Tokyo – November 5, 2025 – Kekst CNC today announced the appointment of Minako Otani as Co-Head Japan, reflecting the continued growth and evolution of its Japan operations. Otani, who joined the firm in 2010, will lead the Tokyo office alongside Dr. Jochen Legewie, Partner and Co-Head Japan, who also serves as Chairperson Asia.
Japan is entering a new era of corporate transformation. Global investors are showing record interest as governance reforms, rising shareholder engagement, and a renewed focus on capital efficiency reshape the market. Mergermarket reports that Japan’s M&A volume surged by 100% in the first nine months of 2025, outpacing the global average of 32%. In 2024, foreign firms submitted a record 193 proposals for majority stakes in Japanese companies, a level expected to be surpassed again in 2025. Japan has since emerged as one of the world’s most active takeover regions, underscoring growing confidence in its corporate and capital markets.
Since establishing its Tokyo office in 2004, Kekst CNC has been at the forefront of strategic and financial communications in Japan. Over the last 20 years, the firm has advised on more than 110 Japan-related deals, more than any other firm according to Mergermarket. In 2025, this included some of the largest and high-stakes transactions and landmark mandates, such as defending against the largest foreign takeover bid for a Japanese firm and advising on the most significant Chapter 11 restructuring of a Japanese company in recent years.
Building on this strong foundation, Kekst CNC is expanding its Japan leadership to meet growing demand from clients navigating complex strategic, financial, and reputational challenges. The firm continues to deepen its role as an advisor to boards and executive teams, helping clients communicate transformation, manage critical stakeholder relationships, and articulate long-term corporate value.
Since moving to a larger office in 2024, our team has continuously grown in scale and capability. As Japan’s business landscape evolves, clients are increasingly seeking advisors who can bridge local and global perspectives, connecting capital markets, corporate strategy, and reputation. With Minako joining as Co-Head, we’re strengthening our leadership bench for the next phase of growth.
Our Tokyo office has long been a trusted partner to Japan’s most dynamic companies. As Japanese firms pursue bold transformation agendas, we are evolving our leadership with two seasoned advisors whose complementary experience and strengths position us to help clients navigate change and opportunity - from governance and stakeholder strategy to transactions and global reputation.
Minako is widely respected for her experience advising on complex, high-profile situations and brings valuable perspective to our leadership team. With Jochen and Minako jointly heading our Tokyo office, we are strengthening the bridge between Japan and our global platform to continue delivering the clarity and counsel our clients rely on worldwide.
About Kekst CNC
Kekst CNC, the international strategic communications boutique of Publicis Groupe, has pioneered strategic communications to help its clients achieve their most important business goals for more than 50 years. With offices in the world’s major corporate and financial centres, it uses insight, creativity and judgement to partner with clients seeking to grow, transform or protect their organizations. For more information, visit www.kekstcnc.com.