SANRIO Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

SANRIO has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, business development, operational management, regional expansion, and executive administration.

Driven by a commitment to character-based design, SANRIO delivers joy through iconic branding and global licensing. This organization maintains a focus on creative excellence and market-leading product innovation.

Leadership Roles at SANRIO

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tomokuni Tsuji
  • Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and - Wataru Nakatsuka
  • Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) - Craig Takiguchi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kazumi Fujita
  • Staff, Office To the President - Toshiharu. Shibahara
  • Tomokuni Tsuji - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tomokuni Tsuji, the President & Chief Executive Officer at SANRIO, directs the overarching corporate vision and long-term growth strategy. Overseeing the global expansion of character-based intellectual property, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between creative design teams and international licensing partners. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships while maintaining the integrity of the brand portfolio. By prioritizing sustainable revenue streams and market penetration, Tomokuni Tsuji directly impacts the company's competitive standing in the global design industry. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors performance metrics across all business units to guarantee operational efficiency. Through consistent focus on brand evolution, Tsuji secures the future of the organization within the competitive landscape of consumer goods and character licensing, ensuring that the company remains a dominant force in the global marketplace.

    Wataru Nakatsuka - Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and

    Wataru Nakatsuka, the Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and at SANRIO, architects the strategic framework for business development and internal corporate alignment. Managing the intersection of executive decision-making and operational execution, the Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and optimizes resource allocation across diverse product lines. This role requires constant collaboration with the board to refine market entry tactics and licensing agreements. By analyzing consumer trends and industry shifts, Wataru Nakatsuka drives the implementation of high-impact business initiatives. The Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and oversees the integration of new design concepts into the broader commercial portfolio. Nakatsuka ensures that all strategic objectives support the long-term profitability of the company, maintaining a rigorous focus on operational excellence and the expansion of the brand footprint across international markets.

    Craig Takiguchi - Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas)

    Craig Takiguchi, the Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) at SANRIO, directs all business operations and market expansion efforts throughout the North and South American regions. Overseeing the licensing of iconic characters and the development of regional retail partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) ensures that the brand resonates with local consumer demographics. This leadership role involves navigating complex retail landscapes and identifying new opportunities for product placement in the competitive gift and accessory markets. By driving regional growth initiatives, Craig Takiguchi strengthens the company's presence in the Western hemisphere. The Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) collaborates with global leadership to align regional strategies with the overarching corporate mission. Takiguchi secures long-term market share by fostering strong relationships with distributors and retailers, ensuring that the brand remains a top choice for consumers across the Americas.
    Craig Takiguchi

    Kazumi Fujita - Chief Operating Officer

    Kazumi Fujita, the Chief Operating Officer at SANRIO, manages the daily operational workflows and supply chain logistics for the company's extensive product range. Overseeing the manufacturing and distribution of stationery, gifts, and accessories, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that quality standards remain consistent across all global production facilities. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs. By coordinating with regional managers, Kazumi Fujita maintains a robust infrastructure capable of supporting the company's diverse licensing requirements. The Chief Operating Officer monitors inventory levels and logistics performance to guarantee timely delivery to retail partners. Through meticulous oversight of operational systems, Fujita supports the company's ability to scale production in response to market demand, ensuring that the brand remains accessible to consumers while maintaining high profitability margins across all product categories.

    Toshiharu. Shibahara - Staff, Office To the President

    Toshiharu. Shibahara, the Staff, Office To the President at SANRIO, facilitates the administrative functions and communication flow within the executive office. Overseeing the coordination of high-level meetings and internal project tracking, the Staff, Office To the President ensures that the leadership team remains informed and prepared for strategic decision-making. This role involves managing sensitive documentation and supporting the implementation of corporate policies across all departments. By acting as a liaison between the President and various business units, Toshiharu. Shibahara maintains organizational cohesion and operational transparency. The Staff, Office To the President monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure that deadlines are met and objectives are achieved. Through diligent support of the executive office, Shibahara enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and brand development, ensuring that the company operates with precision and maintains its status as a leader in the design industry.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SANRIO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SANRIO?
    SANRIO is led by Tomokuni Tsuji (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Wataru Nakatsuka (Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and) and Craig Takiguchi (Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas)).
    Who is part of SANRIO’s executive team?
    The executive team of SANRIO includes leaders such as Tomokuni Tsuji (President & Chief Executive Officer), Wataru Nakatsuka (Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and), Craig Takiguchi (Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SANRIO have?
    SANRIO has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SANRIO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SANRIO includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and, Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas), Chief Operating Officer, Staff, Office To the President.