#WeAreCondeNast: Kimmy Fukuda – Vogue Japan

This week, Vogue Japan's Kimmy Fukuda shares how she got her start at Condé Nast over two decades ago, the unique skill she brings to her job and what brings her joy.

“Dogs have always been my companions since I was a little girl, as well as horses, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and cats,” she says. “I think this is because I feel at my happiest when I am with animals.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you find your way to Condé Nast?

Before the launch of Vogue Japan, the president of the newly established Condé Nast Japan, who was British, was looking for a personal assistant, and I was approached by a recruiter I knew. Surprisingly, 2022 will be my 24th year with the company. I feel a sense of miraculous fate at play in my life. My current boss, Jun Kitada, is a consultative managing director as well as a supportive team leader who has also been with the company for over two decades. I feel like giving myself a little pat on the back in terms of doing this one thing for the longest time in my life, but I am sure I have only survived this long because I was blessed with three fantastic bosses, wonderful colleagues and a great company. I want to take this opportunity to say that I am grateful to Condé Nast for accepting me for who I am.

How do you describe your job to friends and family?

Secretary to the president of a foreign company. However, in Japan, the word "secretary" suggests a stereotypical old-fashioned secretary, so I always make sure to add a word or two about the fact that my work is not at all like that.

What does Women's International Day/History Month mean to you?

Fortunately, the women in my community can proudly celebrate this wonderful day. However, there are still many countries where women are subjected to levels of discrimination that are beyond belief and thinking about it really breaks my heart. I sincerely hope that every woman can enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

Perhaps I would like to live somewhere further away from the crowded city of Tokyo and closer to the beach.

What is a unique skill you bring to your job?

I don’t think “unique” is the right word, but I have the ability to keep calm under pressure. And as a Japanese person who spent much of my youth in the United States, I developed a perspective that allows me to look at both Japanese and American culture with one foot inside the door and one foot on the porch, so to speak.

Who do you most admire and why?

Dogs are my favorites, but I love most other animals as well. Dogs have always been my companions since I was a little girl, as well as horses, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and cats. I think this is because I feel at my happiest when I am with animals.

You just won a trip to go anywhere in the world! Where would you go?

A place surrounded by wilderness, perhaps in Canada or Switzerland, where I could enjoy outdoor life in close contact with nature and engage in sports such as trekking, kayaking, skiing, etc.

Is there anything you would like to achieve this year professionally or personally?

Professionally, I am committed to helping the company succeed in every aspect of its ongoing transformation, both locally and globally. Personally, I want to stay healthy and do more outdoor activities.

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s a tough question! Because eating is one of my biggest interests, next to dogs. When I have spare time, I try all kinds of healthy home cooking. I love to cook, bake, and entertain friends at my house. But to be restricted to eating just one food? For the rest of my life? My tastes are far too diverse and capricious for that.

List three items on your bucket list.

I don’t have a bucket list. So, I suppose the first item on my bucket list would be to make a bucket list.