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TOMITA Naohiro

Passing Japanese tea
with the next generation.

Deputy General Manager, National Sales Division Joined in 2012: TOMITA Naohiro

Proposing and Developing NB and PB Products That Reach Customers

I am currently responsible for sales of Harada Tea’s national brand (NB) products and private brand (PB) products for trading partners, targeting mass retailers such as supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores. My work goes beyond traditional sales; I am deeply involved in PB product development, working hand-in-hand with clients throughout the process until the product takes shape.

The Joy When Products Hit the Shelves

There is immense satisfaction when a product I helped develop appears on store shelves and someone picks it up. Now, as a manager, I also feel great joy witnessing team members experience the same sense of accomplishment. In sales, my guiding principle is to always consider things from the perspective of the other party, whether inside or outside the company.

Achievement Through Trial and Error

In a PB development project for a certain company, I handled everything from market research and concept design to product development, repeatedly making adjustments and proposals. There were many challenges, such as having our plan initially rejected in internal meetings with the client. Yet when the product was finally approved for launch, the sense of achievement was extraordinary. It is precisely because the process was not easy that the eventual success feels so rewarding.

A Corporate Culture That Welcomes Challenges

Harada Tea is a company that does not rest on being the industry’s second-largest player, but constantly pursues new challenges. Thanks to a vertically integrated system—from our own farms to raw material processing and packaging—we can make flexible proposals and respond effectively to OEM requests. In the sales department, the increasing ratio of female employees, along with a mix of new graduates and mid-career hires in their 20s and 30s, creates a lively, energetic team.

Choosing the Path of a “Food Manufacturer Salesperson”

In my previous job, I was involved in sales of in-store promotional materials, where I gained knowledge of printing and design. That experience continues to be valuable in product development today. I had a strong desire to work in “food” within manufacturing sales, and by chance came across a Harada Tea opening, which led me to join the company in 2012.

Applying Design Knowledge to Product Development

My experience in printing and package design allows me to provide input on how packaging should look and its impression in stores during product development. Leveraging skills learned in a different field is a strength as a career changer, and I hope to continue applying diverse experiences across various areas.

Bringing Japanese Tea to More People

“Japanese tea” refers exclusively to green tea. I am passionate about conveying the charm of Japanese tea, especially the authentic taste brewed from tea leaves, to younger generations. In the future, I hope to create a world where Harada is naturally available in stores across Japan—a dream I strongly aspire to realize.

New Perspectives Will Shape the Future of Japanese Tea

I believe that new perspectives and voices from younger generations are essential for shaping the future of the company. Together with colleagues who bring fresh ideas, we want to further spread the appeal of Japanese tea. By accurately communicating the value of tea leaves, we can also increase consumption, which supports tea farmers and contributes meaningfully from an SDGs perspective.