We’re passionate about global connection through lifestyle

Meet Namiko

With over a decade of experience bridging Asia and the U.S., Namiko Kajiwara is a global innovation expert specializing in business creation, brand strategy, and global expansion. Having worked across diverse sectors—including corporations, startups, and venture capital—she brings a multifaceted perspective to business creation and growth. From launching the world’s first 0.00% beer to leading products at Bokksu and crafting a brand identity for Stonemill Matcha, she has a proven track record of bringing Asian brands to the global stage. Passionate about cultural translation and business innovation, she helps brands navigate the complexities of the U.S. market with deep industry insights and hands-on execution.

Track Record

Launches

  • 2009 The World's First 0.00% Beer Kirin Free
  • 2015 Blue Bottle Coffee Japan Expansion
  • 2017 Stonemill Matcha in SF
  • 2018 ANA Air Restaurant (Global Chef Collaboration)
  • 2021 Bokksu Grocery
  • 2022 Hello Kitty + Bokksu Subscription
  • 2024 Palate Booster
  • 2025 NY Program for APT Women 

Worked at

Our Approach

  • Identify Global Persona

    We analyze the core value of your product and align it with American consumer needs to define the ideal user persona. Navigating the diverse U.S. market can be challenging, but a clear understanding of your target audience is the key to a successful expansion.

  • Context Translation

    With industry experience in both Japan and the U.S., we decode market trends and consumer behaviors, translating them into actionable insights. This enables brands to bridge cultural and business gaps, ensuring strategic decisions are grounded in a professional market context.

  • Leverage Local Expertise

    By tapping into our extensive network, we connect brands with key industry players, real consumer insights, and tailored go-to-market strategies. Leveraging deep market expertise and local connections, we ensure a smooth and efficient entry into the U.S. market, setting the foundation for long-term success.

Our Services

Create New Business

Expanding into a new market requires more than just an idea—it demands a well-structured approach. We help companies develop new business ventures and products specifically tailored for the U.S. market, ensuring they align with local consumer needs and industry trends.
  • Ideation and concept development for new products and services
  • Business model design and market validation
  • End-to-end support from strategy to execution

Globalize Your Brand

A strong brand in Asia doesn’t automatically translate to success in the U.S. We help businesses reposition and localize their brand for American consumers, ensuring relevance while preserving core identity and values.
  • User research and persona development for the U.S. market
  • Brand storytelling and messaging adaptation
  • Product formula and design adjustment

Develop & Execute Go-to-Market Strategy

A great product needs the right strategy to succeed in a new market. We craft tailored go-to-market strategies that align with your brand’s strengths and the U.S. market landscape. From channel selection to marketing execution, we ensure a smooth and impactful launch.
  • Marketing and brand activation planning & execution
  • Retail, e-commerce, and distribution strategy
  • Team planning and local partnerships – Connecting you with experienced professionals and agencies to build the right team for market success

Innovation & Startup Advisory

Bringing a new product or business to life requires both vision and execution. With experience across corporations, startups, and venture capital, we provide hands-on advisory support for innovation, market expansion, and scaling strategies.
  • Business model development and validation
  • Product innovation and localization
  • Startup acceleration and investor connections

Explore Our Work