S. Hiro Black

CyberAgent, which expanded from an online advertising company into anime production, has owed its success to its distribution strategy on ABEMA, the ecosystem built through M&A, and its free-spirited corporate culture. This article will explain in detail the secrets to their success in the IP business.

In the highly uncertain year of 2026, what is "progressive management"? This article explains CEO Masahiro Oka's management philosophy of focusing on the ground, domestic investment strategy, and pricing wisdom. It provides concrete know-how for companies to survive in an uncertain environment.

This article explains the enormous risks hidden in the energy strategies of AI data centers. It analyzes the cost and water scarcity problems associated with reliance on fossil fuels and reveals why a sustainability-focused approach creates a long-term competitive advantage.

Inspired by the rapid pace of EV development by Chinese companies, the automotive industry is seeing a dramatic reduction in new vehicle development cycles. This book explains five major changes, from parts standardization and digitalization to organizational reform, along with success stories and practical know-how on balancing safety. It also offers business lessons.

We explain the reasons behind Suntory’s unusual strategy of upgrading ‘Kinmugi’ to full-fledged beer, the impact of the revisions to alcohol tax legislation, and the broader trends within the industry. We provide a clear explanation of why the shift from ‘third-category beer’ to genuine beer is necessary, and how the general public is likely to perceive it. We also hope you will gain some insights into managing change in both business and personal life.

This article explains the impact of new lease accounting standards and revisions to goodwill treatment, scheduled to be implemented from fiscal year 2027, on business management, along with specific examples. It also discusses the ripple effects on asset values and performance indicators.

The "dual pricing" system at tourist facilities, a hot topic due to the increase in foreign visitors to Japan, raises questions: Is it discriminatory? Why is its adoption increasing? This article provides a detailed explanation of international examples, economic rationale, and benefits to local residents.

Learn the essence of ROIC management from the true stories of Ajinomoto and Fujikura, which quadrupled their market capitalization through accounting reforms. This book provides detailed explanations of FP&A implementation, internal activist strategies, and common characteristics of successful companies. It's packed with practical know-how for using financial indicators from an investor's perspective.

This article explains JR West's new cashless payment service, "Wesmo!". We'll clearly explain its separate branding from ICOCA, its contactless payment system using free BLUE tags, and its QR code system. We'll also cover the benefits of adoption for small and medium-sized businesses.