Michi Tohma - OHYASHIMA

Space-structures startup cosmobloom raises $2 million in a seed round

cosmobloom, born from Nihon University's Miyazaki Laboratory, raises $2 million to advance its NEDA-powered gossamer structures — including the LEAF de-orbit device now heading to space.

2026.08.10

Technology

Mathematical optimisation and quantum computing startup JIJ raises $5m

Tokyo-based JIJ raises $5m led by Global Brain, adding gate-based quantum computing to its optimisation platform as it deepens ties with KOBELCO and JR Central.

2026.08.07

Technology

Short-drama and anime streamer FLASH raises $8m in seed round

FLASH, a Tokyo short-drama and anime startup, has raised ¥1.3bn ($8m) in seed funding to expand its Million app and move into AI and IP publishing.

2026.08.06

Business

Takaichi government moves to cut the consumption-tax rate on food. What the consumption tax means for foreign companies

Japan is cutting consumption tax on food to 1% for two years. A guide to how the tax applies to foreign companies, from imports to e-commerce platform rules.

2026.08.04

Policy & Regulation

Robotruck, a developer of fully autonomous driving systems for trucks, raises $32m in the first close of its Series A round

Robotruck, a Japanese developer of fully autonomous truck systems, has raised $32m in the first close of its Series A round, backed by JIC Venture Growth Investments.

2026.08.03

Technology

Vol. 20 | The Shonin’s Wife and Women’s Education in Ohmi

Ohmi Shonin wives managed finances, staff and succession at the honke. This volume traces Sato Tsukamoto, who founded a school in Gokasho to educate merchants' wives.

2026.07.31

SeriesThe Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Sinumy, developer of fully hands-free authentication technology, raises $3m in pre-Series A round

Japan's Sinumy has raised $3m to bring fully hands-free authentication—usable without ever taking out a phone—to transport gates and payments, with accessibility as a core use case.

2026.07.30

Technology

Major earthquake strikes Kumamoto: the impact on TSMC and other companies

A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on 28 July, killing at least 12. TSMC's plant escaped damage, while Nippon Paper's Yatsushiro mill and Aeon Mall Kumamoto suffered casualties.

2026.07.29

Regional Economy

Vol. 19 | Joint-stock trading

How the Ohmi Shonin pooled capital: joint-stock trading, the Nakai family's Sendai shop, unlimited liability, and why brewing demanded heavy investment.

2026.07.24

SeriesThe Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

T2, a developer of autonomous driving technology for trucks, raises $31m in the first close of its Series B round

T2, a Japanese autonomous trucking startup, has raised $31m in the first close of its Series B round from logistics-sector investors, as it advances level 4 self-driving technology for freight transport.

2026.07.22

Technology