Kushim

Basic Information

Stock Code
2345
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Education
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
June 1997
Listing Year
December 2002
Official Website
https://www.kushim.co.jp/
TSE Information
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Overview

Kushim is an information and communications company founded in 1997, centering on blockchain technology for system development and human resource development businesses, with strengths in the education field.

Current Situation

Kushim has recently positioned blockchain technology R&D and related solutions as its mainstay, while maintaining a high market share in learning support and human resource referral services. After listing on the Tokyo market, it has brought numerous subsidiaries under its umbrella and is advancing diversified technology development and market expansion. Leading up to 2023, it has strengthened its group structure through multiple M&As and capital alliances. It focuses on cultivating advanced IT skills among employees, with ongoing progress in R&D for AI detection systems and similar initiatives. From a sustainability perspective, it is promoting business development that includes membership in the Blockchain Promotion Association and environmental considerations. Although there was a delay in earnings announcement due to an investigation into inappropriate conduct, it aims for stable medium- to long-term growth by refreshing its management structure and securing multiple growth drivers.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The company name 'Kushim' derives from the world's oldest known personal name.
  • The learning software iStudy has been offered since 1999 as a historic brand.
  • Currently developing AI detection system for nursing care in collaboration with the University of Tokyo.
  • In 2020, consolidated multiple subsidiaries to strengthen the group.
  • Early member of the Blockchain Promotion Association.
  • Actively expanding business areas using M&A operations.
  • Focuses on developing advanced IT talent in HR business.
  • In 2023, consolidated multiple Web3-related subsidiaries.
  • Strengthening corporate sector with video streaming solution 'Qumu'.
  • Earnings announcement delay report once impacted the market.

Hidden Connections

  • One of its financial subsidiaries, Zaif Co., Ltd., operates a cryptocurrency exchange as a related company.
  • Has a history of strengthened collaboration following a capital and business alliance with CAICA DIGITAL Co., Ltd.
  • Business alliance with Fisco-related group since 2017 has attracted industry attention.
  • Multiple learning support software products are linked with corporate training services.
  • Establishes unique business model through integration of blockchain technology and HR business.
  • Diverse subsidiary composition emphasizes synergy creation within the group.
  • Core employees hold numerous information processing engineer certifications, utilized in internal education.
  • Company name change was part of branding strategy considering historical significance.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of blockchain technology social implementation
  • Stable demand in IT certification support market
  • Expansion into new business areas using AI technology
  • Growth and market penetration in Web3-related business
  • Strengthening of diversified business base through M&A strategy
  • Increasing demand for system development accompanying DX promotion
  • Expanding demand for adult education business
  • Mandatory strengthening of security in public and private sectors
  • Demand for skill development amid talent shortages
  • Further expansion of e-learning market
  • Enhanced technology development due to corporate digitalization
  • Innovative services from AI and blockchain integration

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve group sales exceeding 10 billion yen
  • Establish as top domestic brand in blockchain-related business
  • Expand socially contributory products utilizing AI technology
  • Expand market share and add higher value in education sector
  • Establish sustainable management base and strengthen CSR
  • Standardize advanced IT talent development programs in the industry
  • Create new businesses through collaborations across diverse industries
  • Promote overseas market development and international expansion
  • Advance innovations in cybersecurity field
  • Nationwide rollout of digital talent referral services

Business Segments

Blockchain Development Business

Overview
Provides blockchain infrastructure construction and consulting for companies.
Competitiveness
Advanced technical expertise and multi-domain deployment capabilities
Customers
  • Financial Institutions
  • IT Companies
  • Major Manufacturers
  • Government Agencies
  • Logistics Companies
  • Startups
Products
  • Blockchain Platform
  • Smart Contract Development
  • Security Audit
  • System Integration
  • R&D Services

Education and Human Resource Development Business

Overview
Provides a wide range of IT talent development and career support services.
Competitiveness
Advanced education linked to practical content
Customers
  • System Engineers
  • IT Engineer Dispatch Companies
  • Corporate Training Managers
  • Human Resource Referral Providers
  • Universities and Vocational Schools
Products
  • IT Certification Support Software
  • LMS Systems
  • Blockchain Technology Education
  • Job Referral Services
  • Training Programs

AI System Development Business

Overview
Develops AI-based monitoring systems and others for the nursing care sector.
Competitiveness
Practical technology development through joint research with universities
Customers
  • Nursing Care Facilities
  • Medical Institutions
  • Welfare Organizations
Products
  • AI Detection Systems
  • Image Analysis Services
  • Joint R&D

M&A and Capital Alliance Support

Overview
Provides services supporting integration and collaboration between companies.
Competitiveness
Possible collaboration with multiple group subsidiaries
Customers
  • Mid-sized SMEs
  • Startups
  • Investment Funds
Products
  • M&A Consulting
  • Capital and Business Alliance Support
  • Corporate Valuation

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced expertise in blockchain technology
  • Business expansion leveraging diverse subsidiaries
  • Extensive track record in IT certification education
  • Technological innovation through joint research with universities
  • Network built through collaborations across various industries
  • Business growth via flexible M&A strategy
  • Education programs for developing advanced IT talent
  • Reliability from listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market
  • Stability from diverse business portfolio
  • Ability to respond quickly to market changes
  • Strong brand image
  • Active adoption of cutting-edge technologies
  • Management team with specialized knowledge
  • Effective HR business expansion
  • Broad customer base

Competitive Advantages

  • Abundant development track record and specialized services in blockchain
  • Leading company in IT certification support within the education sector
  • Enhanced competitiveness through synergy effects via diverse subsidiaries
  • Proprietary technologies from AI R&D in collaboration with universities
  • Rapid business expansion and resource optimization through M&A
  • Differentiation via focus on advanced IT skills in referrals and development
  • Credibility from membership in blockchain industry promotion association
  • Adaptation to rapidly changing IT industry with flexible business strategies
  • Market diversification through solutions for wide range of industries
  • Stable growth backed by solid financial foundation
  • Customer loyalty from strong corporate culture and brand
  • Improved service quality through introduction of advanced technologies
  • Rapid product development capability aligned with market needs
  • Expertise in DX and digital education
  • Established position in IT certification support market

Threats

  • Risk of technology obsolescence due to rapid IT advancements
  • Challenges in securing skills amid talent shortages
  • Decline in corporate image related to inappropriate conduct investigation
  • Intensified market competition from increasing competitors
  • Potential business impact from regulatory or policy changes
  • Risk of market share loss from emergence of new technologies
  • Reduction in IT investments due to economic fluctuations
  • Data security and privacy risks
  • Limited growth in overseas markets
  • Financial risks from M&A failures
  • Rising labor costs due to intensified competition in recruitment market
  • Loss of trading partners due to decline in social credibility

Innovations

2023: Release of New LMS 'SLAP'

Overview
Developed a new learning management system capable of tracking individual learner growth.
Impact
Enhanced value-added services in education and increased customer satisfaction

2021: Initiation of Joint Research on AI Detection System for Nursing Care Facilities

Overview
Collaborating with the University of Tokyo's Matsuo Lab to develop high-precision AI detection systems.
Impact
Improved safety and efficiency in nursing care settings

2020: Joined Blockchain Promotion Association and Expanded Business Alliances

Overview
Joined industry group and strengthened collaborations with Stake Technologies and others.
Impact
Utilization of latest technologies and enhanced presence in the industry

2022: Group Restructuring and Subsidiary Integration

Overview
Merged Kushim Soft and Kushim Technologies to improve organizational efficiency.
Impact
Improved management efficiency and strengthened business synergies

2023: Made Three Web3-Related Subsidiaries Consolidated Subsidiaries

Overview
Expanded business foundation in latest blockchain technologies.
Impact
Significantly strengthened competitiveness in Web3 field

Sustainability

  • Enhanced technology transparency through Blockchain Promotion Association membership
  • Support for adult skill enhancement via IT education
  • Safety support for nursing care facilities using AI technology
  • Promotion of CSR activities across the group
  • Establishment of diverse and inclusive workplace environment