OHYASHIMA - OHYASHIMA

bitBiome, Developer of Microbial Genome Analysis Technology, Raises $22 Million

bitBiome, a Tokyo-based startup specializing in microbial genome analysis, has closed the third close of its extended seed funding round, securing approximately ¥3.5 billion ($22 million) in combined equity, debt, and grants. Around 80% of the total is non-dilutive capital. Investors in the equity portion include Taiwan-based Darwin Ventures and U.S.-based In-Q-Tel. The proceeds will fund expansion of the bit-GEM microbial genome database, enhancement of the SENS-AI platform, lab scaling, and global business development.

2026.05.27

Technology

PM Takaichi Sends Message of Condolence over China Coal Mine Accident

PM Takaichi sends messages of condolence to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang over a coal mine gas explosion in China's Shanxi Province that killed 82 people. Foreign Minister Motegi also reached out to Wang Yi.

2026.05.25

Policy & Regulation

NUMO Launches Literature Survey on Radioactive Waste Disposal at Minami-Tori-Shima

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO) has launched a literature survey on radioactive waste disposal at Minami-Tori-Shima, a remote island in Ogasawara Village. The author traces the process behind the decision, including the five conditions put forward by the village mayor.

2026.05.21

Policy & Regulation

Wave Control Startup Pixie Dust Technologies Raises $21M in Series D Funding

Pixie Dust Technologies, a Japanese wave control startup spun out of the University of Tsukuba, has raised $21 million in a Series D round led by Incubate Fund. The proceeds will fund R&D, global expansion, and healthcare product growth.

2026.05.20

Technology

movus technologies, an Eco-Car Subscription Startup, Raises $27M in Series B

Japan-headquartered movus technologies has raised $27 million in a Series B round to expand its eco-car subscription service for ride-hailing drivers in Indonesia, where limited access to vehicle financing constrains both driver supply and mobility.

2026.05.19

Business

Vol. 11 | Seken-Yoshi

What does seken — "the world" — actually mean? The word has Buddhist roots that most Japanese speakers have forgotten. Vol. 11 asks what those roots mean for us today, and for the economy we need to build.

2026.05.18

SeriesThe Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Vol. 10 | Kai-te Yoshi

The Ohmi Shonin conducted business across nearly all of Japan by the 18th and 19th centuries — and beyond its borders as early as the 17th. This volume traces where they went, who resented them for it, and why their legacy endures regardless.

2026.05.14

The Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Japan Sought Access to Anthropic’s Claude Mythos in Finance Minister Talks

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama in Tokyo on May 11–12. Reports emerged that Japan sought access to Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI to scan financial institutions for vulnerabilities.

2026.05.13

Policy & Regulation

Light Touch Technology Raises $3M in Series B Extension Round for Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Sensor

Osaka-based Light Touch Technology (LTT) has raised ¥500 million ($3M) in a Series B extension round to advance its non-invasive, MIR laser-based blood glucose sensor toward clinical trials and regulatory approval.

2026.05.12

Technology

A Japanese town council passes an “unwilling” no-confidence vote against an unconscious mayor. What would happen if the same occurred at a Japanese company?

A Japanese town assembly votes to remove its unconscious mayor — a rare legal workaround with no clean precedent. We examine what the Local Autonomy Act allows, and what Japanese company law requires when a representative director or godo kaisha member becomes incapacitated.

2026.05.11

Policy & Regulation