Corporate strategy, funding, alliances
Business Infroneer HD, Known for Construction and Machinery, Acquires Waterworks Operator Swing
Infroneer Holdings, the Japan-based infrastructure conglomerate behind Maeda Corporation, has agreed to acquire waterworks operator Swing Corporation for over 90 billion yen. The deal fills a critical gap in Infroneer's push to become a one-stop infrastructure services provider — and may signal its ambitions to close the revenue gap with Japan's elite "super generals."
Business Seaweed-Based Food Startup Aqua Theon Raises $5 Million
Aqua Theon, a Japanese-founded food startup based in Los Angeles, has closed a third tranche of its pre-Series A round, raising approximately $5 million. The company's flagship product, OoMee Matcha — a functional beverage made with agar and matcha — is now available in 700 U.S. stores. Aqua Theon positions seaweed as both a health-forward ingredient and a sustainable one, citing its rapid growth rate and CO₂ absorption capacity.
Business Skylark Holdings Acquires Operator of Shinpachi Shokudo
Skylark Holdings, one of Japan's largest restaurant groups, announced the acquisition of Shinpachi, the operator of grilled fish set meal chain Shinpachi Shokudo, for approximately 11 billion yen ($69 million). The deal adds another strong brand to Skylark's growing portfolio of M&A targets.
Business MLIT Reports Peak Moving Season: Late March to Early April Expected to Be Extremely Busy
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has announced that moving reservations for the final week of March through the first week of April are at their highest congestion level. The seasonal crunch reflects Japan’s April-start fiscal and academic calendar, which drives a nationwide wave of corporate transfers and university enrollments each spring. Moving costs during the peak period average around ¥200,000 for families and ¥120,000 for individuals, with rates rising year over year amid wage growth and fuel price increases.
Business JAL to Introduce Domestic Fuel Surcharge from 2027
Japan Airlines (JAL) has unveiled plans to introduce a fuel surcharge on its domestic routes from April 2027, as part of a broader overhaul of its revenue structure. JAL's domestic EBIT for fiscal year 2025 stood at ¥15 billion — effectively zero without public subsidies. The airline has outlined a three-step reform plan, including collaboration with ANA and industry-wide initiatives, targeting domestic EBIT of ¥60 billion or more from fiscal year 2028.
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.