Michi Tohma - OHYASHIMA

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

Pig Farming Digital Transformation Startup Eco-Pork Secures $9 Million in Equity and Debt Funding

Eco-Pork, a Japanese agri-tech startup driving digital transformation in pig farming, has secured $9 million in new funding to accelerate product development and global expansion.

2025.12.02

Business

Hydrogen as Clean Energy and KHI’s Strategy

Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries is building the world’s largest commercial-scale liquefied hydrogen terminal in Kawasaki, marking a major step toward a global clean hydrogen supply chain.

2025.11.29

Technology

Industrial Zones and Regions: Japanese Elementary School Students Learn About in Textbooks 4: The Kitakyushu Industrial Zone/Region, Once One of the Four Major Industrial Zones

Once counted among Japan’s four major industrial zones, the Kitakyushu Industrial Zone flourished through steel and coal before declining amid energy transitions. This article traces its rise, stagnation, and future prospects.

2025.11.27

Business

Human Life CORD, developing umbilical cord-based therapies, raises $12 million in Series C funding

Human Life CORD has raised $12 million in Series C funding to advance its umbilical cord–derived MSC therapies, supporting preparations for a Phase III clinical trial targeting post-transplant lung complications.

2025.11.26

Technology

The Japanese government will tighten requirements for acquiring Japanese citizenship.

Japan is considering stricter requirements for acquiring citizenship, alongside new overtourism measures and potential visa fee hikes. This article explains how these policies may affect business travelers and foreign residents.

2025.11.25

Policy & Regulation

Industrial Zones and Regions Japanese Elementary School Students Learn About in Textbooks 3: Hanshin Industrial Zone

Explore the Hanshin Industrial Zone, the manufacturing hub between Osaka and Kobe. Learn how history—from the “Nation’s Kitchen” era to modern industries—shaped its diverse strengths in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and daily-use goods.

2025.11.24

Business