Weathernews

Basic Information

Stock Code
4825
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Internet Site Operations
Prefecture
Chiba Prefecture
Establishment Year
June 1986
Listing Year
December 2000
Official Website
https://jp.weathernews.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Synspective, Kobe Bussan, Dynamic Map Platform, Park24, QPS Institute, ALiNK Internet, Sanrio

Overview

Weathernews is an innovative company founded in 1986 in the information and communications industry, providing the world's largest scale of services centered on weather information.

Current Situation

Weathernews recorded consolidated sales of approximately 21.1 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 3.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ending May 2023. Its main weather information service holds a high market share both domestically and internationally, with about 1.6 million paid mobile subscribers. Customers span aviation, shipping, distribution, broadcasting stations, and more, differentiating through technological prowess and data analysis capabilities. Recently, it has focused on advanced technology development such as AI-based weather forecasting and operation of small satellites, contributing to the promotion of informatization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It is actively engaged in sustainability, contributing to local communities and fulfilling corporate social responsibility. Moving forward, it aims for further growth through expansion of weather services in diverse industrial sectors and utilization of new technologies.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • One of the world's largest private weather information companies.
  • Jointly develops and operates the weather satellite 'WNISAT-1'.
  • Delivers weather live programs 24 hours via the internet.
  • Collaborates with users through participatory weather information collection systems.
  • History of operating BS digital weather specialty channel independently.
  • Provides broadcast weather information to many Japanese TV stations.
  • Pioneer in smartphone weather apps.
  • Deploys proprietary emergency earthquake alert service.
  • Developed proven compact radar 'WITH Radar'.
  • Has received administrative guidance for violation of the Meteorology Business Law in the past.

Hidden Connections

  • Founder Yasushi Shiibashi inherited the business through MBO from U.S. Ocean Route Inc.
  • As a multinational company, has R&D bases across Asia, Europe, and America.
  • Close partnership with TV Asahi to produce diverse broadcast content.
  • Has built long-term transaction relationships with diverse industries such as aviation, shipping, and distribution.
  • Improving AI prediction accuracy through partnership with Google.
  • Challenges private unique information dissemination while complying with Japan Meteorological Agency regulations.
  • Many employees are professional meteorologists with qualifications.
  • Deploys paid service 'The Last 10-Second' emergency earthquake alert.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Improved prediction accuracy through advances in AI and satellite technology.
  • Demand for weather information services for smart cities.
  • Expansion of collaboration with mobile and IoT.
  • Increased service demand accompanying heightened disaster prevention awareness.
  • Aggressive global market expansion.
  • Development of new industries utilizing weather data.
  • Flexible response system to diverse customer needs.
  • Strengthened partnerships with government and local governments.
  • ESG investments toward sustainable society.
  • Continuous user engagement through participatory services.
  • Business efficiency improvement through introduction of new AI technology.
  • Enhanced adaptability to laws and regulations related to weather forecasting.

Strategic Goals

  • Establish world leadership in weather information using AI.
  • Expand global network and promote multinational employment.
  • Sustainable development and operation of satellite technology.
  • Promote diversification of new weather data businesses.
  • Achieve industry-leading ESG standards.
  • Advanced and expanded customer-centric services.
  • Expand disaster prevention support services domestically and internationally.
  • Build advanced B2B service lines.
  • Strengthen brand power across digital media.
  • Enhanced collaboration with sustainable local communities.

Business Segments

Aviation Industry Services

Overview
Specialized weather services supporting safe aviation operations.
Competitiveness
Advanced analysis technology and extensive industry experience
Customers
  • JAL
  • ANA
  • Virgin America
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Regional Airlines
Products
  • Flight Plan Weather Support
  • Low-Altitude Mountain Weather Information
  • Air Traffic Control Support

Shipping Industry Services

Overview
Maritime weather data realizing safety and efficiency in shipping.
Competitiveness
Proprietary ocean buoy network and satellite utilization
Customers
  • Nippon Yusen
  • Shipping Operators
  • Anchored Ship Management Companies
Products
  • Route Optimization Weather Forecasts
  • Sea Ice Monitoring
  • OPO Anchored Ship Maintenance Service

Distribution and Retail Services

Overview
Supports efficiency and profit improvement for distribution businesses using weather data.
Competitiveness
Large member base and data utilization capabilities
Customers
  • Seven-Eleven
  • Ministop
  • Various Distribution Companies
Products
  • Product Ordering Optimization Support
  • Store Weather Information Delivery

Weather Provision for Broadcasting Stations

Overview
Provides high-quality weather content for TV and radio.
Competitiveness
Japan's only weather broadcasting business qualification
Customers
  • NHK
  • TV Asahi
  • Local Independent Stations
  • Cable TV
Products
  • Weather Video Programs
  • Real-Time Weather Information
  • Automated Voice Systems

Transportation Infrastructure Support

Overview
Supports safe operations of railways and roads from a weather perspective.
Competitiveness
High-precision forecasting and extensive customer network
Customers
  • JR East
  • Highway Management Companies
  • Local Railways
Products
  • Operations Command Weather Information
  • Accident Prevention Support Services
  • Disaster Information Collaboration

Power and Energy Management

Overview
Precisely predicts demand changes due to weather fluctuations.
Competitiveness
Industry-specific analysis technology and information collaboration
Customers
  • Tokyo Electric Power
  • Local Power Companies
  • Gas Companies
Products
  • Supply-Demand Forecasting
  • Weather Impact Analysis
  • Fuel Procurement Support

Factory Production Management Support

Overview
Production and safety management systems based on weather data.
Competitiveness
Real-time monitoring and risk management capabilities
Customers
  • General Manufacturing
  • Heavy Industry
  • Food Factories
Products
  • Production Planning Weather Support
  • Lightning Risk Prediction
  • Environmental Management

Health and Environmental Measures

Overview
Provides weather-related data supporting health promotion.
Competitiveness
High-quality information based on scientific evidence
Customers
  • Medical Institutions
  • Local Governments
  • Public Health Agencies
Products
  • Pollen Information
  • UV and Heatstroke Alerts
  • Weather Environment Analysis

Education and Research Institution Services

Overview
Specialized weather data services for research and development.
Competitiveness
Reliable data accumulated over many years
Customers
  • Universities
  • Research Institutions
  • Weather Schools
Products
  • Weather Data Provision
  • Research Support Tools
  • Commercial Weather Models

International Expansion Support

Overview
Overseas weather services leveraging a global network.
Competitiveness
Multinational staff and region-specific deployment
Customers
  • Overseas Companies
  • Multinational Corporations
  • Government Agencies
Products
  • Regionally Adapted Weather Services
  • Multilingual Support
  • Local Weather Base Station Installation

System Integration

Overview
Supports system development incorporating weather data.
Competitiveness
Utilization of in-house developed supercomputers
Customers
  • IT Companies
  • Telecommunications Carriers
  • Major Corporations
Products
  • Weather-Related IT Infrastructure Development
  • Software Development
  • Analysis System Provision

Emergency Earthquake Alert Service

Overview
Safety service delivering earthquake information in real time.
Competitiveness
Extensive delivery network via the internet
Customers
  • General Users
  • Businesses
  • Local Governments
Products
  • The Last 10-Second Emergency Earthquake Alert

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • World's largest private weather information network
  • Ability to provide diverse weather information services
  • Advanced data analysis technology and AI utilization
  • Japan's only weather broadcasting business qualification
  • Broad customer base in aviation, shipping, distribution, etc.
  • Global bases in dozens of locations
  • Improved information quality through numerous user participation projects
  • High brand recognition and reliability
  • Continuous technological innovation and satellite development track record
  • Organizational strength with many professional weather forecasters
  • Real-time disaster information delivery system
  • Market coverage through diverse sales channels
  • Deployment of proprietary compact radar 'WITH Radar'
  • Stable revenue base from wide range of B2B services
  • Advanced emergency earthquake alert service

Competitive Advantages

  • High-precision forecasting through global weather observation network
  • Customizable weather services for multiple industries
  • Unique on-site feel achieved through user-participatory information collection
  • Differentiation via proprietary small satellites and weather sensor technology
  • High-reliability information provision based on broadcasting qualification
  • Strong market share in mobile content
  • Broad customer base and long-term transaction relationships
  • Nationwide information dissemination and support activities during disasters
  • Introduction of AI-utilizing weather data analysis
  • Brand strengthening through program deployment across diverse media
  • Active collaboration and contributions with local communities
  • Sustainable service innovation based on cutting-edge technology investments
  • Approach to wide customer base from corporations to individuals
  • Extensive track record in business utilization of weather data
  • Compliance system through proper operation of the Meteorology Business Law

Threats

  • Risk of strengthened regulations in the weather information field
  • Share competition from competitors introducing AI technology
  • Increasing difficulty in predicting extreme weather
  • Risk of infrastructure damage from natural disasters
  • Potential service outages due to communications infrastructure failures
  • Diversification and rapid changes in customer needs in the market
  • Political and economic instability factors in overseas bases
  • Strengthened requirements for personal information protection and data security
  • Promotion of price competition by new entrants
  • Adjustment issues regarding information provision scope with the Japan Meteorological Agency
  • Delays in satellite operation plans due to technical failures
  • Challenges in securing and developing talent

Innovations

2024: Enhanced Weather Data Analysis Using AI

Overview
Realizes automatic analysis of vast weather data with artificial intelligence.
Impact
Improved analysis accuracy and reduction of 7,000 labor hours per month.

2024: Partnership with Google Nowcast Begins

Overview
Begins providing high-precision rainfall data in collaboration with Google.
Impact
Achieves detailed predictions up to 12 hours ahead using AI technology.

2023: WNISAT-1R Satellite Technology Enhancement

Overview
Launches small weather satellite equipped with radiation-resistant enhanced camera.
Impact
Acquires high-precision data for sea ice observation and solar magnetic field observation.

2022: WITH Radar Nationwide Deployment Project

Overview
Improves accuracy through nationwide installation of compact localized weather radars.
Impact
Significantly improved guerrilla thunderstorm detection accuracy.

2021: Enhanced Emergency Earthquake Alert Service

Overview
Implemented expansion of The Last 10-Second function and delivery network.
Impact
Realizes rapid information provision to users nationwide.

2020: Introduction of Sense Forecast System

Overview
Launches personalized weather forecasts using user sensory data.
Impact
Contributes to improved user satisfaction.

2020: Expansion of Mobile Video Delivery Functions

Overview
Strengthens smartphone video news channels.
Impact
Significant increase in video views.

Sustainability

  • Strengthened provision of disaster information to local communities
  • Promotion of weather data utilization for reducing environmental impact
  • Promotion of diversity through multinational staff utilization
  • Complementing public forecasts through collaboration with the Japan Meteorological Agency
  • Sustainable satellite development and operations