About Makana Partners
Transforming executive search in Japan — specializing in mid-to-senior leadership placements with the care of a boutique and the reach of a global firm.
Makana Partners is a boutique executive search and talent advisory firm based in Yokohama, Japan, specializing in senior and executive leadership placements across Japan and Asia. Founded by Yan Sen Lu and partnered with Horton International since 2022, the firm connects high-growth companies with bilingual, globally-minded leaders — from the C-suite to specialist functions across every major industry. “Makana” is the Hawaiian word for “gift,” reflecting the belief that every client, candidate, and opportunity is a gift — treated with care, integrity, and purpose.
Who Are We?
Executive search, reimagined for Japan
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.
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.
What we offer candidates →
Why Choose Makana Partners?
The boutique advantage
Expert Consultants
Our team boasts an average of 15 years of experience in niche markets, successfully closing some of the most challenging searches—even those open for over a year.
Unparalleled Reach
A boutique firm with extensive networks, robust research capabilities, and minimal off-limit clients—giving us access others simply don’t have.
Commitment to Quality
We deliver lightning-fast searches without ever compromising on the calibre of the candidates we introduce.
Our Core Values
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—for clients and candidates alike.
Testimonials
What our clients say
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.
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.
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!
BSI are extremely satisfied with the candidate we hired via Yan Sen. He really took the time to understand our business, our future vision, and where the role fits into our strategy — the candidates submitted were an excellent fit.
Global Reach with Local Expertise
Backed by 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.
About Horton International
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.
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