#Japan #Tokyo #Business Leaders #M&A

Exploring the Pitfalls of M&A: A Must-Attend Workshop for Business Leaders

On June 9, 2026, an insightful workshop titled “Sharing M&A Failures: When Deals Fall Apart and Everyone Leaves” will be held by Kenji Araya, CEO of Keiei Sanbou, and the “Sanbou” community. This event will feature Sho Okamoto, the CEO of RASHISA and a seasoned entrepreneur who has faced the dramatic fallout of a failed M&A negotiation, leading to an unprecedented wave of employee departures.

Context Behind the Workshop

The backdrop of this workshop is increasingly pertinent as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a crisis due to a lack of successors and changing business environments—leading to a rise in the frequency of M&A and business transfers. M&A negotiations often represent a pivotal decision in a leader's career, yet many enter negotiations with insufficient knowledge or experience. As a result, oversights in information management and inadequate communication with employees can lead not only to deal failures but irreversible outcomes, like the sudden loss of loyal employees. This workshop aims to provide practical lessons from an entrepreneur who has lived through such challenges, offering invaluable insights to prevent future mistakes.

What Attendees Will Gain

1. Real-life Case Studies: Participants will hear firsthand about the raw and unvarnished experiences of an entrepreneur who has dealt with M&A negotiations gone awry, including massive employee turnover.
2. Understanding Key Pitfalls: The two critical pitfalls of M&A—lax information management and the breakdown of internal communication—will be outlined in concrete terms.
3. Practical Guidance Beyond Theory: Attendees will move beyond theoretical knowledge to grasp essential points that every executive contemplating M&A should know. This includes facing directly the questions of why a seemingly beneficial M&A deal failed and what caused employees to leave.
4. Networking Opportunities: Following the formal session, there will be a chance for genuine interaction between business leaders, fostering a community of shared experiences and support.

Details of the Workshop

• - Date and Time: June 9, 2026, from 19:00 to 22:00 (Registration opens at 18:00)
• - Location: Sanbou BAR Shinjuku, 5F Ad Hoc Shinjuku Building, 3-15-11 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. Venue Link
• - Cost: The workshop is free to attend; however, if participants wish to join the networking session, a fee covering food and drinks (approximately ¥6,000) will be collected.
• - Target Audience: This event is ideal for executives and key decision-makers from SMEs who are considering M&A or business succession.
• - Registration: Interested individuals can register at this link.

About the Speaker

Sho Okamoto
As the CEO of RASHISA, Sho Okamoto founded the company in January 2017 and has since pivoted from general recruiting services to addressing pressing social issues like abuse. His M&A experiences have taught him valuable lessons that he now passionately shares with fellow entrepreneurs.

Facilitator: Kenji Araya
Kenji Araya leads the “Sanbou” community and brings a decade of consulting experience with Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, specializing in SME support. Araya's mission with the “Sanbou” community is to provide a no-pressure environment where business leaders can freely exchange ideas, share difficulties, and support each other in their journeys.

About “Sanbou” Community

“Sanbou” is a unique membership-based community intended for business leaders, focusing on natural interactions devoid of pressure or competition. It also offers a range of practical seminars and social activities, enhancing relationships beyond business.

For more information about the “Sanbou” community, check the official website: Sanbou Community

Company Background

Company Name: Keiei Sanbou Co., Ltd.
CEO: Kenji Araya
Established: November 2015
Services: Management consulting, operation of the executive community “Sanbou,” and Sanbou BAR.
Website: Keiei Sanbou