Featured in Graphis Journal #386, Nikkeisha, Inc. brings a bold and inventive perspective to advertising, where illustration, typography, and storytelling converge. Led by Hiroyuki Nakamura and a team of designers and copywriters, the agency transforms even B2B campaigns into visually compelling experiences, marrying fantastical ideas with strategic clarity. From subtle typographic details to playful visual flourishes, their work reflects a commitment to craft, collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries.

What has inspired or motivated you in your career?
Hiroyuki Nakamura, Creative/Art Director: Being selected for several design awards has made me feel that my creative journey is on the right track.
Genki Asano, Designer: I’m motivated by the stimulation I receive from my colleagues, who are passionate about advertising and creativity.
Yuya Obata, Designer: My teacher in college. She spent a lot of time and effort teaching me the basics of design and how to build a career. I want to become a designer that she would be proud to call her student.
Takeshi Wakabayashi, Copywriter: My first boss after I was hired as a copywriter. No matter how much copy I wrote, he made me rewrite everything. My greatest motivation was to write copy that would please him—no matter how many years it took.

What is it about advertising that you are most passionate about?
H.N.: Improving the quality and completeness of the work as much as possible.
G.A.: While creating ads, I also see myself as a consumer and evaluate whether the ad works from that perspective.
H.M.: Generating ideas.
T.W.: I am passionate about creating messages that inspire people to take positive emotional action.

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve had to overcome to reach your current position?
H.N.: Making the career change from a designer at a production company to an art director at an advertising agency.
T.W.: Facing prejudice due to color blindness. Most agencies wouldn’t even accept my application. I was turned away at the door.

What are the top things you need from a client to make successful work for them?
H.N.: A shared commitment to pursuing strong ideas, visual beauty, and high-quality execution.
G.A.: A unique approach to solving problems.
H.M.: A deep understanding of the client’s issues and an openness to proposals that exceed expectations.
T.W.: New perspectives and compelling creative copy that stems from them.

What professional goals do you still have?
H.N.: To create advertising and design that can be understood even across language barriers.
G.A.: My professional goal is to craft ads that leave a lasting impression and spark conversations.
H.M.: To become a fully fledged professional by 30.
Y.O.: As someone still gaining experience in advertising, I want to proactively explore diverse work and collaborate with many different people.
T.W.: For me professionally, I want to win awards and increase visibility to reduce prejudice against aspiring copywriters with color blindness like myself.

The full Q&A and insights continue in Graphis Journal 386.