FROM THE TOP YUSUKE SUZUKI I CASIO AMERICA
INTERVIEWED BY KATIE KAILUS
bers’ viewpoints first, listening closely and asking ques - tions so we are aligned and fully informed. From there, I evaluate the options and make a decision that supports our goals and sets us up for success together. HOW HAVE THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC ISSUES AND TARIFFS IMPACTED CASIO AMERICA? Like many global manufacturers, Casio has navigated a complex economic environment in recent years. Fluctuating exchange rates, supply chain pressures and tariffs have certainly presented challenges, but they have also encour - aged us to operate with greater agility and efficiency. To mitigate these impacts, we’ve leaned into smarter planning, closer coordination with our global teams and more strategic inventory management. The opening of our new operations center in Rockaway is a direct example of how we’re strengthening our infrastructure, creating a more responsive, collaborative and resilient foundation to support our customers and partners. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO BALANCE INNOVATION WITH CASIO’S RICH HISTORY? Casio’s success has always come from its ability to in - novate with purpose while honoring its heritage of qual- ity and reliability. My goal is to continue that balance, introducing forward-thinking products that meet today’s consumer needs while remaining grounded in the crafts - manship and trust that have defined us for decades. Our new U.S. headquarters in Jersey City embodies this approach. It’s a space designed to inspire creativity, col - laboration and connection — all key ingredients for mean - ingful innovation, while reinforcing the legacy that makes Casio such a respected global brand. AI and smart technology represent enormous opportuni - ties for Casio. We see them as tools to enhance how con - sumers interact with our products, whether through more intuitive user experiences, improved connectivity or intel - ligent design that adapts to individual lifestyles. Across categories like timepieces, education technology and musical instruments, we’re exploring ways to integrate smarter functionality that simplifies and enriches everyday life. Our goal is not to chase trends, but to use technology in ways that align with our brand promise: making innova - tion accessible, reliable and genuinely useful. HOW DO YOU SEE AI AND/OR SMART TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCING CASIO’S PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT?
HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? I like to start my mornings quietly and with purpose. The first thing I do is check my email to see what has come in from our global teams overnight. After that, I take a little time to catch up on current events. But the most important part of my routine is breakfast with my wife and daughter when she’s visiting. Sharing that time together helps me reset and begin the day with a positive, family-first mindset before heading into the busy workday ahead. YOU’VE RECENTLY BEEN NAMED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CASIO AMERICA. CAN YOU SHARE WITH READERS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACK- GROUND AND WHAT LEAD YOU TO THIS ROLE? I’ve been with Casio for more than 30 years, beginning my career in Tokyo in 1993 and spending 25 of those years in Europe. During that time, I held leadership po- sitions in Benelux, Italy and the U.K., focusing on areas such as timepieces and digital imaging. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for how Casio connects with consumers through both innovation and craftsmanship. When the opportunity arose to lead Casio America, I saw it as an incredible chance to build on that legacy. The U.S. is one of Casio’s most important markets, and I’m honored to help shape its next chapter by strengthening our innovation pipeline, digital transformation and brand presence across all categories. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FIRST PRIORITIES WHILE ON THE JOB? My initial priorities have centered on three key areas: strengthening our market presence, modernizing our op - erations, and nurturing a culture of collaboration and agility. We’ve taken meaningful steps to invest in our people and infrastructure, including opening new offices in Rockaway, New Jersey, and Jersey City, New Jersey, to create modern, connected workspaces that enhance cross-functional teamwork and speed-to-market. Equally important, I’ve focused on ensuring that Casio continues to deliver meaningful innovation across our prod - uct lines, from timepieces to musical instruments and edu - cation technology, while staying true to the craftsmanship and reliability that define our brand. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE? I would describe my management style as collaborative and thoughtful. I always want to understand my team mem-
32 I MUSIC INC. I JANUARY 2026
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