AnyMind Group, a company that develops and provides technology and solutions for marketers, publishers, business owners and influencers, has today announced the completed the full acquisition of Japan-based cross-border marketing company, ENGAWA Co., Ltd., from Japan-based public relations company, SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo and founded in 2015, ENGAWA provides inbound and outbound marketing solutions for Japanese businesses and local governments in Japan to reach international audiences, and overseas businesses looking to enter the Japan market. ENGAWA also provides marketing and influencer marketing solutions, and helps Japanese manufacturers and businesses distribute their products internationally. Additionally, ENGAWA owns and operates Tokyo Weekender, the longest-running English language lifestyle print and digital publication in Japan.
The acquisition looks to tap ENGAWA’s expertise in merchandising and distribution, and network of over 700 manufacturers throughout Japan, to strengthen AnyMind Group’s move into the direct-to-consumer space.
Left to right: Takanobu Ushiyama, CEO and Founder, ENGAWA, Kosuke Sogo, CEO and Co-Founder, AnyMind Group
On the acquisition, Takanobu Ushiyama, CEO and founder of ENGAWA said: “The lifestyle of consumers and the ways businesses reach their customers are changing dramatically, with digital becoming increasingly important. New digital solutions will be the key element for market recovery in the future. By providing AnyMind Group’s superior technology and offerings to local governments and regional clients together with Engawa’s strong marketing know-how, we will look to create a new infrastructure for businesses in Japan and the region.”
Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group said: “Consumers today expect businesses to have more digital touchpoints, whether it is interacting with a brand or buying products. As such, businesses need to quickly transform to fit the needs of modern consumers. The acquisition of ENGAWA takes us a step closer to creating the business infrastructure for next-generation businesses, ultimately enabling us to fulfil our mission of making every business borderless.”
In July 2019, AnyMind Group formed a joint venture with SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP named AnyUp, providing marketers, public relations professionals and influencers in Japan with a combined offering of AnyMind Group’s influencer network, AnyCreator, and platform for influencer marketing, AnyTag (formerly known as CastingAsia), together with SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP’s public relations expertise. Marketers can also gain access to SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP’s influencers, including celebrities, athletes and content creators in Japan.
This is AnyMind Group’s seventh acquisition of or investment in a business, and fourth in Japan. Previous acquisitions in Japan include publisher trading desk FourM, influencer network GROVE, and direct-to-consumer brand LÝFT, along with Hong Kong-based publisher trading desk Acqua Media, Thailand influencer network Moindy, and India-based mobile ad company POKKT Mobile Ads.
