Our Portfolio Companies
Taiyo Kikai Kosakusho, Osaka
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in the industrial heart of Osaka’s Taisho Ward, Taiyo Kikai Kosakusho, an AKISHA Group Company, is a specialist manufacturer dedicated to environmental conservation through bespoke and advanced recycling machinery.
Designing, engineering, and manufacturing all products in-house ensures top-notch quality and innovation. The company’s services also include (emergency) repair and maintenance of high-performance recycling and industrial processing equipment, helping businesses minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and realize a circular economy.
Kuze Sake Brewery, Kanazawa
Established in 1786 (Tenmei 6), during the Edo period, Kuze Sake Brewery (Kuze Shuzoten), an AKISHA Group Company, stands as a pillar of Ishikawa Prefecture’s rich sake brewing tradition.
Nestled in the historic town of Tsubata, at the crossroads of Kanazawa’s metropolitan culture and the untamed beauty of the Noto Peninsula, our brewery has spent over 240 years perfecting the art of sake. Our guiding principle is simple yet profound: ‘To make exceptional sake, one must first grow exceptional rice.’
The AKISHA Team
One Shared Purpose: “Ongaeshi” (Giving Back)
At AKISHA, we are led by a unique mix of Japanese, European, and global business experts, each with deep roots and a combined experience of over 100 years in Japan. United by a shared vision of giving back (恩返し・Ongaeshi), we understand the specific business environment, its people, and culture.
Together, we are committed to building a sustainable global business future for Japanese SMEs in the manufacturing industry facing succession challenges due to a rapidly ageing society and shifting demographics. Our mission is to revitalize the legacy brand “Made in Japan”.
Driven by our belief in the fusion of “the Best of East & West” (和洋混淆・Wayo Konko), we uphold the Japanese business mindset of “Win-Win Relations” (三方良し・Sanpo Yoshi) and “Reciprocal Altruism” (自利利他・Jiri Rita).
We don’t chase quick exits; instead, we focus on building enduring corporate value for generations to come.
Executives
Rudie FILON (CEO)
Rudie, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, leverages 3 decades of experience in Japan and Asia to guide our global strategy. Drawing on his background as an EU diplomat, he provides the executive leadership and cross-cultural expertise necessary for our long-term vision.
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 for all our portfolio companies.
Kotoku NIINUMA (CTOO)
Kotoku, in his function as Chief Technical and Operation Officer, focuses on smooth transitions and operational excellence. He ensures every company retains its unique value.
Bernard CATRYSSE (CAO)
Bernard, co-founder, is a governance and compliance expert with a deep knowledge of Japan where he permanently resided for several decades. As Chief Administration Officer he manages Human Resources, internal ICT systems, legal affairs, compliance and risk oversight.
Rob VAN NYLEN (CPSO)
Rob, co-founder and Representative Director of AKISHA KK, connects Japan and Europe via his vast personal and business network of +40 years. As Chief Purpose & Sourcing Officer he manages the acquisition process from identification to finalising majority ownership.
Todd ROSE (SPA)
Todd is a Senior Partner and Advisor of AKISHA. Originally from California, he brings profound, hands-on experience working with Japanese companies in a variety of sectors for almost 30 years in both Osaka and Tokyo.
Management
Jin
YANAGISAWA
(MD)
Jin YANAGISAWA, as 2nd generation Managing Director (MD) of Taiyo Kikai Kosakusho, headquartered in the Taisho Ward of Osaka City, oversees the daily management of his operational team at three dedicated factories.
Since its establishment in 1969, Taiyo Kikai Kosakusho has been a forerunner, with over 800 references, in the manufacturing of bespoke machinery for blue chip companies in the domestic recycling industry. Core expertise includes Hydraulic Shearers & Cutters, Automatic Compressors & Balers, and Guillotine Cutting Machines, including (emergency) repair and maintenance of recycling equipment, not limited to its own brands.
Under Jin’s leadership, the company achieved both ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management certifications.
Yoshihiro
KUZE
(MD)
Yoshihiro KUZE serves as the 9th-generation Managing Director (MD) of Kuze Shuzoten, a historic sake brewery founded in 1786 (Year 6 of the Tenmei era) in the scenic city of Tsubata near Kanazawa in the Ishikawa prefecture. He officially took over the leadership from his father in 2007.
Yoshihiro graduated in 2002 as a zythologist from the department of Brewing Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences of the prestigious Tokyo University of Agriculture. Presently, he is not only active as the Kuramoto (sake brewery owner) but also as Toji (Chief Brew Master), safeguarding the quality during the winterly brewing process of their legacy sake brands Choseimai and Notoji.
The company’s vision and philosophy is based on the long-held belief that ‘Good sake brewing begins with good rice cultivation.’
Jan-Pieter CATRYSSE (GM)
Jan-Pieter, as General Manager, heads up the day-to-day operations and strategic growth. With a strong background in both business management and cross-cultural collaboration, he ensures an impeccable implementation of AKISHA’s mission to support Japanese SMEs in succession crises, as well as their global expansion. His leadership fosters operational excellence and aligns teams to sustain purpose and legacy while enabling innovative growth.
Christian SWINNEN (BMM)
Christian, our Brand Marketing Manager, is responsible for AKISHA corporate identity and global market presence. Leveraging his expertise in international marketing and brand strategy, he bridges Japanese craftsmanship with global market expectations. Christian’s genuine customer-centric approach and cultural nuance ensures that our corporate story resonates globally, building trust and long-term loyalty.
Niki
SMEETS (CXM)
Niki as Customer Experience Manager elevates our management commitment to service and satisfaction. With a focus on user-first strategies and digital innovation, he designs experiences that empower portfolio companies and their customers to scale up. Niki’s passion for co-creation and continuous improvement ensures every interaction reflects our values of quality, trust, and sustainable business growth for all parties involved.