Takeshi Fujiwara

Takeshi Fujiwara: Driving Innovation and Leadership in Global Medical Devices

Takeshi Fujiwara, General Manager of CUTERA K.K., has spent his career at the intersection of engineering, medical technology, and leadership. From his early days as an engineer designing automated machinery to leading international medical device companies, Fujiwara has continuously embraced change, innovation, and resilience.

A Career Shaped by Engineering and Global Experience
Fujiwara’s professional journey began in engineering, where he specialized in designing automated machinery for floppy disks and photo films. His move to Germany marked a turning point, exposing him to international business culture and giving him the opportunity to see Japanese society from the outside. This broadened perspective became the foundation for his leadership journey.

Upon returning to Japan, he transitioned into the medical device industry as a manufacturing plant manager for a Swedish company. He later rose to become the company’s president, which marked his first experience leading large teams and directly engaging with doctors and the medical community. Over the years, Fujiwara has led four international medical device companies across Sweden, Germany, and the USA, driving groundbreaking approvals and innovations.

Key Achievements and Contributions
Among his significant contributions, Fujiwara successfully obtained regulatory approval for two Japan-originated therapeutic medical devices—an accomplishment that strengthened Japan’s presence in the global medical industry. Most recently at CUTERA, he secured approval for a new therapeutic laser device for acne treatment, further positioning the company at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic medicine.

Fujiwara has also served in leadership roles beyond the corporate sector, including as a board member of a Japanese medical device association, vice chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce.. His influence has extended well beyond the companies he has led, shaping industry standards and practices internationally.

Mission and Leadership Philosophy
At the heart of Fujiwara’s leadership philosophy is clarity and decisiveness. He believes every decision must align with the organization’s mission and vision, benefit the company and society, and be both achievable and consistent. For him, leadership is not about ambiguous choices but about clear yes or no decisions, followed by consistent execution.

Challenges and Resilience
Fujiwara acknowledges that challenges have been a constant throughout his career—from moving abroad to becoming a factory manager, to stepping into president and general manager roles. His approach has always been to identify the most important issues, act on them with conviction, and communicate clearly with his teams. He stresses the importance of listening to differing perspectives while also being willing, when necessary, to take firm action to keep the organization aligned with its mission.

Recognition and Awards
His leadership has been recognized through multiple awards, including CEO Best Performance and Best Leader Awards during his tenure as plant manager at a Swedish medical device company. He has also been recognized as one of the top lecturers in a Japanese university MBA program, where he shared his expertise with the next generation of leaders.

Advice to Aspiring Professionals
Fujiwara offers clear and powerful advice to future leaders: “First, get to know yourself well—your strengths and weaknesses. Then clarify your goals and make sure they align with the principle of three-way satisfaction: benefit for the seller, the buyer, and society. Build a solid plan, embrace risk management, and above all, never give up. Share your goals with your team, communicate progress, and take action yourself. With persistence and clarity, success is inevitable.”

Impact and the Future of CUTERA
At CUTERA, Fujiwara continues to drive innovation in aesthetic medical devices, including pioneering treatments such as the recently approved laser for acne. He emphasizes the importance of staying at the forefront of technological development, noting that “if you are number one in your field, you see opportunities; if you are number two, you only see the back of number one.”

While future product pipelines remain confidential, Fujiwara’s leadership ensures that CUTERA remains a trusted innovator in the rapidly evolving medical aesthetics industry. With his passion for rugby, surfing, and lifelong curiosity, he embodies a balance of professional excellence and personal joy—qualities that inspire his colleagues and peers alike.

Through his journey, Takeshi Fujiwara has shown that leadership is about clarity, resilience, and vision. His story is a blueprint for professionals striving to make a global impact in medical technology and beyond.