Michi Tohma - OHYASHIMA

The Worldview of Weekly Shonen Jump in One Piece, Dragon Ball, SLAM DUNK—and Beyond

A Japanese perspective on One Piece and the “Weekly Shonen Jump–style worldview” of effort, friendship, and victory, exploring why such narratives resonate in Japan and what they may suggest for business and cultural engagement.

2026.02.24

Culture & Society

What Overseas Businesspeople Can Learn from Prime Minister Takaichi’s Instructions to Her Cabinet

An overview of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s instructions to her Cabinet and what overseas business leaders should understand about Japan’s policy direction, based on the provisional English translation released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

2026.02.20

Policy & Regulation

Payn Raises $1.6 Million in Series A for Automated Cancellation Fee Invoicing

Payn, a Japanese startup automating cancellation fee invoicing for restaurants and service providers, has raised $1.6 million in a Series A funding round.

2026.02.17

Technology

Oceanic Constellations Raises $13 Million in Series B1 Funding for USV Development

Oceanic Constellations, a Japanese startup developing unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), has raised $13 million in Series B1 funding to advance its ocean observation and maritime monitoring technologies.

2026.02.13

Technology

San Francisco–based Japanese AI startup Shizuku AI completes seed round

San Francisco–based Japanese AI startup Shizuku AI has completed a seed funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). The company develops an AI-driven VTuber capable of interacting with viewers on YouTube, highlighting the growing global interest in AI-powered digital characters.

2026.02.11

Business

Who Are Toyota’s “Oyaji” and “Banto” at the Top of the Organization?

This article explains Toyota’s roles of “Oyaji” and “Banto,” exploring their historical origins, cultural meanings, and how they function within Toyota’s leadership and shop-floor tradition.

2026.02.10

Culture & Society

How Japan’s National Newspapers Framed the General Election Result Through an Economic Lens

This article reviews how Japan’s major national newspapers interpret the ruling coalition’s victory in the general election, focusing on economic policy, fiscal discipline, and market reactions.

2026.02.09

Policy & Regulation

AstroX Raises a Total of $15 Million in Series A to Develop Balloon-Launched Rockets

Japanese space technology startup AstroX has raised a total of $15 million in Series A funding to advance its balloon-launched “Rockoon” rocket system, aiming to significantly reduce the cost of small satellite launches.

2026.02.06

Technology

Power Wave Raises $6 Million in Series A Funding for In-Motion Wireless Charging Technology for AGVs and AMRs

Japanese startup Power Wave has raised $6 million in Series A funding to advance its in-motion wireless charging technology for AGVs and AMRs.

2026.02.05

Technology

EVERSTEEL Secures $3 Million in Series A Funding for Steel Scrap Inspection AI

Japanese startup EVERSTEEL has raised $3 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-based steel scrap inspection technology, supporting the decarbonization and efficiency of electric arc furnace–based steel production.

2026.02.04

Technology