Cushman & Wakefield (Global Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA; Japan Headquarters: Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku; hereinafter "C&W"), a global real estate services firm, has expanded its cross-border service capabilities to provide stronger support for Japanese companies and investors pursuing overseas expansion and cross-border investment. With the deployment of Japanese staff to its Chicago office and strengthened collaboration with the Tokyo team, the company aims to accelerate clients’ decision-making in overseas markets and deliver advanced local support.
This enhanced structure enables seamless, end-to-end services, ranging from investment opportunity creation and local coordination to location strategy development and execution. It also addresses the challenges of information asymmetry and complex local conditions faced by Japanese companies and global investors.
Todd Olson, Country Head, Cushman & Wakefield Japan said, "This push to significantly expand our cross-border capabilities is in response to increased activity by both Japanese capital and corporates expanding overseas, as well as continued investment demand for Japanese assets. Our experienced team will further strengthen C&W’s capabilities, allowing us to deliver faster and more detailed support as the best local partner for Japanese companies and investors competing globally."
Background and Purpose of Service Enhancement
C&W has long supported Japanese companies and investors through its global platform and local market expertise. This organizational enhancement will enable delivery of higher quality and faster services through:
• Real-time market intelligence from overseas offices
• Stronger communication capabilities in both local languages and Japanese
• Comprehensive, end-to-end support spanning investment strategy, access to capital, asset acquisition and asset management
Leadership Structure and New Appointments
Hiroyuki Takayama
Head of Cross-Border Transactions (Tokyo)
Focus: Support for Japanese companies' overseas bases, overseas investment support
With over 20 years of experience in cross-border transactions and an extensive global network, Hiroyuki Takayama advises Japanese companies on their overseas expansion and withdrawal strategies. A graduate from Kyoto University and Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, he has also completed a program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Masahiro Tanaka
Senior Director, Cross-Border Transactions (Chicago, USA)
Focus: Cross-Border Investment Advisory, Support for inbound investors in the U.S.
Masahiro Tanaka assumed his role in January 2026. Based in Chicago, he provides enhanced support for global investors and develops investment opportunities tailored to Japanese investor needs. He was previously leading the Global Fund Business Development team at Mizuho Trust & Banking (Japan), specializing in non-recourse loan financing arrangements, real estate securitization and investment property brokerage services for non-resident professional investors. Masahiro brings international experience and expertise gained from his roles at Mizuho Real Estate Investment Advisors, CBRE (U.S.), and JLL (China/Japan). He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and holds an MBA from North Carolina State University at Chapel Hill. He is a certified Master by the Real Estate Securitization Association.
Mariko Takei
Director, Cross-Border Transactions (Tokyo)
Focus: Overseas investment support for Japanese investors
Appointed in August 2025, Mariko Takei collaborates closely with C&W’s teams worldwide to source investment opportunities that align with the requirements of Japanese investors. She has deep expertise in asset management and investment strategies across Japan and multiple global markets, including the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia. Mariko has advised and helped both domestic and international investors in optimizing their real estate acquisition strategies. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked at Mizuho Real Estate Management (formerly Simplex), Stasia Capital Japan, Creed Corporation and CBRE Investors Japan/New City Corporation. She is a graduate of Kyoto University.
Stephen Higgins
Investment Sales Director (Tokyo)
Focus: Supporting overseas investors' entry into and expansion within Japan
Stephen Higgins joined the team in October 2025, advising international investors on their market entry and expansion strategies in Japan. Formerly Head of Capital Markets at C&W Vietnam, he led cross-border investment projects and helped Japanese companies enter the Vietnamese market. He also facilitated investment opportunities in hotels, offices, and industrial real estate. Stephen has over 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate sector.
Kojiro Shiino
Head of Corporate Strategy Advisory (Tokyo)
Focus: Supporting real estate strategy development for Japanese companies' business expansion, portfolio management, CRE strategy
Appointed in November 2025, Kojiro Shiino supports Japanese corporates in formulating and executing real estate strategies that align with business growth. He has 18 years of corporate sales experience in the construction industry and previously led the consolidation of approximately 120 domestic and international locations at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. Kojiro has also played a key role in establishing divisions for Japanese enterprises at CBRE and JLL, with deep expertise in corporate real estate (CRE) strategy.