Where Every Connection is a Gift



At Makana Partners, “Makana” isn’t just our name—it’s our guiding belief.

We view every client, every candidate, and every opportunity as a gift, and

we respond with deep care, integrity, and purpose in everything we do.

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Transforming Executive Search in Japan

In the competitive landscape of 21st-century recruitment, finding and securing top bilingual professionals in Japan is a daunting task. Traditional methods often leave clients feeling neglected, bombarded with irrelevant CVs, and frustrated by a lack of feedback. At Makana Partners, we’ve reimagined the executive search process to be swift, efficient, and high-quality.
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Why Choose

Makana Partners?

Expert Consultants: Our team boasts an average of 15 years of experience in various niche markets, successfully closing some of the most challenging searches, even those open for over a year.

Unparalleled reach: We are a boutique search firm with extensive networks, robust research capabilities, and minimal off-limit clients.


Unwavering Commitment to Quality: We deliver lightning-fast searches without compromising on the quality of candidates.

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Our Services

Executive Search in Japan: Specializing in mid-senior level roles, we offer both contingent and retained search services. Our strategic approach, combined with extensive market intelligence and advanced technology, ensures we find the perfect match for your organization’s needs. We bring unique opportunities to Japan.

Career Guidance for Talent: We understand the significance of your career decisions. Our advisory services span across various industries, helping you make well-informed choices for both short- and long-term career goals, considering your passions and life aspirations.

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YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
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SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
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BILINGUAL CANDIDATES

Global Reach with Local Expertise

Since 2022, Makana Partners has proudly partnered with Horton International, a top 40 global executive search firm. This partnership enhances our capabilities, allowing us to connect outstanding talent with remarkable opportunities worldwide.


Experience the Gift of Opportunity

Join Makana Partners and discover how we can transform your executive search experience. Let’s connect talent and opportunity to shape a successful future together.

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Contact Us

Ocean Gate Minatomirai 8F, 3-7-1 Minatomirai,Nishi-ku,Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan 220-0012

Let's Connect ➜

Our Core Values

At Makana Partners, we believe that talent and opportunity are universal gifts.

Our mission is to connect these gifts through exceptional service built on trust and integrity.

 We prioritize long-term relationships and aim to add value at every step of the recruitment journey.

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Latest Jobs

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Client Testimonials

Latest News

Latest updates from the industry

Two white gift boxes with black ribbons. A logo on the bottom-right box.
By Masayuki Koito August 18, 2025
In Hawaiian, the word “Makana” means “gift” or “blessing.” At Makana Partners, our mission is to embody that meaning—to deliver a truly valuable gift to someone’s life. The role of a headhunter is not merely to introduce candidates. It is to connect individuals at pivotal career moments with companies seeking transformation—to hand both parties a “gift” called potential. As with any gift, timing is everything. It must be delivered with care, in the right form, at the moment it’s needed most. The same is true in the world of headhunting. We don’t simply line up candidates based on resumes and checkboxes. We strive to understand each person’s path, values, and rhythm of life—then reach out only when we feel, “This is the right moment for this challenge.” That’s our way. Sometimes, we encourage someone to let go of their current stability. Sometimes, we introduce candidates who might be unexpected from the client’s perspective. But at the heart of it all lies a single question: “What is the most meaningful gift we can offer for this person’s future?” Makana is not a one-way transaction. When the people we place thrive, bring fresh perspectives to organizations, and make a difference in the world—that entire cycle becomes proof of the Makana we’ve given. Each time we witness someone’s potential unfold, we are reminded of the true purpose of our work. We may be offering jobs—but in reality, we’re delivering something far greater: the courage to change, the hope for the future, and the power to believe in oneself. These are the sentiments behind the name Makana Partners. Like a gift, we want to deliver encounters that change lives. With that conviction in our hearts, we continue—day by day—to connect people to people, and people to companies. Makana — 人の人生に贈る、新たな可能性 ハワイ語で「Makana」とは、“贈り物”や“恩恵”を意味する言葉です。私たちMakana Partnersが担う使命は、まさにその言葉の通り、人の人生にとっての“価値ある贈り物”を届けることにあります。ヘッドハンターという仕事は、単なる人材紹介業ではありません。キャリアの転機を迎える人と、変化を求める企業。その両者に、可能性という名の“ギフト”を手渡すことなのです。 贈り物は、タイミングが重要。求められているときに、最適なかたちで、心を込めて届ける。これは、ヘッドハンティングの世界でも同じです。ただ経歴を見て条件に合う人材を並べるのではありません。その人がこれまで歩んできた道、価値観、人生のリズムを理解し、「この瞬間にこそ、この挑戦を」と感じたときに、声をかける。それが私たちの流儀です。 ときには、今ある安定を手放すよう促すこともある。ときには、クライアントにとって意外な人材を紹介することもある。しかし、そこにあるのは常に「相手の未来にとって、本当に価値ある贈り物とは何か?」という問いです。 Makanaは一方的なものではありません。紹介した人材が活躍し、企業に新たな風を吹き込み、世の中に影響を与える。その循環のすべてが、私たちが贈った“Makana”の証明になるのです。人の可能性に触れるたび、自らの仕事の意味を再確認する。贈っているのは仕事かもしれません。しかし、実はもっと大きなもの—「変化への勇気」「未来への希望」「自分を信じる力」—そうした目に見えない贈り物を届けているのだと、私は思います。 Makana Partners という名には、そうした想いが込められています。贈り物のように、人生を変える出会いを届けたい。そんな思いを胸に、今日も私は人と人、人と企業をつなぎ続けています。
By Masayuki Koito July 15, 2025
Recent Trends in Executive Hiring in Japan's Financial Industry | 日本の金融業界におけるエグゼクティブ採用の最近の傾向
By Jayson Pe Benito June 30, 2025
The Japanese tech industry in 2025 is booming and evolving, so IT candidates must bring more than just coding skills. What makes an IT candidate stand out today? A blend of cutting-edge tech know-how, bilingual communication, and adaptability in team settings. Below we explore key traits through mini-scenarios that highlight what employers value in the current market.
A man is sitting at a desk working on a computer.
By Koji Okano June 26, 2025
The Japanese IT services market, valued at USD 70.22 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% through 2030. This substantial market presents both opportunities and challenges for domestic IT powerhouses and foreign startups alike. As Japan continues its digital transformation journey with increasing focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, the competitive landscape is evolving in fascinating ways. This article examines the current state of competition between established Japanese IT companies and international startups attempting to gain footholds in this lucrative but complex market.
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