Many people exploring job hunting or career changes have at some point become interested in “foreign-affiliated consulting firms” (also known as “gaikon”). Some may only have a vague image of them as places that are “meritocratic” and “demanding.”
A foreign-affiliated consulting firm is a company that receives requests from client companies, analyzes management challenges, and supports strategy formulation and execution toward resolving those challenges. Team members and timelines are determined to address each client’s issues, and projects are carried out accordingly. Major clients include large corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions.
Becoming a consultant typically requires a high level of skill and experience. Especially for those considering a career change from an unrelated field, thorough preparation is essential. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the characteristics of foreign-affiliated consultants, how to make the transition, and the skills required.
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What Is a Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firm?
A “foreign-affiliated consulting firm” refers to a consulting firm operated with foreign capital. It is sometimes abbreviated as “gaikon.”
Foreign-affiliated consultants identify problems faced by client companies, form project teams, and provide advice and support toward resolving those challenges. Since they are expected to deliver the results envisioned by the client within the contract period, the work can often be demanding.
Differences from Japanese Consulting Firms
Foreign-affiliated and Japanese consulting firms offer largely similar services, but there are significant differences in consulting style. Both typically adopt a “project-based” model where consultants focus on one project at a time.
Foreign-affiliated consultants provide critical support such as assisting in corporate decision-making, requiring meticulous and logical project progression from issue framing to hypothesis validation. As a result, handling multiple projects simultaneously is rare.
In contrast, Japanese consulting firms—which primarily serve small and medium-sized enterprises—often adopt a “retainer-based” model. In the retainer model, one consultant typically handles multiple projects, and may conduct regular visits to clients.
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Roles and Responsibilities at Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firms
The work at foreign-affiliated consulting firms is wide-ranging, covering information analysis, strategy formulation, and more. Roles are assigned based on years of experience and performance, and each role carries specific responsibilities.
Below, we explain the responsibilities associated with each role.
Associate / Analyst
Associates and analysts are roles taken on shortly after joining the firm, primarily responsible for data analysis and research tasks. Key duties include analyzing data provided by client companies and reporting on findings. Since consultants must analyze data accurately and efficiently, this period is used to develop essential analytical skills.
Because new graduates and junior mid-career hires typically occupy analyst roles, they may be unfamiliar with the work, and overtime is not uncommon.
Consultant
The consultant role—commonly seen among employees with 3–4 years of experience or mid-career hires—primarily involves executing projects. Assignments span a wide range, including gathering and analyzing information related to client business challenges and making specific recommendations for solutions. As such, the ability to independently evaluate issues and problems is essential.
Smooth communication with both project team members and clients is also critical in this role.
Manager
The manager role is a management position typically reached after around 10 years with the firm. Managers oversee analysts and associates and direct the overall project. Specific responsibilities include managing budgets with clients and serving as team leader for guidance and support.
Managers are expected to leverage the skills and experience cultivated as analysts and associates to drive project execution. The role also involves frequent interaction with senior management and clients, making it a position filled with both challenge and reward.
Principal
The principal role is treated as equivalent to partner at some firms, with project execution as the core responsibility. This includes gathering and analyzing information, making recommendations, and serving as team leader to guide and support members. Principals also leverage their experience and expertise to develop optimal strategies for resolving client challenges.
Principals also handle client negotiations, overall project progress management, and resource allocation, and are required to demonstrate high levels of expertise and leadership. Compared to consultants, more advanced problem-solving skills and communication abilities are essential.
Partner
The partner role is an executive-level position typically reached after approximately 15 years of consulting experience, and is positioned as a co-owner of the consulting firm. Specific responsibilities include contributing to internal management decisions and negotiating with clients and external stakeholders.
Clients typically engage a partner based on trust in and recognition of that individual’s track record. Partners are therefore often entrusted with developing new clients by leveraging their experience and network, making them indispensable assets to the firm.
Salary at Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firms
The table below summarizes the estimated average annual salary by role at foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
| Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Analyst | ¥4M – ¥9M |
| Consultant | ¥9M – ¥13M |
| Manager | ¥13M – ¥20M |
| Partner | ¥30M+ |
Salaries increase with seniority, and at the partner level, annual earnings of ¥30 million or more can be expected.
Salary Varies Significantly Based on Results
Many foreign consulting firms operate on a performance-based compensation model, where strong performers can expect rapid promotions and salary increases. Since compensation fluctuates based on individual performance, performance-based incentives may be awarded as bonuses.
It is also possible to exceed ¥10 million in annual salary within 5–6 years of joining, and higher compensation is achievable depending on performance.
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Types of Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firms
The term “foreign-affiliated consulting firm” actually encompasses a variety of types. The main categories are as follows.
Let’s take a closer look at each type of consulting firm listed above.
Strategy Consulting Firms
Strategy consulting firms are required to make proposals to large corporate clients across a wide range of industries, making broad cross-sector knowledge essential.
Core responsibilities include identifying client challenges and formulating strategies to address them, as well as growth strategy analysis and operational support.
Representative Firms
Representative strategy consulting firms include the following.
- Boston Consulting Group
- McKinsey & Company
- Bain & Company
Because these firms operate globally, their clients tend to be large corporations from around the world. A defining characteristic is that they provide consulting services tailored to the specific conditions of each region and country.
General Consulting Firms
General consulting firms are distinguished by their ability to cover a wide range of areas—from strategy formulation and systems implementation to operational improvement and systems outsourcing—offering a one-stop solution for diverse business challenges. This allows clients to receive consistent service and benefit from more efficient and effective support.
Because they support clients comprehensively across a broad range of issues, these firms tend to be large in scale and often have offices in multiple countries around the world.
Representative Firms
Representative general consulting firms include the following.
- Deloitte Tohmatsu
- KPMG Consulting
- PwC Consulting
- EY Advisory & Consulting
The four firms above are collectively known as the “Big Four,” and are among the largest players in the consulting industry. They operate globally and provide comprehensive support—from strategy formulation to execution—across a wide range of domains.
Organization & HR Consulting Firms
Organization and HR consulting firms specialize in organizational and human resources challenges, with core services including HR strategy design, HR system formulation, and organizational change management. In recent years, they have also expanded into supporting HR system integration in M&A transactions.
Since many organization and HR consulting firms are foreign-affiliated, a key strength is their ability to address challenges from a global perspective.
Representative Firms
Representative organization and HR consulting firms include the following.
- Mercer Japan
- Korn Ferry
- WTW (Willis Towers Watson)
- Aon Solutions Japan
- GLOBIS
- Link and Motivation
- Genex Partners
- Coach A
These firms bring specialized expertise in organizational and HR matters, supporting companies in maximizing the value of their human resources.
FAS (Financial Advisory Services)
FAS stands for “Financial Advisory Service” and refers to consulting firms specializing in M&A and financial matters. Core services include M&A advisory, corporate restructuring support, business valuation, and forensic services. These specialized offerings provide effective advice on corporate financial and growth strategies, serving as critical decision-making support for management.
Another distinguishing feature is a strong focus on supporting post-M&A integration processes.
Representative Firms
The following four firms—known as Big Four FAS, affiliated with the world’s four largest audit networks—primarily serve multinational corporations and listed companies with high-value service offerings.
- PwC Advisory
- KPMG FAS
- Deloitte Tohmatsu
- EY Strategy & Consulting
With large consultant headcounts and a concentration of highly experienced talent, these firms command strong reputations within the industry. They handle a wide range of engagements—including IT strategy, business advisory, and management consulting—and take on numerous overseas projects in addition to domestic work.
Given these characteristics, Big Four FAS firms are highly sought after on job listing sites, and competition is intense for both mid-career and new graduate positions.
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Examples of Joining / Transitioning to Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firms
The following are examples of people who joined or transitioned to foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
Previous Role: R&D Department, Major Automotive Manufacturer (¥10.5M)
Current Role: Foreign-Affiliated Strategy Consulting Firm (¥13M)
Previous Role: R&D Department, Major General Electronics Manufacturer (¥8.5M)
Current Role: Foreign-Affiliated General Consulting Firm (¥9.5M)
Previous Role: Major Securities Firm (¥11M)
Current Role: Big Four FAS / M&A Strategy Consultant (¥20.5M)
In all cases, annual salary increased by ¥1M or more compared to the previous role, highlighting the high earning potential of foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
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What Kind of Person Is Suited for Foreign-Affiliated Consulting?
The following traits characterize people well-suited to foreign-affiliated consulting.
Those who match the above traits will be well-positioned to continue challenging themselves and growing as business professionals in the performance-driven environment of foreign-affiliated consulting.
People with Strong English Skills
Foreign-affiliated consulting firms frequently handle overseas engagements, requiring English for meetings, presentations, and document preparation, making English proficiency essential. A minimum TOEIC score of 800 is generally expected, and those with overseas study or returnee backgrounds tend to have an advantage.
People with Strong Logical Thinking Skills
Logical thinking (logical reasoning) is indispensable in consulting work. Consultants must organize the background and causes of issues, conduct research and analysis, and logically structure their recommendations and rationale for clients.
Those with strong logical thinking skills are therefore well-suited to work at foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
People with Strong Communication Skills
Since consulting work is initiated by client requests, communication skills are critical—specifically the ability to accurately understand client needs and clearly convey ideas and proposals. This includes listening carefully to what clients are asking for and proposing appropriate solutions.
Those who excel at expressing their ideas clearly and effectively—both verbally and in writing—are well-suited to consulting.
People with Ambition Who Can Withstand a Demanding Workload
The work of a foreign-affiliated consultant exists in a demanding, results-driven world with intense competition for positions, requiring high stress tolerance. Demanding workloads are not uncommon, driven by the responsibility of each role and the need to deliver on client expectations.
As a result, finding ways to work effectively—such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance and relieving stress during private time—is important. That said, after a project concludes, extended time off is often available. This means it is possible to switch between high-intensity and rest periods with purpose.
Benefits of Working at a Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firm
The benefits of working at a foreign-affiliated consulting firm include the following.
Each of these points is explained in detail below.
Evaluated Equally Regardless of Gender
At foreign-affiliated consulting firms, performance is what matters most, meaning anyone can be promoted based on merit, regardless of gender. Since the primary function is resolving client challenges, ability is measured by the quality of advice provided rather than by gender.
A growing number of firms also accommodate maternity/paternity leave and support returning to work, so outdated notions that women cannot advance do not apply here.
Evaluated Based on Ability
Foreign-affiliated consulting teams are small, and junior members are frequently given responsibility for important analysis and presentations. With ample opportunities for junior staff to contribute meaningfully to each project, individual capabilities are fully utilized, and being recognized according to one’s actual performance is one of the key draws.
High Salary
Salaries at foreign-affiliated consulting firms rank among the highest in the foreign-affiliated sector, and advancement tends to be fast. It is not uncommon for annual earnings to exceed ¥10 million within a few years of joining.
Demand for consultants who leverage high expertise and experience to support corporate problem-solving and business growth continues to rise. The high compensation reflects both the competition for top talent and the demanding nature of the work.
Extended Leave Is Easier to Take After Project Completion
In the foreign-affiliated consulting industry, extended time off is generally easier to take once a project concludes. Some individuals take 2–3 weeks of leave between projects.
That said, during an active project, schedules must align with the client’s needs, making it difficult to take time off freely. Even during company holidays, responsiveness to client inquiries may be expected, so it is advisable to plan vacations for after project completion.
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Drawbacks of Working at a Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firm
While there are many advantages to working at a foreign-affiliated consulting firm, there are also drawbacks, including the following.
Be sure to review these drawbacks before making the move to a foreign-affiliated consulting firm.
Demanding Workload
Working at a foreign-affiliated consulting firm often means tackling problems with no clear-cut answers, leading to long hours and heavy workloads. Be prepared for an intense pace, as you will be expected to manage challenging assignments and drive critical projects forward.
Depending on the manager overseeing the project, efforts may be made to manage individual schedules and minimize excessive hours. However, the reality is that finishing on time is rarely possible during active project assignments.
Risk of Dismissal for Failing to Deliver Results
Foreign-affiliated consulting firms operate in an environment where results are always expected, meaning there is a risk of termination if performance is consistently below expectations.
If strict performance evaluations determine that a consultant lacks sufficient skills or experience, they may be asked to leave. This is a notable downside of working in this industry.
Constant Need for Self-Development and Learning
In the consulting industry, staying current with new information and knowledge is essential. For example, consultants are expected to stay on top of the latest trends and problem-solving case studies across a broad range of fields including IT, business, and management.
Foreign-affiliated consultants must continuously research industries and economic conditions inside and outside their clients’ sectors in order to accurately understand client needs and propose suitable solutions. This is a profession that demands constant inquiry and reflection—those who struggle with continuous learning may find the environment challenging, while those who enjoy it will likely find it deeply rewarding.
High Pressure Due to Talented Competition
Foreign-affiliated consulting firms attract highly capable talent. Sharing tasks and competing alongside top performers drives personal growth in skills and knowledge, but also increases pressure.
Falling behind on self-development allows the gap in experience and skills with peers to widen rapidly. Those who can embrace this pressure and see it as a positive challenge will find it an effective catalyst for personal growth.
Skills and Qualifications to Develop Before Joining a Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firm
Skills and qualifications recommended to develop before joining a foreign-affiliated consulting firm include the following.
Let’s look at each of these skills individually.
TOEIC
TOEIC scores are one of the key indicators of English proficiency for foreign-affiliated consultants. A high score demonstrates the ability to understand and communicate in business English, and a minimum score of 800 is generally recommended.
While a strong TOEIC score is a useful objective measure of English proficiency, actual work requires comprehensive English skills including listening and speaking. Continuous English study and real-world practice should be maintained even after achieving a high TOEIC score.
TOEFL
The TOEFL is an English proficiency test primarily taken by those seeking admission to U.S. universities, measuring academic English ability. In foreign-affiliated consulting work, academic English skills are also required—for report writing, presentations, and international collaboration. A high TOEFL score can therefore serve as an objective demonstration of English proficiency.
As with TOEIC, the TOEFL score is one indicator of English ability, but listening, speaking, and writing skills are equally important in actual work. English ability should be developed broadly, including through TOEFL preparation.
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
An MBA is a program designed to develop specialized business knowledge and leadership capabilities, and is a credential sought by many companies for executive and leadership candidates. It covers a wide range of subjects including business strategy, marketing, finance, and organizational theory, enabling participants to enhance their business skills through practical case studies and projects.
MBA programs are offered at universities both domestically and internationally. Participating in a program provides the opportunity to network with students from diverse nationalities and industries, fostering a global perspective and new business opportunities. MBA graduates are not only expected to advance to executive positions, but also gain the knowledge and networks needed to succeed in career transitions or entrepreneurship—making it highly valuable for career advancement.
For those seeking a salary increase or career change, obtaining an MBA is highly recommended.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
A CPA is a professional who accurately evaluates corporate financial information and conducts accounting audits. They possess knowledge of domestic and international laws and tax systems, and support financial reporting and tax filings. As a consultant, knowledge of accounting can cover a broad range of work areas, including proposals for addressing corporate management challenges and involvement in M&A activities.
CPAs are in high demand at major audit firms, accounting offices, and corporate finance and accounting departments, enabling a stable career path as well as the option of independent practice. The high level of specialization and credibility commands strong salaries, and demand in the job market continues to grow.
For those looking to build a career in accounting and finance, obtaining a CPA qualification is highly recommended.
USCPA (U.S. Certified Public Accountant)
The USCPA is an internationally recognized qualification that opens doors at foreign-affiliated consulting firms, audit firms, and accounting offices, providing knowledge across English, accounting, IT, law, and finance. As an increasingly sought-after credential internationally, holders can also pursue opportunities overseas.
The exam can be taken in Japan, making it possible to obtain the qualification while working, which is why many business professionals are pursuing it. The exam is conducted in English, but tests foundational accounting knowledge, making it accessible even for those who are not fully confident in English.
For those considering a transition to the accounting side of foreign-affiliated consulting, the USCPA can be a powerful asset.
How to Prepare for the Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Job Search
The selection process for foreign-affiliated consulting firms is rigorous, and only candidates with the right aptitude are sought. Start by preparing for the following three areas.
Below, we explain in detail what specific preparation is needed for each area.
Resume / Document Screening Preparation
The document screening stage requires effectively showcasing your self-promotion and career vision. It is important to have a clear motivation for applying and to articulate specific goals and ambitions.
Your resume and work history should describe your past experiences and achievements concretely, demonstrating how they can be applied to consulting work. By clearly articulating how your skills and qualifications add value, you can differentiate yourself from other applicants.
Put these document preparation strategies into practice to improve your screening pass rate and take the first step toward a foreign-affiliated consulting career.
Written Test Preparation
Written tests frequently assess mathematical ability, logical thinking, and foundational business knowledge. Personality and character assessments may also be included. Keep the following points in mind to pass the written test.
- Develop Core Business Skills
Knowledge of economics, statistics, and finance is essential and will be tested—be sure to review these areas.
- Time Management
Consultants are expected to produce high-quality outputs within limited timeframes. Time management skills are therefore equally important in the exam setting.
Interview Preparation
Foreign-affiliated consulting interviews typically include individual interviews and group discussions. Keep the following points in mind.
- Demonstrating Problem-Solving Ability
Interviewers assess how candidates approach problem-solving during the interview. To develop this skill, practicing with frameworks and case interview exercises is recommended.
- Teamwork
In group discussions, the ability to collaborate with others to solve problems is evaluated. Express your own views while also actively listening to others and responding thoughtfully.
- Self-Promotion
During self-introductions and self-promotion segments, clearly communicate your strengths, qualities, and experience, and articulate how your skills can be applied to consulting work. Preparing thorough responses to these points can significantly increase your chances of advancing through the selection process.
Common Interview Questions and Sample Answers for Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firms
The following are common interview questions and sample answers for foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
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Question Sample Answer Self-introduction My name is [Name], and I graduated from the [Department] at [University]. During my university years, I was a member of the soccer club, where I developed strong teamwork through the sport. I will do my best to demonstrate the collaborative skills I cultivated through soccer, and I look forward to this conversation. What did you work hardest on during your student years? During university, I devoted myself to research activities in my seminar, with a particular focus on fieldwork. By collecting firsthand information through fieldwork that could not be obtained from literature alone, I was able to sharpen my communication skills throughout the process. I am confident that the communication abilities I developed through my research will be fully utilized at your firm. Why are you interested in the consulting industry? My reason for pursuing the consulting industry is that I want to leverage my abilities across a wide range of sectors by engaging with diverse industries. Since the industry varies depending on the client company, the knowledge gained and improvements to be proposed also differ. I chose consulting because I want to acquire broad industry knowledge through my work, grow as a professional, and become someone who can genuinely contribute to businesses. Why are you applying to our firm specifically? Your firm receives a notably high volume of engagements from think tanks and government agencies, and has an impressive track record in public-sector work. I applied because I aspire to support public organizations and institutions in performing their work more effectively, thereby contributing to economic and social development. What are your strengths and weaknesses? My strength is my strong communication skills—I build trust by actively considering the needs and perspectives of those I am speaking with. My weakness is that at times I can overthink how others might react, which can prevent me from taking initiative. To address this, I have been consciously practicing asserting my own perspective, while still being attentive to others. Can you describe a time you overcame a significant challenge? During university, I was a member of a music club and served as the leader of my band. We faced a potential breakup due to differences in musical direction. However, by listening carefully to each member, sharing perspectives, and proposing a direction everyone could agree on, I was able to prevent the disbandment. What are your future aspirations? I aspire to become someone who is trusted by everyone—a person others feel confident turning to. To build that trust, I will place great importance on communication within the organization. I also aim to build a track record project by project and accumulate knowledge across a wide range of industries to further strengthen the confidence others place in me. What does “work” mean to you? To me, having a career is a means of self-realization. I want to be appreciated by many people through my work, contribute to organizations and society, and become a meaningful presence in the world. By achieving my aspirations, I hope to bring value to your firm and become an indispensable member of the team.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign-Affiliated Consulting Firms
This section addresses frequently asked questions about foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
- Can I transition to a foreign-affiliated consulting firm without prior experience?
- Can new graduates join a foreign-affiliated consulting firm?
- What age is most advantageous for joining a foreign-affiliated consulting firm?
- Do academic background and work history matter for joining a foreign-affiliated consulting firm?
- Is it difficult to get into a foreign-affiliated consulting firm?
- Can women join a foreign-affiliated consulting firm?
Each question is addressed in detail below—check any that interest you.
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Summary
This article has provided a comprehensive overview of joining and transitioning to foreign-affiliated consulting firms.
Foreign-affiliated consulting is a field that receives requests from client companies, analyzes management challenges, and supports strategy formulation and execution toward resolving those challenges. While it is possible to enter the field as a new graduate or career changer, the bar is exceptionally high—having prestigious qualifications or a strong track record from your studies or previous role is a key differentiator.
Moreover, transitioning to foreign-affiliated consulting requires strong English proficiency, logical thinking, communication skills, and the resilience to handle demanding workloads. While the required skill level and work difficulty are high, the compensation is equally exceptional, making it a genuinely rewarding career path. Estimated average salaries at foreign-affiliated consulting firms are as follows.
- Analyst: ¥4M – ¥9M
- Consultant: ¥9M – ¥13M
- Manager: ¥13M – ¥20M
- Partner: ¥30M+
Beyond the high salaries, being evaluated on ability regardless of age or gender, and the ability to take extended leave after project completion, are additional draws of a career in foreign-affiliated consulting.
If you feel that foreign-affiliated consulting could be the right fit for you, start gathering information and consider taking the challenge of transitioning into the field.
