Japan's IT mega-ventures are companies founded during the late-1990s internet dawn. SoftBank Group, founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981 as a software distributor, transformed into an investment company exceeding $70 billion in market cap through bold bets—acquiring Yahoo! JAPAN, Vodafone Japan, ARM Holdings ($32 billion), and establishing the Vision Fund. Rakuten Group expanded from Hiroshi Mikitani's 1997 e-commerce mall into the 'Rakuten Ecosystem' spanning fintech, telecom, and sports. CyberAgent moved from internet advertising into video streaming with 'ABEMA.' LY Corporation (LINE Yahoo) became one of Japan's largest internet service companies by merging messenger and portal platforms. While no GAFAM-scale global platform emerged, each company has built its own distinctive ecosystem.
Founded in 1960. Starting as a university newspaper advertising agency, the company successively launched information media across lifestyle domains including employment, housing, and travel. Through the acquisition of Indeed, it transformed into an HR technology company, now leading the global talent matching market.
Founded in 1998. Operates the e-commerce site ZOZOTOWN, which grew into one of Japan's largest fashion e-commerce platforms. In 2019, it came under the umbrella of Z Holdings, strengthening its EC infrastructure through logistics investment and expansion of store listings.
Founded in 1996. Operated Japan's largest portal site as Yahoo! JAPAN, diversifying into EC, payments, and media. After renaming to Z Holdings, expanded its platform economy through LINE integration and PayPay rollout.
Mobile gaming and IT company founded in 2013. Achieved rapid growth with Mobage and pursued diversified business expansion into sports, healthcare, automotive, and other fields.
Founded in 2013. Pioneered Japan's C2C market with the flea market app 'Mercari,' achieving rapid growth and listing in 2018. Expanded into the payment domain with Merpay, and pursues global growth including U.S. expansion.
Founded in 1998. Starting from an internet advertising agency business, the company expanded into proprietary media including Ameba Blog and AbemaTV. It made an early decision to shift to smartphones and continues to grow on three pillars: advertising, gaming, and media.