About Shirofune
Shirofune is a Japan-based ad automation platform that simplifies digital campaign management.
With expert-built algorithms and a user-first design, we help agencies and brands boost efficiency and control—minus the complexity.
Here, discover our mission, vision, core team, and global ambition.
With expert-built algorithms and a user-first design, we help agencies and brands boost efficiency and control—minus the complexity.
Here, discover our mission, vision, core team, and global ambition.
Our Mission and Vision
"Made-in-Japan Algorithms, for the World."
At Shirofune, we develop algorithms handcrafted by seasoned advertising experts—designed not just to automate, but to replicate the nuanced precision and strategic judgment of master-level professionals with years of frontline experience.
Unlike conventional AI systems that depend heavily on massive data sets and black-box statistical models, our proprietary engine is built on over 20,000 hours of operational insight. These insights come from real-world campaign scenarios and are continuously refined to adapt to evolving platform behavior and market dynamics.
Our mission is to deliver automated advertising performance that feels as if it’s guided by a skilled human hand—refined, deliberate, and effective. We believe that automation should empower marketers, not replace them. That’s why our system offers full transparency and control, enabling agencies and advertisers to confidently manage campaigns at scale, with both efficiency and expertise.
By bringing Japan’s meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful system design to the global stage, we aim to redefine what advertising automation can be: human-inspired, data-informed, and business-focused.
Unlike conventional AI systems that depend heavily on massive data sets and black-box statistical models, our proprietary engine is built on over 20,000 hours of operational insight. These insights come from real-world campaign scenarios and are continuously refined to adapt to evolving platform behavior and market dynamics.
Our mission is to deliver automated advertising performance that feels as if it’s guided by a skilled human hand—refined, deliberate, and effective. We believe that automation should empower marketers, not replace them. That’s why our system offers full transparency and control, enabling agencies and advertisers to confidently manage campaigns at scale, with both efficiency and expertise.
By bringing Japan’s meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful system design to the global stage, we aim to redefine what advertising automation can be: human-inspired, data-informed, and business-focused.
Our Team
The Shirofune team is made up of advertising experts with over a decade of experience in the digital marketing industry.
Core Members
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Founder & CEO
Mitsunaga Kikuchi
Mitsu began his career as a digital advertising expert at one of Japan’s largest agencies. There, he witnessed firsthand the relentless efforts of hundreds of campaign managers working day and night to improve client outcomes. Determined to solve this inefficiency, Mitsu spent over 20,000 hours developing a powerful algorithm to automate digital ad operations — the foundation of Shirofune. Since launching, Shirofune has grown to capture 92% market share in Japan. Mitsu continues to refine the platform daily, driven by a passion for innovation and performance. -
Head of Business Development
Cameron Owens
With a diverse background across finance and real estate, Cameron was drawn to Shirofune’s mission and the tangible results of its platform. Inspired by its potential, he took initiative to lead Shirofune’s expansion into Australia, where he successfully onboarded numerous local agencies in just over a year. Today, Cameron is on a global mission — bringing Shirofune’s Japan-born, game-changing technology to markets across North America, Europe, and beyond. -
Head of Customer Success /
Product SpecialistRocco Baldassarre
A recognized digital advertising expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Rocco discovered Shirofune in 2020 and immediately saw how it addressed the very challenges he'd faced in performance marketing. He joined as an evangelist and now plays a vital role in supporting U.S. clients — guiding them through onboarding, solving operational pain points, and helping them maximize success through deep expertise in both ad platforms and Shirofune’s capabilities. -
Product Specialist
Paul Grainger
After building a strong foundation in digital advertising with global agencies including Dentsu, Paul led operations at Media Republic in Australia, where he experienced Shirofune firsthand. He successfully reduced operational workload by over 50% while improving campaign performance — fueling significant business growth. Now part of the Shirofune team, Paul focuses on helping agencies and SMBs streamline operations and maximize ROI through automation and strategic platform integration. -
Head of Overseas Businesses
Nobu Amimoto
Nobu launched and scaled U.S. operations for one of Japan’s top ad agencies before returning to Japan to help grow Yext’s presence in the region. After encountering Mitsu and the Shirofune platform, he was deeply impressed by its algorithmic approach to ad automation. Nobu now leads Shirofune’s international expansion, working closely with local partners to bring the platform’s efficiency and innovation to global markets.
Our advisory board
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Company Profile
Company Name | Shirofune Inc. |
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Representative | Mitsunaga Kikuchi, CEO |
Business Description | Development and provision of the automated advertising management platform “Shirofune” |
Founded | October 2014 |
Head Office | 400 Continental Blvd, 6th Floor El Segundo, CA 90245 |
Affiliated Company | ShirofuneX Inc. , Shirofune Plus Inc. |