Biography

Hisatoshi Yokoyama (born in 1982) is the President and Representative Director of Kyugetsu Co., Ltd., one of Japan's most established manufacturers and distributors of traditional dolls. As the eighth-generation leader of a company with nearly 200 years of history, he has guided its modernization while promoting greater global appreciation of Japan's cultural heritage.

Born in Tokyo as the eldest son of the late Kyukichiro Yokoyama, the seventh-generation head and former chairman of Kyugetsu, Yokoyama was educated within the Rikkyo school system from an early age. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Rikkyo University in 2005 before beginning his career at Mizuho Bank, where he gained experience in finance and corporate management.

After joining Kyugetsu in 2008, Yokoyama worked in procurement and product planning, contributing to new product development and business strategy. He was appointed Executive Officer in 2010 and subsequently gained experience across a broad range of corporate functions, including administration and finance. In 2012, he became Senior Managing Director and led the expansion of the company's retail network throughout Japan.

In 2021, Yokoyama was appointed President and Representative Director of Kyugetsu. Guided by his belief that "tradition is a continuous process of innovation," he sees Japanese dolls not merely as decorative objects, but as living expressions of Japan's cultural heritage. Under his leadership, the company has preserved its historic legacy while advancing digital transformation and pursuing new business initiatives.

Yokoyama believes that Japanese dolls embody centuries of traditional craftsmanship, drawing upon techniques such as lacquerwork, textile arts, dyeing, and gold-leaf decoration. More importantly, he views them as reflections of the values, aesthetics, and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations of Japanese society.

In 2024, he led Kyugetsu's first independently organized international exhibition, A Harmonious Blend of Artistry: Japanese Dolls and Traditional Crafts, held in New York City. The exhibition introduced Japanese dolls as both works of art and cultural heritage, while highlighting the craftsmanship and traditions that continue to shape their creation today.

Yokoyama has also promoted collaborations with internationally recognized film and anime franchises, creating products that connect traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary entertainment. As a representative of a new generation of leaders in Japan's traditional industries, he combines a deep respect for cultural heritage with a willingness to embrace change.