Cool Japan Fund

Vpon Holdings is a company specializing in AI-driven big data analysis and advertising solutions. It has developed a platform that facilitates data solutions for various sectors, enabling clients to make informed, data-driven decisions. The platform connects data demand with data supply, fostering an ecosystem where organizations can securely trade, exchange, and utilize data to meet their specific needs. Vpon emphasizes high privacy and security standards in its operations, ensuring that clients can trust the integrity and confidentiality of their data transactions.

Funding Societies is a digital financing company that specializes in providing loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through its online platform. This platform connects individual and institutional investors with SMEs in need of financing, allowing these businesses to secure funds quickly and efficiently, often avoiding the lengthy processes associated with traditional banks. Operating in several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, Funding Societies offers a range of flexible financing options such as microloans, term loans, and invoice financing. The company employs advanced credit scoring and risk assessment models to evaluate the creditworthiness of borrowers, helping SMEs address urgent cash flow needs and support their growth objectives.

KKday.com International Company Limited operates an e-commerce platform that connects travelers with authentic local tours and activities worldwide. Founded in 2014 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, the company offers a diverse range of curated experiences across numerous countries and cities, making it easy for users to search, discover, and book their desired activities. In addition to serving travelers, KKday supports travel suppliers by providing tools for product management and order fulfillment, facilitating their digital transformation in the travel industry.

Grover is an online platform that specializes in the rental of tech products through monthly subscriptions. Offering a diverse selection of over 3,000 items, Grover's inventory includes smartphones, laptops, VR gear, wearables, and smart home appliances. The company's business model emphasizes sustainability by participating in the circular economy; it refurbishes and re-circulates returned products to extend their lifespan and minimize electronic waste. Typically, each product is rented out to multiple users before it is fully retired. Grover operates in several markets, including the United States, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Spain, providing consumers with an affordable alternative to purchasing electronics outright.

Buyandship is a cross-border eCommerce solution that offers global shipping and logistics services to consumers wanting to shop internationally. The company enables customers to obtain postal addresses in various countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, and Taiwan, allowing them to purchase goods affordably from a broad range of markets. By consolidating, aggregating, and load-balancing shipments, Buyandship creates an efficient logistics experience that is often 30-50% cheaper than traditional carriers. The company connects fragmented logistics infrastructures to facilitate seamless shipping directly to consumers' doorsteps, eliminating geographical restrictions and price monopolies. Currently operating in nine countries and reaching over 1.5 million people monthly, Buyandship aims to provide a transparent system that allows both buyers and sellers to focus on products rather than shipping complexities.

DAIZ Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Kumamoto, Japan, specializes in the production and supply of plant-based meat products, notably under the brand name 'Miracle Meat.' Utilizing a proprietary process known as the 'Ochiai Germination Method,' the company transforms germinated soybeans into functional food substances that serve as healthy, plant-based alternatives to traditional meat. In addition to its production activities, DAIZ is involved in research and development focused on raw materials and drug discovery derived from germinated soybeans, further emphasizing its commitment to innovation in the plant-based food sector.

Good Pair Days is an online platform that specializes in selling and delivering wines tailored to individual consumer preferences. By utilizing customer data, such as responses to a palate quiz and previous ratings, the platform offers personalized wine recommendations that consider various characteristics, including region, flavor, and acidity. Each order includes detailed information about the selected wines, including stories about the makers, tasting notes, food pairings, and personalized recipes. Additionally, the service rewards customer loyalty by providing points that can be redeemed for free bottles on future purchases, enhancing the overall shopping experience for wine enthusiasts.

JumpStart Coffee engages in self-serve coffee shop/smart coffee vending machines.

Pizza 4P's is a chain of Japanese Italian pizza restaurants.

Spiber Inc., founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tsuruoka, Japan, specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative protein materials, notably its Brewed Protein™ products derived from spider silk fibroin proteins. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology, polymer science, and microbial fermentation, the company creates sustainable materials from agricultural feedstocks, contributing to initiatives aimed at reducing animal and plastic use in various sectors, including apparel and automotive industries. Spiber is preparing to launch its first mass production facility in Rayong Province, Thailand, with operations expected to begin in 2021. Additionally, a second facility in partnership with ADM is under construction in Iowa, USA, with production anticipated to start in 2023, further enhancing the company's capacity to meet growing demand for its environmentally friendly materials.

IMCF is a brand incubation company focused on supporting fashion designers by providing essential financial, marketing, and promotional assistance. Its primary goal is to create an environment where designers can concentrate on their creative work while IMCF manages all other operational tasks. By investing in emerging designers, IMCF fosters new value creation and guides entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into successful brands. The company also emphasizes a collaborative approach, acting as a unified business partner to tackle challenges alongside the designers. Through its support, IMCF enables designers to acquire knowledge of the business and marketing processes, ultimately streamlining the launch of their brands and minimizing associated costs and time.

KKday.com International Company Limited operates an e-commerce platform that connects travelers with authentic local tours and activities worldwide. Founded in 2014 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, the company offers a diverse range of curated experiences across numerous countries and cities, making it easy for users to search, discover, and book their desired activities. In addition to serving travelers, KKday supports travel suppliers by providing tools for product management and order fulfillment, facilitating their digital transformation in the travel industry.

Vpon Inc. is a prominent big data company based in Taipei, Taiwan, specializing in mobile advertising and user behavior forecasting. Founded in 2008, it operates additional offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, serving clients across 12 Asia-Pacific countries. Vpon offers a range of solutions including performance optimization, branding, cross-border marketing, and seamless integration of online and offline channels. The company leverages extensive media resources, accessing over 21 billion biddable inventories across the region, and employs advanced analytics technology to enhance its services. Vpon focuses on supporting O2O and e-commerce businesses to improve brand awareness and drive profitable transactions. With a significant user base that includes millions of travelers and unique devices, Vpon has garnered industry recognition, including awards for its excellence and ranking among China's top privately held small businesses. The company is committed to transparency and sustainability in the industry, continuously enhancing its services for a diverse clientele that includes over 1,500 renowned brands.

Yamagata Design Co., Ltd., founded in 2014 and based in Tsuruoka, Japan, specializes in town planning and urban development services aimed at revitalizing the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. The company operates several innovative projects, including the Suiden Terrasse hotel, which is uniquely situated above rice fields, and the Kids Dome SORAI, an all-weather educational facility for children. Additionally, Yamagata Design manages the Shonai Zukan digital portal, which serves as a resource for information on regional jobs, culture, and lifestyle. The company is also committed to agricultural education by training the next generation of farmers, developing machinery to facilitate organic rice cultivation, and producing organic crops year-round.

Sentai Holdings, LLC is a company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2008, that specializes in the distribution of anime and other Japanese content. It provides access to this content through various mediums, including streaming services, television broadcasts, home videos, theatrical releases, and digital platforms. In addition to media distribution, Sentai Holdings also offers a range of merchandise such as posters, buttons, and keychains through its online store. The company focuses on delivering a comprehensive experience for anime enthusiasts, ensuring a wide array of content and related products are readily available.

KKday.com International Company Limited operates an e-commerce platform that connects travelers with authentic local tours and activities worldwide. Founded in 2014 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, the company offers a diverse range of curated experiences across numerous countries and cities, making it easy for users to search, discover, and book their desired activities. In addition to serving travelers, KKday supports travel suppliers by providing tools for product management and order fulfillment, facilitating their digital transformation in the travel industry.

Winc, Inc. is a modern winery based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing and delivering wine directly to consumers. Founded in 2012, the company aims to simplify the wine discovery process, targeting the next generation of wine drinkers. Winc offers an online subscription service that allows members to explore a curated selection of wines, including popular brands such as Summer Water and Folly of the Beast. By leveraging consumer insights, Winc has built a portfolio that resonates with contemporary tastes. The company's wines are also available in select restaurants and premium retailers across the United States. Winc operates a direct-to-consumer model, managing the bottling, labeling, and distribution processes under its own winery license, while sourcing grapes from various vineyards and collaborating with winemakers. Recently, Winc announced a public investment opportunity through a Regulation A+ campaign, reflecting its commitment to innovative growth in the wine industry.

Sitateru is a cloud based garment production platform helping clothing companies improve workflow to control inventory and production needs.

Wonderplanet Inc. is a company based in Nagoya, Japan, that specializes in designing and developing native language applications and games for smartphones and tablets. Founded in 2012, Wonderplanet offers a range of both 2D and 3D games compatible with iOS and Android platforms. The company focuses on creating engaging content that caters to diverse language needs, enhancing the user experience in mobile gaming and applications.

Sitateru is a cloud based garment production platform helping clothing companies improve workflow to control inventory and production needs.

East Meets West Fine Wines Co., Ltd is an importer and distributor of wine, focusing on the Greater China market, which includes China, Macau, and Hong Kong. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Shanghai, the company has developed a strong presence in the wine industry by providing a diverse selection of wines to meet the tastes and preferences of its clientele.

Laugh & Peace Mother is engaged in the production and distribution of educational content and applications. The company has developed a platform aimed at enhancing student learning through interactive experiences, both within Japan and internationally. This platform features original interactive image content, games, and applications that utilize augmented and virtual reality technologies. By merging education with entertainment, Laugh & Peace Mother enables children to acquire knowledge in a natural and engaging manner, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.

Rough & Peace Mother operates in the creation and development of several types of material, such as apps, films, and facilities for attractions. Also, it develops knowledge, academic prowess, creativity, and communication abilities.

With a network of 6.4 million tastemakers in Asia, we enable brands to engage the new-age consumer via Content, Community and Commerce. In the past decade, Clozette has been recognised with awards from Emerging Enterprise, Red Herring Global and Marketing Magazine, amongst others. We are a diverse team of digital strategists, storytellers and style advocates who consume way too much coffee. Always up for a good conversation: info@clozette.co For more details, check out https://clozettegroup.co/

NK Works specializes in manufacture and trade of industrial materials and products. It began operation in October 1976, with its headquarters in Tokyo in Japan.

Spiber Inc., founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tsuruoka, Japan, specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative protein materials, notably its Brewed Protein™ products derived from spider silk fibroin proteins. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology, polymer science, and microbial fermentation, the company creates sustainable materials from agricultural feedstocks, contributing to initiatives aimed at reducing animal and plastic use in various sectors, including apparel and automotive industries. Spiber is preparing to launch its first mass production facility in Rayong Province, Thailand, with operations expected to begin in 2021. Additionally, a second facility in partnership with ADM is under construction in Iowa, USA, with production anticipated to start in 2023, further enhancing the company's capacity to meet growing demand for its environmentally friendly materials.

TasteMade, Inc. is a media company that specializes in producing and delivering content for food enthusiasts worldwide. Founded in 2012 and based in Santa Monica, California, the company offers a variety of themed shows, including video recipes and cooking programs, accessible through its YouTube channel and dedicated food channels across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In addition to its video content, TasteMade provides a mobile application for iPhone users that facilitates the discovery, creation, and sharing of food-related videos. The company also offers online tutorials covering topics such as food photography, food styling, and video production techniques, allowing users to enhance their culinary skills and storytelling through food.

Hyakusenrenma Inc. is a Japan-based company that specializes in developing and operating web-based platforms for vacation rentals. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Sendai, the company offers a range of services, including home renting and homestay options for events in farmhouses and rural areas. Its platforms, Stay Japan and Tomarina, cater primarily to foreign travelers seeking private room reservations. Recently, Hyakusenrenma secured approximately $13 million in funding to enhance its business infrastructure and strengthen its global marketing initiatives. The company aims to increase the number of properties available for rent, positioning private house stays as a primary attraction for international tourists visiting Japan. Through its technology and regional partnerships, Hyakusenrenma not only facilitates short-term accommodations but also promotes regional revitalization by fostering travel demand and community engagement.

KADOKAWA Contents Academy Co., Ltd., founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates academies focused on content training. As a subsidiary of KADOKAWA CORPORATION, the academy aims to disseminate Japanese content creation expertise, particularly in the fields of anime and manga, which are highly popular in various Asian countries. The academy's strategic location in Taipei, Taiwan, places it in the city center near major transportation hubs, making it an ideal platform for sharing knowledge and skills related to Japanese content. By leveraging the vibrant interest in Japanese media, KADOKAWA Contents Academy seeks to educate and foster talent in content creation, contributing to the global appreciation of Japanese culture.

WAKUWAKU JAPAN is an entertainment channel that broadcasts a diverse array of popular Japanese programs in the local language, catering to viewers of all ages. Operating 24 hours a day, the channel offers a curated selection of content, including drama, music, films, and various entertainment shows. By providing access to high-quality Japanese media, WAKUWAKU JAPAN aims to engage and entertain audiences, showcasing the richness of Japanese culture and entertainment.

Anime Consortium Japan specializes in the video streaming, e-commerce and licensing.

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. is a platform dedicated to Japanese otaku culture, providing a wide array of content including news, event reports, and user-generated contributions related to anime, manga, and cosplay. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with a branch in Mitaka-shi, Japan, the company operates the website otakumode.com, which features English-language articles on otaku topics and showcases artwork and photos from fans. Tokyo Otaku Mode also supports creators by promoting their works globally, offering services such as English translation and international portfolios. In addition, the company runs an e-commerce site that facilitates access to Japanese pop culture merchandise for fans around the world, thereby bridging the gap between Japan's otaku goods and international enthusiasts. The brand enjoys a significant following, with over 10 million fans on its Facebook page, solidifying its position as a key player in the global dissemination of Japanese pop culture.