Since opening on January 1, 2001, our Tokyo office has built a strong presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and complex markets. As the team celebrates its 25-year anniversary, we spoke with Kaori Yamamoto, Office Operations Manager in Tokyo, who shared her perspective on the office’s culture, development, and what continues to make it a special place to work.
What do you know about the early days of the Tokyo office? How big was the team and what was the atmosphere like?
Kaori: We began with a small team and right from the start, this team fostered a highly entrepreneurial and collaborative environment. Establishing a presence in Japan, a complex and demanding market for the consulting industry, required a high degree of resilience and adaptability.
Since then, the Tokyo office has grown steadily, with three office relocations marking key stages in its development. Over time, it has built a strong and capable team - one that still reflects that early spirit of resilience and ambition today.
Do you have a memorable moment from the early days?
Kaori: From what the colleagues share, the early days were shaped by a strong sense of ownership and commitment, with everyone playing a hands-on role in building the office. That spirit still comes through today. You can feel it in how the teams collaborate, take responsibility, and support one another.
How has the Tokyo office evolved since you joined?
Kaori: The Tokyo office has evolved steadily in both scale and capabilities. Rather than experiencing rapid expansion, it has grown in a steady and consistent way over time. Operating in Japan’s business environment appears to have shaped a focused and adaptable organization.
This progression is also reflected in the evolution of the workplace, including three office relocations over time. While the organization has become more structured, there is still a strong sense of flexibility in how we work, with individuals taking on broad responsibilities and collaborating closely. What has remained constant is the shared sense of purpose across the office.
What do you personally value most about working in the Tokyo office?
Kaori: One of the most distinctive aspects of working in the Tokyo office is the strong sense of continuity in its culture. Over the past 25 years, the office has grown, yet it has consistently maintained a supportive environment where people can do their best work.
At the same time, being a relatively lean team means that each of us can take on meaningful responsibilities and clearly see the impact of our contributions. That visibility makes the work both motivating and rewarding on a very personal level.
What's the best team-building activity or social event your office has organized so far?
Kaori: It is difficult to choose just one, as different activities contribute to team building in different ways. Rather than relying on one standout event, we focus on creating regular opportunities for connection across the office.
Team gatherings and regular office meetings help foster day-to-day communication and alignment, which naturally strengthen relationships over time. It’s these consistent touchpoints that create a real sense of connection within the team.
Is there something unique about the Tokyo office culture that has stayed consistent over time?
Kaori: A notable aspect of the Tokyo office culture is how its core values have sustained over time. Even as team composition has changed, there is a strong alignment around open communication, mutual respect, and close collaboration.
What makes this especially meaningful is that these are not just stated values. They are reflected in everyday interactions and continue to shape how we work together as a team.