Cool Japan Fund

Cool Japan Fund Inc. is a public-private investment fund established in November 2013 under the Act on Supporting Overseas Demand Development Fund. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the fund's primary mission is to support and promote the global expansion of Japanese products, services, and culture, thereby contributing to Japan's economic growth through increased overseas demand. The firm provides risk capital to businesses across a diverse range of sectors that showcase the unique and appealing aspects of Japanese lifestyle and culture, often referred to as the "Cool Japan" concept.

The fund was established by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) with initial financing from both the government and private sector. Its founding aimed to address bottlenecks faced by Japanese culture-related industries, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals, in expanding globally, including a lack of risk capital and overseas market information. While initially policy-driven, the fund shifted its focus in 2018 to prioritize cash flow and financial returns, while still maintaining its core mission of enhancing Japan's global presence.

Cool Japan Fund's investment portfolio is highly diversified, spanning various industries and platforms with a strong emphasis on digital transformation. Notable investments include Vietnamese apparel brand CoolMate, automotive ecosystem Trusty Cars, insurtech company Polisea Pte. Ltd. (PolicyStreet) in Southeast Asia, and luggage storage platform ecbo Inc. in Japan. The fund has also supported prominent entities like Studio Ghibli, Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings Corporation, and microfinance provider Gojo & Company, which operates in India and other developing countries.

The firm actively collaborates with its investee companies, offering not only financial support but also management assistance, marketing strategy development, and business alliance organization to ensure their success in the global market. Cool Japan Fund's team, comprising approximately 21-50 employees, leverages its connections with government ministries, local banks, and international platforms to help Japanese companies sell and distribute their products worldwide.