The state of executive hiring in Japan
Makana 2.0 — Issue 5
Where Every
Connection is a Gift
Makana /mah-kah-nah/ — Hawaiian for “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 respond with deep care, integrity, and purpose in everything we do.
Who We Are
A boutique search firm with global reach
Makana Partners is a boutique executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in leadership placements across Japan and Asia.
We help high-growth companies find transformative talent, and guide ambitious professionals toward roles that align with their vision and values. With deep market insight and a personalized approach, we connect people to possibilities that drive lasting impact.
More About Makana →0+
Candidates in our network
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Bilingual executive introductions
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Our Expertise
Search across functions & industries
From the C-suite to specialist functions, we recruit the bilingual leaders that Japan’s top organizations rely on.
From Our Founder
The Hardest Market in the World
An insider’s guide to Japanese executive search by Yan Sen Lu — why hiring leaders in Japan breaks the global playbook, and the frameworks that actually close.
Three parts, twelve chapters of actionable frameworks drawn from two decades of real placements — praised by Dave Ulrich, Lou Adler, and Hung Lee.
Global Reach with Local Expertise
Partnered with Horton International
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.
Opportunities
Latest Jobs
Our live job board updates in real time as new senior and executive mandates open across Japan and Asia. Contact us for confidential searches that may not be advertised.
View Live Openings →Client Testimonials
Trusted by leaders across Japan
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Yan Sen is very customer-focused and moderates the interests of candidates and clients very well. He proactively stays in touch and provides updates on the status of the search and how the finalist is progressing.
Markus RuhHR Director, adidas Japan
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He doesn’t push people to make decisions but rather offers different perspectives so they can make the right one. He’s supportive, responsive, and open-minded — one of the best agents I want a long-term relationship with.
Kanako MachidoriHead of HR, MathWorks
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I recently partnered with Yan Sen and found him to be authentic, professional and a true partner in navigating the challenging HR talent pool. I would recommend him to help you with your talent needs!
Joanne ValenteVP & CHRO, Allegro MicroSystems
Experience the Gift of Opportunity
Let's connect talent and opportunity
to shape a successful future.
Reach out today for a discovery call and discover how the exceptional candidates we introduce can add significant value to your organization.
Contact Us →