ASOBISYSTEM and ORIGINAL enter a capital and business alliance to turn global interest in Japanese culture into lasting business
Building a joint base that catches interest in Japanese culture, art, tourism and food — in both overseas expansion and inbound travel
ASOBISYSTEM and ORIGINAL Inc. have entered into a capital and business alliance, with the aim of growing Japanese culture, art, tourism and food into sustainable businesses in international markets. The two companies will jointly build a base that catches the interest gathering around Japan — in both overseas expansion and inbound travel.
ASOBISYSTEM has invested in ORIGINAL and becomes a strategic shareholder. The alliance covers a joint business base in overseas markets, beginning with English-speaking markets; collaboration on inbound travel and regional revitalisation in Japan; and a joint investment scheme, including a fund, which the two companies are starting to consider.
Comment from ORIGINAL
Hiroyuki Fushitani, President of ORIGINAL Inc., which operates Time Out Tokyo
“Right now, as global attention turns passionately toward Japanese culture, what is lacking is not exposure, but a mechanism to capture that interest and cultivate it into a sustainable business. I’m thrilled that two companies founded in the same year, who have bridged Japan and the world in their own respective ways, are joining hands to build a shared platform to capture global interest. I feel a strong affinity with how President Nakagawa brings his passionate vision to life alongside his team using their own approach. Culture is not built through standard corporate schemes; it is cultivated through long-term trial and error, held together by cultural resonance. I intend to cherish that principle in this alliance.”
About the companies
ORIGINAL Inc.
Established in 2007, ORIGINAL Inc. has operated Time Out Tokyo, the Japanese edition of the global media brand Time Out (present in 350 cities and 59 countries), under licence in Japan since 2009. It uncovers and shares the appeal of Tokyo and Japan to the world from a global perspective. Leveraging 17 years of expertise in global media operations and an international network of people and corporations, ORIGINAL supports both the public and private sectors. It contributes to internationalisation by connecting the international and Japanese markets both inbound and outbound.
- Company Name: ORIGINAL Inc.
- Location: Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Established: July 2007
- Representative Director: Hiroyuki Fushitani
- HP: https://www.originalinc.jp
ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd.
ASOBISYSTEM is a creative company whose work spans the management of artists and creators who embody Japanese pop culture, the production of events including music festivals, regional revitalisation that combines local resources with entertainment, and store businesses built on its IP. Through partnerships with companies and media in Japan and overseas, it drives the global expansion of culture originating in Japan.
- Company Name: ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd.
- Location: Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Established: June 2007
- Representative Director: Yusuke Nakagawa
- HP: https://asobisystem.com
The full release, including a comment from ASOBISYSTEM, is available on ASOBISYSTEM’s website.
Enquiries: ORIGINAL Inc. (Ando) — info@originalinc.jp