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Synflux Raises $1.7 Million to Develop a System That Reduces Material Waste in Apparel Production

Synflux has raised $1.7 million to scale Algorithmic Couture, an AI-driven apparel design system that reduces fabric waste from 15–30% to around 3–5%, supporting global expansion across OEM and ODM supply chains.

2026.01.19

Technology

Sukidayo Raises $535,000 in Seed Funding

Sukidayo has raised ¥85 million (about $535,000) in seed funding to expand its couples-focused apps, Riamo and Futari Kaigi, and accelerate AI-driven relationship support.

2026.01.15

Technology

Japan Moves to Introduce “Record Performance and Communication Rights” into Copyright Law

Japan is moving to introduce record performance and communication rights into its copyright law, reshaping how Japanese music used as background music is licensed and monetized worldwide.

2026.01.12

Policy & Regulation

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.

2026.01.09

Business

Rakuten Medical Raises $100 Million in Series F Funding

Rakuten Medical has raised $100 million in Series F funding to advance its photoimmunotherapy program and prepare for regulatory approval in the United States by 2028.

2026.01.08

Technology

Why Did a Tuna Sell for $3.2 Million?

Why did a tuna sell for $3.2 million at Japan’s Hatsuseri? This article explains the first auction of the year and the cultural roots of Japan’s love for first-of-the-year offerings.

2026.01.06

Culture & Society

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to Build an Instant Settlement System for Cross-Border Transfers — Has the Global Financial Messaging Network Become Outdated?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.

2026.01.03

Business

SPACER completes Series B extension, bringing the round’s total to approximately $6 million

SPACER, a Japanese startup developing smart luggage lockers, has completed a Series B extension round, bringing total Series B funding to approximately $6 million to expand production and logistics use cases.

2025.12.26

Business

Lawson Store 100 Shifts Toward a Small-Format Supermarket Model: What This Move Reveals About Japan’s Retail Landscape

Lawson Store 100 is shifting toward a small-format supermarket model. This article explores how the move reflects intensifying competition and structural change in Japan’s urban retail market.

2025.12.24

Business

There Is No Slump in Greetings

“There is no slump in greetings,” a phrase coined by Japanese comedian Kunihiro Matsumura, explains a simple rule behind Japanese communication.

2025.12.22

Opinion / Column