Michi Tohma - OHYASHIMA

Why Did a Tuna Sell for $3.2 Million?

Why did a tuna sell for $3.2 million at Japan’s Hatsuseri? This article explains the first auction of the year and the cultural roots of Japan’s love for first-of-the-year offerings.

2026.01.06

Culture & Society

Nikkei Reports SWIFT to Build an Instant Settlement System for Cross-Border Transfers — Has the Global Financial Messaging Network Become Outdated?

SWIFT plans to build an instant settlement system for small-value cross-border transfers. Nikkei reports the initiative aims to close the gap with fintech rivals.

2026.01.03

Business

SPACER completes Series B extension, bringing the round’s total to approximately $6 million

SPACER, a Japanese startup developing smart luggage lockers, has completed a Series B extension round, bringing total Series B funding to approximately $6 million to expand production and logistics use cases.

2025.12.26

Business

Lawson Store 100 Shifts Toward a Small-Format Supermarket Model: What This Move Reveals About Japan’s Retail Landscape

Lawson Store 100 is shifting toward a small-format supermarket model. This article explores how the move reflects intensifying competition and structural change in Japan’s urban retail market.

2025.12.24

Business

There Is No Slump in Greetings

“There is no slump in greetings,” a phrase coined by Japanese comedian Kunihiro Matsumura, explains a simple rule behind Japanese communication.

2025.12.22

Opinion / Column

Australia Bans Social Media Use for Children: What About Japan?

Australia has begun enforcing a ban on social media use for children under 16. This article explores how Japan compares, examining Kagawa Prefecture’s gaming ordinance and Toyoake City’s smartphone-use guidelines, and what these rules reveal about Japanese society.

2025.12.18

Culture & Society

Lead accel raises $386,000 in seed funding to advance ADS technology for reducing radioactive waste

Lead accel, a Japan-based nuclear technology startup, has raised ¥60 million in seed funding to advance ADS technology that reduces long-lived radioactive waste through minor actinide transmutation.

2025.12.17

Technology

What Are Japan’s Kei Cars?

Japan’s kei cars are gaining international attention after Trump’s comments on affordable vehicles. This article explores what kei cars are, how they work, and why kei trucks thrive overseas.

2025.12.13

Business

Message from Japan Regarding the Major Earthquakes in Tohoku and Hokkaido

Following a powerful earthquake in northern Japan, this column offers a message to international readers—sharing the current situation, lessons from past disasters, and a calm assurance that Japan as a whole remains stable.

2025.12.10

Opinion / Column

Japanese Industrial Robot Startup Mujin Raises $234 Million in Series D Funding

Mujin, a Japanese industrial automation startup, has raised $234 million in the first close of its Series D round to expand its MujinOS platform and accelerate global deployment of enterprise-grade robot automation.

2025.12.03

Technology