WASHINGTON, D.C. and TOKYO, JAPAN | October 5 – The Asia Group (TAG) is excited to announce a key expansion in its Japan practice with the addition of Japan Country Director Tokuko Shironitta. Leveraging Tokuko’s expertise and leadership on the ground in Tokyo, TAG is magnifying its in-market capabilities to assist Japan-focused and Japan-based clients in navigating complex risks and seizing critical business opportunities. At the same time, TAG is happy to announce that Melanie Berry will rejoin our team as a Vice President handling our Japan practice, providing invaluable analytical depth and years of experience tackling the most important and difficult issues for TAG clients.
TAG Managing Partner Kurt Tong said, “I am thrilled to have Melanie and Tokuko coming on board at this important time as the work of our Japan practice becomes ever more deep, complex, and multi-directional. With this capability, we can help clients from Asia and North America reach Japan – but also help Japan reinforce its business presence throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”
Melanie Berry is an experienced business consultant with deep expertise in Japan’s political dynamics, and regional trade and defense strategy, as well as market and regulatory trends across sectors such as information technology, entertainment, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Throughout her career, working in Japan and at multiple organizations in Washington DC, Melanie has developed a strong network and ability to address tough challenges faced by TAG clients. Melanie is also a TAG veteran, with a proven track record of delivering success, managing projects, and maintaining client relationships. Prior to rejoining TAG, Melanie was Senior Project Manager at the National Bureau of Asian Research, where she managed several important research and dialogue programs related to Northeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Tokuko Shironittawill join Senior Advisor Nobukatsu Kanehara in strengthening TAG’s in-market Japan presence and strengthen client servicing, by increasing the firm’s local expertise and networks – all part of TAG’s Asia Expansion Initiative. Tokuko will draw upon an expansive network of Japanese contacts built during her 25-year career working across consulting, government, and think tanks in Japan, the United States, and Singapore. Prior to joining TAG, Tokuko was Tokyo Office Director for the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). She spent over a decade at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo serving as the Political Specialist covering Japanese domestic politics and Japan’s bilateral relationships with China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
The Asia Group is the premier strategic advisory firm to the world’s leading companies seeking to excel across the Indo-Pacific. With a team of dynamic and experienced professionals – from consultants and former senior government officials to lawyers and investment bankers – The Asia Group supports companies with end-to-end integrated strategies for market entry and expansion.