From Compensation Trends to Workforce Strategy: The Future of Japanese Companies in the Southeast

Bob Johnson is a Shareholder at Baker Donelson, where he leads a business immigration and Japan practice group representing more than 100 multinational corporate clients. Fluent in Japanese, he collaborates with a multilingual attorney and paralegal team to provide business visa counseling and compliance guidance for multinational companies doing business globally.  Bob holds membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has published widely on immigration topics. His specialties include business-related visa categories, permanent residence status, and immigration impacts of mergers and acquisitions.

Trevin Dye is the Assistant Director at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Atlanta, where he plays a key role in strengthening trade ties between Japan and the United States. His journey began with the JET Program, teaching English in various Japanese settings—an experience that deepened his appreciation for the culture and honed his communication skills. Trevin holds a B.A. from Morehouse College and an M.A. from Georgia Tech. He is also the Chairman of The Luxury Council of Atlanta, Owner of Ubiquitous Socials, and President of 2getherGlobal.

Raymond Shelton is a global finance and sustainability leader with more than 20 years of international experience spanning the U.S. and Japan. At YKKAP, he drives the company’s sustainability strategy, global reporting, and corporate communications. Previously, Raymond held senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, where he guided ESG investment strategies, led major M&A integrations, and unified investor relations, public affairs, and sustainability functions. Known for his strategic vision and ability to align business and sustainability goals, he brings deep expertise in ESG, investor relations, and cross-cultural leadership to every conversation.

Laura Tanaka is a Talent Acquisition and Cultural Integration Strategist at Pasona N A, Inc., where she supports Japanese companies in the United States. After graduation, she moved to Osaka through the JET Program and went on to launch her own business in Japan, gaining firsthand insight into Japanese language and culture. Now based in Atlanta, Laura drives recruiting and business development efforts across the southeast, consistently placing top bilingual talent and leading major workforce initiatives. She is passionate about serving as a cultural liaison and bridging the business practices of Japan and America.