(9271) Stock Price

Washin operates under the management philosophy of "Bringing Japanese Culture to the World" and develops three main business segments. First, the "Inbound MD Business" operates as a manufacturing and retail company (SPA) that manages the entire process from planning and design to manufacturing and sales of products that showcase Japanese culture. This segment also includes an Anime and Game MD division that handles character goods design and OEM production.

In the Inbound MD Business, Washin operates stores in major cities and tourist destinations across Japan, including Kyoto, and attracts customers through internet marketing. Its brands include "Kanzashi-ya Wargo," which specializes in traditional hair ornaments; "Hokusai Graphic," which handles umbrellas; and "Hashiya Mansaku," a specialty chopstick shop. These brands focus on original designs and offer collaborative products featuring traditional crafts and popular characters.

The Anime and Game MD division serves major entertainment companies as primary clients and provides OEM services utilizing partner factories both domestically and internationally. The division accommodates small-batch production while maintaining quality and reducing costs. A key strength is the ability for dedicated designers to communicate directly with customers.

In other operations, Washin develops accommodation facilities by renovating vacant properties, primarily in the Izu Peninsula including Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. These facilities feature saunas and open-air baths, offering guests extraordinary experiences. The company also operates a real estate rental business, contributing to regional revitalization.

Wa-Gokoro is pursuing a growth strategy that fuses tradition with innovation under the mission "Bringing Japanese Culture to the World." The company prioritizes responding to IT technological innovation and accelerating new store openings to drive further business expansion. Through this approach, it provides products and services that symbolize Japanese culture both domestically and internationally, strengthening its competitive position in global markets.

Against the backdrop of strong inbound tourism, the company is reviewing its store portfolio in tourist destinations to pursue efficient operations. In 2024, it opened 8 new stores and is advancing its transformation toward a more profitable business model through strategic locations and enhanced promotional activities. Additionally, the company is strengthening its sales structure in the anime and game merchandise division by increasing sales personnel.

As a new business initiative, the company operates accommodation facilities created through renovating vacant properties, primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture, and plans to expand lodging facilities targeting inbound visitors. This strategy aims to increase revenue while contributing to regional revitalization. The company is also reducing selling, general, and administrative expenses to improve cost efficiency.

Wa-Gokoro prioritizes acquiring properties in prime locations with favorable conditions and is expanding into major cities and tourist destinations nationwide. It addresses the challenge of rapidly adapting to IT innovation by bringing EC site operations in-house to strengthen competitiveness. The company also focuses on securing stable demand by leveraging popular intellectual property products from major corporations.

The company places importance on launching new and adjacent business areas, having begun real estate rental operations and accommodation facility management. These initiatives diversify revenue streams and enhance corporate value. The company is also addressing organizational challenges including talent recruitment and development, as well as strengthening information management systems.