OHYASHIMA - OHYASHIMA

What Japan’s METI–Infrastructure Talks Reveal About Corporate IT Security

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry convened talks with critical infrastructure operators on the threat of AI-assisted cyberattacks. The meeting highlights a broader pattern: many Japanese companies continue to rely on VPNs, and that dependence has made them a target.

2026.05.07

Business

Vol. 9 | Uri-te Yoshi Ⅱ

The Ohmi Shonin lived by a simple maxim: shimatsu shite kibaru — use everything to the last, and work without rest. Vol. 9 explores what that ethic looked like in practice, from a box lid made of recycled business papers at the Ohmi Shonin Kyodokan, to an eighteenth-century merchant's blunt advice on how to build wealth. The spirit, it turns out, is not so distant from the habits of Warren Buffett or Bill Gates.

2026.05.04

The Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Pictoria Raises $2 Million to Expand AI Character Business

Pictoria, a Tokyo-based AI character developer behind VTuber Tsumugi Nen, has raised 330 million yen ($2 million) in a combined equity and debt round. Canon Marketing Japan is among the investors.

2026.04.30

Business

Helical Fusion Raises $17M in Series B First Close

Japanese fusion startup Helical Fusion has raised $17M in its Series B first close, advancing its Helix Program to bring demonstration device Helix HARUKA online around 2030.

2026.04.29

Technology

Qubitcore Raises $9.6M in Seed Funding to Advance Ion-Trap Quantum Computing

Qubitcore, a Japanese quantum computing startup, has raised $9.6 million in seed funding to advance its ion-trap quantum computer technology — an approach known for low error rates and long qubit coherence times.

2026.04.28

Technology

Vol. 8 | Uri-te Yoshi

Reading the full series? Browse all volumes here. Before diving in — Vol. 2 sets out the author’s framing and ...

2026.04.27

The Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Magic Shields, Developer of Fall-Injury Prevention Mats, Raises $8M in Series B1 and B2 Rounds

Magic Shields, a Hamamatsu-based startup, raised $8M in Series B1 and B2 rounds to expand Coroyawa—a floor mat that stays firm while walking but absorbs impact during falls, reducing fracture risk for elderly users.

2026.04.24

Uncategorized

Vol. 7 | Sanpo Yoshi Ⅲ

The Ohmi Shonin operated as outsiders in distant regions — and that shaped everything. Vol. 7 explores the merchant wisdom behind Sanpo Yoshi, and why humility may be its hidden foundation.

2026.04.23

The Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Brave group Raises Over $50M in Series E Round

Brave group, a Tokyo-based VTuber company, has closed a Series E round totaling over ¥8 billion (approx. $50M), with 16 equity investors and three banks participating.

2026.04.22

Business

ECOMMIT Closes $9 Million Series B Round to Scale Circular Economy Infrastructure

ECOMMIT, a Japanese startup building resource circulation infrastructure, has closed a $9 million Series B round. The Kagoshima-based company behind PASSTO collection boxes reuses or recycles 98% of collected apparel and aims to triple its annual collection volume within three years.

2026.04.21

Business