Vol.25 – Connecting People, Embracing New Opportunities in London
For this week’s Meet the Team article, we sat down with Sakura Emmei, to find out how our newest ex-pat is getting along in the UK. Joining us in April 2026 from our parent company Quick Co. in Japan, Sakura was selected to bring her expertise and positive attitude to our London office, in her first overseas assignment.
Briefly, how did you get started in recruitment at Quick?
“So back five years ago, I was looking for work after graduating from university. I knew I wanted to work with people, as I’d been working as a part-time teacher to high school students, and I really liked helping others plan for their futures. So I was looking for a job in either education or recruiting – I got some offers from companies, but I really liked Quick’s philosophy “Make everyone involved happy”, and I saw this demonstrated during the interview process.”
How did you feel when you found you were going to be moving to the UK?
“It was almost a year ago that I started to raise my hand to go abroad. After 5 years I was still really enjoying my work, but at the same time I was wondering about my middle-term career. Was there a better way to build up? I felt it would be a good opportunity, so I was really excited! I’m a very optimistic person so I was really excited by the idea of starting this new series in my life.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time in the UK?
“Maybe you can’t write it in the article, but I really enjoy spending time at the pub! Very British, I think. I also like having picnics, there are lots of nice spaces in London and I never really did this in Japan. I also like to travel but I haven’t done much travelling in the UK yet, but I’d love to soon.”
What’s the biggest different between Japanese and European recruitment?
“Of course there are many differences between European countries and Japan, but I would say that the market speed is very different in Europe. There are not many Japanese agencies and companies in Europe, so when we get a new role we have to reach out to candidates as soon as possible. Everyone at CPA cooperates with each other, it was very surprising that we support on each other’s positions.”
What has been the biggest learning challenge so far?
“Well, the English language first of all – but secondly would be that we support people from all over the world, and what we need to consider is very broad, compared to recruiting Japanese people in Japan. Not only learning visa types, but we also have to consider the candidates’ family situation, and the timing of changing jobs, which is different to Japan. There’s a lot of different cultural aspects and customs to consider for each candidate and client, which is challenging too.”
What do you want to accomplish in the next two years?
“I’ve only been here for two months, so I’m still finding how I can contribute, so I don’t have a specific goal yet. My biggest strength is building connection with others, not only clients but also colleagues. Because for me, I like to be the person that can make opportunities for others – for clients, candidates, and colleagues – this was my accomplishment in Japan before, too.”
Finally, what is your motivation as a recruiter?
“I have two answers on this question – the first one is simple, but my motivation is to get appreciation from others. When I get a compliment from clients or candidates when I help them, this is my biggest motivation. The second one, which is related to the first, is that when I work with a client, I want them to trust me to be their own recruitment agent, even to work with us exclusively! This really is my motivation.”
Sakura is already settling in very well to CPA, and growing her English skills and cultural knowledge to become a recruitment powerhouse! Feel free to connect with her here on LinkedIn, and follow us to meet more of our fantastic consultants!
#Recruitment #MeetTheTeam #TalentExperts