Who is Mukai Noiri? Meet The Apprentice 2016 candidate – here’s what we know
The aspiring entrepreneur has ditched his day job to focus on his business idea
SMOOTH talker Mukai Noiri has ditched his day job to concentrate on building a business to impress Lord Sugar.
However the entrepreneur was booted out of the competition in week four, after a task managing a concession in Liberty's department store went wrong.
The 36-year-old has previously working in the fashion industry as a digital marketing manager.
From the get-go, the Japanese lad who moved to the UK in 2011 showed his quirky side, describing himself as nothing less than "Pizzazz, bang, woosh and ping pong."
Phew.
Put simply, he surmised, he is an "international mongrel" after having lived in Egypt, India and Japan.
In a pre-show video for the BBC he boasted: "You're not going to a person more internationally minded and internationally cultured as I am.
"I believe if Lord Sugar could actually listen to my idea then he will realise this has got great great potential.
"I feel sorry for Lord Sugar because previous applicants have been weak."
Yet it seems his family heritage may stand him in good stead when it comes to keeping a cool head in the boardroom.
His dad is a Japanese Buddhist monk, so bound to ooze chilled out vibes and be full of tips on how to de-stress in sticky business situations.
When asked to describe his character, Mukai added: "I would be a fox.
"Cunning, sly, yet cuddly."
The Apprentice returns to our screens Thursdays at 9pm, the winning entrepreneur will receive a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar to help grow their business.
There are 18 candidates taking part in this series, nine men and nine women are competing for Baroness Karren Brady and Claude Littner’s approval, in the battle to become Lord Sugar’s next apprentice.
READ MORE
When does The Apprentice 2016 start, who are the contestants and what can we expect?
Who is Alana Spencer? Meet The Apprentice 2016 candidate – here’s what we know