Background
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s survey on the number of overseas business locations established by Japanese companies, there were 82,224 Japanese business locations worldwide as of October 1, 2023.1 In 2019, the number was 74,072. Although there was a temporary decline in 2021 due to the impact of the global pandemic, the number of Japanese business locations overseas increased by more than 8,000 over the five-year period. While Asia accounts for the largest number of overseas locations due to its geographic proximity to Japan and the economic growth of Asian countries, North America, including the United States and Canada, is the second-largest region, with approximately 10,000 Japanese business locations as of 2023.
As Japanese companies expand globally, many send expatriates overseas to lead business development, establish new operations, manage local subsidiaries acquired through M&A, oversee business operations, and report back to headquarters in Japan. However, while companies often dispatch business leaders and frontline personnel responsible for business development and operational management, they are less likely to send expatriates from corporate functions such as IT, accounting, and human resources. This is partly because laws, regulations, and business practices differ from country to country, and companies often rely on locally hired professionals for these functions.
At the same time, many overseas subsidiaries face significant organizational and people-related challenges, including managing local employees, supporting expatriates’ adaptation to the local environment, and embedding or integrating corporate culture. For expatriates on the business front lines, these issues often fall outside their core areas of expertise, which can lead to delayed or reactive responses.
Cornerstone Strategy LLC was founded to support companies facing these challenges. We work alongside our clients to build organizational and talent strategies that serve as the foundation for sustainable growth.
With “Japan to the World” as our purpose, we support Japanese companies’ success in global markets as a strategic partner from the perspective of organization and people.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
The name “Cornerstone Strategy” reflects our vision and mission. A “cornerstone” is the foundational stone in a building. We see “organization” and “people” as the cornerstone of a company’s business foundation.
For Japanese companies to achieve sustainable growth in overseas markets, they need strategically sound organizational management and high-performing talent.
We believe that building the right organizational and talent strategy at an early stage is directly connected to the success of Japanese companies expanding overseas and operating globally.
Guided by this belief, Cornerstone Strategy LLC serves as a bridge between Japan and the United States and remains a strategic partner to help our clients achieve their vision.
Our Services
Through the following services, we support Japanese companies operating in the United States in building strong organizational and talent foundations for long-term success.
Executive Coaching
We provide executive coaching for senior leaders and leadership teams.
Key themes include:
- Clarifying long-term vision: Supporting strategy formulation and goal setting for global expansion
- Strengthening decision-making: Enhancing leadership capabilities to guide the entire organization
- Cultural integration: Developing leadership skills that bridge cultural differences
Business Coaching
We provide business coaching for managers and team leaders to help them solve workplace challenges and achieve their goals.
Key themes include:
- Improving performance: Facilitating effective communication and teamwork with local employees
- Strengthening execution: Supporting problem-solving capabilities in day-to-day operations and project execution
- Developing leadership: Cultivating next-generation leaders
Career Coaching
We provide career coaching for Japanese expatriates and their families living overseas.
Key themes include:
- Career support for expatriates: Helping expatriates adapt to cross-cultural environments and clarify their career direction
- Support for family members: Supporting expatriate spouses and family members in maintaining their careers and adjusting to life abroad
HR Consulting
We provide comprehensive HR consulting to support Japanese companies’ global expansion.
Key themes include:
Cultural integration and organizational restructuring: Supporting post-M&A integration, organizational alignment, and cultural integration
HR strategy development: Building organizational and talent strategies aligned with business strategy
Talent management: Developing high performers and designing succession plans
What Makes Us Different
We deeply understand the challenges faced by Japanese companies and Japanese professionals in the United States. As a strategic partner, we work closely with our clients to solve these challenges and support their growth.
- Deep understanding of Japanese companies
We understand the unique culture, management practices, and challenges of Japanese companies. - Empathy for expatriates and their families
We understand the issues faced by expatriates and their families and provide support with empathy and practical insight. - A unique approach
We combine coaching and consulting based on each client’s specific needs and challenges. - High-quality service
We provide professional coaching services aligned with International Coaching Federation standards, together with consulting services backed by experience from leading consulting firms. - Local professional network
We can connect clients with local service providers in areas essential to overseas business operations, including accounting, legal, IT, and other corporate functions.
Contact
We look forward to the opportunity to help your company build success in the United States.
Cornerstone Strategy LLC is your strategic partner in building a strong organizational and talent foundation as your company expands overseas and advances its local operations.
For more information or to discuss your company’s needs, please contact us at:
Email: shinsuke.kiyono@cornerstone-strategy.com
References
- 海外進出日系企業拠点数調査｜外務省 (Accessed December 19, 2024.) ↩︎
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Cornerstone Strategy LLC for informational purposes only. It is based on generally available information, including publicly available guidelines, regulations, and case law related to U.S. human resources, employment, tax practices, organizational and talent development, leadership development, career development, and coaching. It is provided from the perspective of an HR consultant and coach.
Cornerstone Strategy LLC is not a law firm, accounting firm, licensed tax advisory firm, medical provider, psychotherapy provider, counseling provider, or any other licensed professional practice providing legal, tax, medical, psychological, or therapeutic services.
The content of this article does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, medical, psychological, therapeutic, investment, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. It does not guarantee legal validity, tax treatment, organizational outcomes, HR outcomes, behavioral change, career outcomes, coaching outcomes, or applicability to any specific situation.
Before making decisions related to employment, tax, contracts, compensation, termination, disciplinary action, HR policies, required forms, or any matter involving physical or mental health, you should consult with qualified professionals such as licensed attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), tax advisors, medical professionals, psychologists, or other appropriately licensed professionals who are knowledgeable about applicable federal and state laws and professional standards.
Cornerstone Strategy LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss or damages arising from the use of, reliance on, or actions taken based on this article.
