
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
OUR STORY
Why we exist.
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
Our Origin
Deep roots in both Japan and the U.S., with global experience and cross-cultural understanding.
Deep roots in both Japan and the U.S., with global experience and cross-cultural understanding.
Our Purpose
Our Purpose
To connect businesses, resources, and opportunities that create lasting value.
To connect businesses, resources, and opportunities that create lasting value.
Our Commitment
Our Commitment
Building trusted relationships and infrastructure for long-term, mutual growth.
Building trusted relationships and infrastructure for long-term, mutual growth.
THE OPPORTUNITY
THE OPPORTUNITY
Why this matters.
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.
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.
Robert Kadoi Peterson
Robert Kadoi Peterson
President & CEO | Head of Platform & Commercialization
President & CEO | Head of Platform & Commercialization
President & CEO | Head of Product & Platform
Robert Peterson is a digital transformation and ecosystem strategy leader with more than 15 years of experience designing platforms, modernizing operating models, and leading large-scale business transformation initiatives across financial services, technology, and international business development.
As Founder and CEO of Kizuna Partners, Robert leads the BridgePoint Initiative, a public-private ecosystem development effort focused on helping small and medium-sized enterprises discover growth opportunities, connect with strategic partners, access support programs, and expand both domestically and internationally. Working alongside business leaders, government organizations, and economic development stakeholders in Japan and the United States, he is helping shape a next-generation digital infrastructure designed to strengthen innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
Prior to Kizuna Partners, Robert spent more than a decade at JPMorgan Chase, where he led enterprise product strategy, workflow modernization, customer servicing transformation, and AI-enabled platform initiatives. His work focused on simplifying complex operating environments, improving organizational effectiveness, and creating scalable digital solutions that enhanced both customer and employee experiences.
Robert's background spans digital transformation, product strategy, service design, platform development, AI-enabled workflows, and ecosystem design. He brings a multidisciplinary perspective that combines strategic thinking, operational design, technology innovation, and cross-cultural business development.
Having lived and worked across the United States, Europe, and Japan, Robert is passionate about building bridges between organizations, industries, and markets. His work focuses on creating sustainable systems, partnerships, and digital infrastructure that enable long-term growth and international collaboration.
Robert Peterson is a digital transformation and ecosystem strategy leader with more than 15 years of experience designing platforms, modernizing operating models, and leading large-scale business transformation initiatives across financial services, technology, and international business development.
As Founder and CEO of Kizuna Partners, Robert leads the BridgePoint Initiative, a public-private ecosystem development effort focused on helping small and medium-sized enterprises discover growth opportunities, connect with strategic partners, access support programs, and expand both domestically and internationally. Working alongside business leaders, government organizations, and economic development stakeholders in Japan and the United States, he is helping shape a next-generation digital infrastructure designed to strengthen innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
Prior to Kizuna Partners, Robert spent more than a decade at JPMorgan Chase, where he led enterprise product strategy, workflow modernization, customer servicing transformation, and AI-enabled platform initiatives. His work focused on simplifying complex operating environments, improving organizational effectiveness, and creating scalable digital solutions that enhanced both customer and employee experiences.
Robert's background spans digital transformation, product strategy, service design, platform development, AI-enabled workflows, and ecosystem design. He brings a multidisciplinary perspective that combines strategic thinking, operational design, technology innovation, and cross-cultural business development.
Having lived and worked across the United States, Europe, and Japan, Robert is passionate about building bridges between organizations, industries, and markets. His work focuses on creating sustainable systems, partnerships, and digital infrastructure that enable long-term growth and international collaboration.
Touri Ueno
Touri Ueno
Senior Partner | Japan Partnership Development & Advisory
Senior Partner | Japan Partnership Development & Advisory
Touri Ueno is a senior international business executive and advisor with more than 50 years of experience leading business development, market expansion, strategic partnerships, and M&A initiatives across Japan, Europe, ASEAN, and Australia. Throughout his career, he has helped companies build international growth strategies, expand distribution networks, and establish long-term commercial partnerships.
Prior to founding TU&Company, Mr. Ueno spent more than three decades with Toyota Motor Corporation, where he held numerous senior leadership positions including President & Chairman of Toyota Finland, Chairman of Toyota Baltics, Director of Toyota Sweden, and General Manager of Toyota's Motorsports Business Management Division. During this time, he played a key role in international business development, corporate expansion, distribution strategy, and cross-border operations management throughout Europe and Asia.
Following Toyota, Mr. Ueno served as Senior Managing Director of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance and Vice Chairman of Toyota Insurance Management Europe, overseeing international insurance operations and strategic growth initiatives across Europe, China, Australia, and ASEAN markets.
Today, Mr. Ueno advises organizations on international market entry, business development, M&A opportunities, dealership and distribution network development, strategic alliances, and executive advisory services. His experience spans automotive, financial services, technology, retail distribution, and human capital development.
Mr. Ueno brings a unique global perspective shaped by decades of leadership experience across multiple industries and international markets. He is particularly recognized for helping organizations navigate complex cross-border growth opportunities, build trusted business relationships, and create sustainable pathways for international expansion between Japan and global markets.
Touri Ueno is a senior international business executive and advisor with more than 50 years of experience leading business development, market expansion, strategic partnerships, and M&A initiatives across Japan, Europe, ASEAN, and Australia. Throughout his career, he has helped companies build international growth strategies, expand distribution networks, and establish long-term commercial partnerships.
Prior to founding TU&Company, Mr. Ueno spent more than three decades with Toyota Motor Corporation, where he held numerous senior leadership positions including President & Chairman of Toyota Finland, Chairman of Toyota Baltics, Director of Toyota Sweden, and General Manager of Toyota's Motorsports Business Management Division. During this time, he played a key role in international business development, corporate expansion, distribution strategy, and cross-border operations management throughout Europe and Asia.
Following Toyota, Mr. Ueno served as Senior Managing Director of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance and Vice Chairman of Toyota Insurance Management Europe, overseeing international insurance operations and strategic growth initiatives across Europe, China, Australia, and ASEAN markets.
Today, Mr. Ueno advises organizations on international market entry, business development, M&A opportunities, dealership and distribution network development, strategic alliances, and executive advisory services. His experience spans automotive, financial services, technology, retail distribution, and human capital development.
Mr. Ueno brings a unique global perspective shaped by decades of leadership experience across multiple industries and international markets. He is particularly recognized for helping organizations navigate complex cross-border growth opportunities, build trusted business relationships, and create sustainable pathways for international expansion between Japan and global markets.
Bob Peterson
Bob Peterson
Chairman & COO | International Business Development & Commercialization
Chairman & COO | International Business Development & Commercialization
Robert Eric Peterson (Bob) is a senior business development and commercialization advisor with more than 50 years of experience helping organizations expand into new markets, build strategic partnerships, and accelerate business growth across Japan, North America, and Europe. Throughout his career, he has advised multinational corporations, public-sector organizations, startups, and family-owned businesses on market entry, business transformation, and international expansion strategies.
Bob is particularly recognized for helping Japanese organizations navigate growth opportunities outside Japan while assisting international companies in building relationships, partnerships, and commercial operations within the Japanese market. His extensive experience working across both cultures allows him to bridge business practices, communication styles, and stakeholder expectations between Japan and global markets.
Prior to founding Wickaboag Consulting Group, Bob began his career at Procter & Gamble before spending 18 years with Saatchi & Saatchi, where he helped grow the global Toyota and Lexus business. He later established his own consulting practice, advising organizations ranging from global enterprises and government-affiliated institutions to emerging ventures seeking growth and international expansion.
In addition to his advisory work, Bob is an entrepreneur and business operator. He co-founded the Toute Nuit skincare brand and helped grow the business from concept to a successful international ecommerce company serving customers in both Japan and the United States. This hands-on experience provides him with practical insight into the challenges companies face when launching products, entering new markets, and scaling commercial operations.
Having lived and worked extensively in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Brussels, and Rome, Bob brings a global perspective grounded in decades of real-world business experience. Known throughout Japan as "Bob-san," he is passionate about creating meaningful connections between organizations, helping companies navigate international growth opportunities, and building long-term partnerships that drive sustainable business success.
Robert Eric Peterson (Bob) is a senior business development and commercialization advisor with more than 50 years of experience helping organizations expand into new markets, build strategic partnerships, and accelerate business growth across Japan, North America, and Europe. Throughout his career, he has advised multinational corporations, public-sector organizations, startups, and family-owned businesses on market entry, business transformation, and international expansion strategies.
Bob is particularly recognized for helping Japanese organizations navigate growth opportunities outside Japan while assisting international companies in building relationships, partnerships, and commercial operations within the Japanese market. His extensive experience working across both cultures allows him to bridge business practices, communication styles, and stakeholder expectations between Japan and global markets.
Prior to founding Wickaboag Consulting Group, Bob began his career at Procter & Gamble before spending 18 years with Saatchi & Saatchi, where he helped grow the global Toyota and Lexus business. He later established his own consulting practice, advising organizations ranging from global enterprises and government-affiliated institutions to emerging ventures seeking growth and international expansion.
In addition to his advisory work, Bob is an entrepreneur and business operator. He co-founded the Toute Nuit skincare brand and helped grow the business from concept to a successful international ecommerce company serving customers in both Japan and the United States. This hands-on experience provides him with practical insight into the challenges companies face when launching products, entering new markets, and scaling commercial operations.
Having lived and worked extensively in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Brussels, and Rome, Bob brings a global perspective grounded in decades of real-world business experience. Known throughout Japan as "Bob-san," he is passionate about creating meaningful connections between organizations, helping companies navigate international growth opportunities, and building long-term partnerships that drive sustainable business success.
Ai Hamada
Ai Hamada
Creative Director | Brand Experience & Visual Design
Creative Director | Brand Experience & Visual Design
Ai Hamada is an independent Creative Director, Visual Designer, and Founder of Ashbury, a Tokyo-based digital design agency. With more than 15 years of experience across branding, digital design, advertising, and creative strategy, she helps organizations transform complex ideas into compelling brand experiences, visual identities, and customer-facing digital products.
Throughout her career, Ai has worked directly with clients to develop brand platforms, corporate websites, promotional campaigns, digital experiences, and community-driven engagement initiatives. Her approach combines strategic thinking, user-centered design principles, and visual storytelling to create solutions that strengthen brand perception, deepen customer engagement, and support business growth.
As Founder and Creative Director of Ashbury, Ai leads multidisciplinary projects spanning brand strategy, art direction, visual design, content development, photography, video production, copywriting, and digital experience design. She is particularly skilled at helping organizations articulate their vision, communicate value, and build meaningful connections with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
At Kizuna Partners, Ai serves as Creative Director, supporting engagements that require brand development, creative strategy, visual communication, digital experience design, and content creation. She works closely with clients to shape compelling narratives, elevate brand presence, and ensure that strategic initiatives are translated into clear, engaging, and impactful experiences.
Ai's background spans creative direction, brand strategy, web design, digital marketing, and visual communications. Her work is grounded in the belief that effective design should not only be visually compelling but should also solve real business challenges and create meaningful experiences for users.
Beyond her commercial work, Ai is also an artist and advocate whose creative practice explores themes of empowerment, identity, and human connection, bringing a unique perspective to her work as both a designer and creative leader.
Ai Hamada is an independent Creative Director, Visual Designer, and Founder of Ashbury, a Tokyo-based digital design agency. With more than 15 years of experience across branding, digital design, advertising, and creative strategy, she helps organizations transform complex ideas into compelling brand experiences, visual identities, and customer-facing digital products.
Throughout her career, Ai has worked directly with clients to develop brand platforms, corporate websites, promotional campaigns, digital experiences, and community-driven engagement initiatives. Her approach combines strategic thinking, user-centered design principles, and visual storytelling to create solutions that strengthen brand perception, deepen customer engagement, and support business growth.
As Founder and Creative Director of Ashbury, Ai leads multidisciplinary projects spanning brand strategy, art direction, visual design, content development, photography, video production, copywriting, and digital experience design. She is particularly skilled at helping organizations articulate their vision, communicate value, and build meaningful connections with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
At Kizuna Partners, Ai serves as Creative Director, supporting engagements that require brand development, creative strategy, visual communication, digital experience design, and content creation. She works closely with clients to shape compelling narratives, elevate brand presence, and ensure that strategic initiatives are translated into clear, engaging, and impactful experiences.
Ai's background spans creative direction, brand strategy, web design, digital marketing, and visual communications. Her work is grounded in the belief that effective design should not only be visually compelling but should also solve real business challenges and create meaningful experiences for users.
Beyond her commercial work, Ai is also an artist and advocate whose creative practice explores themes of empowerment, identity, and human connection, bringing a unique perspective to her work as both a designer and creative leader.
Lets build what's possible—together.
Lets build what's possible—together.
Whether you're exploring opportunities, seeking partners, or ready to grow, we're here to connect.
Whether you're exploring opportunities, seeking partners, or ready to grow, we're here to connect.
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
2026 Kizuna Partners. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
2026 Kizuna Partners. All rights reserved.



