Date of publication: Jul 01, 2019

Valentino Franchetto

Head of Expansion: Calzedonia Japan, Calzedonia Group

Date of birth: Feb. 28, 1989

Hometown: Vicenza, Italy

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 3 (as of July 2019)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

I first had the chance to visit Japan back in 2012. At the time, I was living in South Korea as a student. I was mesmerized by Japan, a country that felt so different, and yet familiar. At that moment I knew I wanted to come back again.
When Calzedonia offered me the chance to work and live in Tokyo, I immediately said yes.

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”
I remember reading this quote (by Thomas A. Edison) a long time ago in middle school and I could not fully understand its meaning. However, as time goes by I am realizing that it is precisely how I am trying to live my life.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

I grew up in a very small village in Italy, and back in the day I would have never seen myself living around the world and experiencing a whole new set of things.
Today, I am in charge of the expansion in Japan for one of the biggest Italian fashion groups, and it is proving to be challenging, yet so fulfilling and rewarding.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

I moved to Japan a little over three years ago after a long time spent in Russia. I guess you could say it was a cultural shock in the beginning, but the kind that has allowed me to grow steadily.
Today my personal and professional goals are one and the same — to understand Japan well enough to be able to make a difference.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

Coming from a different country, it is my duty to try my best to understand and respect the culture, the people and the business.
That said, I still consider myself to be a newbie to Japan and as a “fiery Italian” I sometimes struggle to fit in. However, I truly believe that you have to allow yourself to make some mistakes.
Every small setback is nothing but a stimulus to push forward even harder.

Last updated: Jul 01, 2019