Aki Nishijima is the co-founder of Namica, an independent watch brand based in Tokyo, Japan. Alongside her husband, Charlie Chang, she established the company in March 2022. The duo launched their venture from Tokyo after relocating there from London several years prior, driven by a desire to build a family business that celebrates both traditional and contemporary Japanese design.
Nishijima’s role in the brand is rooted in a collaborative partnership that focuses on creating mechanical timepieces with high technical specifications at an accessible price point. Under her co-leadership, Namica successfully debuted its first collection, the Shirahama diver’s watch, through a crowdfunding campaign that garnered significant international support. Her contribution to the brand’s identity is reflected in the integration of Japanese cultural influences, ranging from cyberpunk aesthetics to nature-inspired motifs like cherry blossoms, which have become hallmarks of Namica’s distinctive design philosophy.