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ABOUT KIZUNA

Building the connections that create opportunity.

Kizuna exists to bridge the gap between Japanese excellence and American opportunity. We build the relationships, partnerships, and infrastructure that help small and medium sized businesses grow across borders.

ABOUT KIZUNA

Building the connections that create opportunity.

Kizuna exists to bridge the gap between Japanese excellence and American opportunity. We build the relationships, partnerships, and infrastructure that help small and medium sized businesses grow across borders.

OUR STORY

Why we exist.

Japan is home to world-class products, technologies, manufacturers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, businesses in the United States are searching for trusted partners, innovative solutions, and new sources of growth.

Yet despite decades of trade and collaboration, significant barriers still exist between these two markets.

Kizuna was founded to reduce that friction. We bring together relationships, expertise, and technology to help businesses discover opportunities, build partnerships, and grow across borders.

Japan is home to world-class products, technologies, manufacturers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, businesses in the United States are searching for trusted partners, innovative solutions, and new sources of growth.

Yet despite decades of trade and collaboration, significant barriers still exist between these two markets.

Kizuna was founded to reduce that friction. We bring together relationships, expertise, and technology to help businesses discover opportunities, build partnerships, and grow across borders.

Our Origin

Deep roots in both Japan and the U.S., with global experience and cross-cultural understanding.

Our Purpose

To connect businesses, resources, and opportunities that create lasting value.

Our Commitment

Building trusted relationships and infrastructure for long-term, mutual growth.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Why this matters.

Small and medium sized businesses form the backbone of both economies.

Yet many of the most innovative and capable companies remain disconnected from international opportunities.

The opportunity is not a lack of capability.

It's a lack of connection.

Small and medium sized businesses form the backbone of both economies.

Yet many of the most innovative and capable companies remain disconnected from international opportunities.

The opportunity is not a lack of capability.

It's a lack of connection.

55%

of Japan's GDP is generated by SMEs.

Source: METI, 2023

2 - 4%

of Japanese SMEs export internationally

Source: METI, 2023

Thousands

of businesses largely undiscovered

Extraordinary capability exists. Untapped opportunity remains. Stronger connections create lasting value.

Extraordinary capability exists.
Untapped opportunity remains. Stronger connections create lasting value.

Extraordinary capability exists. Untapped opportunity remains.
Stronger connections create lasting value.

HOW WE WORK

Our principles guide everything we do.

Relationship First

We believe long-term partnerships built on trust, transparency, and respect create lasting value.

Market Expertise

We combine deep local knowledge with cross-border expertise to navigate complexity with confidence.

Technology Enabled

We leverage platforms and data to unlock insights, streamline processes, and accelerate outcomes.

Long-Term Thinking

We focus on sustainable growth for our partners, our communities, and the markets we serve.

OUR VISION

Building the infrastructure for the next generation of Japan—U.S. business.

We envision a future where connection is seamless, opportunity is accessible, and businesses on both sides of the Pacific thrive —together.

LEADERSHIP

Experienced. Connected. Committed.

LinkedIn Profile ->

Rob Kadoi Peterson

Head of Platform & Commercialization

Rob Peterson leads platform strategy, commercialization, and market development initiatives at Kizuna Partners, with a focus on helping companies navigate growth opportunities between Japan and the United States.

He oversees the development of AlliedExchange, Kizuna’s future digital infrastructure initiative designed to modernize cross-border business connectivity, supplier discovery, and strategic collaboration between allied economies. In parallel, Rob advises clients on U.S. market entry strategy, go-to-market planning, branding, commercialization, and digital business development.

Prior to Kizuna Partners, Rob worked at JPMorgan Chase, where he led large-scale digital platform and operational transformation initiatives across client servicing, workflow modernization, and enterprise product strategy. His background spans product strategy, UX and operational systems design, AI-enabled workflows, and commercialization initiatives across both enterprise and consumer industries.

Rob brings a multidisciplinary perspective that combines strategic thinking, operational design, digital infrastructure, and cross-cultural business development. Having lived and worked across the United States, Europe, and Japan, he focuses on building long-term partnerships and scalable systems that support international growth.

LinkedIn Profile ->

Rob Kadoi Peterson

Head of Platform & Commercialization

Lets build what's possible—together.

Whether you're exploring opportunities, seeking partners, or ready to grow, we're here to connect.

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