Aboitiz Economic Estates (AEE) has planted its flag in central Tokyo, opening a dedicated Japan Office to tighten ties with Japanese manufacturers and smooth the path for those expanding or scaling operations in the Philippines.
The move signals a sharper, more proximate approach to courting one of the country’s most consistent sources of industrial investment.
The office builds on more than 30 years of collaboration between the Aboitiz Group and Japanese firms, spanning shipbuilding, energy, and industrial development. These partnerships, AEE noted, have typically centered on projects where stability, strong governance, and long-term operating continuity matter as much as commercial returns. As the Group accelerates its transformation into a self-described “techglomerate,” Aboitiz is blending sector expertise with technology-enabled solutions to help locators run leaner, smarter, and more resilient operations.
By establishing a permanent presence in Tokyo, AEE is formalizing relationships that have long been active but often managed across borders and time zones.
The Japan Office is designed to bring coordination closer to key decision-makers, enabling earlier alignment on project requirements, clearer communication, and smoother handoffs between headquarters teams in Japan and operating units in the Philippines.
The goal is to lessen the friction during investment, expansion, and execution.
Leading the Tokyo initiative is Kazuaki Shirozono, appointed Senior Adviser for Global Market Strategy and Development.
Based in Japan, Shirozono serves as AEE’s on-the-ground point person—supporting existing Japanese locators, guiding new investors through market entry and site development, and translating Philippine operating realities into decision-ready insights.
His background in delivering large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects across Japan and Asia, including senior roles at Marubeni Corporation, aligns closely with Japanese firms’ emphasis on risk management, governance, and long-term viability.
With the Japan Office, AEE is positioning itself not just as a landlord, but as a long-term operating partner for Japanese manufacturers looking south.
