the brand leveraging its heritage and exceptional materials, particularly pearls, to meet the growing demand for personalized luxury jewelry experiences in the U.S. market?
Kentaro Nishimura: Heritage remains the foundation of everything we do at Mikimoto. For over 130 years, our legacy has been defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to the art of pearl jewelry. Our story began with a vision to adorn the world in the beauty of these rare treasures. That same vision still guides us today.
We continue to uphold time-honored techniques passed down through generations, ensuring each piece is crafted with the same precision and artistry that built our name. Yet, while our craftsmanship is rooted in tradition, our design philosophy embraces the evolving spirit of luxury.
At Mikimoto, heritage and modernity are in constant dialogue – each new creation a testament to our enduring values and contemporary sensibilities Every Mikimoto piece tells a story – one of legacy, refinement, and rarity. This ability to blend exceptional materials with masterful artistry offers a truly singular luxury experience that continues to resonate with today’s discerning clientele. It is this commitment to excellence and craftsmanship that continues to define Mikimoto.
What excites you most about the next chapter for Mikimoto—and for the pearl industry as a whole?
Kentaro Nishimura: The next chapter for Mikimoto is a moment of great excitement, as it allows us to honor our deep-rooted tradition while embracing the possibilities of the future. Our focus is not only on expanding our retail and digital presence but also on fostering a deeper emotional connection with our clients through innovation in design and bespoke experiences.
I am truly honored to lead this journey, as we continue to explore new ways for pearls to express luxury, all the while remaining faithful to the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship that have defined Mikimoto for more than a century.
Featured Image: Mikimoto The Bows High Jewellery Necklace
