Our Purpose: Preserving Japan’s Monozukuri DNA

Business is more than just making profit. It can also serve as a way to give back.

At AKISHA KK, we live by ongaeshi (恩返し), the Japanese value of repaying what we’ve received. All of us together have spent over 100 years in and with Japan. During that time, we built careers, raised families, and developed strong business ties across borders.

Consequently, we are now using that experience to support a vital part of Japan’s economy: small and medium-sized (SMEs) manufacturing business owners, facing imminent succession issues. This is what we refer to as “AKISHA (空き社: empty companies)”, alluding to the term “akiya” (空き家: empty houses)

SMEs represent 99.7% of all Japan’s companies, supporting the remaining 0.3% being the globally known Japanese enterprises.

Although Japan faces a serious succession crisis, we don’t just see risk. Instead, we recognise an opportunity to protect the legacy of monozukuri, the spirit of craftsmanship rooted in quality, precision and pride.

That’s why our approach is different from any kind of existing M&A company. Rather than chasing fast profits, we carefully invest for the longer-term. By doing this, we will relance the once famous “Made in Japan” brand.

We acquire a majority or full ownership in hand-picked Japanese manufacturing SMEs, and focus on steady and stable long-term growth.

After each acquisition, we ensure continuity. For example, we not only assist with back-office operations but also with marketing and business development by creating new global export markets.

Through our extensive European and global partner network, we provide hands-on support to grow beyond Japan.

Ultimately, we act with trust, responsibility and gratitude. As a result, our mission is to ensure Japanese craftsmanship moves beyond mere survival, it must move towards a stable, bright future.


“We believe that every great company deserves a future, not just a past.”