Fuji Shoji

Basic Information

Stock Code
6257
Industry
Machinery
Category Detail
Commercial & Industrial Machinery
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
October 1966
Listing Year
February 2007
Official Website
https://www.fujimarukun.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
Tsuburaya Fields Holdings, Clip, NIC, Furyu, Heiwa, SANKYO, Mars Group Holdings, Universal Entertainment, Oizumi, Daikoku Denki, Meiwa Seisakusho

Overview

Fuji Shoji is a pachinko and pachislot machine manufacturing and sales company established in 1966, with strengths in products themed on horror works and a solid position in the machinery industry.

Current Situation

Fuji Shoji achieved sales of approximately 36.9 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 2024, maintaining a stable market share as an amusement machine manufacturer headquartered in Osaka. With pachinko and pachislot machines as its mainstays, it actively promotes product development utilizing licenses from popular content such as horror. In recent years, it has focused on technological innovations like enhancing internal game mechanics and equipping dedicated units, striving to improve user experience through unique gimmick designs. It entered the smartphone game business in 2016 but withdrew early due to intensifying market competition. Meanwhile, leveraging the JFJ brand, it continues developing new models featuring play time functions and smart pachinko. Its management base is solid, backed by capital and business alliances and a stable major shareholder composition. Looking ahead, it plans to strengthen sales through localized operations and utilization of 21 nationwide bases, along with cautious yet ongoing diversification efforts. While facing challenges from stricter regulations and fierce competition, its strategy emphasizes technological innovation and brand strengthening to expand its revenue base.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Developed Japan's first digital pachinko 'Miracle 7' in 1987.
  • Specializes in amusement machines based on horror works, earning high industry acclaim.
  • Actively develops not only pachinko but also pachislot machines.
  • Entered capital and business alliance with Sanelectronics in 2013 to strengthen product lineup.
  • In 2013, Fuji Shoji's image girls 'FUJI☆7GIRLs' were active.
  • There was an incident where all members developed skin conditions due to an accident during filming.
  • Pioneering manufacturer that quickly adopted play time compatibility.
  • Temporarily entered game business but withdrew after a short period.
  • Some pachinko machines feature unique internal game mechanics.
  • The representative director chairman and vice chairman are brothers, with major shareholders from the same family.

Hidden Connections

  • The Matsumoto family holds major shares, ensuring management stability.
  • Strengthened product development through capital and business alliances with peer companies.
  • Notable collaborations with horror works from TV anime and movies for IPs.
  • Uses JFJ brand and collaborates with subsidiaries for broad product range.
  • Nationwide 21-base sales network is a strength in localized approach.
  • Smart pachinko cabinet Versatile is industry-first proprietary design.
  • Former FUJI☆7GIRLs members are active individually in entertainment.
  • Once filed for trademarks on historical famous names en masse and was rejected.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Development of innovative amusement machines centered on play time functions
  • Powerful IP lineup centered on horror
  • Market expansion of new cabinet technologies for smart pachinko and smart slots
  • Sales force enhancement leveraging nationwide network
  • Introduction of playability improvements using digital technology
  • Efficient utilization of technology and resources through capital and business alliances
  • Long-term management base via stable shareholder structure
  • Reliable compliance with pachinko market regulations and laws

Strategic Goals

  • Enter top 5 market share in amusement machine sector
  • Standardize product designs aiming for reduced environmental impact
  • Further advancement and patent acquisition of new unit technologies
  • Expansion and digitalization of 21 nationwide sales bases
  • Acquire diverse user base through IP expansion
  • Balance sustainable growth with management and technological innovation
  • Accelerate market launch of new smart pachinko and smart slot machines
  • Strengthen community ties and activate CSR activities

Business Segments

Amusement Machine Parts and Unit Supply

Overview
Develops and supplies dedicated parts and units for pachinko and pachislot machines.
Competitiveness
Product differentiation through proprietary dedicated unit technology
Customers
  • Amusement machine manufacturers
  • Amusement venue operators
  • OEM companies
Products
  • Dedicated gimmick units
  • LCD panels
  • Control boards
  • Cabinet parts

Machinery Manufacturing Technology Guidance and Consulting

Overview
Provides development support and technology transfer for amusement machines, contributing to industry technological advancement.
Competitiveness
Accumulated know-how from long years in the industry
Customers
  • Amusement machine developers
  • Technical partner companies
Products
  • Technical guidance
  • Sensor technology provision
  • Development support

Sales Agent Support

Overview
Collaborates with agents to conduct promotional activities to strengthen sales channels.
Competitiveness
Sales network of 21 bases nationwide
Customers
  • Regional agents
  • Sales partners
Products
  • Sales promotion tools
  • Marketing support
  • Technical training

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Product lineup specialized in horror content
  • Proprietary dedicated gimmick unit development technology
  • Stable capital structure and management foundation
  • Nationwide 21-base sales network and localized strategy
  • Accumulated know-how in amusement machine manufacturing over many years

Competitive Advantages

  • Product development strength differentiated by collaborations with popular horror works
  • Secures customer support through proprietary gimmick and cabinet designs
  • Diverse product deployment and market responsiveness via JFJ brand
  • Rapid market introduction of latest technologies like play time and smart pachinko
  • Long-term management perspective driven by stable shareholders

Threats

  • Risk of overall amusement machine market contraction due to regulatory tightening
  • Intense share competition with rivals
  • Intensifying competition for popular IP licenses
  • Customer outflow due to diversification of alternative entertainment
  • Threat from technological innovations by new entrants

Innovations

2020: New Amusement Machine Development under JFJ Brand

Overview
Launched new series equipped with dedicated units and enhanced play time functions.
Impact
Improved market competitiveness and response to diverse customer needs.

2021: Adoption of Smart Pachinko Cabinet 'Versatile'

Overview
Adopted dedicated smart pachinko cabinet to enhance operability and performance.
Impact
Contributed to acquiring younger and new customers.

2023: Lucky Trigger Specification Development

Overview
Announced products with improved playability through new lottery system.
Impact
Contributed to higher customer satisfaction and sales expansion.

2024: New P Misfit of Demon King Academy with Dedicated Unit

Overview
Newly designed dedicated unit for amusement machine based on popular light novel.
Impact
Contributed to market share expansion.

Sustainability

  • Energy-saving initiatives in production processes
  • Cabinet design utilizing recycled materials
  • Community coexistence promotion activities
  • Enhanced employee health and safety management
  • Efforts toward environmentally considerate product development