Fumio Takashima is a Japanese entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Francfranc Corporation. He likes contemporary art and often collaborates with magazines. Work aside, he is a triathlete and enjoy surfing.
Early years
Fumio was born in Fukui Prefecture, Japan in 1956. He went to college and graduated from Kansai University. His mother was housewife and his father was working in the banking industry. His mother's parents were running a business and he remembers helping them when he was a kid. He spent his youth observing how businesses were run.
Career
Fumio started his career as a furniture sales manager in Maruichi selling company. He particularly devoted his time to understanding people needs. In 1990, he established BALS Corporation in Tokyo. In 1992, Francfrancbrand name was born and the first shop opened in Higashi-Shinagawa, Tokyo. Fumio's vision was to bring colour, sense and fun into people lives. In 2003, the first store outside Japan was opened. In 2017, Francfranc hit a milestone and became a 25 years old brand. In 2018, Fumio imaginated a new brand called Masterrecipe. The concept? To use traditional craft technique to create modern design for furniture and decorative objects. Up to this day, Fumio Takashima remains the CEO of Francfranc Corporation. Financial times in 2006 said " Fumio Takashima may soon be Japan’s equivalent of the UK’s Sir Terence Conran ".
Published books 2008: Thinking while managing Francfranc. 2009: The unbreakable management. 2010: No result without passion. Since 2010: Collaboration with lifestyle magazine Sport 2013 : Ironman Triathlon Melbourne finisher. Ironman 70.3 Triathlon: Auckland, San Diego, Nagoya, Singapore, Taiwan. Ironman 51.5 Triathlon: participated in a lot of races
Collaborations
2006: Fumio Takashima and collaborated on artificial flowers collection and custom furniture for Bals Tokyo and Francfranc stores. 2014: Fumio and Tyler Brûlé collaboration between Francfranc and Monocle brand. 2015: Fumio and collaborated for design furniture.
