Technology Algae-cultivation startup AlgaleX raises $2m in Series A
Okinawa's AlgaleX has raised $2m in Series A funding for its AI-controlled system that grows DHA-rich algae on awamori distillery waste.
Technology 
Technology Chalcopyrite cell developer PXP raises $9.6m in Series B
PXP, a Japanese chalcopyrite solar cell startup backed by SoftBank, has raised $9.6m in Series B funding to build a mass-production factory opening in 2027.
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.
Series Vol. 16 | demise and edamise Part 1
The Ohmi Shonin covered Japan with demise and edamise, branch shops that clustered in the east. The author explains why, drawing on the Battle of Sekigahara and the shogunate's daimyo hierarchy.
Technology Self-driving developer Turing raises $78m in Series A extension round
Turing has raised $78m in a Series A extension, taking its total funding to $172m, as the Tokyo-based startup pushes ahead with camera-based, VLA-driven autonomous driving.
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.
Technology EUV photon, which evaluates light for semiconductor-manufacturing exposure equipment, raises $5m in seed round
Kyushu University spinout EUV photon raises $5m in seed funding to expand EUV irradiation and evaluation services, reducing Japan's reliance on overseas facilities.
Series Vol. 15 | The Trading Associations the Ohmi Shonin Formed
The Ohmi Shonin didn't peddle alone. Vol. 15 looks at the peddling associations — from the Ryohama-gumi to the Hino Daitoban Nakama — that powered their trade networks.