Works to
Strike a
Chord
Chord
Chord
Mission
Bringing global perspectives directly to Japan.
Bringing Japan’s perspective directly to the world.
Vision as of 2026
Sharing global affairs with professionals.
When Japanese professionals open their eyes to the world, the world feels closer.
When global professionals come to understand Japan, Japan gains new allies.
Professionals alone cannot change the world.
But change begins with professionals.
That is where we aim to arrive first.
Message
CHORD Corporation engages in research and consulting.
Our approach is to see the world broadly and understand it deeply.
We are not interested in fashionable themes. Nor do we work for clients who lack conviction or purpose. We devote ourselves fully to work we believe truly matters. We are drawn to viewing society and industry through a macro lens. Challenging conventional thinking on security, international affairs, macroeconomics, capital markets, and global management is what we do.
We seek to collaborate with clients, researchers, and consultants who share this mindset, and we believe we will meet many who do.
Founder CEO
Sonny (SungYun) Kim
In 2003, joined Nomura Research Institute (NRI) and was assigned to the Business Strategy Consulting Division. Worked with clients across a wide range of industries, including electric power and gas, housing and real estate, general trading companies, manufacturing, and financial institutions. Participated in projects involving business strategy formulation, new business development, and corporate turnaround initiatives.
In 2010, joined the Consulting Business Planning Division, where he led the establishment of Nomura Research Institute India and promoted a capital alliance project with a local partner company. In 2013, in the Infrastructure Industry Consulting Division, he worked with major real estate developers and general trading companies on projects such as mid-term management planning, overseas business strategy formulation, business portfolio restructuring, and M&A.
In 2015, transferred to NRI India and was based in Gurgaon. Supported projects related to India, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia for clients in the automotive, automotive components, food and beverage, general trading, and real estate sectors. In 2016, he was appointed President and CEO of NRI India. Over five years in India, he expanded the organization from 29 to 152 employees, increased revenue by 3.7 times, and achieved profitability every year.
In 2020, joined ARUHI Corporation and was appointed Executive Officer and Head of the Sales Development Division.
In 2021, founded CHORD Corporation.
He conducts research and analysis in areas including institutional investor behavior, alternative investment markets, corporate governance, conglomerate management, and statistical quality control (TQM).
Researcher
Kenta Harada
In 2018, joined Nomura Research Institute India as a Researcher. Engaged in market research on specific industries and regions for Japanese companies seeking overseas expansion, as well as analysis of international affairs and political risk in selected countries. Gained experience in infrastructure-related projects, primarily through research and analytical assignments for government agencies and public-sector institutions.
In 2022, joined CHORD Corporation. Provides support for business alliances between Japanese and Indian companies, investment promotion projects by Japanese firms in specific Indian states, and surveys on leadership among Indian professionals. Also produces reports on geopolitical risk grounded in analysis of international affairs.
In 2022, became a core editorial member of “IOW,” an intelligence report that aggregates articles and academic papers from overseas security and defense think tanks. Responsible for the collection, summarization, and analysis of publications from think tanks around the world.
Expertise and Achievements
Through editing IOW, an intelligence report that integrates international affairs and geopolitical risk analysis, demonstrates strong capability in identifying analytical trends and narratives across global think tanks. Actively disseminates insights—primarily on Japan–India security relations—via personal social media channels (mainly LinkedIn), and maintains professional connections with researchers at think tanks worldwide.
Provides hands-on support for collaboration between Japanese companies and Indian companies and government agencies, including investment promotion in specific Indian states, the formulation and execution of partnership strategies, and long-term growth advisory services for Japanese companies operating in India.
Has led both quantitative and qualitative market analysis through large-scale research projects for government agencies and public-sector organizations.
Has lived in both the United Kingdom and India for over four years each, with deep insight into the characteristics and cultural backgrounds of Anglo-Saxon and South Asian professionals. Leverages extensive experience in collaborating with and managing local teams to maximize organizational potential.
Researcher
Suguri Mikami
In 2005, joined Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, and was assigned to the Executive Secretariat Office.
In 2010, joined A&People Inc., an overseas IR and marketing support firm, and was appointed Section Manager.
In 2015, became independent as a digital marketer.
In 2019, founded STORYTELLING CONSULTING LLP in Gurgaon, India.
In 2020, completed the ASEAN Geopolitics Programme at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.
In 2021, joined Chord Corporation, where she has been responsible for information dissemination strategies, including the planning and execution of webinars on business, society, and economic issues related to Japan and India.
In 2024, appointed Chair of the Women’s Empowerment Committee at the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Expertise and Achievements
Has over 13 years of experience in international localization and marketing. Demonstrates particular strength in understanding the value of Japanese brands and soft power, and in designing brand positioning strategies tailored to the cultural and contextual nuances of overseas markets, including India and the Middle East.
Possesses deep knowledge of the social and cultural landscapes of Japan, India, and the Middle East, supported by credentials such as Hofstede CWQ Certified Associate, providing strong expertise in cross-cultural communication and market insight. In parallel, through participation in the geopolitics program at the National University of Singapore, brings practical analytical capability in political and geopolitical risk—an essential skill set for business leaders. Has extensive experience as a speaker on Indian society, the economy, market trends, and women’s participation in the workforce.
Has over 10 years of hands-on experience in executing digital initiatives across domains including social media management, SEO/AEO, and influencer marketing. Excels in integrated communication design that aligns narrative objectives across channels with performance marketing execution, thereby maximizing impact. Has supported effective information dissemination for numerous organizations in Japan and abroad.
Our People
Masaki MIKAMI
After graduating from university, joined a leading domestic Japanese electrical equipment manufacturer. Gained experience in mechanical design, project management, and corporate sales, and completed an MBA at GLOBIS University of Management. Areas of expertise include financial strategy in India and other emerging markets, venture business support, and business education.
Apurva Jindal
After graduating from IIT Bombay (Indian Institute of Technology Bombay), began a career as a management consultant at Nomura Research Institute India. Subsequently worked in the edtech sector and at London Business School, before joining CHORD. Areas of expertise include business development, go-to-market strategy, as well as various forms of dance and the planning of parties and events.
Rahul Singh
Has over 10 years of experience in sales and marketing for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles with OEMs such as Yamaha, Toyota, TVS, and Nissan. After working at Nomura Research Institute India, joined Chord Corporation and is currently based in Bangalore. Areas of expertise include digital marketing, sales strategy, promotion, and branding.
Service
Security & International Affairs Research
Conducts research and analysis in the fields of security, international affairs, and geopolitics. Publishes “IOW,” a biweekly intelligence report that aggregates insights from leading think tanks around the world, targeting major domestic corporations and think tank institutions in Japan. Also has extensive experience in organizing and delivering webinars on security, economic, and social developments.
Management Consulting
:Infrastructure related
Provides strategic consulting services primarily to major domestic corporations, focusing on business development, global strategy, mid-term management planning, organizational restructuring, and M&A and alliance strategies. Specializes in infrastructure-related industries, particularly electric power and gas, housing, and real estate.
Management Consulting
: India relate
Leveraging the fact that many team members have extensive experience living and managing operations in India, provides consulting services for private-sector clients engaged in emerging market businesses, including India. Services include market entry support, advisory on business development, and talent utilization strategies.
About
Corporate name
CHORD Corporation
CEO
Sonny (SungYun) Kim
Founded
March, 2021
Services
Security & International Affairs Research, Management Consulting (Infrastructure Sector, India-Focused Engagements)
HQ
3-10-12, Kiba, Koto, Tokyo, Japan 135-0042