- Mission
- To enable high-trust cross-border trade and business growth between Japan and the Philippines through strategic advisory, hands-on execution, and negotiation expertise.
We exist to connect markets, build businesses, and empower people—through meaningful partnerships and integrity-driven execution.
- Vision
- To build Sotoyama Brothers Inc. into one of Asia’s most respected family-led business groups—starting with trade and consultancy, and expanding across sectors where we can create enduring value.
Beyond business, we are committed to helping people, uplifting communities, and contributing to a society where opportunity is more accessible, life is more sustainable, and trust defines how we grow.
- Who We Are
- Sotoyama Brothers Inc. is a cross-border trading and business development company, founded by three second-generation entrepreneurs from Pampanga, Philippines, with deep professional experience and cultural grounding in Japan.
We provide one-stop access for companies in Japan and the Philippines to source, connect, and execute cross-border opportunities—ranging from product import/export to strategic partnerships and localized market entry.
We are especially proud to help:
• Japanese companies entering the Philippine market
• Philippine companies sourcing Japanese products, services, and suppliers
We launched operations with the export of premium Japanese matcha powder to the Philippines, marking the beginning of our growing trading and distribution network. Since then, we’ve supported customized sourcing, B2B matchmaking, and trade facilitation between both markets.
While our hometown is Pampanga, we are also actively growing our presence in Metro Manila—serving clients across Central Luzon and the capital. We recognize the emerging potential of Clark, and we aim to scale into it as our operations expand across the region.
- What Sets Us Apart
• Trading with Purpose – We don’t just move goods—we move trust, value, and long-term relationships.
• One-Stop Cross-Border Access – We streamline sourcing, setup, and growth between Japan and the Philippines.
• Negotiation Strength – We represent our clients with cultural fluency and sharp, high-trust dealmaking.
• Rooted in Pampanga, Growing Through Manila – Grounded by our heritage, growing through opportunity.
Hiro (Arnov) Sotoyama
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Profile
Graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University, School of International Politics, Economics and Communication (SIPEC) in 2015. Hiro brings deep experience in cross-border M&A and investment advisory, having advised Japanese and international clients on acquisitions and market expansion.Raised and educated in Japan, he also worked in multinational firms before serving in the Philippine government’s trade and investment mission in Tokyo, where he led high-level engagements with Japanese corporations. He now leads overall strategy, key negotiations, and long-term partnerships for Sotoyama Brothers Inc.
Jio Sotoyama
Jio Sotoyama – Co-Founder & Head of Japan Operations
Profile
Graduated from Waseda University, School of International Liberal Studies in 2019, with experience of 1 year exchange program in the UK. Jio is one of the top-performing Account Executive at Shopify Japan and formerly held the same distinction at Cisco Japan. Raised in Japan with global business experience, he excels in building relationship, high-level negotiation, and client growth strategy. He leads our Japan-side development, supplier relationships, and sourcing initiatives.
Miguel Soto
Co-Founder & Head of Philippine Operations
Profile
Graduated from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Export and Global Business Management. Miguel brings a strong background in F&B and hospitality operations, with leadership experience in both the Philippines and the United States.He co-owns a successful coffee and bakery concept and has deep expertise in supplier management, customer experience, and P&L accountability. Miguel leads local execution, project delivery, and negotiations on the ground from Pampanga.