TCI Representative Kotaro Nishibori has developed foreign-oriented designer products and spread them into the markets of 15 new countries, all while running the long-established Kyoto store, Hiyoshiya. With that track record as a base, he was tasked with planning and managing the cultivation of international trade in Kyoto and led the program to success in European and Chinese markets. Our enterprise’s fundamental goal is to spread this to the whole country.

Mr. Lesage runs Melys Consulting, a consulting company specialised in developing business relationships between Japan and Europe. With a focus on interior design, homeware and fashion accessories, he holds deep insight into a wide variety of products, and has an extensive network of recognised experts in many fields. He also works as an associate professor of strategy and international business in Fench and European universities.

Born in 1972 in Kamakura (Kanagawa, Japan).
Kentaro worked for The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Tokyo) as legal official, The Boston Consulting Group (Tokyo & Paris) as Principal, and then he started EXA Partners (Paris) since 2010.
Living in France for over 10 years, Kentaro has been advising Japanese companies for their business development in Europe, including M&A, strategic alliances, marketing and branding as well as launching start-ups in France: EXA-AIR (manufacturing of innovative film packaging / cushioning materials) and Le Canal (PR & digital marketing).
Graduated from The University of Cambridge (LL.M. and MBA) and The University of Tokyo (Bachelor of Law)