OHYASHIMA - OHYASHIMA

For Expats in Japan: Yodobashi Camera Offers Free Battery Collection

Yodobashi Camera accepts lithium-ion batteries for free — including swollen ones and those without a PSE or recycling mark. Here's what expats in Japan need to know about dropping off batteries that other retailers won't take.

2026.03.27

Living

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.

2026.03.25

Business

Vol. 2 | Before We Begin

A note to readers before the series begins in earnest: what this series is — and is not — about, and how key terms like "Jodo thought" and "Ohmi Shonin" are used throughout.

2026.03.24

The Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

Vol. 1 | The Japanese Stocks Warren Buffett Bought

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway holds stakes in five Japanese trading companies — including Itochu, whose roots trace back to Chubei Ito, an Ohmi Shonin from 19th-century Shiga Prefecture. This series explores the merchant spirit and Buddhist ethics behind their enduring success.

2026.03.23

The Jodo Ethic and the Spirit of the Ohmi Shonin

LINK-US Raises $3.9M in Series C Extension Round

LINK-US, a Japanese startup with a patented ultrasonic compound vibration technology for metal bonding, has raised 620 million yen (approximately $3.9 million) in a Series C extension round. The proceeds will fund development of a next-generation, higher-frequency bonding device targeting the battery and semiconductor markets.

2026.03.19

Technology

Ruten Raises $2 Million to Develop BMI for Swallowing Disorders

Ruten, a Japanese-founded startup, has raised $2 million to develop an invasive BMI called Swallow Autopilot for people with dysphagia. The round was led by Tokyo-based Coral Capital via a SAFE instrument.

2026.03.18

Technology

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.

2026.03.16

Business

3DC Raises Total of $18M in Series A Round

Japanese graphene startup 3DC has closed the second tranche of its Series A round, bringing total fundraising to $18 million. The company is commercializing Graphene MesoSponge (GMS), a three-dimensional graphene material that combines sponge-like flexibility with high electrical conductivity, targeting lithium-ion and next-generation battery applications.

2026.03.13

Technology

Solafune Raises Over $32 Million in Series A to Build Planetary Intelligence OS

Solafune, a Tokyo-based startup building a Planetary Intelligence OS across GEOINT, SIGINT, and OSINT, has raised over $32 million in Series A funding. The company already counts Japan's Ministry of Defense among its clients and is expanding into African markets.

2026.03.10

Technology

MiRESSO Raises $27M in Series A with New Low-Temperature Beryllium Process

MiRESSO, a Japanese startup developing beryllium manufacturing and sales capabilities, has announced the completion of ...

2026.03.09

Technology