Our Team
Cross-Cultural Leaders. One Shared Ongaeshi (Give Back) Purpose.
AKISHA KK is led by a unique mix of Japanese and European experts. Each of us has deep roots in Japan and decades of experience. Thanks to this shared vision and foundation, we understand the culture, the people, and the very specific business environment.
Together, we are building a better global future for the next generation of Japanese SMEs in the make industry, driven by our profound belief in Wayo Konko (和洋混淆) while sincerely respecting the Japanese business mindset of Sanpo Yoshi (三方良し) and Jiri Rita (自利利他).
Rudie FILON,
CEO
Rudie as Chief Executive Officer brings 30+ years of Japan and Asia experience. As a retired EU diplomat, he leads our long-term strategy and execution.
Bernard CATRYSSE, CAO
Bernard is a governance and compliance expert with a deep knowledge on Japan. As Chief Administration Officer he manages internal ICT systems, legal affairs, and risk oversight.
Rob VAN NYLEN, CPSO
Rob connects Japan and Europe via his vast personal and business network. As Chief Purpose & Sourcing Officer he heads up the sourcing team and manages the portfolio companies.
Kotoku NIINUMA, CTOO
Kotoku in his function of Chief Technical and Operation Officer focuses on smooth transitions and operational excellence. He ensures every company retains its unique value.
Takanori MIYADERA, CFO
Takanori, our Chief Financial Officer, leads the finance department, overseeing forecasting and investment planning. His focus is on smart capital use and long-term returns.
Distribution & Business Partners
Europe & Japan
Atelerix, Belgium
Co-founders: Niki SMEETS & Christian SWINNEN
Marketing & Branding specialists with more than 10 years experience in customer-centric markets in Japan and Belgium.
Nordic & Baltic Countries
KES Group Ltd, Finland
Chairman: Mr. Kalle SALMINEN
Entrepreneur with over 15 years experience in Japan, China, and the EU.
Romania & Balkans
Finnro Development, Romania
Managing Partner: Mr. Alin KALO
Specialist in Black Sea logistics, energy, and maritime sectors.
Mexico & Central America
JDOX KK, Tokyo, Japan
Representative Director: Mr. Taisuke KUNIKAWA
Trading expert in Latin American auto parts and supply chains.
India
Paul Basics KK
Mr Biju PAUL, CEO/Representative Director
Entrepreneur with 20+ years of business experience in India and Japan
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.”
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Preserve Craftsmanship. Protect Livelihoods. Power Growth.
Japan’s demographic shift brings real challenges. Today, over 1.2 million SMEs face closure, not because they’re failing, but simply because no one can take over. Without action, this could lead to the loss of 6.5 million jobs and ¥22 trillion in GDP. However, there is still time to act, and we are here to help. We step in to safeguard these businesses.
By taking over responsibilities like finance, HR, and legal, we help companies continue without disruption. At the same time, we train new leaders, embracing hitozukuri, the Japanese tradition of developing people. In parallel, we prepare these Japanese SMEs for international expansion. As a result, founders can retire with peace of mind, while their legacy remains intact.
Our Vision
Revive “Made in Japan.” Build a Sustainable Future.
We want Japanese manufacturing to remain respected worldwide. To achieve that, we are carefully building a portfolio of resilient SMEs. These companies share centralised services and gain access to the EU market and elsewhere. Consequently, they become more competitive, agile, and future-ready.
Supporting our portfolio partners to steer away from subcontracting work domestically only to a global business player where a large diversity of young people can find their Ikigai (生きがい) and fulfill their personal Kokorozashi (志) dreams.
We don’t pursue quick exits. Instead, we rebuild value for the long term. By doing so, we help keep Japan’s manufacturing know-how alive, and help it thrive in a changing world.
Want to Collaborate?
Are you an expert in succession, Japanese manufacturing, or international business growth?
If so, let’s talk! We build long-term partnerships based on shared goals and mutual trust for both the Japanese companies in our portfolio and our global distribution partners.