venture capital
Global VCs are increasingly drawn to Japan, recognizing its evolving tech scene, strong research capabilities, and a rising generation of talent embracing entrepreneurship. They seek startups with global visions, a "Silicon Valley" mindset, and the potential to disrupt industries beyond Japan's borders. While Japan's
ASEAN
The panel discussion emphasized the opportunities and challenges for startups in the Southeast Asian region. It highlighted the need for realistic valuations, strategic collaborations, a deep understanding of local markets, and a focus on long-term commitment in order to succeed in the region. In short, relationships are key in Southeast
neobank
SBI Sumishin Net Bank (SSNB) has delivered a strong financial performance for the Fiscal Year 2024, concluded on March 31, 2025. The results are characterized by robust growth in both income and profitability, although slightly missing targets on ordinary profit (95% of forecast), mortgage loan origination (97%), and number of
regional bank
Chiba Bank has constructed an "Analysis and Marketing Foundation" in collaboration with NS Solutions and Nippon Information and Communication to pursue "Advanced One-to-One Marketing". By utilizing this foundation, Chiba Bank will deliver optimal information and proposals to each customer at the most appropriate timing. In recent
metaverse
Bandai Namco Entertainment, a leading game publisher in Japan, has launched the Gundam Metaverse on AWS, the world’s leading cloud provider, for fans across the globe. The Gundam Metaverse is delivered using the new Amazon GameLift Streams capability on AWS, providing a virtual space where fans of the Gundam
broker/dealer
Monex, a leading online brokerage firm, has chosen to migrate its current JASDECPS system to Broadridge’s advanced cloud-based SaaS platform. This strategic shift, scheduled to go live in May 2026, comes as Monex prepares to meet the stringent demands of the JASDEC2025 market initiative while optimizing operational efficiency and
payments
Digital Garage has invested in Phi Commerce, a leading Indian payment service provider. Additionally, DG Financial Technology, the payment business company within the Digital Garage Group, has signed a business alliance agreement with Phi Commerce. Phi Commerce is a reliable payment service provider licensed and certified by the Reserve Bank
mergers & acquisitions
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation have reached an agreement with State Bank of India (SBI), the state-owned bank of the Republic of India, and other financial institutions in India to acquire a 20.0% equity stake in YES BANK, a private commercial bank in India, subject
web3
Futureverse, a leader in AI and metaverse technology, has officially launched RakutenWallet.Pass in partnership with Rakuten Wallet. Starting today, Rakuten Wallet's users will now have access to onboard seamlessly to an upgraded version of the RakutenWallet.Pass, unlocking web3 benefits like digital ownership and access to immersive
payments
NTT DATA Payment Services has unveiled ADAPTIS, a suite of integrated payment solutions and more that is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. Introduced at an exclusive brand launch event, ADAPTIS marks a strategic milestone in the NTT DATA's transformation, bringing together innovation, flexibility and
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred tenth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. The decades-long (if not forever) pricing system for Japanese sake has been broken. It has not happened overnight, rather it has been a slow, post-pandemic process as far as I could tell, but by now most of the
NFT
SyFu has entered into a strategic partnership with KDDI, one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies, to launch an exclusive “KDDI × SyFu” MANEKINEKO NFT. This special NFT will be available within the SyFu GameFi ecosystem, powered by the SyFu Web3 lifestyle app, and offered through a dedicated minting platform, providing