Associate

Job Description 

The Asia Group is now accepting applications for an Associate to join our growing Tokyo office.

The Asia Group (“TAG”) is a strategic and capital advisory firm that positions clients – ranging from Fortune 100 multinationals to innovative startups – for success in established and emerging markets across the Indo-Pacific region. Our diverse team possesses decades of government and private sector experience with a work ethos that emphasizes teamwork, collegiality, creativity, entrepreneurialism, and mentorship.

The Asia Group’s Tokyo office is seeking an highly motivated individual to support our thriving Japan practice at the Associate level. This role will involve supporting our Tokyo-based team by carrying out in-depth research and logistical tasks, developing actionable insights, engaging in client services, and producing client-ready updates and research memoranda.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the Japanese political system, as well as a strong grasp of business fundamentals and Japan’s complex regulatory environment. They will possess strong communication abilities in both English and Japanese, and will be able to provide concise and nuanced briefings and written product to TAG clients and leadership. Priority will be given to those applicants with demonstrated business, government, and/or research experience in Japan.

Responsibilities

• Undertake in-depth research utilizing primary English and Japanese resources;
• Support planning and implementation of client engagements and activities on the ground;
• Produce written updates and assessments on matters which impact key client priorities, including political, economic, and regulatory developments;
• Monitor local print and online media for important developments related to client equities and opportunities for business development; and
• Support TAG’s Country Director with client servicing and office initiatives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MA/MBA/JD) or equivalent practical work experience related to Japan
• Demonstrated knowledge of Japanese politics and economics and U.S. relations with Asia, preferably with at least two years of work experience in a client-facing industry, research institute, government, or government relations
• Outstanding research, writing, and analytical skills in both Englishand Japanese, including ability to communicate professionally with clients
• Attention to details, and strong organization skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint
• Team player with positive and professional attitude; eager for professional development and open to learning
• Self-starter with ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Can-do attitude and willingness to support both critical client matters and simple administrative tasks
• Flexibility with respect to working and communication hours, particularly when coordinating with team members in Washington
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Japan. Employees will work in a mostly in-person environment, with the option to report remotely on Fridays as business allows. TAG provides competitive health benefits and paid time off, with training opportunities available for its employees.
• All interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, a two-page analytical writing sample and a list of references (references will not be contacted without applicant permission) via the application portal below. Alternatively, interested candidates may email the required documents as a single PDF titled “[Position of Interest] – [First & Last Name]”to careers@theasiagroup.com and complete the relevant application forms at https://theasiagroup.com/careers/.
• Due to the volume of applications received, responses from our recruiting team may be delayed. No phone calls, please.

About the Company

The Asia Group (TAG) is a strategy and business advisory group to corporations and organizations with business interests in the trans-Pacific region. We help clients identify, integrate and advance new business opportunities in Asia, and work with existing businesses to navigate the complexities of both established and emerging Asian markets.

We represent a diverse client base in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, from leading Fortune 200 multi-national corporations to cutting-edge early-stage companies and from large financial institutions to private family trusts. These global engagements cut across a broad range of industries and directly address pressing business challenges facing our clients.

The TAG principals and associates network collectively bring to bear decades of current and relevant on-the-ground experience and knowledge. Our extensive networks span multiple generations of politicians, business and civil society leaders, and decision makers on both sides of the Pacific.

The Asia Group is uniquely positioned to deliver timely insights, solutions, and regional connectivity that clients need to seize the opportunities of the Asia-Pacific century. The Asia Group differentiates itself through its highly selective team, unique approach, and results-driven methodology, which enable us to credibly offer a powerful range of solutions and take on a multitude of engagements that vary in size, nature, industry, and geographic focus.

Having successfully married unrivaled geopolitical expertise, relationships across the region, and private sector acumen, The Asia Group delivers to clients the competitive advantage that can only be achieved by navigating the intersection of policy and business.

The Asia Group, LLC was founded in February 2013.