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The SaaS Source: May 2026

This month’s roundup covers the latest innovations and developments from Japan’s SaaS industry, including a cloud hospital platform closing a ¥3 billion Series C on the back of new government digitization mandates, an all-in-one hospitality SaaS raising its Series A amid Japan’s inbound tourism surge, a sales AI agent attracting regional bank CVCs with early ARR traction and a CRM automation pitch and a seed-stage startup that lets SaaS companies plug generative AI camera vision into their existing products without building the infrastructure themselves.

Agility of Independents. Strength of a Global Network.

Cybersecurity Compliance for Foreign Firms Entering Japan

Entering Japan's market means navigating a patchwork of cybersecurity laws, from the far-reaching APPI to sector-specific ESPA requirements. Unlike the US or EU, Japan has no single overarching framework, making compliance both nuanced and critical. For foreign firms, getting it right isn't just a legal obligation. It's the foundation of trust in one of the world's most reputation-driven business environments.

Episode 11 – Japan’s Talent “Epidemic” (and How to Fix It), with Dr. David Sweet

Japan’s talent shortage is not a pipeline problem. It is, in David Sweet’s words, an epidemic and most foreign companies are making it worse by using the wrong tools and hiring for the wrong tasks.

The SaaS Source: April 2026

April 2026's Japan SaaS roundup covers a Series A for a satellite data platform backed by NTT Docomo and JR East, a scholarship management SaaS closing its Series B, a Niigata-based 3D decision-support platform raising its first-ever outside capital, and construction SaaS giant rolling out AI agents across its platform.

Episode 10 – B2B Buyer Journey Reset: How AI Is Driving the Silent Shortlist, with Halel Porat

B2B buyers are already 60 to 80% through their decision before they ever contact your team. In Episode 10 of the Asia AIM Podcast, Trendemon COO Halel Porat explains how the rise of AI is reshaping the B2B buyer journey and what marketers need to do right now to stay visible.

The SaaS Source: March 2026

March 2026's Japan SaaS roundup covers Money Forward's ¥4.18B acquisition of AKASHI, Smart Craft's manufacturing MES funding, Kurashi Tech's AI agents for nursing care, and ATOMica's Series B close.

Episode 9 – Beyond Marketing: Why Your Brand Should Run the Business, with Andreas Moellmann

Most leadership teams treat brand as a cost. Andreas Moellmann reveals why your brand should be a decision-making system that runs the business.

Episode 8 – Beyond Translation: How to Make Your Brand Story Work in Japan, with Sayuri Namiki

The SaaS Source: February 2026

Episode 7 - Building Trust in B2B PR: Earning Attention in the Age of AI, with Ross Rowbury

Learn how building trust in B2B PR requires authenticity and adapting to AI. Ross Rowbury shares strategies for earning attention in the age of answer engines.

10 Digital Marketing Trends That Will Define 2026

If 2025 was the year we learned to use AI, 2026 is the year we learn to trust it. Discover the 10 B2B marketing trends defining the future of Japan and Asia—from Agentic AI to the 'Human Premium.