Maria Hagiwara

Maria joined the firm as Managing Partner to lead the firm’s creative endeavors and business. She lays the groundwork for the company’s vision and guides its execution. In 2019 marking the company’s 30th anniversary, Maria shifted and rebranded the company from a pure production house to a creative and strategic firm.

Maria’s keen brand intuition led her to become Chief Creative Director and Lead Copywriter. She developed a unique transcreation approach and delivered English copy for Japan’s top global brands, including JT Group, Japan Tobacco, SHISEIDO, Uniqlo, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Universal Studios Japan, DENSO, Fujifilm, and Technics. She also wrote for Japan Expo, Anessa, Minasamano, and Goldwyn for Japan’s local audience.

In 2003, she co-founded Cradle Media, where she spent 10 years helping startups with brand development, website design, marketing, and content creation. Before founding the company, she worked as a senior business analyst, equity research editor, and global content director at major investment banks and small hedge funds, including Credit Suisse First Boston, Lehman Brothers, and Alliance Bernstein.

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