BuildingPartnerships That Outlast Projects
We prioritize trust and long term relationships more than anything. Let us show you.
Who We Are
How We Operate
Who We are
Who we are:
AQ Partners is a Japan-focused advisory firm supporting foreign companies with the practical realities of operating in Japan — from entity setup to ongoing tax, compliance, and back-office execution.
Why we exist:
We exist to remove uncertainty and operational friction for companies expanding into Japan, allowing leadership teams to focus on building the business rather than navigating opaque administrative systems.
A partner you can trust:
We operate as a long-term partner, not a transactional vendor. Our role is to take ownership, provide clear guidance, and ensure work is done correctly — even when processes are complex or fragmented.
How We Operate
We act as an extension of your team:
We work alongside our clients as embedded partners, not as a detached vendor. Our role is to take ownership of ongoing back-office operations, coordinate moving parts, and ensure work progresses without constant oversight from your internal team.
We prioritize clarity and communication:xist:
All engagement is conducted in English, with a strong emphasis on clear explanations, structured updates, and predictable workflows. Even when underlying systems are complex or fragmented, we focus on making the process understandable and manageable for our clients.
We take a long-term view:
We design back-office operations with continuity in mind, supporting companies beyond initial setup. As your business evolves (headcount growth, revenue changes, or structural shifts), we adapt systems and processes to support sustainable operations over time.
Why AQ Partners?
A back office partner built for long-term operations in Japan
English-First, Japan-Native Support
We operate in English while working directly within Japan’s administrative, financial, and regulatory systems, reducing friction and miscommunication.
Integrated Ownership Across Functions
AQ Partners takes a holistic view of back office operations, minimizing handoffs and eliminating the need to coordinate multiple vendors.
Operational Judgment, Not Just Execution
Our support goes beyond processing and filing. We help clients make informed decisions that stand the test of time.
Proven Best Practices
Our approach is informed by repeatable, field-tested practices developed through supporting companies operating in Japan across different stages and structures.
English-First, Japan-Native Support
We operate in English while working directly within Japan’s administrative, financial, and regulatory systems, reducing friction and miscommunication.
AQ Partners takes a holistic view of back office operations, minimizing handoffs and eliminating the need to coordinate multiple vendors.
Operational Judgment, Not Just Execution
Our support goes beyond processing and filing. We help clients make informed decisions that stand the test of time.
Proven Best Practices
Our approach is informed by repeatable, field-tested practices developed through supporting companies operating in Japan across different stages and structures.
Team
Seasoned Japan back office experts and operators
who work as an extension of your team.
Naoki Hirukawa
Founding
Representative Director
Naoki brings a wealth of experience as a former Senior Legal Officer at Honda’s Tokyo HQ and JX Oil and Trade. He is able to wholistically oversee the back office operations. Naoki also holds an MBA from HEC Paris.
Naoki brings a wealth of experience as a former Senior Legal Officer at Honda’s Tokyo HQ and JX Oil and Trade. He is able to wholistically oversee the back office operations. Naoki also holds an MBA from HEC Paris.
Shunsuke Goto
Founding Director
Shunsuke brings 20 years of experience in legal, HR, and finance to the table. In addition to his back office expertise, he is skilled across finance, resource development, high-net-worth asset management, and fund operations.
Shunsuke brings 20 years of experience in legal, HR, and finance to the table. In addition to his back office expertise, he is skilled across finance, resource development, high-net-worth asset management, and fund operations.
Mayumi Maruyoshi
Founding Director
With a background in startup accounting and corporate management, Mayumi has worked across all back-office functions, including HR and general administration. Mayumi's expertise is in tax-related operations.
With a background in startup accounting and corporate management, Mayumi has worked across all back-office functions, including HR and general administration. Mayumi's expertise is in tax-related operations.
Yuga Koda
Founding Director
Yuga is a 5 time operator and former private equity investor. With deep knowledge of local tech and business practices, he supports companies entering the Japanese market across back-office and go-to-market execution.
Yuga is a 5 time operator and former private equity investor. With deep knowledge of local tech and business practices, he supports companies entering the Japanese market across back-office and go-to-market execution.
Company Information
Company Name: AQ Partners K.K.
Address: 15th Floor, Toranomon Hills Business Tower 1-17-1
Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6415
Address: 15th Floor, Toranomon Hills Business Tower 1-17-1
Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6415