Serial Entrepreneur·Business Consultant·Japan–India Business Expert
Anil Raj
Founder of RAJGROUP in Tokyo since 2001 — building businesses across Japan and India in restaurants, technology, education and more.
“Japan–India business collaborations are reaching new heights.”

2001
Founded RAJGROUP in Tokyo
20+ years
Building businesses in Japan and India
17 years
Technology specialist at international investment banks
First
Company to bring construction workers from India to Japan
About Anil Raj
Anil Raj is a serial international entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in building businesses across various industries in Japan and India. His ventures include technology-related services, an Indian chain of restaurants, an international kindergarten school, travel and leisure services, import and export, and more.
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Anil worked as a technology specialist for 17 years at international investment banks, including Credit Suisse, Dresdner, Shinsei Bank, and Citibank. He holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Australia and founded RAJGROUP in Tokyo, Japan, in 2001.
Over the years, Anil Raj has facilitated partnerships between Japanese and Indian businesses, establishing himself as a go-to person for industry leaders seeking collaboration. He is well-known in both business and political circles in Japan and is often consulted when Indian heads of state and dignitaries visit Japan for business purposes.
Anil believes there is much to learn from Japan and vice versa, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the two countries to enhance the quality of life for their citizens. He remains deeply connected to India, having spoken at various forums to encourage Indian students and entrepreneurs, and believes that India’s growth story can be realised this century thanks to the emerging talent within the nation.
Awards and recognition

Garshom International Award 2018
Business Excellence

‘Future of India’ Entrepreneur Award 2016
Presented on stage at the Future of India awards

Selected business leader to meet Indian PM Narendra Modi
During the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan
Roles and associations
- Special invitee, Loka Kerala Sabha 2020 (overseas business leaders of India / Kerala origin)
- Overseas consultant to the Skill India Initiative
- Founding Executive Council Member, BCIC Japan Chapter
- Advisor, NIT Calicut, on India–Japan initiatives
- Founder and Chairman, Indian IT Association of Japan (IITAJ)
- Founder and Co-Chairman, Indian Restaurant Association Japan (IRAJ)
- Founding Vice-President, World Malayalee Federation (Japan)
- Advisor to NSDC International (National Skill Development Corporation International)
- Supporting IIIT Kottayam on India–Japan initiatives
- Advising IIT Patna Innovation Cell on India–Japan initiatives
- RAJGROUP was the first company to bring construction workers from India to Japan
Businesses and organisations
Technology services, an Indian chain of restaurants, an international kindergarten, languages and design — the ventures behind RAJGROUP.

RAJGROUP
The group Anil founded in Tokyo in 2001, connecting Japan and India across restaurants, technology, education, design and manpower.
rajgroupglobal.com →
Nirvanam
An award-winning North and South Indian restaurant brand with six branches — four in central Tokyo, one in Yokohama and one in Saitama — recognised as “The Best Restaurant in Japan” for six consecutive years.
nirvanam.jp →
Nehan Tech
An IT consulting and services company in Tokyo providing technology solutions, and hiring in the technology space.
nehantech.com →
Starkids International Kindergarten School
Co-founded in central Tokyo, fostering early childhood education.
starkids-japan.com →
Vivekananda Institute of Foreign Languages (VIFL)
Anil serves as a director, promoting Japanese language education and cultural exchange.

Verycom
A firm specialising in branding, design and digital marketing services.
verycomgroup.com →
IITAJ — Indian IT Association of Japan
An association of Indian technology companies that have come together to develop the technology space and usher in policies that enable technological development.
Gallery
With leaders, artists and communities in Japan and India. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Open: 76th Republic Day of India celebration
Open: Japan welcome for India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
Open: With Taro Kono at the Embassy of India
Open: With Karnataka IT Minister Mr. Ashwath Narayan
Open: With the Odisha Speaker
Open: With the Telangana Speaker
Open: With the founder of KidZania Japan
Open: Press conference on Japanese waste management
Open: Felicitation at a Vishwavani global event
Open: With playback singer Biju Narayanan at Nirvanam, Atago
Open: With musician Niladri Kumar at Nirvanam
Open: With Sujith Bhakthan of Tech Travel Eat at Nirvanam, Atago
Open: At an event
Open: At a reception
Open: Welcoming a visiting guest
Open: Meeting a delegation
Open: With visiting guests
Open: Hosting guests
Open: Dinner with visiting guests
Open: With guests
From the RAJGROUP blog
Questions
+Who is Anil Raj?
Anil Raj is a serial international entrepreneur and Japan–India business expert based in Tokyo. He founded RAJGROUP in 2001, after 17 years as a technology specialist at international investment banks including Credit Suisse, Dresdner, Shinsei Bank and Citibank.
+Which companies is Anil Raj behind?
RAJGROUP and its ventures: the Nirvanam restaurants, Nehan Tech, Starkids International Kindergarten School, Verycom, the Vivekananda Institute of Foreign Languages (where he is a director), and the Indian IT Association of Japan, which he founded and chairs.
+What awards has Anil Raj received?
The Garshom International Award 2018 for Business Excellence and the ‘Future of India’ Entrepreneur Award 2016. He was also selected as a business leader to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Japan.
+How can I contact Anil Raj?
Use the contact form on this page, or call the RAJGROUP office in Toranomon, Tokyo on 03-3433-1217.
Connect with Anil Raj
For partnerships between Japanese and Indian businesses, speaking, or anything else — send a message, or call the RAJGROUP office.
RAJGROUP Y.K.2F, Kyu-Ei Building, Toranomon 3-18-21Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan03-3433-1217