Associate/Senior Associate

The Asia Group is now accepting applications for a Japan Associate/Senior Associate to join our Tokyo office. 

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., The Asia Group (“TAG”) is a strategic and capital advisory firm that positions clients – ranging from Fortune 100 multinationals to innovative startups – for success in established and emerging markets across the Indo-Pacific region. Our diverse team possesses decades of government and private sector experience with a work ethos that emphasizes teamwork, collegiality, creativity, entrepreneurialism, and mentorship. 

The Japan Associate/Senior Associate based in Tokyo will join a fast-paced, innovative team that operates at the forefront of public policy and business in Japan and across the Indo-Pacific region. This role requires a strong foundation of Japan-related experience, either in the private sector or working with or within the public sector. 

The Associate/Senior Associate will be an integral member of TAG’s growing Japan Practice, led by Ambassador Kurt Tong, and will be responsible for supporting all aspects of the firm’s client development and strategy execution on Japan. A successful candidate will have excellent research and writing skills, with a strong command of the political, regulatory, and macroeconomic environments in Japan and the ability to distill these trends into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for commercial stakeholders. A demonstrated ability to work under pressure, engage clients with poise and clarity, and work collaboratively is expected. This position may also entail domestic and international travel. This position includes upward growth and promotion potential. 

All interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and references via the application portal on our website. Due to the volume of applications received, responses from our recruiting team may be delayed. No phone calls or emails and whatsApp messages, please. 

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MA/MBA/JD) or equivalent practical work experience related to Japan;
• Professional proficiency or native fluency in Japanese
• Demonstrated knowledge ofJapanese politics and economics and U.S. relations with Asia, preferably with at least three years of work experience in a client-facing industry, research institute, government, or government relations
• Outstanding research, writing, and analytical skills in English, including the ability to communicate professionally with clients
• Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Team player with positive and professional attitude; eager for professional development and open to learning
• Self-starter with ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Can-do attitude and willingness to support both critical client matters and simple administrative tasks
• Flexibility with respect to working and communication hours, particularly when coordinating with clients and team members in other time zones.
  
  Desired Qualifications:  
• On-the-ground experience in Japan
• Experience in government relations or comparable experience demonstrating the ability to integrate public policy with corporate strategy.
• Expertise in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industries, or digital policy is a plus.
• Comfort using artificial intelligence tools – or excited to learn how – to increase efficiency, enhance analysis or deliverables, and generate innovative solutions. Familiarity with generative AI platforms or a growth mindset toward emerging technologies is a plus.

We value professionals who are proactive in exploring new ways to work smarter. Ideal candidates will be comfortable using artificial intelligence tools — or excited to learn how — to increase efficiency, enhance analysis or deliverables, and generate innovative solutions. Familiarity with generative AI platforms or a growth mindset toward emerging technologies is a plus. 

Candidates must be eligible to work in Japan and are expected to work in-person at the TAG Tokyo office five days per week. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and meticulous industry and political research and analysis utilizing English and Japanese primary resources
• Draft executive memos, reports, briefing materials, and other written products that impact key client priorities, including political, economic, and regulatory developments
• Monitor local print and online media for important developments related to client equities and opportunities for business development
• Support planning and implementation of client engagements and activities in Tokyo and Washington, D.C.

Benefits

TAG provides competitive benefits with regular training opportunities available to its employees.