Japan M&a Advisor Association

What Japan M&a Advisor Association does

Japan M&A Advisor Association (JMAA, 一般財団法人日本M&Aアドバイザー協会) is a Tokyo-based General Incorporated Foundation established in August 2010 that educates, certifies, and networks M&A advisors specializing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan. The association addresses a structural market gap — roughly 70,000 Japanese SMEs closing annually due to lack of successors, affecting 200,000-350,000 jobs per year — by promoting 'friendly M&A' (友好的M&A) as an alternative to business closure. Its core product is the M&A Practical Skills Training Course (M&A実務スキル養成講座), a 2-day intensive workshop priced at ¥198,000, which has been delivered 300+ times since 2011 and feeds directly into the JMAA Certified M&A Advisor (CMA) credential.

JMAA operates a four-stream revenue model: (1) one-time training fees (¥198,000 per participant) for aspiring advisors and corporate M&A staff; (2) recurring membership subscriptions for certified advisors at ¥11,000/month or ¥132,000/year (¥33,000 entry fee, waived for course graduates), granting access to a nationwide deal database, monthly study sessions, and case support; (3) second-opinion consulting services for SME buyers and sellers at ¥33,000/hour; and (4) a case-support system that takes 50% of the success fee when JMAA accompanies a member on a deal. Free 2-hour introductory seminars ('M&A Everyone Can Understand') in 11+ Japanese cities serve as the top-of-funnel acquisition channel for both advisor recruitment and SME-owner engagement.

Distribution is direct and domestic — no resellers — comprising physical training events in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Sendai, Kyoto, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and Takamatsu, plus online streaming and website sign-ups. The organization is governed by Representative Director/Chairman Ohara Tatsuro (大原達朗), Managing Director/Secretary General Matsubara Ryota (松原良太), and Director Hayashima Satoshi (早﨑聡史), with operational infrastructure provided by core partners Bizign Co., Ltd. and Arte Partners Co., Ltd. JMAA does not develop technology products; its platform comprises a members-only M&A deal-matching database. Strategic partnerships with BBT University, Tokyo Small and Medium Business Investment & Consultation, CRC Enterprise Rebuilding & Succession Consultant Cooperative, and others extend its reach into accounting, legal, academic, and turnaround-advisory professional communities.

Name

Japan M&a Advisor Association

Legal name

一般財団法人日本M&Aアドバイザー協会

Website

https://jma-a.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Japan M&A Advisor Association (JMAA) is a Tokyo-based foundation that trains, certifies, and networks M&A advisors specializing in Japanese SMEs through paid training courses, membership subscriptions, and second-opinion consulting. Founded in 2010, it serves SME owners facing succession gaps and aspiring M&A advisors seeking certification and deal-flow access.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

M&A Advisory Education and Certification

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Valuation, M&A & Corporate Development (EDABAJAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

M&A Advisory (Buy-side/Sell-side) (BPAHADAC)

Keywords

• M&A advisory training
• SME business succession
• M&A advisor certification
• Business brokerage education
• Second opinion consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Training Program Sales: JMAA generates revenue primarily from paid training programs. The flagship 'M&A Practical Skills Training Course' (M&A実務スキル養成講座) is priced at ¥198,000 (tax-inclusive) for a 2-day intensive program held nationwide. This is the core revenue driver for educating aspiring M&A advisors and in-house M&A staff.
2. Membership Subscriptions: JMAA earns recurring revenue from membership fees. Regular members (正会員) pay an entry fee of ¥33,000 (waived for training course graduates) and monthly dues of ¥11,000 (or ¥132,000 annually for one-year prepayment). Supporting members (賛助会員) also pay membership dues. Members gain access to case databases, networking events, and deal support.
3. Second Opinion Consulting Services: JMAA offers M&A second opinion consulting services for ¥33,000 (tax-inclusive) for a 1-hour session, with additional consultation at ¥33,000 per additional hour. These services are available for both buyers and sellers of SMEs seeking expert review of M&A processes, valuations, and strategies.
4. Case Support System: For JMAA regular members handling their first or complex M&A advisory deals, the association provides case support. The fee is 50% of the success-based compensation earned by the involved JMAA regular member on the target deal, providing an additional revenue stream while supporting new advisors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

JMAA educates, trains, and certifies M&A advisors specializing in Japanese SMEs through a 2-day intensive Practical Skills Training Course (¥198,000), a CMA certification credential, and a recurring membership (¥11,000/month) that grants access to a nationwide M&A deal database, monthly study sessions, networking events, and a Case Support System. It complements these B2B services with paid Second Opinion consulting (¥33,000/hour) for SME buyers and sellers, a free introductory M&A seminar series held nationwide, and an In-house M&A Manager Training Course for corporate development teams.

Product overview

Japan M&A Advisor Association (JMAA) operates a comprehensive education and membership platform for M&A advisory professionals specializing in small-to-medium enterprises. The core offering consists of the M&A Practical Skills Training Course (198,000 yen), which is a 2-day intensive program combining lectures, workshops, and group work to train aspiring M&A advisors. This is supported by free introductory Seminars for Everyone that provide M&A awareness education. Upon completion of the training and certification exam, members receive the JMAA Certified M&A Advisor qualification and gain access to the Full Member Services platform, which includes a deal database, networking events, monthly study sessions, and case support systems. Additional paid services include Second Opinion Services for both buyers and sellers (33,000 yen), the In-house M&A Manager Training Course for corporate professionals, and a free Business Succession/Sales Consultation service. An Advisor Search platform enables buyers and sellers to find qualified JMAA-certified advisors across Japan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• M&A Practical Skills Training Course (M&A実務スキル養成講座) 2-day intensive practical training course (¥198,000 tax-inclusive) for aspiring M&A advisors and corporate M&A staff, covering the complete workflow of small-to-medium scale M&A transactions with workshops, group work, and hands-on experience using real-world tools and templates.
• M&A Entry Seminar for Everyone (誰にでもわかるM&A入門セミナー) Free 2-hour introductory seminar explaining M&A fundamentals, processes, and strategic applications from both buyer and seller perspectives, delivered by practicing M&A professionals in venues across Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Sendai, Kyoto, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Takamatsu, and online via YouTube.
• JMAA Certified M&A Advisor Certification (JMAA認定M&Aアドバイザー資格) Certification program awarded to M&A advisors who complete the Practical Skills Training Course and pass the certification exam, enabling them to operate as recognized JMAA Certified M&A Advisors (CMA) with member benefits.
• Case Support System (案件サポート制度) Support system where JMAA accompanies regular members through M&A advisory engagements, providing mentorship and cooperation toward deal completion, particularly for first-time advisors or high-difficulty cases, with a fee of 50% of the success-based compensation earned by the involved JMAA regular member on the target deal.
• M&A Second Opinion Service for Sellers (売り手様向けセカンドオピニオンサービス) One-hour expert consultation service for business owners considering selling, providing independent expert opinions on M&A processes, valuations, and strategies at ¥33,000 (tax-inclusive) per hour, with additional consultations at the same hourly rate.
• M&A Second Opinion Service for Buyers (買い手様向けセカンドオピニオンサービス) One-hour expert consultation service for companies considering acquisitions, helping buyers make informed M&A decisions with expert advice at ¥33,000 (tax-inclusive) per hour.
• In-house M&A Manager Training Course (組織内M&A担当者養成講座) One-day intensive course designed for corporate M&A managers and executives, covering acquisition strategies, valuation methods, and deal execution skills, awarding the 'M&A Strategist (CMS)' certification upon completion.
• JMAA Regular Member Services (JMAA正会員サービス) Comprehensive membership platform (¥33,000 entry fee, waived for training course graduates; ¥11,000/month or ¥132,000/year prepaid, ¥31,500/month for organizations with 30+ employees) providing access to M&A deal databases, networking events, monthly study sessions, practitioner document downloads, expert introductions, and ongoing business development support for certified M&A advisors.
• Business Succession/Sales Consultation (事業承継・売却相談) Free advisory service for business owners seeking succession or sale options, providing neutral and fair guidance on transferring businesses to third parties, including NDA contracts and confidentiality protections.
• M&A Advisor Search (M&Aアドバイザーの検索) Searchable database and matching platform allowing buyers and sellers to find qualified JMAA-certified M&A advisors across Japan.
• M&A Deal Information (M&A案件情報) Members-only database service providing access to buy-side and sell-side M&A deal opportunities for matching and deal execution.

Quantifiable outcome

• JMAA estimates ~70,000 companies close annually in Japan due to lack of successors, affecting 200,000-350,000 jobs per year — JMAA's mission is to provide an alternative through friendly M&A

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate and core.

• CAMP Inc. (kamppu kabushikigaisha) (kamppu kabushikigaisha)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 December 2020JMAA entered into a business partnership (業務提携) with CAMP Inc., announced on December 22, 2020. The partnership aims to expand JMAA's reach and service capabilities in the M&A advisory ecosystem.
• CRC Enterprise Rebuilding & Succession Consultant Cooperative (企業再建・継承コンサルタント協同組合)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2013JMAA partners with the CRC Enterprise Rebuilding & Succession Consultant Cooperative for joint seminars and the Turnaround Manager (TAM) training program. CRC member Yukihiro Kiruike, a senior M&A practitioner with 20+ years of experience, has spoken at JMAA member events, bringing industry expertise to the JMAA community.
• Arute Sogo Law Office (アルテ総合律师事务所)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2013Arute Sogo Law Office (アルテ総合律师事务所), represented by lawyer Murai, provided a legal education session on M&A case law at a JMAA member event in June 2013, demonstrating JMAA's ecosystem of professional service partners supporting its advisor network.
• Inspire Consulting Co., Ltd. (株式会社インスパイア・コンサルティング)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2011JMAA co-hosted a free seminar 'What Tax Accountants Should Know About M&A' (税理士が知っておきたいM&A業務の基礎知識) on November 1, 2011 with Inspire Consulting. This partnership targeted tax accountants and CPAs, introducing JMAA's M&A training as a new service line for accounting practices.
• Rieki Juku / Yanagisawa Management Research Institute (利益塾 / 株式会社柳澤経営研究所)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 August 2011JMAA co-hosted a seminar on August 25, 2011 with Rieki Juku (利益塾), led by tax strategist Kenji Yanagisawa (柳澤賢仁). The event targeted accountants and tax practitioners, positioning JMAA's training as a new service offering for accounting firms, expanding JMAA's advisor recruitment reach into the accounting profession.
• Tokyo Small and Medium Business Investment & Consultation Co., Ltd. (東京中小企業投資育成株式会社)moderateGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2011JMAA co-hosts free succession and M&A seminars with Tokyo Small and Medium Business Investment & Consultation Co., Ltd. (東京中小企業投資育成株式会社), a policy-driven investment institution established in 1963. These events target SME owners in the Tokyo region, providing JMAA with access to a pre-screened audience of business owners considering succession options.
• Hosei University Graduate School of Innovation Management (法政大学大学院イノベーション・マネジメント総合研究所)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 February 2011JMAA co-hosts seminars with Hosei University's Graduate School of Innovation Management. These academic partnerships lend credibility to JMAA's programs and reach business students, entrepreneurs, and working professionals interested in M&A.
• Nagasaki Inter-Business Plaza (長崎県異業種連携・交流会 / NIP)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 November 2010JMAA conducted lectures on M&A strategy for SME owners at the Nagasaki Inter-Business Plaza (NIP), a regional business networking organization. This partnership extends JMAA's reach to Nagasaki Prefecture's SME community and regional government-supported business networks.
• Bizign Co., Ltd. (株式会社ビザイン)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2010Bizign Co., Ltd. (株式会社ビザイン) is a key operational partner of JMAA. Its representative director Ryota Matsubara serves as JMAA's Managing Director and Secretary General. Bizign provides operational infrastructure support and is credited as a website sponsor, indicating a deep operational and strategic relationship rooted in the co-founding of the association.
• Arte Partners Co., Ltd. (アルテパートナーズ株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2010Arte Partners Co., Ltd. (アルテパートナーズ株式会社) is listed as a website sponsor alongside Bizign. Its representative director Tatsuro Ohara serves as JMAA's President and Representative Director. The firm is a core strategic partner founded alongside the association's mission to promote SME-friendly M&A in Japan.
• Business Breakthrough University (BBT大学)moderateGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2010JMAA co-hosts seminars and workshops with BBT University (ビジネス・ブレークスルー大学), whose president is renowned management consultant Kenichi Ohmae. JMAA's founding representative director Miho Shimizu is a graduate of BBT University's MBA program. Joint events include 'M&A de Jigyo wo Kangaeru' (Thinking About Business Through M&A) seminars, expanding JMAA's reach to BBT's student and alumni network.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• TRANBIA (トランビ): Japan-focused online M&A matching and advisory platform, also featured in JMAA's Special Talks. Comparable because it serves the same Japanese SME buyer/seller market with a digital deal-matching platform — competing for both the advisor pool that JMAA trains and the SME transaction flow that JMAA's case-support system monetizes.
• Nihon M&A Center: Japan's largest dedicated SME M&A intermediary, with a nationwide network of advisors, M&A matching platform, and high-volume deal flow. Directly comparable to JMAA because both serve Japanese SME succession M&A, train/orchestrate advisors, and address the same ~70,000-company annual closure wave — but operates as a commission-driven intermediary rather than education-first foundation.
• M&A Capital Partners: Japan-focused M&A advisory firm specializing in SME buy-side and sell-side intermediation. Comparable because it serves the same Japanese SME M&A market with full-service advisory — providing a competing pathway for advisors and SMEs relative to JMAA's training-and-certification platform.
• M&A Research Institute: Technology-led Japanese M&A advisory firm listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, focused on SME and mid-market M&A. Comparable as a competing aggregator of M&A advisor capacity targeting the same Japanese SME market, with similar emphasis on advisor productivity tools and case-database matching.
• Bizreach (Suceed / サクシード): M&A intermediary platform operated by Bizreach, featuring in Special Talks on JMAA's own website. Comparable to JMAA as a Japan-focused SME M&A intermediation ecosystem with advisor recruitment, deal matching, and buyer/seller education — but operates as a venture-backed digital platform rather than a training-and-certification foundation.
• Baton (バトンズ): One of Japan's largest digital M&A platforms focused specifically on SME succession M&A. Directly comparable as a marketplace-and-advisory hybrid serving Japanese SME sellers and buyers — featured in JMAA's Special Talks — competing for deal flow and advisor acquisition in the same structural succession market.

Others

• Business Breakthrough University (BBT University): Japanese online business university founded by management consultant Kenichi Ohmae, and a JMAA co-hosting partner for M&A seminars. Comparable as an educational/training ecosystem targeting working professionals in business and management — serving as a channel and pipeline for JMAA's advisor recruitment rather than a direct competitor.
• Tokyo Small and Medium Business Investment & Consultation Co. Policy-driven Japanese SME investment and consulting institution established in 1963, and a JMAA co-hosting partner for free succession seminars. Comparable as a Japan-focused SME support ecosystem that targets the same succession-stressed business owner population — providing JMAA with access to pre-screened SME audiences and policy legitimacy.

Broad incumbents

• Aoyama Sogo Accounting Firm (Big 4 Aoyama): One of Japan's largest accounting/audit firms (Big 4 equivalent), founded by JMAA Chairman Ohara. Comparable because it provides advisory and CPA services to Japanese SME transactions, including M&A advisory work — a broader incumbent with a wider service portfolio than JMAA but overlapping in serving SME successions.

Emerging players

• M&A Cloud (マーブルクラウド / Crowdmix): Emerging Japanese M&A intermediary platform using digital matchmaking and software tools. Comparable to JMAA's mission of expanding the SME M&A advisor pool, but positioned as a digital-first marketplace rather than a credentialing foundation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/jmaaorg
• Xx.com/jmaa_org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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