Corporate strategy, funding, alliances
Business Green Growth raises $3m seed round to help renewable power plants boost revenue
Green Growth, which helps solar plant owners add battery storage, raised about ¥500m ($3m) in a seed round led by ANRI as Japan’s FIT era nears its end.
Business The Tokaido Shinkansen’s new S0 Series set to debut in 2029
JR Central will launch the S0 Series on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen in July 2029, adding GOA2 automatic operation and faster earthquake response.
Business Don Quijote operator PPIH to acquire Toys”R”Us-Japan business
PPIH, the Don Quijote operator, signed a sponsor agreement with Toys"R"Us-Japan, which filed for civil rehabilitation. Why the deal echoes its Nagasakiya buy.
Business Hinoki, champion of “serial business succession”, raises $20m
Hinoki, a Tokyo-based startup, has raised $20m to acquire Japanese SMEs facing succession crises and hold them permanently — a Japanese take on Europe's serial-acquirer model.
Business 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.
Business Mofuku Rescue, 24-hour mourning-wear rental service, raises $3m in Series A round
Mofuku Rescue, which rents mourning wear from unstaffed 24-hour stores, has raised around ¥500m ($3m) in a Series A.
Business ‘Tree-Ring Management’ pioneer, Ina Food Industry former chairman Hiroshi Tsukakoshi dies
Hiroshi Tsukakoshi, the Ina Food Industry chief adviser behind ‘Tree-Ring Management’ and an inspiration to Toyota’s Akio Toyoda, has died aged 88.
Business Rental move-in cost instalment service Smooth raises $4m in Series C first close
Smooth, which lets Japanese tenants pay rental move-in costs in instalments, has raised $4m in a Series C first close backed by state fund JIC.
Business Nudge, issuer of credit cards for Japan’s oshikatsu fan economy, raises $9m
Nudge, which issues credit cards for Japan's oshikatsu fan economy, has raised $9m through a mix of asset, debt and equity financing, including from Morgan Stanley and Resona Bank.
Business Yoyogi Animation Group raises $18m to develop entertainment IP
Yoyogi Animation Group has raised $18m in equity funding to develop next-generation entertainment IP.