Takashi Miyake, President and CEO, Japan M&A Center Holdings Co., Ltd.

M&A: Connecting companies, connecting lives, connecting the future.

Suguru Miyake, President and Representative Director, Japan M&A Center Holdings Co., Ltd.

■ Profile
Born in Kobe City in 1952. Graduated from Osaka Institute of Technology. After working at Olivetti Japan, he participated in the establishment of Japan M&A Center in 1991. He led the company as a pioneer in M&A for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He established know-how and achieved efficiency based on his experience in handling hundreds of M&A deals. When the company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, he led the sales division and contributed to its expansion. He is a pioneering figure in the practical aspects of M&A for medium-sized and small businesses, and his seminars based on his extensive experience are always well-received.

Japan M&A Center Holdings contributes to the "survival and development" of companies through M&A and works to revitalize the Japanese economy. In an era of rapid change brought about by a lack of successors, population decline, a weak yen, and the rise of AI, what is the true mission that the company must fulfill? We interviewed President Takashi Miyake about the company's initiatives, the background behind its outstanding achievements, and the type of person needed for the next generation of business professionals.

I joined a computer company right after graduating from university and worked as a salesman through the turbulent period of transition from mainframe computers to small computers and then to PCs. While continuing to work at the forefront of the IT world, I wanted to challenge myself in an even newer field, and that's when I encountered M&A. When I heard about the establishment of Japan M&A Center, I instinctively thought, "This sounds interesting," and immediately decided to enter this world.

■ Why M&A is needed now

There are two main patterns of M&A, which involves buying and selling companies. One is "business succession" for companies that lack a successor. Currently, out of approximately 302 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan, about 1 million are run by managers aged 70 or older (*1). The number of companies that are forced to suspend operations or close down despite being profitable due to the lack of a successor is increasing, with approximately 70,000 business suspensions and over 10,000 bankruptcies last year (*2). The first pattern is M&A as a means for companies lacking successors to join the ranks of medium-sized or large companies and continue their businesses into the future, in order to pass on the wonderful culture, technology, and employment of employees that have been cultivated in Japan to the next generation.
Another aspect is M&A as a means of "supporting corporate growth," primarily aimed at young entrepreneurs. Currently, Japan is facing four paradigm shift challenges: "a surge in business closures due to a lack of successors," "a shortage of personnel due to a declining working-age population," "a sharp decline in profits due to the weak yen and rising prices," and "a delay in adapting to AI." In the coming era, it will be extremely difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to maintain sustainable growth on their own. M&A is needed as a means for such companies to join hands with other companies, leverage each other's strengths, and survive and grow.

■ Aiming to be No. 1 in the world in both quantity and quality

Our company was founded with investments from accounting professionals. Since our establishment, we have built a strong network with accounting firms and financial institutions nationwide. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Japan receive support from these two organizations. We work in cooperation with 1,118 accounting firms and over 300 financial institutions nationwide, and based on our extensive database, we support matching for medium-sized and small businesses.
Furthermore, we also place great importance on post-merger integration (PMI). In M&A transactions involving medium-sized and small businesses, the key factors are "compatibility between the parties" and "the happiness of both companies after the transfer." Therefore, we provide thorough support for the post-merger PMI process. This includes holding a grand closing ceremony (signing ceremony) after the M&A is finalized and creating autobiographies for the business owners. The M&A closing ceremony, in particular, is a place to celebrate the achievements of the selling company's management and, at the same time, for the acquiring company's management to renew their commitment to future growth. Moreover, the achievements of the business owner who sold the company can be passed down to their children and grandchildren through their autobiography, ensuring that happiness is enjoyed across generations. Of course, our support is not limited to such formalities.
We provide thorough support, from maintaining employment systems to integrating cultures, to ensure that employees and their families are never left without jobs as a result of an M&A. We also offer the highest quality in terms of "deep respect and warm support for the acquired company." Through these efforts, we aim to be the world's No. 1 company not only in quantity but also in quality.

■ The "warm heart" and "cool head" required of M&A business professionals

To accomplish the significant task of M&A, the most essential skill is "EQ (Empathy)." Since the students who apply to our company are already very talented, we don't place much emphasis on IQ (Intelligence Quotient). However, for our young employees in their 20s and 30s to truly understand and connect with the "passion" and "history" that our 60s and 70s executives have built over their lives, a high level of empathy is indispensable.
The foundation of this empathy is sensitivity. However, sensitivity is said to decline rapidly between the ages of 20 and 30. That's why I want students to practice imagining "invisible backgrounds and the emotions of others" by reading novels that don't offer concrete images or answers, or by engaging with art such as paintings and music. The sensitivity cultivated in this way will lead to the ability to empathize with the feelings of others.
We describe the kind of person we're looking for as someone with "a warm heart and a cool head." We seek individuals with a warm, empathetic heart and a calm, logical mind. We don't simply merge companies as a business transaction; we require a strong sense of mission—a genuine and responsible consideration of "what truly constitutes a happy future for this company." Sometimes, this means even suggesting the option of "not proceeding with the M&A (breaking off the deal)" for the sake of our clients' future. This kind of integrity is essential for a top-tier business professional.

■Message to students

Job hunting is a crucial moment in your life, as it's the first time you'll be making a choice about your future on your own responsibility. The DNA of the first company you join will leave a lasting impression on how you live your life as a business person. That's why I think it's important to choose a company seriously, based on your own values, rather than being swayed by the opinions of others.
Furthermore, in order to survive in the turbulent times ahead, having a "dedicated" nature—the ability to pursue one thing in depth—will be a strength. It doesn't matter if it's studying or a hobby. Gain experience by thoroughly exploring something that you can only do while you're a student. I wholeheartedly support your passionate endeavors.

*1: Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, "Basic Survey of Small and Medium Enterprises, 2023 Final Report (Fiscal Year 2022 Settlement Results)"
*2: Teikoku Databank, "Nationwide Survey on Trends in Business Closures and Dissolutions (2025)", "Bankruptcy Statistics 2025 Annual Report (January-December)"

Student Newspaper Online, August 21, 2026, Interview with Kyohei Nakazawa, 8rd year student at Waseda University

Kyohei Nakazawa (3rd year, Waseda University) / Mio Ozawa (2nd year, Seijo University) / Koyaku Haruki (1st year, Keio University) / Mai Wakao (4th year, International Christian University)