Corporate strategy, funding, alliances
Business 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.
Business Japanese Chemical Makers to End Ethylene Production at the Mizushima Complex
Japan’s major chemical makers Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical plan to halt ethylene production at the Mizushima complex and consolidate operations in Osaka, reflecting both decarbonization efforts and industry restructuring.
Business All LOTTERIA Stores to Be Rebranded as “ZETTERIA”
ZENSHO plans to rebrand all LOTTERIA stores in Japan as ZETTERIA. This article explains the background, market context, and what the move signals for Japan’s fast-food industry.
Business Former Itochu Chairman Uichiro Niwa Has Passed Away: The “Heart” of the Man I Saw
Former Itochu chairman Uichiro Niwa has passed away. The author reflects on Niwa’s career as a business leader and ambassador to China, and on the “heart” he revealed in a rare personal interview.
Business 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to Build an Instant Settlement System for Cross-Border Transfers — Has the Global Financial Messaging Network Become Outdated?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.
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.
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.
Business 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.
Business 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.
Business 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.