Cool Japan Fund

Vpon Inc., established in 2008, is a leading big data company specializing in mobile advertising and user behavior forecasting. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, the company provides a range of solutions including performance optimization, branding, cross-border marketing, and traffic monetization. Vpon's platform offers a data management platform, demand-side platform, in-app and mobile ad network, and data acquisition channels, along with data scientist and campaign manager services. With extensive media resources and advanced big data analytics, Vpon serves clients across 12 Asia-Pacific countries, reaching over 21 billion biddable inventories and covering 900 million unique devices monthly. The company has raised multiple funding rounds and been recognized for its excellence, winning awards such as the Bronze award for Greater China Specialist Agency of the Year in 2016 and 2017.

Funding Societies, established in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, operates a digital financing platform that connects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with investors. The company facilitates business loans, focusing on quick and efficient financing solutions, often bypassing traditional banking methods. It offers a range of flexible financing options, including micro and term loans, and invoice financing, using advanced credit scoring and risk assessment models. With operations across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, Funding Societies caters to SMEs seeking accessible and timely financing.

KKday.com International Company Limited is an e-commerce platform based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 2014. It specializes in connecting travelers with authentic local tours and activities across various countries and cities. The platform enables users to search, discover, and book a diverse range of curated experiences, facilitating access to off-the-beaten-path activities. In addition to serving travelers, KKday supports local travel suppliers by providing essential tools for product management and order fulfillment, thereby aiding their digital transformation.

Grover is an online platform that allows consumers to rent a wide variety of tech products through monthly subscriptions. With a catalog of over 3,000 items, Grover offers access to smartphones, laptops, VR gear, wearables, and smart home appliances. The company's business model emphasizes sustainability by refurbishing and re-circulating returned products, thereby extending their lifespan and minimizing electronic waste. By enabling users to rent instead of purchase, Grover provides an affordable alternative for accessing consumer electronics. The company operates in multiple markets, including the United States, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Spain.

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. is a Japanese company founded in 2015, specializing in the production and supply of plant-based meat products. Based in Kumamoto, the company offers a product line known as "Miracle Meat," which utilizes germinated soybeans through its proprietary Ochiai Germination Method. DAIZ focuses on creating plant-based substitutes for traditional meat dishes, providing consumers with healthy and cruelty-free alternatives. In addition to its production efforts, the company also engages in research and development related to raw materials and drug discovery derived from germinated soybeans.

Good Pair Days is an online winery platform that specializes in personalizing wine selections for consumers. Through its innovative approach, the company utilizes customer data, including responses to a palate quiz and previous ratings, to recommend wines tailored to individual preferences. This personalized service not only helps wine enthusiasts discover new bottles that align with their tastes but also enhances the overall experience by providing detailed information about each selected wine, including the story behind its makers, sommelier-written tasting notes, and suggested food pairings. Additionally, Good Pair Days rewards customer loyalty by offering points that can be redeemed for free bottles on future purchases, fostering a community of wine lovers who appreciate both quality and personalization in their wine selections.

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

Pizza 4P's Corporation is a chain of Japanese-Italian pizza restaurants based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Founded in 2015, the company is known for its diverse menu, which includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas, as well as appetizers, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Pizza 4P's distinguishes itself by creatively incorporating local ingredients into its offerings, aiming to bring happiness to its customers. In addition to its restaurant operations, the company also produces a range of artisanal cheeses, including burrata, mozzarella, camembert, blue cheese, raclette, scamorza, ricotta, and mascarpone, enhancing its culinary appeal.

Spiber Inc. is a Japanese biotechnology company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tsuruoka, Japan. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced protein materials, notably its proprietary Brewed Protein™ technology, which is derived from spider silk fibroin proteins. This innovative approach utilizes microbial fermentation and agricultural feedstocks, allowing Spiber to produce sustainable materials aimed at reducing reliance on animal and plastic sources. The company serves various industries, including apparel and automotive, by providing high-performance materials suitable for fibers, films, and resins. Spiber is expanding its production capabilities with a mass production facility in Rayong Province, Thailand, and is also constructing a second facility in Iowa, USA, in partnership with ADM, expected to begin operations in 2023. Through its research and development efforts, Spiber aims to contribute positively to sustainable practices and human well-being.

IMCF Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based brand incubation company dedicated to supporting fashion designers in establishing and promoting their brands. By providing financial assistance, business management, marketing, and back office services, IMCF allows designers to concentrate on their creative work without being burdened by administrative tasks. The company collaborates closely with designers, acting as a business partner to facilitate their growth and success. IMCF's approach focuses on new value creation, enabling entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable businesses while gaining essential knowledge of marketing and operational processes, all while minimizing the cost and time involved in launching a brand.

KKday.com International Company Limited is an e-commerce platform based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 2014. It specializes in connecting travelers with authentic local tours and activities across various countries and cities. The platform enables users to search, discover, and book a diverse range of curated experiences, facilitating access to off-the-beaten-path activities. In addition to serving travelers, KKday supports local travel suppliers by providing essential tools for product management and order fulfillment, thereby aiding their digital transformation.

Vpon Inc., established in 2008, is a leading big data company specializing in mobile advertising and user behavior forecasting. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, the company provides a range of solutions including performance optimization, branding, cross-border marketing, and traffic monetization. Vpon's platform offers a data management platform, demand-side platform, in-app and mobile ad network, and data acquisition channels, along with data scientist and campaign manager services. With extensive media resources and advanced big data analytics, Vpon serves clients across 12 Asia-Pacific countries, reaching over 21 billion biddable inventories and covering 900 million unique devices monthly. The company has raised multiple funding rounds and been recognized for its excellence, winning awards such as the Bronze award for Greater China Specialist Agency of the Year in 2016 and 2017.

Yamagata Design Co., Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Tsuruoka, Japan, specializes in town planning and urban development services. The company's primary focus is revitalizing the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture through a diverse range of initiatives. These include operating the Suiden Terrasse hotel, which uniquely floats above rice fields, and managing Kids Dome SORAI, an all-weather educational facility for children. Additionally, Yamagata Design operates the Shonai Zukan digital portal, curating and publishing information about regional jobs, culture, and lifestyle to facilitate community development projects. The company also invests in agricultural innovation by training the next generation of farmers and developing machinery to enhance organic rice cultivation accessibility, while growing its own organic produce year-round.

Sentai Holdings, LLC is a Houston-based company that specializes in providing access to anime and other Japanese content through various platforms, including streaming services, television broadcasts, home video releases, theatrical presentations, and digital distribution. Founded in 2008, the company also engages in the sale of related merchandise, such as posters, buttons, and keychains, through its online store. By focusing on a diverse range of media and products, Sentai Holdings aims to cater to the interests of anime fans and enthusiasts, establishing itself as a key player in the entertainment landscape.

KKday.com International Company Limited is an e-commerce platform based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 2014. It specializes in connecting travelers with authentic local tours and activities across various countries and cities. The platform enables users to search, discover, and book a diverse range of curated experiences, facilitating access to off-the-beaten-path activities. In addition to serving travelers, KKday supports local travel suppliers by providing essential tools for product management and order fulfillment, thereby aiding their digital transformation.

Winc, Inc. is a modern winery based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing and distributing wine through a direct-to-consumer model. Founded in 2012, the company aims to simplify the wine discovery process for consumers, offering an online subscription service that delivers a curated selection of wines. Winc has developed a diverse portfolio of brands tailored for the next generation of wine drinkers, including popular offerings like Summer Water and Folly of the Beast. The company sources grapes from various vineyards and collaborates with winemakers, bottling and labeling its products at a centralized facility on California's Central Coast. In addition to its subscription service, Winc's wines are available in select premium retailers and restaurants across the United States, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the consumer experience in the $220 billion wine industry.

Sitateru is a product manufacturing platform that supports garment brands throughout the entire process, from product planning to production and delivery. It connects independent fashion brands and retailers with garment factories, facilitating their clothing production needs. By establishing a network among these entities, Sitateru enables clients to explore expansion opportunities and streamline their operations in the clothing industry. This tailor-controlled system enhances the efficiency of production while catering to the specific requirements of clothing companies.

Wonderplanet Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, specializes in the design and development of native language applications and games tailored for smartphones and tablets. The company creates both 2D and 3D games compatible with iOS and Android platforms.

Sitateru is a product manufacturing platform that supports garment brands throughout the entire process, from product planning to production and delivery. It connects independent fashion brands and retailers with garment factories, facilitating their clothing production needs. By establishing a network among these entities, Sitateru enables clients to explore expansion opportunities and streamline their operations in the clothing industry. This tailor-controlled system enhances the efficiency of production while catering to the specific requirements of clothing companies.

East Meets West Fine Wines Co., Ltd., established in Shanghai, China in 2003, specializes in importing and distributing fine wines across mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong.

Laugh & Peace Mother is a company focused on the production and distribution of educational content and applications. It has developed an educational platform designed to enhance learning for students through interactive methods. The platform offers a range of original content, including interactive images, games, augmented reality, and virtual reality applications, tailored to engage children both inside and outside Japan. By combining entertainment with education, Laugh & Peace Mother aims to facilitate the natural acquisition of knowledge in a playful manner, ensuring that learning remains enjoyable for young learners.

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.

Clozette Group, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Singapore, operates a social networking and e-commerce platform tailored for fashion-conscious women. The platform allows users to create and manage personal online closets, share styling ideas, and shop for a variety of fashion items, including clothing, accessories, and footwear from international brands. Clozette extends its reach across six countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan, offering localized content to cater to diverse audiences. The company has formed partnerships to launch regional editions of its platform, enhancing its presence in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Clozette serves as the technology partner for GlamAsia.com, a lifestyle site for women in the region. Furthermore, since late 2013, Clozette has managed online advertising sales for E! Online in Southeast Asia, aiming to deliver engaging content and advertising to its audience.

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. is a Japanese biotechnology company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tsuruoka, Japan. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced protein materials, notably its proprietary Brewed Protein™ technology, which is derived from spider silk fibroin proteins. This innovative approach utilizes microbial fermentation and agricultural feedstocks, allowing Spiber to produce sustainable materials aimed at reducing reliance on animal and plastic sources. The company serves various industries, including apparel and automotive, by providing high-performance materials suitable for fibers, films, and resins. Spiber is expanding its production capabilities with a mass production facility in Rayong Province, Thailand, and is also constructing a second facility in Iowa, USA, in partnership with ADM, expected to begin operations in 2023. Through its research and development efforts, Spiber aims to contribute positively to sustainable practices and human well-being.

Tastemade, Inc. is a media company that specializes in producing and delivering content for a global community of food enthusiasts. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Tastemade offers a variety of themed shows, including video recipes and cooking programs, accessible through its YouTube channel and food channels across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company also features a mobile application for iPhone users, allowing them to discover, create, and share food-related videos. In addition, Tastemade provides online tutorials covering topics such as food photography, food styling, and video production techniques. With a focus on connecting people through food and travel, Tastemade aims to create engaging stories that resonate with audiences on digital and streaming platforms.

Hyakusenrenma Inc. is a Japanese company that specializes in developing and operating web-based platforms for vacation rentals. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Sendai-shi, Japan, the company primarily caters to foreign travelers by providing home renting services through a diverse range of listed properties. In addition to vacation rentals, Hyakusenrenma offers home stay services for events in rural locations such as farmhouses. The company's platforms, Stay Japan and Tomarina, facilitate the discovery and booking of short-term accommodations while promoting regional revitalization through increased travel demand and cultural exchange. With a focus on enhancing its business infrastructure and global marketing efforts, Hyakusenrenma aims to expand its property offerings and position private house stays as a primary travel choice for visitors to Japan.

KADOKAWA Contents Academy Co., Ltd., established in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates academies that specialize in training for content creation. As a subsidiary of KADOKAWA CORPORATION, it focuses on sharing Japanese expertise in animation and manga production, with its first academy strategically located near Taipei's bustling Taipei Station to tap into the region's enthusiasm for these genres.

Wakuwaku Japan is an entertainment channel that offers a curated selection of popular Japanese programming, broadcasting 24 hours a day. The channel features a diverse array of content suitable for all ages, including dramas, music, films, and other forms of entertainment. By providing high-quality media in the local language, Wakuwaku Japan aims to engage viewers and promote Japanese culture through its programming.

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

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. is a multimedia company focused on delivering Japanese pop culture content to a global audience. Founded in 2011 and based in Portland, Oregon, with a branch in Mitaka-shi, Japan, the company operates otakumode.com, which features user-generated content such as artwork and cosplay photos alongside professionally curated articles on anime, manga, and games. The platform serves as a hub for otaku news and fosters community engagement through social media, boasting over 10 million fans on Facebook. In addition to news and content, Tokyo Otaku Mode promotes and supports creators by providing translation services, showcasing their work internationally, and selling a curated selection of otaku merchandise through its e-commerce site, thereby making Japanese pop culture accessible to fans worldwide.