TABLE OF CONTENTS
As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 20, 2020.
Registration No. 333-•
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Japan
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
8000
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.
2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku
Tokyo 135-0091, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-6721-7364
Fax: +81-(0)3-6721-7365
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
Cogency Global Inc.
122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10168
Tel: (800) 221-0102
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
Barbara A. Jones
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
1840 Century Park East, Suite 1900
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tel: (310) 586-7773
Fax: (310) 586-0273
Koji Ishikawa
Greenberg Traurig Tokyo Law Offices
Meiji Yasuda Seimei Building, 14F
2-1-1 Marunouchi,
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Tel: +81(0)3-4510-2200
Fax: +81(0)3-4510-2201
Barry Grossman
Sarah Williams
Jessica Yuan
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
Tel: (212) 370-1300
Fax: (212) 370-7889
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Emerging Growth Company ☒
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each class of
securities to be registered
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering price(3)
Amount of
registration fee
Common Shares, no par value(1)(2)
$ 20,000,000.00 $ 2,182.00
(1)
American Depositary Shares (which we refer to as “ADSs”) issuable upon deposit of the common shares registered hereby are being registered pursuant to a separate Registration Statement on Form F-6. Each ADS represents • common shares.
(2)
Includes • common shares represented by ADSs, which the underwriters have an option to purchase.
(3)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is declared effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer, solicitation, or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2020
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
[MISSING IMAGE: LG_MEDIROM-4C.JPG]
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies, Inc.
• American Depositary Shares
Representing • Common Shares
This is the initial public offering of our common shares, no par value (which we refer to as our “common shares”), in the form of American Depositary Shares (which we refer to as “ADSs”). Each ADS represents • common shares. We are offering • ADSs. We currently expect the initial public offering price to be between $ • and $ • per ADS.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common shares or ADSs. We have applied to list the ADSs on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “MRM.”
We are organized under the laws of Japan and are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, under applicable U.S. federal securities laws, and are eligible for reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Prospectus Summary—Emerging Growth Company Status.”
Kouji Eguchi, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, owns one Class A common share, or “golden share,” with key veto rights, which may limit a shareholder’s ability to influence our business and affairs, including, among others, amendments to our articles of incorporation and the issuance of additional common shares. See “Risk Factors” and “Description of Shares Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Special Voting and Consent Rights—Class A Voting Rights.”
Investing in the ADSs involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any of the ADSs, you should carefully read the discussion of material risks of investing in the ADSs in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15 of this prospectus.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Per ADS
Total
Initial public offering price
$ $
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
$ $
Proceeds to us (before expenses)
$ $
(1)
See “Underwriting—Commissions and Discounts” for additional information regarding compensation payable to the underwriters.
We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to • additional ADSs from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, for 45 days after the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any.
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers on or about •, 2020.
Maxim Group LLC
The date of this prospectus is •, 2020.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
iv
1
10
15
39
40
41
42
44
47
70
89
92
99
101
103
110
118
120
127
133
134
134
134
136
F-1
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different, and neither we nor the underwriters take any responsibility for, and provide any assurance as to the reliability of, any information, other than the information in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us. We are offering to sell the ADSs, and seeking offers to buy the ADSs, only in jurisdictions where such offers and sales are permitted. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the ADSs in any jurisdictions where, or under any circumstances under which, the offer, sale, or solicitation is not permitted. The information in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus prepared by us is accurate only as of the date on its respective cover, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any free writing prospectus or the time of any sale of the ADSs. Our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects may have changed since those dates.
 
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Before you invest in the ADSs, you should read the registration statement (including the exhibits thereto and the documents incorporated by reference therein) of which this prospectus forms a part.
For investors outside of the United States:   Neither we nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering, or the possession or distribution of this prospectus, in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, this offering and the distribution of this prospectus.
 
ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires or otherwise states, references to “Medirom,” our “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar references refer to MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., a corporation with limited liability organized under the laws of Japan, and its subsidiaries.
Our functional currency and reporting currency is the Japanese yen (which we refer to as “JPY” or “¥”). The terms “dollar,” “USD,” “US$” or “$” refer to U.S. dollars, the legal currency of the United States. Convenience translations included in this prospectus of Japanese yen into U.S. dollars have been made at the exchange rate of ¥107.770 = US$1.00, which was the foreign exchange rate on June 30, 2020 as reported by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (which we refer to as the “U.S. Federal Reserve”) in is weekly release on July 6, 2020. Historical and current exchange rate information may be found at www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/.
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (which we refer to as “U.S. GAAP”). Our fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year as does our reporting year. Therefore, any references to 2019 and 2018 are references to the fiscal and reporting years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Our most recent fiscal year ended on December 31, 2019. See Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 included elsewhere in this prospectus, for a discussion of the basis of presentation and translation of financial statements.
We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in this prospectus. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to U.S. GAAP measures, we also use Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Financial Expense and Income, and CAPEX, as described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, in various places in this prospectus. These financial measures are presented as supplemental disclosure and should not be considered in isolation of, as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Financial Expense and Income, and CAPEX may differ from similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
Please see “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data” for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Market and Industry Data
This prospectus contains references to market data and industry forecasts and projections, which were obtained or derived from publicly available information, reports of governmental agencies, market research reports, and industry publications and surveys. These sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of that information is not guaranteed. Although we believe such information to be accurate, we have not independently verified the data from these sources. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and additional uncertainties and risks regarding the other forward-looking statements in this prospectus due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forecasts and estimates.
 
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Various statements contained in this prospectus, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunity, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “could”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “continue”, “predict”, “project”, “potential”, “target,” “goal” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, they are inherently subject to significant business, competitive, economic, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including, among others, those discussed in this prospectus under the headings “Risk Factors”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Our Business”, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this prospectus. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this prospectus include:

our ability to attract and retain customers;

our ability to successfully enter new markets and manage our business expansion;

our ability to develop or acquire new products and services, improve our existing products and services and increase the value of our products and services in a timely and cost-effective manner;

our ability to attract advertisers to our Real Media platform and increase the amount that advertisers spend with us;

our ability to compete in the relaxation salon market;

our expectations regarding our customer growth rate and the usage of our services;

our ability to increase our revenues and our revenue growth rate;

our ability to timely and effectively scale and adapt our existing technology and network infrastructure;

our ability to successfully acquire and integrate companies and assets;

our ability to respond to national disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and to global pandemics, such as COVID-19;

our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; and

the regulatory environment in which we operate.
Given the foregoing risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this prospectus. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results of operations and financial condition may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. In addition, even if our results of operations and financial condition are consistent with the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, they may not be predictive of results or developments in future periods.
Any forward-looking statement that we make in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of this prospectus. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this prospectus.
 
iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information presented in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not include all the information you should consider before investing in the ADSs. You should read this summary together with the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, including our audited and unaudited financial statements and related notes and the sections entitled “Risk Factors” on page 15 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the statements in this summary and elsewhere in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements.”
Business Overview
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_HALL4C.JPG]
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_MEDIROM4C.JPG]
Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc., which we refer to in this prospectus as Medirom, is one of the leading holistic health services providers in Japan. Medirom is a franchiser and operator of healthcare salons across Japan and is a preferred platform partner for large consumer brands, healthcare service providers, and government entities to affect positive health outcomes. Through our well-known retail salon brands, including primarily Re.Ra.Ku®, nascent tech platforms, and targeted health consulting and marketing, we have formed a “healthtech” segment. The healthtech segment’s goal is to improve health outcomes and the satisfaction of our customers, as well as offer corporations data-rich, targeted advertising and promotional opportunities.
We operate two synergistic lines of businesses: (1) Relaxation Salon Segment (retail); and (2) Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment (healthtech). By combining brand strength and core retail competencies, including a broad physical footprint in population dense areas across the country, with proprietary
 
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
technologies and partnerships, our business provides unique, value-added healthcare services to our customers with scale, customization, and cross-network effects that we believe few other companies in the industry can emulate.
Our core business is the operation and franchising of relaxation salons in Japan. Our salon locations cover major cities throughout Japan, with strong market presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes Tokyo, Yokohama, and Saitama. Our goal is to improve our customers’ quality of life by providing alternative, non-invasive wellness care. We use therapeutic techniques encompassing finger-pressure style bodywork therapy, stretch therapy, posture and joint alignment, as well as physical therapy elements. Our salons are designed to appeal to individuals seeking to improve their mental and/or physical well-being. Our customers vary from individuals seeking stress and pain relief to other individuals who are just looking to improve their overall mental and physical health. We offer a variety of individual services at our salons, including anti-fatigue therapy, athletic support therapy, slim-down therapy and reflexology. Each therapy is unique and designed to target specific areas of the body.
As of June 30, 2020, the Relaxation Salon Segment has a total of 289 salons for relaxation across Japan (consisting of 138 directly-operated salons and 151 franchised salons), covering major cities, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, which is the largest population region in Japan. Since we introduced our customer management system in 2010, we have served more than 1.57 million customers at our relaxation salons, and in 2019 we served an average 59,000 customers per month. Our customer management system is a cloud-based customer relationship management system which we use to record all customer data and which facilitates reservations, point-of-sale and business intelligence functions. Our salons operate under several brands. Our core brand is Re.Ra.Ku®. There are 177 Re.Ra.Ku® salons across Japan (consisting of 51 directly-operated salons and 126 franchised salons). Our wholly-owned subsidiaries operate under the following names: JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc. with 62 directly-operated salons, Bell Epoc Wellness Inc. with 45 salons, of which 20 are directly-operated, and Decollte Wellness Corporation with 5 directly-operated salons. Our salons are generally located in metros/subways, shopping malls, plazas and high-traffic streets. On average, our salons measure approximately 670 square feet and contain a reception area and treatment space. A typical salon is staffed by six relaxation therapists. The Relaxation Salon Segment is our core business and accounted for ¥3,865 million (US$35.9 million), or 98.9%, of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, and ¥1,345 million (US$12.5 million), or 99.1% of our total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_HOUSE4C.JPG]
The Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment is a growing business line and accounted for less than 2% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the six months ended June 30, 2020. The Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment consists of the following operations: Sampling business (which includes brand promotion and consumer analysis for third party brands of corporate clients); government-sponsored Specific Health Guidance program, utilizing our internally-developed on-demand health monitoring smartphone application, Lav®; our MOTHER Tracker® for fitness applications; and preventative healthcare services utilizing our digital application and devices.
Competitive Strengths
We believe the following strengths, among others, have contributed to our initial success and will position us for future growth:
Innovative Services.   Our salon services are innovative and differ from traditional shiatsu-style bodywork. For example, we created our unique wing stretch method, which focuses especially on the
 
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
shoulder blades. This is important because the shoulder blades are a critical part of the body, as they connect and balance the bones from the neck to the lower back and support the body to ensure the body moves smoothly.
Brand Value.   We believe our trademarks and other intellectual property create a strong competitive advantage in both our Relaxation Salon Segment and Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment. With widespread recognition in the Kanto region and across Japan, our Company benefits from a loyal customer base and brand recognition that allows for smooth scaling of growth businesses.
Employee Satisfaction.   We employ all of our therapists on a salaried basis, rather than a commission-based contractor model normally used in the industry. We have also invested culturally and economically in creating a career progression for therapists, which helps give structure, purpose, and incentives to stay with the Company and improve skills. While this increases our operating leverage, we believe it a core strategic need and advantage as labor is a key gating factor currently in the relaxation sector. We believe that our industry-leading employee satisfaction levels, as evidenced by our award of the 2019 Grand Prix relaxation sector’s top therapist and best store awards in Japan, contributed to employee retention. This is particularly important as high turnover reduces or disrupts available investment in capital because of the costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
Hiring Activities.   We own and run our own job portal website targeting prospective therapist candidates. The job portal website was launched on February 1, 2020 and, as of September 30, 2020, 25% of our new employees during fiscal 2020 have been hired through the site. The SEO-optimized website has surpassed 11,000 pageviews shortly after launch and has already contributed over 179 suitable candidates as of June 30, 2020. This digital solution to recruiting is expected to reduce costs otherwise paid to headhunters and manpower agencies by approximately JPY10,000,000 (US$92,790) in fiscal year 2020. As labor shortages and costly recruiting of therapists remain the primary gating factors for a successful salon operation, we believe our streamlined and cost-efficient recruiting method allows continued operating strength at expanded profit margins. Combined with our brand, this hiring approach at scale puts us in an advantageous position relative to our peers in the industry.
Re.Ra.Ku® College.   We believe we own the largest in scale and best in class education and training facility for relaxation therapists in the Japanese relaxation industry, which enables us to provide continuous training to our franchise owners and salon staff. We believe that regular training ensures that quality service and therapy are consistently provided to our customers throughout all of our salons. The strength of our training and education program is in providing our therapists opportunities to continue improving their service skills after commencing at our salons. We believe we require a higher threshold of training to be met before allowing students to work with our clients in our salons. We find that this rigorous skill grading system better prepares our students and has proven effective for our salons. We provide one of the longest training programs (54 hours) in the industry. Each training module can be taken randomly, rather than in a series, for the trainees’ convenience. In addition, we provide follow-up training courses, which enables us to evaluate and grade the practitioners’ skills. We believe this is a different approach from certain of our competitors, who tend to utilize practitioners on a contract basis. Our training package enables our therapists to improve their treatment skills continuously and, importantly, to maintain high morale.
 
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_TRAINING4C.JPG]
Sampling Business.   Our Real Media business generates revenue through product placements, advertising, and marketing services on behalf of corporate clients. They provide physical samples, promotional materials, and other branded items which we in turn distribute across our directly-operated and franchised stores as well as through our health and wellness retail partners across Japan. Our Real Media clients benefit from the size and growth of our salon and our health and wellness retail brands’ customer base, which increases scope, advertising precision, and end monetization of their preferred demographics. They further receive valuable, live customer feedback on their products and can inform product and brand marketing decisions at the grassroot level. This is all done using our Real Media platform, which we believe offers these services at significantly reduced costs compared to traditional advertising methods.
Specific Health Guidance Program.   As a leading provider of holistic health services, we support the government-initiated program, Specific Health Guidance Program. As a government (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)-subsidized program, participating companies need to maintain quality controls. Partners and service providers are vetted and must adhere to standards that are established by each of the health insurance providers. By satisfying each standard, Medirom has been engaged in supporting the program by health insurance providers and continues to expand its prospective clients. In addition, we have an on-demand health monitoring application, Lav®, which can provide user-friendly interfaces and experiences. This application, among other digital tools, allows for seamless functionality with our partners and service providers as well as optionality in future monetization of the end user base. As a result, we have successfully managed to acquire several corporate clients, including blue chip companies’ and local governments’ health insurance providers. We believe this B2G/B2B business provides opportunities for multi-year contracts and high margins, particularly given the significant barriers to entry that require a well-recognized health and consumer brand and blue-chip enterprise relationships.
MOTHER Tracker®.   In 2019, we acquired a minority interest in Matrix Industries, Inc. (which we refer to as “Matrix”), a developer of a thermoelectric generator and boost converter. In furtherance of our relationship, we entered into a production and development agreement with Matrix in August 2020 to develop and manufacture a health monitoring wearable device called MOTHER Tracker ®. Our MOTHER Tracker® fitness device is designed to track and collect the health data of the wearer, such as calorie consumption, activity and sleep patterns. We believe it will be the only fitness tracker that requires no electric charging as it will utilize innovative technology such as Gemini TEG (Thermoelectric Generator) and Mercury Boost Converter to enable the user’s body heat to generate electricity. We are not aware of any other wearable devices equipped with NFC currently in the market with equivalent capabilities at this time. MOTHER Tracker® is our registered trademark in Japan. In June 2020, we received a pre-order for the MOTHER Tracker® from Kansai Medical University Hospital (headquartered in Osaka, Japan) for the purpose of health and activities tracking for the patients. We intend to pursue other opportunities in Japan and the United States for large-scale private label contracts for our device.
 
4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_WATCH4CLR.JPG]
Our Growth Strategy
Our goal is not only to capture a significant share of the existing market for relaxation salons but also to expand the market for relaxation salons throughout Japan and internationally. We expect to employ a variety of strategic initiatives, including increasing the number of franchises and expanding marketing and advertising efforts throughout strategic locations.
Organic Growth in the Japanese Market.   According to a 2019 industry report by Yano Research Institute Ltd (which we refer to as the “2019 Yano Report”), in terms of the number of salons, we are one of the top three companies, on a consolidated basis, in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki and Tochigi), and in the top four nationwide. The total number of relaxation salons under major brands in Japan as of December 31, 2019 was 2,991, with the largest operator having 633 salons. We believe that the Japanese market has capacity for approximately 1,000 of our salons in the future, based upon our assessment of suitable real estate that fits the underwriting requirements for our business. We aim to achieve this capacity goal through a combination of franchising, direct store ownership, and opportunistic brand partnerships. If we are able to achieve this goal, we believe that we would then have the largest salon network in Japan.
Lead Industry Consolidation via Targeted Acquisitions.   As the domestic Japanese relaxation sector faces structural changes that accelerate consolidation, we believe that we are positioned strategically to harness value, acquire synergies, and maximize our pipeline of suitable bids at bargain prices. Our corporate acquisitions team aims to buy businesses at a small multiple to ours, leveraging our brand, the well-regarded reputation of our founder CEO, and the halo effect of joining Japan’s first relaxation company to go public in the United States. We believe we have a competitive advantage and significant negotiating power to structure accretive deals, integrate both culture and operations of target companies, and grow long-term value.
International Expansion.   We continually consider growth opportunities, including acquisitions and strategic partnerships, in select locations in the United States and other parts of the world, primarily Asia. Our overall approach to retail growth outside of Japan emphasizes a hub-spoke franchising model that requires both low asset intensity and operating drag, relying on local strategic partners who leverage our brand and service competencies to grow.
Acquiring Existing Franchises.   Our management team has developed a strategy for acquiring existing franchised salons and beginning their conversion to directly-operated salons. Our management has developed a template for the acquisition and resale of existing franchised salons that are underperforming relative to our established benchmarks. We monitor the financial performance of our franchised salons on a periodic basis. One of our strategies is to acquire franchised salons that are underperforming, improve their profit margins and then refranchise them. Medirom collects a fee from each salon that is franchised out.
Maximizing Unit Economics.   Our core retail strategy is to improve same store sales and system wide revenue (brand franchise revenue) through marketing, franchisee support, and strategic actions (such as licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and trade deals). We have implemented an internal revenue maximization and cost efficiency strategy that rewards loyal franchisees, increases margins at the store level, and capitalizes on retail flow in our high traffic real estate locations.
Marketing and Advertising Strategy.   We conduct most of our marketing and advertising on our website and through print advertisements in magazines. In addition, our salons are strategically located in areas near train stations and shopping centers that are in and of themselves advertising and marketing drivers.
 
5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Continue to Improve Margins and Leverage Infrastructure.   We believe our corporate infrastructure is positioned to support a customer base greater than our existing footprint. As we continue to grow, we expect to drive greater efficiencies across our operations and development and marketing organizations and further leverage our technology and existing support infrastructure. We believe we will be able to reduce corporate costs over time to enhance margins as general and administrative expenses are expected to grow at a slower rate due to efficiencies of scale as we expand our franchises. In addition, we will consider introducing additional complementary products and services that can benefit from our customer base.
Healthtech Strategy. We plan to invest in and grow the higher margin Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment. We intend to increase the number of Lav® users via Specific Health Guidance Program promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan. We also intend to accelerate the development and production of our MOTHER Tracker®.
Recent Developments
Preliminary Financial Data for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
The preliminary financial results and key operating metrics set forth below are unaudited and preliminary, and do not present all information necessary for an understanding of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Our estimates are based solely on information available to us as of the date of this prospectus. Actual results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 remain subject to the completion of management’s final reviews and our other financial closing procedures and the completion of the preparation of our unaudited consolidated financial statements. Our actual results may differ materially from these estimated preliminary results due to the completion of our financial closing procedures, final adjustments, and other developments that may arise between now and the time the financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are finalized. Our actual unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of and for the nine months ending September 30, 2020 may not be filed with the SEC until after this offering is completed, and consequently may not be available to you prior to your decision whether to invest in this offering.
These estimates should not be viewed as a substitute for our full interim or annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on this preliminary data. These estimated preliminary results should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. For additional information, please also refer to the section titled “Risk Factors.”
The preliminary financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 included in this prospectus has been prepared by and is the responsibility of our management. Our independent auditor, Baker Tilly US, LLP (formerly Squar Milner LLP), has not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the preliminary financial data. Accordingly, Baker Tilly US, LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. See “Change in Certifying Accountant."
For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company’s estimated consolidated revenue was JPY895,085 thousand (US$ 8,306 thousand) and estimated net loss was JPY 119,208 thousand (US$ 1,106 thousand). For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, estimated consolidated revenue was JPY2,251,362 thousand (US$20,890 thousand) and estimated consolidated net loss was JPY562,179 thousand (US$ 5,216 thousand). During the three months ended September 30, 2020, our key operating metrics of sales per customer, repeat ratio, and operation ratio, were JPY6,296 (US$58.42), 80.08%, and 47.59%, respectively, which are within the range of our historical trends. For definitions of sales per customer, repeat ratio, and operation ratio, please see “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data” elsewhere in this prospectus.
As more fully described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations,” the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions that have been implemented have had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and cash flow from operations, similar to many businesses. However, in the three months ended September 30, 2020, the number of treated customers has continued to trend upward, which reflects an increase in demand for
 
6

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
services. The Company currently believes this trend will continue in the near future and is an encouraging sign for recovery, provided that no additional local government restrictions are imposed.
This Recent Developments section includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements contained herein other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations regarding our financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and our future financial and business performance, are forward-looking statements. The words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” included in this prospectus.
Summary Risk Factors
There are a number of risks that you should carefully consider before making an investment decision regarding this offering. These risks are discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk factors” beginning on page 15 of this prospectus. You should read and carefully consider these risks and all of the other information in this prospectus, including the financial statements and the related notes thereto included in this prospectus, before deciding whether to invest in the ADSs. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our ADSs would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. These risk factors include, but are not limited to:

We may not achieve our development goals, which could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

We are implementing new growth strategy, priorities and initiatives and any inability to execute and evolve our strategy over time could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

We are actively expanding in Japan and overseas markets, and we may be adversely affected if Japanese and global economic conditions and financial markets deteriorate.

We have generated only limited revenue from our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment, and we may never achieve or sustain profitability.

The failure to enforce and maintain our trademarks and protect our other intellectual property could materially adversely affect our business, including our ability to establish and maintain brand awareness.

Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands.

We are exposed to the risk of natural disasters (such as earthquakes and tsunamis), unusual weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks (such as COVID-19), political events, war, and terrorism (including cyberattacks) that could disrupt business and result in lower sales, increased operating costs, and capital expenditures.

The financial performance of our franchisees can negatively impact our business.

We have limited control with respect to the operations of our franchisees, which could have a negative impact on our business.

Our Chief Executive Officer owns a “golden share” with key veto rights, including with respect to the issuance of additional common shared and amendments to our articles of incorporation, which may limit a shareholder’s ability to influence our business and affairs.

We are incorporated in Japan, and it may be more difficult to enforce judgments against us that are obtained in courts outside of Japan.
 
7

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

Substantially all of our revenues are generated in Japan, but an increase of our international presence could expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, or a change in monetary policy may harm our financial results.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Foreign Private Issuer
We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (which we refer to as the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (which we refer to as the “JOBS Act”). As such, we are eligible to take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to reporting companies that make filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC”). For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to, among other things:

present more than two years of audited financial statements and two years of related selected financial data and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure in our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part;

have an auditor report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (which we refer to as the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”);

disclose certain executive compensation related items; and

seek shareholder non-binding advisory votes on certain executive compensation matters and golden parachute arrangements, to the extent applicable to our Company as a foreign private issuer.
The JOBS Act also permits emerging growth companies to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(2) of the JOBS Act. This election allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which we refer to as the “Exchange Act”), which means the market value of our common shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
In addition, upon the consummation of this offering, we will report in accordance with the rules and regulations applicable to a “foreign private issuer.” As a foreign private issuer, we will take advantage of certain provisions under the rules that allow us to follow the laws of Japan for certain corporate governance matters. Even when we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, as long as we continue to qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we will be exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including:

the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations with respect to a security registered under the Exchange Act;

the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, and current reports on Form 8-K upon the occurrence of specified significant events; and

Regulation Fair Disclosure (which we refer to as “Regulation FD”), which regulates selective disclosures of material information by issuers.
As a foreign private issuer, we will have four months after the end of each fiscal year to file our annual report on Form 20-F with the SEC. In addition, our executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders
 
8

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
will be exempt from the requirements to report transactions in our equity securities and from the short-swing profit liability provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Foreign private issuers, like emerging growth companies, are exempt from certain more stringent executive compensation disclosure rules. As such, even when we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, as long as we continue to qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we will continue to be exempt from the more stringent compensation disclosures required of public companies that are not a foreign private issuer.
We may take advantage of these exemptions until such time as we are no longer a foreign private issuer. We are required to determine our status as a foreign private issuer on an annual basis at the end of our second fiscal quarter. We would cease to be a foreign private issuer at such time as more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are held by U.S. residents and any of the following three circumstances applies:
(i)
the majority of our executive officers or directors are U.S. citizens or residents;
(ii)
more than 50% of our assets are located in the United States; or
(iii)
our business is administered principally in the United States.
In this prospectus, we have taken advantage of certain of the reduced reporting requirements as a result of being an emerging growth company and a foreign private issuer. Accordingly, the information that we provide in this prospectus may be different than the information you may receive from other public companies in which you hold equity interests. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Corporate Information
Our Company was originally incorporated in Japan on July 13, 2000 under the name “Kabushiki Kaisha Young Leaves.” In January 2017, we changed our name to “MEDIROM Inc.” In April 2018, we established three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Bell Epoc Wellness Inc., JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc., and Medirom Human Resources Inc. In October 2018, we acquired our fourth wholly-owned subsidiary, Decollte Wellness Corporation. In March 2020, our Company’s English name was changed to “MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.”
Our agent for service of process in the United States is Cogency Global Inc., located at 122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10168. Our principal executive offices are located in 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan, and our main telephone number is +81(0)3-6721-7364. Our website is https://medirom.co.jp/en/. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. You should not consider any information on our website to be a part of this prospectus or use any such information in your decision on whether to purchase the ADSs. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely for informational purposes.
Trademarks
The names and marks, Re.Ra.Ku®, Lav®, MOTHER Tracker®, appearing in this prospectus are the property of Medirom. CLP CARE LIFE PLANNER® is licensed by the Company from the CEO. The use of the symbol ® in this prospectus denotes registration of the Company’s names and marks in Japan only, and Lav® denotes a registration solely for the design mark. None of the Company’s names and marks appearing in this prospectus are currently registered in the United States. Solely for convenience, trademarks, trade names and service marks referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ®, ™ or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, trade names and service marks. We do not intend any use or display by us of other parties’ trademarks, trade names or service marks to imply, and such use or display should not be construed to imply, a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties.
 
9

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
THE OFFERING
Issuer
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.
ADSs offered by us
• ADSs
Offering Price
We currently expect the initial public offering price to be between $ • and $ • per ADS.
ADSs to be Outstanding Immediately After this
Offering
• ADSs (or • ADSs if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional ADSs).
Common Shares to be Outstanding Immediately After this Offering(1)
• common shares.
Option to Purchase Additional ADSs
We have granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to
• additional ADSs from us at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any, for a period of 45 days from the date of this prospectus.
The ADSs
Each ADS represents • common shares. The ADSs are evidenced by American depositary receipts (which we refer to as “ADRs”) issued by The Bank of New York Mellon, as the depositary.
The depositary will be the holder of the common shares underlying the ADSs, and you will have the rights of an ADS holder as provided in the deposit agreement among us, the depositary, and owners and beneficial owners of ADSs from time to time.
You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary to withdraw the common shares underlying your ADSs. The depositary will charge you a fee for such an exchange.
We may amend or terminate the deposit agreement for any reason without your consent. If an amendment becomes effective, you will be bound by the deposit agreement, as amended, if you continue to hold your ADSs.
To better understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read the section in this prospectus entitled “Description of American Depositary Shares.” We also encourage you to read the deposit agreement, a form of which is an exhibit to the registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part.
Depositary
The Bank of New York Mellon
Use of Proceeds
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $ • (or $ • if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional ADSs), assuming an initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
 
10

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include investments, acquisitions, or strategic collaborations to expand our customer base, as well as the development and marketing of new services. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Lock-ups
We, our directors, corporate auditors, executive officers and certain of our existing shareholders have agreed with the underwriters not to offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any of our securities for a period of 180 days following the closing of this offering, subject to certain exceptions. See “Underwriting—No Sales of Similar Securities” for more information.
Listing
We have applied to list the ADSs on the NASDAQ Capital Market (which we refer to as “NASDAQ”) under the symbol “MRM.” Such listing will be subject to us fulfilling all of the listing requirements of the NASDAQ, including, without limitation, the distribution of the ADSs to a minimum number of public shareholders.
Risk Factors
Investing in the ADSs is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully read and consider the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15, and all other information contained in this prospectus, before deciding to invest in the ADSs.
(1)
The number of common shares to be outstanding immediately after this offering does not include:
(a)
up to • common shares issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs from us, and
(b)
up to an aggregate of • common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of •, 2020.
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs from us.
 
11

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA
The following tables set forth our summary consolidated financial information and operating data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. You should read the following summary consolidated financial information and operating data in conjunction with, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, and the sections entitled “Capitalization”, “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, each of which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our summary consolidated statement of income information and operating data for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and our related summary consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our summary consolidated statement of income information and operating data for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and our related summary consolidated balance sheet information as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our historical results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods.
(in thousands,
except earnings per share data)
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Income Information:
Revenues:
Relaxation Salons
$ 12,476 ¥ 1,344,503 ¥ 2,010,506 $ 35,860 ¥ 3,864,656 ¥ 3,348,042
Digital Preventative Healthcare
109 11,774 21,025 405 43,608 85,093
Total revenue
12,585 1,356,277 2,031,531 36,265 3,908,264 3,433,135
Cost of revenues and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues
11,777 1,269,220 1,533,819 27,443 2,957,506 2,476,267
Selling, general and administrative expenses
4,838 521,364 411,717 8,090 871,862 842,822
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604 413 44,546 40,778
Total cost of revenues and operating expenses
16,615 1,790,584 1,969,140 35,946 3,873,914 3,359,867
Operating income (loss)
$ (4,030) ¥ (434,307) ¥ 62,391 $ 319 ¥ 34,350 ¥ 73,268
Other income (expenses):
Dividend income
2 2 2 2
Interest income
6 674 556 12 1,336 785
Interest expense
(56) (6,076) (7,155) (126) (13,591) (15,485)
Gain from bargain purchases
15 1,624 4,343 60 6,487 33,218
Other, net
132 14,142 5,057 39 4,153 133
 
12

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
(in thousands,
except earnings per share data)
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
(Unaudited)
Total other income (expenses)
97 10,366 2,803 (15) (1,613) 18,653
Income tax expense
177 19,030 11,429 148 15,961 25,252
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
280 5 559 (359)
Net income (loss)
$ (4,110) ¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045 $ 161 ¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
$ (1.02) ¥ (110.12) ¥ 14.72 $ 0.04 ¥ 4.63 ¥ 18.06
Diluted
$ (1.02) ¥ (110.12) ¥ 12.86 $ 0.04 ¥ 4.06 ¥ 14.04
(in thousands, except number of salons, sales
per customer, repeat ratio, and operation ratio)
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
Other Operating Data:
Financial expense & income(1)
$ (50) ¥ (5,400) ¥ (6,597) $ (114) ¥ (12,253) ¥ (14,698)
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
(3,472) (374,224) 118,049 1,292 139,301 179,997
CAPEX−paid-out cash basis(3)
1,181 127,271 9,674 210 22,675 110,386
CAPEX−paid-out cash plus future payment obligation basis(3)
1,835 197,721 104,775 695 74,897 222,278
Number of salons
289 270 283 263
Sales per customer(4)
$ 57.85 ¥ 6,234 ¥ 5,968 $ 56.27 ¥ 6,064 ¥ 5,914
Repeat ratio(5)
81.16% 80.63% 81.72% 82.39%
Operation ratio(6)
40.79% 50.42% 50.36% 49.71%
(in thousands, except adjusted EBITDA
margin)
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures:
Net income (loss)
$ (4,110) ¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045 $ 161 ¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Dividend income and interest income
(6) (676) (558) (12) (1,338) (787)
Interest expense
56 6,076 7,155 126 13,591 15,485
Gain from bargain purchases
(15) (1,624) (4,343) (60) (6,487) (33,218)
Other, net
(132) (14,142) (5,057) (39) (4,153) (133)
Income tax expense
177 19,030 11,429 148 15,961 25,252
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
(280) (5) (559) 359
Operating income
$ (4,030) ¥ (434,307) ¥ 62,391 $ 319 ¥ 34,350 ¥ 73,268
Depreciation and amortization
307 33,105 22,793 428 46,174 44,267
Losses on sales of directly-operated
salons to franchises
1 65 8,721 89 9,600 4,057
Losses on disposal of property and equipment, net and other intangible assets, net
250 26,913 540 43 4,631 17,627
 
13

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
(in thousands, except adjusted EBITDA
margin)
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604 413 44,546 40,778
Adjusted EBITDA
$ (3,472) ¥ (374,224) ¥ 118,049 $ 1,292 ¥ 139,301 ¥ 179,997
Adjusted EBITDA margin(7)
(27.6)% (27.6)% 5.8% 3.6% 3.6% 5.2%
(in thousands)
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information:
Total assets
$ 38,025 ¥ 4,097,971 $ 44,144 ¥ 4,757,465 ¥ 4,521,978
Total liabilities
36,567 3,940,884 38,577 4,157,407 4,639,533
Equity (deficit):
Common stock, no par value;
5,521 595,000 5,521 595,000 245,000
Class A common stock, no par value
1 100 1 100 100
Additional paid-in capital
6,618 713,267 6,618 713,267 363,267
Accumulated deficit
(10,654) (1,148,280) (6,545) (705,309) (722,644)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(278)
Treasury stock, at cost
(28) (3,000) (28) (3,000) (3,000)
Total equity (deficit)
1,458 157,087 5,567 600,058 (117,555)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$ 38,025 ¥ 4,097,971 $ 44,144 ¥ 4,757,465 ¥ 4,521,978
(1)
We define financial expense and income as dividend income plus interest income less interest expense and use it to measure net financial burden of our borrowings.
(2)
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), adjusted to exclude: (i) dividend and interest income, (ii) interest expense, (iii) gain from bargain purchases, (iv) other, net, (v) income tax expense, (vi) equity in earnings (loss) of investment, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) losses on sales of directly-operated salons to franchises, (ix) losses on disposal of property and equipment, and other intangible assets, and (x) impairment loss on long-lived assets. Management considers Adjusted EBITDA to be a measurement of performance which provides useful information to both management and investors. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income or other measurements under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies and, therefore, our measurements of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Non-U.S. GAAP Measures—Adjusted EBITDA.”
(3)
We define CAPEX as the sum of investment amounts on tangible fixed assets and intangible assets during the period. These investment activities consist of acquisitions of property and equipment, acquisitions of businesses, and cost additions to internal use software. CAPEX—paid-out cash basis is the cash amount actually paid during the period to the CAPEX investments defined above, while CAPEX—paid-out cash plus future payment obligation basis is the sum of CAPEX—paid-out cash basis and the unpaid but obliged to pay amounts in the future to the same capital investments which remain on our consolidated balance sheet as accounts payable or accrued expenses.
(4)
We define sales per customer as the ratio of total salon sales to number of treated customers at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available).
(5)
We define repeat ratio for our Re.Ra.Ku® brand as the ratio of repeat customer visits to total customer visits in the applicable month or other stated period.
(6)
We define the operation ratio for our Re.Ra.Ku® brand as the ratio of therapists’ in-service time to total therapists’ working hours (including stand-by time) for the applicable month or other stated period.
(7)
We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as the percentage derived from dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by total revenue for the same period.
 
14

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the ADSs is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. We operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing industry that involves numerous risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the factors described below, together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including the audited and unaudited financial statements and the related notes included in this prospectus, before deciding whether to invest in the ADSs. These risk factors are not presented in the order of importance or probability of occurrence. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of the ADSs could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks Related to Our Company and Our Business
We may not achieve our development goals, which could adversely affect our operations and financial results.
Our number of salons has increased from 263 (of which 116 are directly-operated) in December 2018 to 289 (of which 138 are directly-operated) as of June 30, 2020. We intend to continue our growth either through developing additional directly-operated salons or through new salon development by franchisees, both in existing markets and in new markets, particularly in the United States and Japan. Such rapid development involves substantial risks, including the risk of:

the inability to identify suitable franchisees;

limited availability of financing for our Company and for franchisees at acceptable rates and terms;

development costs exceeding budgeted or contracted amounts;

delays in completion of construction;

the inability to identify, or the unavailability of, suitable sites at acceptable cost and other leasing or purchase terms;

developed properties not achieving desired revenue or cash flow levels once opened;

the negative impact of a new salon upon sales at nearby existing salons;

the challenge of developing in areas where competitors are more established or have greater penetration or access to suitable development sites;

incurring substantial unrecoverable costs in the event a development project is abandoned prior to completion;

impairment charges resulting from underperforming salons or decisions to curtail or cease investment in certain locations or markets;

in new geographic markets where we have limited or no existing locations, the inability to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence for our brands, acquire name recognition, successfully market our products or attract new customers;

operating cost levels that reduce the demand for, or raise the cost of, developing new salons;

the challenge of identifying, recruiting and training qualified salon management;

the inability to obtain all required permits;

changes in laws, regulations and interpretations; and

general economic and business conditions.
Although we manage our growth and development activities to help reduce such risks, we cannot provide assurance that our present or future growth and development activities will perform in accordance with our expectations. Our inability to expand in accordance with our plans or to manage the risks associated with our growth could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
15

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
We are implementing new growth strategy, priorities and initiatives and any inability to execute and evolve our strategy over time could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We seek to accelerate the growth of our franchise model while at the same time improve the performance of directly-operated salons. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to grow our franchise model, including attracting and retaining qualified franchisees. 76 salons (net) were opened or transferred from franchisees’ operation or from third parties in fiscal year 2018, 20 salons (net) were opened or transferred from franchisees’ operation or third parties in fiscal year 2019, and 6 salons (net) were opened or transferred from franchisees’ operation or from third parties in the six months ended June 30, 2020. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we do not plan to open any new directly-operated relaxation salons in fiscal year 2020. Our franchisees closed 3 salon (net) in fiscal year 2018, opened 29 salons (net) in fiscal year 2019, and closed 25 salons (net) in the six months ended June 30, 2020, and plan to open five new directly-operated relaxation salons in the spa facilities by the end of fiscal year 2020. Our ability to open new relaxation salons is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our and our franchisees’ ability to:

identify available and suitable relaxation salon sites;

successfully compete for relaxation salon sites;

reach acceptable agreements regarding the lease or purchase of locations;

obtain or have available the financing required to acquire and operate a relaxation salon, including construction and opening costs, which includes access to build-to-suit leases at favorable interest and capitalization rates;

respond to unforeseen engineering or environmental problems with leased premises;

avoid the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities;

hire, train and retain the skilled management and other employees necessary to meet staffing needs;

obtain, in a timely manner and for an acceptable cost, required licenses, permits and regulatory approvals and respond effectively to any changes in law and regulations that adversely affect our and our franchisees’ costs or ability to open new relaxation salons; and

control construction cost increases for new relaxation salons.
The growth of our franchise model will take time to execute and may create additional costs, expose us to additional legal and compliance risks, cause disruption to our current business and impact our short-term operating results. Further, in order to enhance services to its franchisees, we may need to invest in certain new capabilities and/or services.
Our success also depends, in part, on our ability to improve sales, as well as both cost of service and product and operating margins at our directly-operated salons. Same-store sales are affected by average ticket and same-store guest visits. A variety of factors affect same-store guest visits, including the guest experience, salon locations, staffing and retention of therapists and salon leaders, price competition, competition, current economic conditions, marketing programs and weather conditions. These factors may cause our same-store sales to differ materially from prior periods and from our expectations.
As part of our longer-term growth strategy, we plan to enter new geographical markets, including the United States and potentially others, where we have little or no prior operating or franchising experience. The challenges of entering new markets include: difficulties in hiring experienced personnel; unfamiliarity with local real estate markets and demographics; consumer unfamiliarity with our brand; and different competitive and economic conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than in our existing markets. Consumer recognition of our brand has been important in the success of both directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons in our existing markets. Relaxation salons that we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected sales and profit levels and may have higher construction, occupancy and operating costs than existing relaxation salons, thereby negatively affecting our operating results. Any failure on our part to recognize or respond to these challenges may adversely affect the success of any new relaxation salons. Expanding our franchise system could require the implementation, expense and management of enhanced business support systems, management
 
16

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
information systems and financial controls as well as additional staffing, franchise support and capital expenditures and working capital.
We are actively expanding in Japan and overseas markets, and we may be adversely affected if Japanese and global economic conditions and financial markets deteriorate.
We seek to proactively expand our business overseas in the future including into new regions for us, particularly the United States and Southeast Asia. We also intend to explore growth opportunities in other markets where we assess primarily on low cost of entry, friendly franchising or partnership relationships and believe there is an economic staying power of our relaxation salon brand locally. We remain opportunistic on strategic mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships in these international markets. As a result, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially affected by general economic conditions and financial markets in Japan and foreign countries, which would be influenced by the changes of various factors. These factors include fiscal and monetary policies, and laws, regulations and policies on financial markets. In the event of an economic downturn in Japan or the United States, consumer spending habits could be adversely affected, and we could experience lower than expected net sales, which could force us to delay or slow our growth strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability and cash flows. In addition, we could be impacted by labor shortages in Japan or other markets. The deterioration of Japanese and global economic conditions, or financial market turmoil, could result in a worsening of our liquidity and capital conditions, an increase in our credit costs, and, as a result, adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have generated only limited revenue from our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment, and we may never achieve or sustain profitability.
Substantially all of our revenue is generated in Japan from the Relaxation Salon Segment. We have not yet generated material revenue from our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment. Our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment has been growing steadily, with our Real Media business now reaching over 6,300 affiliated stores in our retail network in Japan. We believe that other early stage businesses, such as applications supporting the Specific Health Guidance Program and our MOTHER Tracker®, have a good potential to grow rapidly. However, we cannot guarantee that these businesses or any other businesses we develop will gain market acceptance. The degree of market acceptance of our businesses will depend on a number of factors, including the competitive landscape and the adequacy and success of distribution, sales and marketing efforts. Customers, third party payors or advertisers in general may be unwilling to accept, utilize or recommend any of our businesses. As a result, we are unable to predict the extent of future losses or the time required to achieve profitability in that business unit, if at all.
Our system-wide relaxation salon base is geographically concentrated in the Tokyo metropolitan area of Japan, and we could be negatively affected by conditions specific to that region.
Approximately 63% of our directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons are located in the Tokyo metropolitan area of Japan as of June 30, 2020. Adverse changes in demographic, unemployment, economic, regulatory or weather conditions or natural disasters affecting the Kanto region of Japan have had, and may continue to have, material adverse effects on our business. As a result of our concentration in this market, we have been, and in the future may be, disproportionately affected by these adverse conditions compared to other chain relaxation salons with a greater national footprint.
In addition, our competitors could open additional relaxation salons in Kanto region of Japan, which could result in reduced market share for us and may adversely impact our profitability.
The failure to enforce and maintain our trademarks and protect our other intellectual property could materially adversely affect our business, including our ability to establish and maintain brand awareness.
We regard our trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, and similar intellectual property as critical to our success. We have registered 29 trademarks as of June 30, 2020, and other names and logos used by our Company as trademarks with the Japan Patent Office. Such trademarks are not currently registered in any other jurisdiction. Additionally, we registered the trademark Re.Ra.Ku® in China. Our principal intellectual property rights include copyrights in our website and mobile applications content for Lav®, rights to our
 
17

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
domain name https://medirom.co.jp, and trade secrets and know-how with respect to our training, servicing, sales and marketing and other aspects of our business, and our digital innovations such as the Lav® application. The success of our business strategy depends on our continued ability to use our existing intellectual property in order to increase brand awareness and develop our branded services. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are not adequate, or if any third party misappropriates or infringes on our intellectual property, whether in print, on the Internet or through other media, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the failure of our brands and branded services to achieve and maintain market acceptance. There can be no assurance that all of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in Japan or outside Japan in relevant foreign countries will be adequate. In addition, in light of our intention to expand internationally, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of Japan. If any of our trademarks, trade secrets or other intellectual property are infringed, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Third party claims with respect to intellectual property assets, if decided against us, may result in competing uses or require adoption of new, non-infringing intellectual property, which may in turn adversely affect sales and revenues.
There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement or misappropriation claims against us, or assert claims that our rights in our trademarks, patents and other intellectual property assets are invalid or unenforceable. Any such claims could have a material adverse effect on us or our franchisees if such claims were to be decided against us. If our rights in any intellectual property were invalidated or deemed unenforceable, it could permit competing uses of intellectual property which, in turn, could lead to a decline in relaxation salon, Real Media business, and other revenues. If the intellectual property became subject to third party infringement, misappropriation or other claims, and such claims were decided against us, we may be forced to pay damages, be required to develop or adopt non-infringing intellectual property or be obligated to acquire a license to the intellectual property that is the subject of the asserted claim. There could be significant expenses associated with the defense of any infringement, misappropriation, or other third party claims.
Information technology system failures or breaches of our network security could interrupt our operations and adversely affect our business.
We and our franchisees rely on our computer systems and network infrastructure across our operations, including point-of-sale processing at our relaxation salons. We use Amazon’s AWS as our cloud service provider. Our and our franchisees’ operations depend upon our and our franchisees’ ability to protect our computer equipment and systems against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from internal and external security breaches, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems. Any damage or failure of our computer systems, network infrastructure, or AWS cloud servers that cause an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business and subject us to litigation or actions by regulatory authorities. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms, or a material network breach in security of these systems as a result of cyber-attack or any other failure to maintain a continuous and secure cyber network could further result in substantial harm, or in delays in customer service and reduce efficiency in our and our franchisees’ operations. This could include the theft of our intellectual property or trade secrets, or the improper use of personal information or other “identify theft.” While we utilize our personnel, as well as a variety of hardware and software, to monitor our systems, controls, firewalls and encryption and intend to maintain and upgrade our security technology and operational procedures to prevent damage, breaches or other disruptive problems, there can be no assurance that these security measures will be successful. Any such claim, proceeding or action by a regulatory authority, or any adverse publicity resulting from these allegations, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Cybersecurity breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information, result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential guest, employee, Company and/or business partners’ information, damage our reputation, and expose us to liability, which could negatively impact our business.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, process, and store sensitive and confidential data, including our proprietary business information and that of our guests, suppliers and business partners, and
 
18

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
personally identifiable information of our guests and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. For example, our customers are asked to complete a survey, often digitally on iPads, prior to first receiving services at our relaxation salons. The surveys contain questions requesting private health-related information of our relaxation salon patrons. In connection with credit and debit card sales, we and our franchisees transmit confidential credit and debit card information by way of secure private retail networks.
The secure processing, maintenance, and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools, and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission, and storage of confidential information. Despite the security measures we have in place and continual vigilance in regard to the protection of sensitive information, our systems and those of our third party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, attacks by hackers, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, human errors, or other similar events. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost, or stolen. Any such access, disclosure, or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence in our business, products, and services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. Although we carry cyber liability insurance to protect against these risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will provide adequate levels of coverage against all potential claims.
Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands.
Our success is dependent, in large part, upon our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brands, our customers’ connection to our brands, and a positive relationship with our franchisees. Brand value can be severely damaged even by isolated incidents, particularly if the incidents receive considerable negative publicity, including via social media, or result in litigation. Some of these incidents may relate to the way we manage our relationship with our franchisees, our growth strategies, our development efforts, or the ordinary course of our, or our franchisees’, business. Other incidents may arise from events that are or may be beyond our ability to control and may damage our brands, such as actions taken (or not taken) by one or more franchisees or their employees relating to health, safety, welfare, or otherwise; litigation and claims; security breaches or other fraudulent activities associated with our payment systems; and illegal activity targeted at us or others. Consumer demand for our products and services and our brands’ value could diminish significantly if any such incidents or other matters erode consumer confidence in us or our products or services, which would likely result in lower sales and, ultimately, lower royalty income, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
We may need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future, and such capital raising may be costly or difficult to obtain and could dilute current shareholders’ ownership interests.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the speed and geographic area of relaxation salon and other business growth, progress and results of our businesses, the number and development requirements of other business that we pursue, and the costs of commercialization activities, including marketing and sales. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of our businesses, we are unable to reasonably estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenditures that our business will require. It is likely that we will need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings to meet various objectives including, but not limited to:

pursuing growth opportunities, including internationally;

acquiring complementary businesses;

making capital improvements to our infrastructure;

hiring qualified management and key employees;

responding to competitive pressures;

complying with regulatory requirements; and

maintaining compliance with applicable laws.
 
19

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities may dilute our current shareholders’ ownership in us and could also result in a decrease in the market price of the ADSs. The terms of those securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors and may include preferences, superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect. Debt securities convertible into equity could be subject to adjustments in the conversion ratio pursuant to which certain events may increase the number of equity securities issuable upon conversion. Preferred shares, if issued, could have a preference with respect to liquidating distributions or a preference with respect to dividend payments that could limit our ability to pay dividends to the holders of the ADSs.
Furthermore, any debt or equity financing that we may need may not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If we are unable to obtain required additional capital, we may have to curtail our growth plans or cut back on existing business, and we may not be able to continue operating if we do not generate sufficient revenues from operations needed to stay in business.
We may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial condition. Thus, holders of the ADSs bear the risk that our future offerings may reduce the market price of the ADSs and dilute their shareholdings in us. See “Description of Capital Stock.”
If we fail to obtain necessary funds for our operations, we will be unable to maintain and improve our services, other businesses, and technology, and we will be unable to develop and commercialize our services, other businesses, and technologies.
Our present and future capital requirements depend on many factors, including:

future revenues and profits generated from the expected launch of new services;

the level of research and development investment required to develop our services, and maintain and improve our technology positions;

our ability and willingness to enter into new agreements with strategic partners and the terms of these agreements;

the costs of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel;

the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals should such be required; and

the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing trademark, patent claims and other intellectual property rights.
If we are unable to obtain the funds necessary for our operations, we will be unable to develop and commercialize our services and technologies, which would materially and adversely affect our business, liquidity and results of operations.
Our level of indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The total debt outstanding under our credit facilities as of June 30, 2020 was JPY737,444,000 (US$6,842,758) on a consolidated basis. Our indebtedness could have significant effects on our business, such as:

limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our growth strategy and other purposes;

requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay principal and interest on our debt, which would reduce availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, execution of our growth strategy and other general corporate purposes;
 
20

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

making us more vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions, in government regulation and in our business by limiting our ability to plan for and react to changing conditions;

diluting the economic and voting rights of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of the ADSs or both upon redemption of the convertible bonds; and

placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared with our competitors that have less debt.
In addition, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations to repay our indebtedness when it becomes due and to meet our other cash needs. If we are not able to pay our debts as they become due, we will be required to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets, refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness or selling additional debt or equity securities. We may not be able to refinance our debt or sell additional debt or equity securities or our assets on favorable terms, if at all, and if we must sell our assets, it may negatively affect our ability to generate revenues.
Our outstanding debt agreements may limit our flexibility in operating and expanding our business.
As of June 30, 2020, we had a total of 26 loans with six Japanese financial institutions for an aggregate principal amount of JPY737,444,000 (US$6,842,758) on a consolidated basis. In July 2020, we entered into two additional 10- year loan agreements in the aggregate amount of JPY170,000,000 (US$1,577,433). None of the loan agreements contain any financial covenants. However, 20 of the loan agreements have our Chief Executive Officer as a personal guarantor of such debt obligations of our Company. If we release our Chief Executive Officer from such a guarantor burden, the lenders may request us to provide them with alternative collateral and/or seek additional negative covenants on the existing loan agreements. This could limit our discretion to invest, utilize, and/or dispose of our assets for business.
Furthermore, the potential restrictive covenants to be contained in our existing and future loan agreements may restrict our access to future debt financing, on which our business operations and expansion plans, in part, depend. If our revenues decrease materially or we experience a significant increase in our interest expenses, we may not have enough available cash or be able to raise additional funds on satisfactory terms, if at all, through equity or debt financings to make any required prepayment or repay such indebtedness at the time any such event of default occurs. In such an event, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our business development or expansion efforts. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected as a result.
We depend on key members of our management and advisory team and will need to add and retain additional leading experts.
We are highly dependent on our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kouji Eguchi, our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Fumitoshi Fujiwara, and other key management and technical personnel. We do not have employment agreements with either Mr. Kouji Eguchi or Mr. Fumitoshi Fujiwara.
Furthermore, our ability to manage our store expansion will require us to continue to train, motivate, and manage our associates. We will need to attract, motivate, and retain additional qualified executive, managerial, and merchandising personnel and store associates. Competition for this type of personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting, assimilating, and retaining the personnel required to grow and operate our business profitably. We presently maintain a “key person” life insurance policy only for our Chief Executive Officer. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain our existing personnel, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other key management personnel, or attract additional qualified employees. The loss of key personnel or the inability to hire and retain additional qualified personnel in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
We may suffer losses from liability or other claims if our services cause harm to customers.
Although we screen our customers for major illnesses and injury, our services could potentially cause harm or injury to customers. Unexpected and undesirable side effects caused by our services for which we have not provided sufficient warnings, which may have been performed negligently, could result in the
 
21

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
discontinuance of our relaxation services or prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of our services. Such side effects or injury incidents could also expose us to liability lawsuits. We currently maintain a comprehensive general liability policy; however, if any general liability lawsuits or claims are successfully brought against us, we could suffer from increased insurance premiums. Moreover, if damages exceed our policy limits, we may incur substantial financial losses. These claims could cause negative publicity regarding our Company, or brand, which could in turn harm our reputation and net revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Changes in regulatory requirements, or in application of current regulatory requirements, may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Relaxation salons such as ours are not currently regulated by the Japanese government. The main law in Japan governing the massage industry is the Act on Practitioners of Massage, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion, and etc. (Act No. 217 of 1947) (which we refer to as the “Massage Act”). However, our Company does not market or provide massage, acupressure, acupuncture, moxibustion or other services regulated under the Massage Act, and this information is clearly provided to all customers prior to receiving our services, as well as all franchisees to prevent unauthorized services. Moreover, all of our customers are required to sign a waiver acknowledging this prior to receiving our services. Nevertheless, the Japanese government could later include our industry within the meaning of the Massage Act, or enact a separate law to regulate our industry. If such an occurrence were to happen, our costs associated with licensing and training staff, as well as any additional wages required for hiring licensed staff, as necessary, could add to our expenses and harm our results of operation.
Our prepaid cards are heavily regulated under Japanese law and violations of the relevant law could subject us to sanctions.
We began issuing prepaid cards called “Re.Ra.Ku® Cards” to relaxation salon customers on December 1, 2008. Re.Ra.Ku® Card users can continuously use and also replenish the card at our Company’s relaxation salons. Prepaid cards are generally considered “prepaid payment methods” (which we refer to as “PPMs”) under the Act on Settlement of Funds (Act No. 59 of 2009) (which we refer to as the “Settlement Act”). PPMs are regulated under the Settlement Act so long as there is a possibility the cards could be valid for a period of more than six months. The Re.Ra.Ku® Cards do not have expiration dates and therefore are regulated under the Settlement Act. Moreover, the Re.Ra.Ku® Cards can be used at salons operated by franchisees, and because the franchisees are considered third parties for the purposes of the Settlement Act, we fall under the category of a Public Use PPM Provider.
A Public Use PPM Provider must be registered with the relevant Local Financial Bureau and follow rather detailed deposit procedures to assure that there are adequate funds for the individuals who are effectively loaning their money to the Public Use PPM Provider. If we fail to comply with these procedures, there is some possibility that we will be assessed a monetary fine, and in certain circumstances, a member of our Company could face a criminal penalty of imprisonment. If such results were to occur, it could adversely impact our financial results as well as our brand image.
Matters relating to employment and labor law may adversely affect our business.
Various Japanese labor laws govern our relationships with our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include employment classifications of employee, independent contractor, or contract worker; minimum wage requirements; employer contributions to social security, unemployment insurance, and workers’ accident compensation insurance, and other wage and benefit requirements. Significant additional government regulations and new laws, including mandating increases in minimum wages, changes in employment status requirements, or other labor law changes could materially affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow. Additionally, if our or our franchisees’ employees unionize, it could materially affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow.
We are also subject in the ordinary course of business to employee claims against us based, among other things, on discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or violation of labor laws. Such claims could also be asserted against us by employees of our franchisees. These claims may divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations. The ongoing expense of
 
22

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
any resulting lawsuits, and any substantial settlement payment or damage award against us, could adversely affect our business, brand image, employee recruitment, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
If we or our franchisees face labor shortages or increased labor costs, our results of operations and our growth could be adversely affected.
Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons. As of June 30, 2020, we had 233 full-time employees, 160 of which were relaxation therapists who provide services to customers directly. If we or our franchisees face labor shortages or increased labor costs because of increased competition for employees, higher employee-turnover rates, or increases in the relevant minimum wage, change in employment status standards, or other employee benefits costs (including costs associated with health insurance coverage or workers’ compensation insurance), our and our franchisees’ operating expenses could increase, and our growth could be adversely affected.
If such events occur, we may be unable to increase our prices in order to pass future increased labor costs on to our customers, in which case our margins would be negatively affected. Also, reduced margins of franchisees could make it more difficult to sell franchises. If prices are increased by us and our franchisees to cover increased labor costs, the higher prices could adversely affect transactions which could lower sales and thereby reduce our margins and the royalties that we receive from franchisees.
In addition, our success depends in part upon our and our franchisees’ ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of well-qualified relaxation salon operators, management personnel and other employees, including relaxation therapists. Qualified individuals needed to fill these positions can be in short supply in some geographic areas. In addition, relaxation salons have traditionally experienced relatively high employee turnover rates. Our and our franchisees’ ability to recruit and retain such individuals may delay the planned openings of new relaxation salons or result in higher employee turnover in existing relaxation salons, which could increase our and our franchisees’ labor costs and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we or our franchisees are unable to recruit and retain sufficiently qualified individuals, our business and our growth could be adversely affected. Competition for these employees could require us or our franchisees to pay higher wages, which would also result in higher labor costs and adversely affect our results of operation.
We are exposed to the risk of natural disasters, unusual weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks such as COVID-19, political events, war and terrorism that could disrupt business and result in lower sales, increased operating costs and capital expenditures.
Our headquarters, directly-operated and franchised relaxation salon locations and other businesses, as well as certain of our vendors and customers, are located in areas which have been and could be subject to natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, tsunamis, tornadoes, fires or earthquakes, as well as global pandemics such as COVID-19. Adverse weather conditions or other extreme changes in the weather, including resulting electrical and technological failures and even nuclear leaks, as a result of the concentration of our relaxation salons, may disrupt our and our franchisees’ business and may adversely affect our and our franchisees’ ability to sell services. Our business may be harmed if our or our franchisees’ ability to sell services is impacted by any such events, any of which could influence customer trends and purchases and negatively impact our and our franchisees’ revenues, properties or operations.
For example, our relaxation salon business was negatively impacted during the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of restrictions imposed by the Japanese government to help combat and contain the outbreak. In April 2020, the Japanese government issued the Declaration of a State of Emergency (which we refer to as the “Declaration”), whereby the Japanese government requested the closing of non-essential activities and businesses across Japan as a preemptive safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic. This adversely impacted businesses across the nation, particularly in the retail segment in which we operate. The Japanese government-requested halt in business lasted through May 2020. The year on year comparison of Re.Ra.Ku® and other branded salon gross revenue was 74% in June and 86% in July, and improved to 93% in September and 105% in October based on preliminary revenue data, although there can be no guarantee such improvement will continue. We are focusing on the repeat rate improvement while we are under COVID-19 influence. The impact of this Japanese government-requested business halt materially
 
23

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
adversely impacted our revenue for the period. During this time, we implemented mitigation measures to limit the impact on our operations and financial results, including reductions in executive and employee compensation and deferral of nonessential spend. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Assessment of Impact of the COVID-19 to the Company’s Business Operations, Liquidity, and Capital Resources.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to structural changes in demand in the United States, including a shift in preferences toward digital commerce over traditional retail brick and mortar, we consider the effects to be more muted in Japan. Our Relaxation Salon Segment continues to offer a nearly non-discretionary service, as physical health, joint alignment, therapeutic bodywork impact health wellness of our customers and require physical contact—continuing to buoy our core salon business. However, in order to further strengthen our position and provide financial flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, we entered into additional loan agreements for JPY170,000 thousand as of July 28, 2020. We also received JPY 76,419 thousand from a special Japanese government subsidy program for employment adjustment, which incentivizes companies to retain their employees. We believe that the overall impact to our business from the COVID-19 pandemic has been limited in time; however, there can be no guarantee that further closures may not be required in the future if there is an increase in cases of COVID-19 in Japan and other regions where we operate. We believe we and our franchisees have undertaken appropriate protocols, in line with guidance from the Japanese government to protect our employees and our clients.
In addition, if we experience the effects of other events, such as natural or other disasters, we could suffer physical damage to one or more of our or our franchisees’ properties, the temporary closure of some or all of our directly-operated relaxation salons and franchised relaxation salons, the temporary lack of an adequate work force in a market, temporary or long-term disruption in the transport of goods, delay in the delivery of goods and supplies to our directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons, disruption of our technology support or information systems, or fuel or electricity shortages or dramatic increases in fuel or electricity prices, all of which would increase the cost of doing business. These events also could have indirect consequences such as increases in the costs of insurance or taxes if they result in significant loss of property or other insurable damage. Any of these factors, or any combination thereof, could adversely affect our operations and our financial results.
As we expand our businesses internationally, we will become subject to foreign laws and regulations and we could be adversely affected by violations of these laws as well as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws.
As we expand our business in Japan and other parts of the world, including in the United States in the future, we become subject to risks customarily associated with such global operations, including the complexity of laws, regulations, and markets in the countries in which we operate; the uncertainty of enforcement of remedies in certain jurisdictions; the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations; export control laws; the impact of foreign labor laws and disputes; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; the economic, tax, and regulatory policies of local governments; compliance with applicable anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws that generally prohibit persons and companies and their agents from offering, promising, authorizing, or making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business; and compliance with applicable sanctions regimes regarding dealings with certain persons or countries. Certain of these laws also contain provisions that require accurate recordkeeping and further require companies to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in preventing our franchisees or other agents from taking actions in violation of these foreign laws or regulations. Such violations, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
There is a risk that we will be a passive foreign investment company (which we refer to as “PFIC”) for the current or any future taxable year, which could result in material adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences if you are a U.S. holder.
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our Company, is classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which, after applying relevant look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of its subsidiaries, either:
 
24

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
(i) 50% or more of the value of the corporation’s assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets; or (ii) at least 75% of the corporation’s gross income is passive income. “Passive income” generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. In determining the value and composition of our assets, the cash we raise in this offering will generally be considered to be held for the production of passive income and thus will be considered a passive asset.
The determination of whether a corporation is a PFIC for a taxable year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules that are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, the determination of whether a corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year can only be made after the close of such taxable year. Our PFIC status will depend, in part, on the amount of cash that we raise in this offering and how quickly we utilize the cash in our business. Furthermore, because we may value our goodwill based on the market price of the ADSs in this offering, a decrease in the market price of our ADSs may also cause us to be classified as a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. Based upon the foregoing, it is uncertain whether we will be a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder (as defined below) owns common shares or ADSs, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. holder. See “Certain Tax Considerations—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders” for further information. We have not determined, if we were to be classified as a PFIC for a taxable year, whether we will provide information necessary for a U.S. holder to make a “qualified electing fund” election which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs. Accordingly, U.S. holders should assume that they will not be able to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to the common shares or ADSs. The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules, the elections which may be available to it, and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of our common shares or ADSs.
Risks Related to Our Relationships with Franchisees
The financial performance of our franchisees can negatively impact our business.
Approximately 52% of our relaxation salons were franchised locations as of June 30, 2020. We derive revenues associated with our franchised locations from royalty fees and other fees to franchised locations. Our financial results are therefore dependent in part upon the operational and financial success of our franchisees. As we increase our focus on our franchise business, our dependence on our franchisees grows. We have established operational standards and guidelines for our franchisees; however, we have limited control over how our franchisees’ businesses are run. While we are responsible for ensuring the success of our entire system of relaxation salons and for taking a longer-term view with respect to system improvements, our franchisees have individual business strategies and objectives, which might conflict with our interests. Our franchisees may not be able to secure adequate financing to continue operating their relaxation salons. If they incur too much debt or if economic or sales trends deteriorate such that they are unable to repay existing debt, our franchisees could experience financial distress or even bankruptcy. If a significant number of franchisees become financially distressed, it could harm our operating results through reduced royalty revenues, and the impact on our profitability could be greater than the percentage decrease in the royalty revenues. Closure of franchised relaxation salons would reduce our royalty revenues and could negatively impact margins, because we may not be able to reduce fixed costs which we continue to incur.
We have limited control with respect to the operations of our franchisees, which could have a negative impact on our business.
Franchisees are independent business operators and are not our employees. Though we have established operational standards and guidelines, they own, operate and oversee the daily operations of their salon locations. We provide training and support to franchisees and set and monitor operational standards, but the quality of franchised relaxation salons may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. Consequently, franchisees may not successfully operate relaxation salons in a manner consistent with our
 
25

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
standards and requirements or may not hire and train qualified managers and other relaxation salon personnel, including relaxation therapists. If franchisees do not operate to our expectations, our image and reputation, and the image and reputation of other franchisees, may suffer materially, and franchise-wide sales could decline significantly, which would reduce our royalty revenues, and the impact on profitability could be greater than the percentage decrease in royalties and fees.
In addition, our franchisees are subject to the same general economic risks as our Company, and their results are influenced by competition for both guests and therapists, market trends, price competition and disruptions in their markets due to severe weather and other external events. Like us, they rely on external vendors for some critical functions and to protect their company data. They may also be limited in their ability to open new locations by an inability to secure adequate financing, especially since many of them are small businesses with much more limited access to financing than our Company, or by the limited supply of favorable real estate for new salon locations. They may experience financial distress as a result of over-leveraging, which could negatively affect our operating results as a result of delayed payments to us.
We rely on franchise agreements that could be breached and may be difficult to enforce, which could result in franchisees improperly managing relaxation salons.
Although we believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the quality of services provided at our franchised locations, including the use of franchise agreements with detailed and rigorous obligations on the part of franchisees, the agreements can be difficult and costly to enforce. Although we seek to require strict adherence to properly structured franchise agreements, disputes may arise related to revenue, financing, or intellectual property rights associated with our franchise. If a dispute arises, a court may determine that a third party’s rights were infringed. In addition, enforcement of our rights can be costly and unpredictable. We also rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how that we seek to protect in part by confidentiality agreements with our franchisees, employees, contractors, consultants, advisors or others. Despite the protective measures we employ, we still face the risks that:

these agreements may be breached;

these agreements may not provide adequate remedies for the applicable type of breach;

our trade secrets or proprietary know-how will otherwise become known; or

our competitors will independently develop similar technology or proprietary information.
We rely in part on the financial health of our franchisees. If we do not screen and monitor them appropriately, it could adversely affect our operations and financial results if they experience financial hardship.
We rely in part on our franchisees and the manner in which they operate their locations to develop and promote our business. It is possible that some franchisees could file for bankruptcy or become delinquent in their payments to us, which could have a significant adverse impact on our business due to loss or delay in payments of royalties and other fees. Bankruptcies by our franchisees could negatively impact our market share and operating results as we may have fewer well-performing relaxation salons, and adversely impact our ability to attract new franchisees.
Although we have developed criteria to evaluate and screen prospective franchisees, we cannot be certain that the franchisees we select will have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to open and sustainably operate successful franchises in their franchise areas, and Japanese contract laws may limit our ability to terminate or modify these franchise arrangements. Moreover, franchisees may not hire qualified managers or may not successfully operate relaxation salons in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements. The failure of developers and franchisees to open and operate franchises successfully could have a material adverse effect on us, our reputation, our brand and our ability to attract prospective franchisees and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Franchisees may not have access to the financial or management resources that they need to open the relaxation salons contemplated by their agreements with us. Franchisees may not be able to negotiate acceptable lease or purchase terms for relaxation salon sites, obtain the necessary permits and government approvals or meet construction schedules. Any of these problems could slow our growth and reduce our
 
26

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
franchise revenues. Additionally, our franchisees typically depend on financing from banks and other financial institutions, which may not always be available to them, in order to construct and open new relaxation salons. For these reasons, franchisees may not be able to meet the new relaxation salon opening dates required under franchise agreements.
Franchisee turnover could affect our ability to recruit new franchisees.
Although we make great efforts with the aid of our franchise support team to help franchisees who run into difficulties, we may suffer from franchisee retention. As of June 30, 2020, we had a total of 151 franchise operators, with some operating multiple franchise locations. Low franchisee retention could harm our image and deter prospective franchisees. Initial franchise membership revenue earned from new franchisees comprised 4.9% of our overall revenue in 2019 and 1.0% for the first six months of 2020. This revenue was recognized on the opening date of the new franchised salons. If franchisee turnover increases and we begin to struggle to recruit new franchisees to take over relinquished salon locations or establish new ones, such an occurrence could harm our financial results.
Premature termination of franchise agreements can cause losses.
Our franchise agreements may be subject to premature termination in certain circumstances, such as failure of a franchisee to cure a monetary default or abandonment of the franchise. If terminations occur for this or other reasons, we may need to enforce our right to damages for breach of contract and related claims, which may cause us to incur significant legal fees and expenses and/or to take back and operate such salons as directly-operated. Any damages we ultimately collect could be less than the projected future value of the fees and other amounts we would have otherwise collected under the franchise agreement. In addition, with many of our brands, we remain liable under the lease and, therefore, will be obligated to pay rent or enter into a settlement with the landlord, and we may not be made whole by the franchisee. A significant loss of franchise agreements due to premature terminations could hurt our financial performance or our ability to grow our business.
The interests of our franchisees may conflict with ours in the future and we could face liability from our franchisees or related to our relationship with our franchisees.
Franchisees, as independent business operators, may from time to time disagree with us and our strategies regarding the business or our interpretation of our respective rights and obligations under the respective franchise agreements and the terms and conditions of the franchisee/franchisor relationship. This may lead to disputes with our franchisees, and we expect such disputes to occur from time to time in the future as we continue to offer franchises. Such disputes may result in legal action against us. To the extent we have such disputes, the attention, time and financial resources of our management and our franchisees will be diverted from our relaxation salons and other businesses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows even if we have a successful outcome in the dispute.
We are subject to various Japanese laws that may affect our relationship with our franchisees.
Various Japanese laws govern our relationship with our franchisees and our potential sale of a franchise. A franchisee and/or a government agency may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationships that could result in the award of damages to franchisees and/or the imposition of fines or other penalties against us.
The Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade (Act No. 54 of 1947, as amended) (which we refer to as the “Antimonopoly Act”) prohibits any activities that inappropriately induce or mislead customers to enter into a business relationship by demonstrating seemingly preferable trade terms and conditions that could create a false impression over other competitor franchisors. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (which we refer to as the “JFTC”), which enforces the Antimonopoly Act and other Japanese antitrust laws, set forth “Guidelines Concerning the Franchise System Under the Antimonopoly Act” which suggest that a franchisor adequately disclose and explain material trade terms to a potential franchisee (willing to join the franchise relationship) to prevent any material terms and conditions inappropriately inducing or misleading such potential franchisee. In addition, when a franchisor
 
27

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
markets its franchise, in the event a franchisor provides a prospective franchisee with an estimate of the revenue or profit that might possibly be earned upon becoming a franchisee, such estimated revenue or profit must be based on a reasonable method of calculation and established facts, such as the results of an existing franchise operating in a similar environment. The franchisor is required to present to the prospective franchisee such methods and facts. If the JFTC finds that any of our activities violate the Antimonopoly Act, including any “deceptive customer inducement”, then the JFTC may order us to cease and desist from engaging in such unlawful activities, delete any relevant unlawful clauses from the franchise contract, or carry out any other measures necessary to eliminate such unlawful activities.
In the event the JFTC suspects any violation of the Antimonopoly Act or alleges our Company has misled or wrongly induced based on any particular trade terms, our Company could be exposed to risks including governmental action against our Company.
Risks Related to Our Industry
We are vulnerable to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions that could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Relaxation salon businesses depend on discretionary consumer spending and are often affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional and local economic conditions, and demographic trends. Factors such as traffic patterns, weather, local demographics, and the type, number and locations of competing salons may adversely affect the performance of individual locations. In addition, economic downturns, rapid inflation, tight labor market conditions and the resulting increase of general wage levels and increases in salon lease expenses could harm the relaxation industry in general and our relaxation salon locations in particular. Adverse changes in any of these factors could reduce consumer traffic or impose practical limits on pricing that could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. There can be no assurance that consumers will continue to regard our brand of relaxation salons favorably or that we will be able to develop new services that appeal to consumer preferences. Our business, financial condition and results of operations depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. If we are unable to adapt to changes in consumer preferences and trends, we may lose customers and our revenues may decline.
We may not be able to compete successfully with other relaxation salon businesses, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
We may not be able to compete successfully with other relaxation salon businesses. Intense competition in the relaxation industry could make it more difficult to expand our business and could also have a negative impact on our operating results if customers favor our competitors, or if we are forced to change our pricing and other marketing strategies.
The relaxation industry, particularly in Japan, is intensely competitive. In addition, the Tokyo metropolitan area (consisting of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba) of Japan, the primary market in which we compete, contains what we believe to be the most competitive relaxation services market in Japan. We expect competition in this market to continue to be intense because relaxation salons are comparatively inexpensive to start and operate, and new competitors are regularly entering the market. Competition in our industry is primarily based on price, convenience, quality of service, brand recognition, and location of the relaxation salons. If our directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons cannot compete successfully with other relaxation salon companies in new and existing markets, we could lose customers and our revenues could decline. Our directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons compete with national and regional relaxation salon chains for customers, relaxation salon locations and qualified management and other staff, including licensed relaxation therapists. Some of our competitors may have substantially greater financial and other resources, may have been in business longer, may have greater brand recognition, or may be better established in the markets where our relaxation salons are located or are planned to be located. Any of these competitive factors may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
28

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
We face significant competition and continuous technological change.
In our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment, if our competitors develop and commercialize services faster than we do or develop and commercialize services that are superior to ours, our commercial opportunities will be reduced or eliminated. The extent to which any of our services achieve market acceptance will depend on competitive factors, many of which are beyond our control. Competition in the relaxation and health technology industries is intense. Our main competitors in the Specific Health Guidance Program, promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan, include the health and fitness group, Noom Japan.
Negative publicity could reduce sales at some or all of our relaxation salons.
Although we actively screen all personnel and staff members, including relaxation therapists, who interact with customers, we cannot guarantee that our staff or customers will not engage in illegal or inappropriate behavior that could have a negative effect on our brand image, as well as the health and well-being of our customers or staff, as the case may be. In addition, negative publicity may adversely affect us, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are held to be responsible. Any such negative impact of adverse publicity relating to one relaxation salon may extend far beyond the relaxation salon involved, especially due to the high geographic concentration of many of our relaxation salons, to affect some or all of our other relaxation salons, including our franchised relaxation salons. The risk of negative publicity is particularly great with respect to our franchised relaxation salons because we are limited in the manner in which we can regulate them, especially on a real-time basis, and negative publicity from our franchised relaxation salons may also significantly impact directly-operated relaxation salons. In addition, the relaxation industry can often be held under legal and legislative scrutiny as a result of some fringe relaxation businesses that engage in illegal or anti-social activities.
Employee claims against us based on, among other things, wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or similar claims may also create not only legal and financial liability but negative publicity that could adversely affect us and divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. Certain of these types of employee claims, such as tort claims, could be asserted against us by employees of our franchisees. A significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in the number of successful claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are potentially subject to government regulations, and we may experience delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals, if required, to market our proposed businesses.
Various aspects of our operations are or may become subject to Japanese law or the laws of another relevant country or jurisdiction, any of which may change from time to time. Costs arising out of any regulatory developments could be time-consuming, expensive and could divert management resources and attention and, consequently, could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.
Delays in regulatory clearance, approval, limitations in regulatory approval and withdrawals of regulatory approval, if any are required, may have a negative impact on our results. If we experience significant delays in obtaining any regulatory approvals, our business development costs will increase and or our ability to commercialize future businesses will be adversely affected.
Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of the ADSs
We are an “emerging growth company” and, as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our common shares and ADSs may be less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, a requirement to present only two years of audited financial statements in the registration statement for the emerging growth company’s initial public offering of common equity securities, an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (which we refer to as the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), reduced
 
29

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
disclosure about executive compensation arrangements, no requirement to seek non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements, and not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements. We have elected to adopt these reduced disclosure requirements.
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act, or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised financial accounting standards. An emerging growth company can, therefore, delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(2) of the JOBS Act. This election allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
We would cease to be an “emerging growth company” upon the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of this offering, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year during which our annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion or more, (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities, or (iv) as of the end of any fiscal year in which the market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the end of the second quarter of that fiscal year (and we have been a public company for at least 12 months and have filed at least one annual report on Form 20-F).
We cannot predict if investors will find the ADSs less attractive as a result of our taking advantage of these exemptions. If some investors find the ADSs less attractive as a result of our choices, there may be a less active trading market for the ADSs and our stock price may be more volatile.
As a “foreign private issuer” we are permitted, and intend, to follow certain home country corporate governance and other practices instead of otherwise applicable SEC and NASDAQ requirements, which may result in less protection than is accorded to investors under rules applicable to domestic U.S. issuers.
Our status as a foreign private issuer exempts us from compliance with certain SEC laws and regulations and certain regulations of NASDAQ, including certain governance requirements such as independent director oversight of the nomination of directors and executive compensation. Further, consistent with corporate governance practices in Japan, we do not have a standalone compensation committee or nomination and corporate governance committee under our board. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file current reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. domestic companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act and we will generally be exempt from filing quarterly reports with the SEC. Also, we are not required to provide the same executive compensation disclosures regarding the annual compensation of our five most highly compensated senior executives on an individual basis as are required of U.S. domestic issuers. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to disclose executive compensation on an aggregate basis and need not supply a Compensation Discussion & Analysis, as is required for domestic companies. Furthermore, as a foreign private issuer, we are also not subject to the requirements of Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated under the Exchange Act. These exemptions and accommodations will reduce the frequency and scope of information and protections to which you are entitled as an investor.
Our Chief Executive Officer owns a “golden share” with key veto rights, thereby limiting a shareholder’s ability to influence our business and affairs.
Kouji Eguchi, our Chief Executive Officer and director, is the sole holder of our Class A common share, which we refer to as a “golden share,” entitling him to certain veto rights on key matters presented to our shareholders. Consequently, Mr. Eguchi is able to control key corporate decisions, thus limiting the
 
30

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ability of the holders of the ADSs to influence matters affecting our Company. As a shareholder, Mr. Eguchi may be able to influence the outcome of matters submitted to shareholders for approval, including amendments of our organizational documents, issuance of additional common shares, approval of any merger, sale of assets, or other major corporate transactions. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our common shares or ADSs that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our shareholders. Circumstances may occur in which the interests of our Chief Executive Officer could be in conflict with your interests or the interests of other shareholders. Accordingly, a shareholder’s ability to fully influence our business and affairs through voting its common shares may be limited.
Certain of our current shareholders have substantial influence over the offering and our Company, and their interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders.
We entered into certain investment agreements in 2016 with two separate Japanese investment funds, pursuant to which certain approval rights were granted to each such fund in connection with various corporate actions that we may seek to take. See “Description of Share Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Special Voting and Consent Rights—Consent Rights under Investment Agreements.” As a result, these shareholders may exert substantial influence over our business, including significant corporate actions such as filing for bankruptcy, issuance of new shares and the price therefore, and changes to Mr. Eguchi’s role with the Company, among other things.
However, these agreements will terminate in accordance with their terms upon consummation of the IPO.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention.
As a public company following this offering, we will incur legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not previously incur. We will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the listing standards of NASDAQ as applicable to a foreign private issuer, which are different in some material respects from those required for a U.S. public company. Compliance with these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly, and increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” Further, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, which could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, once we are no longer an emerging growth company, we may be required to furnish an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. When our independent registered public accounting firm is required to undertake an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, the cost of complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will significantly increase, and management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We may need to hire more employees in the future or engage outside consultants to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will further increase our cost and expense. In addition, enhanced legal and regulatory regimes and heightened standards relating to corporate governance and disclosure for public companies result in increased legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming.
As a result of disclosure of information in this prospectus and in filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors, shareholders or third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and operating results could be harmed, and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal control to remediate our material weakness over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud.
Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (which we refer to as “Section 404”), requires that we include a report from
 
31

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F. In addition, once we cease to be an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our internal control or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. In addition, after we become a public company, our reporting obligations may place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future. We may be unable to timely complete our evaluation testing and any required remediation.
During the course of documenting and testing our internal control procedures, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404, we may identify other weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of the ADSs. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions. We may also be required to restate our financial statements for prior periods.
We cannot assure you that the ADSs will become liquid or that it will be listed on a securities exchange.
We have sought listing of the ADSs representing our common shares on NASDAQ; however, we cannot assure you that we will be able to meet the initial listing standards, or that we will be able to maintain any such listing. Furthermore, although we anticipate a mechanism allowing common shares to be exchanged at a certain ratio to ADSs in connection with this offering, we may experience procedural or regulatory difficulties, from time to time, in the exchange of common shares for ADSs.
In addition, if we fail to meet the criteria set forth in SEC regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling ADSs representing our common shares, which may further affect the liquidity of the ADSs. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital or attract qualified employees or partners.
Additionally, prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for our common shares or the ADSs. Although we have applied to list the ADSs on the NASDAQ under the symbol “MRM”, an active trading market for the ADSs may never develop or be sustained following this offering. If an active trading market does not develop or is not sustained, you may have difficulty selling your ADSs at an attractive price, or at all. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling our common shares or ADSs, and it may impair our ability to attract and motivate our employees through equity incentive awards and our ability to acquire other companies, products or technologies by using our common shares or ADSs as consideration.
Management will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds from this offering, and we may not use the proceeds effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of the ADSs. Our failure to apply these funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, delay the development of our businesses and cause the price of the ADSs to decline.
 
32

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
The price of the ADSs may fluctuate substantially.
The price for the ADSs in this offering will be determined by us and representatives of the underwriters, and it may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering. You may not be able to sell your ADSs at or above the initial public offering price or at any other price or at the time that you would like to sell. You should consider an investment in the ADSs to be risky, and you should invest in the ADSs only if you can withstand a total loss and wide fluctuations in the market value of your investment. Some factors that may cause the market price of the ADSs to fluctuate, in addition to the other risks mentioned in this section of the prospectus, are:

any failure to meet or exceed revenue and financial projections we provide to the public;

actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly financial condition and operating results or those of other companies in our industry;

our failure to meet or exceed the estimates and projections of the investment community;

announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors;

additions or departures of our key management personnel;

issuances by us of debt or equity securities;

litigation involving our Company, including shareholder litigation; investigations or audits by regulators into the operations of our Company; or proceedings initiated by our competitors, franchisees, or customers;

changes in the market valuations of similar companies;

ADS price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of the ADSs;

significant sales of the ADSs or common shares by our insiders or our shareholders in the future;

the trading volume of the ADSs in the United States; and

general economic and market conditions.
These and other market and industry factors may cause the market price and demand for the ADSs to fluctuate substantially, regardless of our actual operating performance, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling their ADSs and may otherwise negatively affect the liquidity of the ADSs. Future market fluctuations may also materially adversely affect the market price of the ADSs.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholders have often instituted securities class action litigation against that company. Any such class action suit or other securities litigation would divert the attention of our senior management, require us to incur significant expense and, whether or not adversely determined, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
If you purchase ADSs in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution.
If you purchase ADSs in this offering, you will experience immediate dilution of $• per ADS in the net tangible book value of your ADSs after giving effect to this offering at the initial public offering price of $• per ADS because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the net tangible book value per ADS that you acquire. For a further description of the dilution that you will experience immediately after this offering, see the section of this prospectus titled “Dilution.”
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of the ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for the ADSs depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If few or no securities or industry analysts cover us, the trading price for the ADSs would be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades the ADSs, publishes incorrect or unfavorable research about our business, ceases coverage of
 
33

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
our Company, or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for the ADSs could decrease, which could cause the price of the ADSs or trading volume to decline.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common shares for the foreseeable future.
We currently do not intend to pay any dividends to holders of our common shares for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to fund our growth. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and subject to limitations under applicable law. Therefore, you are not likely to receive any dividends on your ADSs for the foreseeable future, and the success of an investment in the ADSs will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. Moreover, any ability to pay may be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of us or our subsidiaries. Consequently, investors may need to sell all or part of their holdings of our common shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. There is no guarantee that the ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which our shareholders have purchased the ADSs.
Sales of a substantial number of our common shares or ADSs in the public markets by our existing shareholders in the future could cause the price of the ADSs to fall.
Sales of a substantial number of our common shares or ADSs in the public market in the future or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of the ADSs and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities from time to time. We are unable to predict the effect that any such sales may have on the prevailing market price of the ADSs.
The future issuance of additional common shares in connection with our stock option plan, convertible bonds, acquisitions or otherwise may adversely affect the market of the ADSs.
After this offering, we will have an aggregate of • common shares authorized but unissued under our stock option plan. As of June 30, 2020, 234,000 common shares are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of ¥1,197 per share. If and when these options are exercised for our common shares, the number of common shares outstanding will increase. Such an increase in our outstanding securities, and any sales of such shares, could have a material adverse effect on the market for the ADSs, and the market price of the ADSs.
We provide a stock option plan for our Company’s directors, internal corporate auditors, employees and external consultants. We currently plan to continue granting stock options and other incentives so that we can continue to secure talented personnel in the future. We may issue all of these common shares without any further action or approval by our shareholders, subject to certain exceptions. Any common shares, issued in connection with our stock option plan, the exercise of outstanding stock options, or otherwise, would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchase ADSs in this offering.
The right of holders of ADSs to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to their holdings and holders of ADSs may not receive cash dividends if it is impractical to make them available to them.
We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make any such rights available to the ADS holders in the United States unless we register such rights and the securities to which such rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. In addition, the deposit agreement provides that the depositary bank will not make rights available to ADS holders unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
The depositary has agreed to pay ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our common shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. However, because of these deductions, ADS holders may receive less, on a per share basis with respect to
 
34

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
their ADSs than they would if they owned the number of shares or other deposited securities directly. ADSs holders will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of common shares the ADSs represent. In addition, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is not lawful or practical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property and ADS holders will not receive such distribution.
Holders of ADSs may be subject to limitations on transfer of their ADSs.
ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
We may amend the deposit agreement without consent from holders of ADSs and, if such holders disagree with our amendments, their choices will be limited to selling the ADSs or withdrawing the underlying common shares.
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement without consent from holders of ADSs. If an amendment increases fees to be charged to ADS holders or prejudices a material right of ADS holders, it will not become effective until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, ADS holders are considered, by continuing to hold their ADSs, to have agreed to the amendment and to be bound by the amended deposit agreement. If holders of ADSs do not agree with an amendment to the deposit agreement, their choices will be limited to selling the ADSs or withdrawing the underlying common shares. No assurance can be given that a sale of ADSs could be made at a price satisfactory to the holder in such circumstances.
Holders of ADSs may not receive distributions on our common shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to such holders.
The depositary of ADSs has agreed to pay holders of ADSs the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian for the ADSs receives on common shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. Holders of ADSs will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of our common shares that such ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible for making such payments or distributions if it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act, but that are not properly registered or distributed pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary is not responsible for making a distribution available to any holders of ADSs if any government approval or registration required for such distribution cannot be obtained after reasonable efforts made by the depositary. We have no obligation to take any other action to permit distributions on our common shares to holders of ADSs. This means that holders of ADSs may not receive the distributions we make on our common shares if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to such holders. These restrictions may materially reduce the value of the ADSs.
ADS holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.
The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our common shares provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial for any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our common shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, which may include any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws.
If we or the depositary were to oppose a jury trial based on this waiver, the court would have to determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of the case in accordance with applicable state and federal law. To our knowledge, the enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury
 
35

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. However, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement, or by a federal or state court in the City of New York, which has non-exclusive jurisdiction over matters arising under the deposit agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this would be the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before investing in the ADSs.
If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcomes than a trial by jury would have, including outcomes that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action. Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver is not permitted by applicable law, an action could proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or the ADSs serves as a waiver by any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs or by us or the depositary of compliance with any substantive provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Risks Related to Japan
We are incorporated in Japan, and it may be more difficult to enforce judgments against us that are obtained in courts outside of Japan.
We are incorporated in Japan as a joint stock corporation (kabushiki kaisha) with limited liability. All of our directors are non-U.S. residents, and a substantial portion of our assets and the personal assets of our directors are located outside the United States. As a result, when compared to a U.S. company, it may be more difficult for investors to effect service of process upon us in the United States, or to enforce against us, or our directors or executive officers, judgments obtained in U.S. courts predicated upon civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws or similar judgments obtained in other courts outside of Japan. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Japanese courts, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely upon U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Substantially all of our revenues are generated in Japan, but an increase of our international presence could expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, or a change in monetary policy may harm our financial results.
Our functional currency and reporting currency is the Japanese yen. Substantially all of our revenues are generated in Japan, but an increase in our international presence could expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to any of these currencies which, among other factors, may be influenced by governmental policies and domestic and international economic and political developments. If our non-Japanese revenues increase substantially in the future, any significant change in the value of the currencies of the countries in which we do business against the Japanese yen could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations due to translational and transactional differences in exchange rates.
We cannot predict the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the amount of our revenues that will be generated in other countries, the variability of currency exposures, and the potential volatility of currency exchange rates. We do not take actions to manage our foreign currency exposure, such as entering into hedging transactions.
 
36

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Rights of shareholders under Japanese law may be different from rights of shareholders in other jurisdictions.
Our articles of incorporation and the Companies Act of Japan (which we refer to as the “Companies Act”) govern our corporate affairs. Legal principles relating to matters such as the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ fiduciary duties and obligations, and shareholders’ rights under Japanese law may be different from, or less clearly defined than, those that would apply to a company incorporated in any other jurisdiction. Shareholders’ rights under Japanese law may not be as extensive as shareholders’ rights under the laws of other countries. For example, under the Companies Act, only holders of 3% or more of our total voting rights or our outstanding shares are entitled to examine our accounting books and records. Furthermore, there is a degree of uncertainty as to what duties the directors of a Japanese joint stock corporation may have in response to an unsolicited takeover bid, and such uncertainty may be more pronounced than that in other jurisdictions.
Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders under Japanese law, and their voting rights are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement.
The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take actions, including with respect to voting their shares, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining our accounting books and records, and exercising appraisal rights, are available only to shareholders of record. Because the depositary, through its custodian agents, is the record holder of our common shares underlying the ADSs, only the depositary can exercise those rights in connection with the deposited shares. ADS holders will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine our accounting books and records, or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.
Holders of ADSs may exercise their voting rights only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Upon receipt of voting instructions from the ADS holders in the manner set forth in the deposit agreement, the depositary will make efforts to vote the common shares underlying the ADSs in accordance with the instructions of the ADS holders. The depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to ADS holders or carry out their voting instructions in a timely manner. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast, or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, holders of ADSs may not be able to exercise their right to vote.
Direct acquisition of our common shares, in lieu of ADSs, is subject to a prior filing requirement under recent amendments to the Japanese Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and related regulations.
Under recent amendments in 2019 to the Japanese Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and related regulations (which we refer to as “FEFTA”), direct acquisition of our common shares, in lieu of ADSs, by a Foreign Investor (as defined herein under “Description of Share Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Exchange Controls”) could be subject to the prior filing requirement under FEFTA. A Foreign Investor wishing to acquire direct ownership of our common shares, rather than ADSs, will be required to make a prior filing with the relevant governmental authorities through the Bank of Japan and wait until clearance for the acquisition is granted by the applicable governmental authorities, which approval may take up to 30 days. Without such clearance, the Foreign Investor will not be permitted to acquire our common shares directly. As such, prior to accepting our common shares for deposit, the depositary must obtain such pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority. In addition, any Foreign Investor expecting to receive delivery of our common shares upon surrender of ADSs must also obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting delivery, which approval may take up to 30 days. Although such prior filing requirement is not triggered for trading our ADSs once the depositary receives clearance for the deposit of the underlying common shares, we cannot assure you that there will not be delays for additional Foreign Investors who wish to acquire our common shares or for holders of the ADSs who are Foreign Investors and who wish to surrender their ADSs and acquire the underlying common shares. In addition, we cannot assure you that the applicable Japanese governmental authorities will grant such clearance in a timely manner or at all. See “Description of Share Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Exchange Controls” and “Description of American Depositary Shares—Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation.”
 
37

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Dividend payments and the amount you may realize upon a sale of ADSs that you hold will be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.
Cash dividends, if any, in respect of our common shares represented by the ADSs will be paid to the depositary in Japanese yen and then converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars, subject to certain conditions. Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar will affect, among other things, the amounts a holder of ADSs will receive from the depositary in respect of dividends, the U.S. dollar value of the proceeds that a holder of ADSs would receive upon sale in Japan of our common shares obtained upon surrender of ADSs, and the secondary market price of ADSs. Such fluctuations will also affect the U.S. dollar value of dividends and sales proceeds received by holders of common shares.
 
38

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that we will receive approximately $ • million in net proceeds from the sale of • ADSs offered by us in this offering (or approximately $ • million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to • additional ADSs from us), based on an assumed public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ • million payable by us.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include investments, acquisitions, or strategic collaborations to expand our customer base, as well as the development and marketing of new services.
We have no agreements or commitments for particular uses of the net proceeds from this offering, and our management will have discretion in allocating the net proceeds. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend upon numerous factors, including the progress of our expansion and development efforts, whether or not we enter into strategic transactions, our general operating costs and expenditures, and the changing needs of our businesses.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ • million, assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of ADSs we are selling in this offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of ADSs offered by us in this offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ • million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.
We believe that our funds and the net proceeds from this offering will be sufficient to continue our businesses and operations as currently conducted through 2021; however, changing circumstances may cause us to consume capital significantly faster than we currently anticipate.
 
39

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our businesses and, therefore, do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Since our inception, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common shares. Any decision to pay dividends in the future will be subject to a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, the level of our retained earnings, capital demands, general business conditions, and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. Accordingly, we cannot give any assurance that any dividends may be declared and paid in the future.
If declared, holders of outstanding common shares on a dividend record date will be entitled to the full dividend declared without regard to the date of issuance of the common shares or any transfer of the common shares subsequent to the dividend payment date. Payment of declared annual dividends in respect of a particular year, if any, will be made in the following year after approval by our shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders, subject to certain provisions of our articles of incorporation. See “Description of Share Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Dividend Rights.” Any dividend we declare will be paid by the depositary bank to the holders of ADSs, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as holders of our common shares, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement. See “Description of American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Other Distributions.”
 
40

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents, debt and capitalization as of June 30, 2020:

on an actual basis;

on a pro forma basis to give effect to the issuances of an aggregate of • common shares after June 30, 2020 in connection with the exercise of outstanding stock options; and

on a pro forma, as adjusted, basis to give effect to the above and the issuance of • ADSs in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, as set forth in this prospectus.
You should read the following table in conjunction with the sections entitled “Use of Proceeds”, “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and our financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of June 30, 2020
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Actual
Pro Forma
Pro Forma as
Adjusted(1)
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 2,088
Debt
$ 6,842
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Shares, no par value−9,999,999 shares authorized; 4,115,000 shares issued and 4,022,500 shares outstanding (excluding 92,500 shares of treasury stocks) as of June 30, 2020
5,521
Class A Shares, no par value−1 share authorized; 1 share issued and
outstanding as of June 30, 2020
1
Additional paid-in capital
6,618
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
(10,654)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
Treasury stock, at cost
(28)
Total shareholders’ equity
1,458
Total capitalization
$ 8,300
(1)
The number of common shares to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on the issuance of • ADSs in this offering and does not include (i) up to • ADSs issuable upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs from us, and (ii) up to an aggregate of 234,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2020. The outstanding stock options have a weighted average exercise price of $11.10 per share and expire on December 21, 2026.
 
41

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
DILUTION
Purchasers of ADSs in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per ADS paid by the purchasers of the ADSs in this offering and the pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS immediately after, and giving effect to, this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per ADS in this offering is substantially in excess of the net tangible book value per ADS attributable to our existing shareholders for our presently outstanding common shares.
Our historical net tangible book value per common share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value, which is the book value of our total assets less the book value of our goodwill, intangible assets, deferred initial public offering costs and total liabilities, by the number of outstanding common shares. As of June 30, 2020, the historical net tangible book value (deficit) of our common shares was $(1,921) thousand, or $(0.48) per common share, net of treasury stocks and including one Class A share. On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to issuances of common shares after June 30, 2020 in connection with •, our historical net tangible book value as of June 30, 2020 would have been $ • , or $ • per common share.
After giving effect to the (i) issuances of an aggregate of • common shares after June 30, 2020 in connection with the exercise of outstanding stock options, (ii) sale by us of • ADSs in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and (iii) receipt by us of the net proceeds of this offering, after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2020 would have been $ • , or $ • per common share. The pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per common share immediately after the offering is calculated by dividing the pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value of $ • by • common shares (which is the pro forma, as adjusted common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2020). The difference between the initial public offering price per ADS and the pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ • per ADS to our existing shareholders, and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $ • per ADS to purchasers of ADSs in this offering.
The following table illustrates this dilution to purchasers in this offering on a per ADS basis (in thousands, except per ADS data):
Assumed initial public offering price per ADS
$             •
Net tangible book value per common share before this offering (as of June 30, 2020)
$             •
Increase in net tangible book value per common share attributable to
existing shareholders due to the issuance of common shares after June 30,
2020
$
Pro forma net tangible book value per common share before this offering (as of June 30, 2020)
$
Increase in net tangible book value per ADS attributable to purchasers in this offering
$
Pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS immediately after this offering
$
Dilution in pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS to purchasers in this offering
$
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS immediately after this offering by $ • , and the dilution in pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS to purchasers in this offering by $ • , assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.
We may also increase or decrease the number of ADSs we are selling in this offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of ADSs offered by us in this offering, as set forth on the cover page
 
42

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS immediately after this offering by $ • , and the dilution in pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS to purchasers in this offering by $ • , assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.
The table and information above assume no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs in this offering. If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to • additional ADSs from us, the pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS immediately after this offering would be $ • per ADS, and the dilution in pro forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per ADS to purchasers in this offering would be $ • per ADS, in each case assuming an assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The following table summarizes, as of • , 2020, on the pro forma, as adjusted basis described above, the differences between the number of common shares underlying the ADSs purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us in cash, and the weighted average price per common share underlying the ADSs that our existing shareholders and the new purchasers in this offering paid. The calculation below is based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), before deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Common Shares
Total Consideration
Number
Percent
Amount
Percent
Weighted
Average Price
Per Share
Existing shareholders(1)
   •    % $    • % $    •
Purchasers in this offering
Total(1)(2)    •    100% $ 100% $
(1)
(2)
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering and the weighted average price per share paid by all shareholders by $ • and $ • per share, respectively, and in the case of an increase, would increase the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by • %, and in the case of a decrease, would decrease the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by • %, assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.
Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of ADSs offered by us in this offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering and the weighted average price per share paid by all shareholders by $ • and $ • per share, respectively, and in the case of an increase, would increase the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by • %, and in the case of a decrease, would decrease the percentage of total consideration paid by purchasers in this offering by • %, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $ • per ADS (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us.
The table and information above assume no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs in this offering. If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to • additional ADSs from us, the number of common shares underlying the ADSs held by purchasers in this offering would be increased to • common shares, or • % of the total number of common shares outstanding immediately after this offering, and the percentage of common shares held by our existing shareholders would be reduced to • % of the total number of common shares outstanding immediately after this offering.
 
43

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA
The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial information and operating data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. You should read the following selected consolidated financial information and operating data in conjunction with, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, and the sections entitled “Capitalization” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” each of which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our selected consolidated statement of income information and operating data for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and our related selected consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our selected consolidated statement of income information and operating data for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and our related selected consolidated balance sheet information as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our historical results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods.
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Income Information:
Revenues:
Relaxation Salons
$ 12,476 ¥ 1,344,503 ¥ 2,010,506 $ 35,860 ¥ 3,864,656 ¥ 3,348,042
Digital Preventative Healthcare
109 11,774 21,025 405 43,608 85,093
Total revenue
12,585 1,356,277 2,031,531 36,265 3,908,264 3,433,135
Cost of revenues and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues
11,777 1,269,220 1,533,819 27,443 2,957,506 2,476,267
Selling, general and administrative expenses
4,838 521,364 411,717 8,090 871,862 842,822
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604 413 44,546 40,778
Total cost of revenues and operating expenses
16,615 1,790,584 1,969,140 35,946 3,873,914 3,359,867
Operating income (loss)
$ 4,030 ¥ (434,307) ¥ 62,391 $ 319 ¥ 34,350 ¥ 73,268
Other income (expenses):
Dividend income
2 2 2 2
Interest income
6 674 556 12 1,336 785
Interest expense
(56) (6,076) (7,155) (126) (13,591) (15,485)
Gain from bargain purchases
15 1,624 4,343 60 6,487 33,218
Other, net
132 14,142 5,057 39 4,153 133
Total other income (expenses)
97 10,366 2,803 (15) (1,613) 18,653
Income tax expense
177 19,030 11,429 148 15,961 25,252
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
280 5 559 (359)
Net income (loss)
$ (4,110) ¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045 $ 161 ¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
$ (1.02) ¥ (110.12) ¥ 14.72 $ 0.04 ¥ 4.63 ¥ 18.06
Diluted
$ (1.02) ¥ (110.12) ¥ 12.86 $ 0.04 ¥ 4.06 ¥ 14.04
 
44

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except number of salons, sales per
customer, repeat ratio, and operation ratio)
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
Other Operating Data:
Financial expense & income(1)
$ (50) ¥ (5,400) ¥ (6,597) $ (114) ¥ (12,253) ¥ (14,698)
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
(3,472) (374,224) 118,049 1,292 139,301 179,997
CAPEX−paid-out cash basis(3)
1,181 127,271 9,674 210 22,675 110,386
CAPEX−paid-out cash plus future payment obligation basis(3)
1,835 197,721 104,775 695 74,897 222,278
Number of salons
289 270 283 263
Sales per customer(4)
$ 57.85 ¥ 6,234 ¥ 5,968 $ 56.27 ¥ 6,064 ¥ 5,914
Repeat ratio(5)
81.16% 80.63% 81.72% 82.39%
Operation ratio(6)
40.79% 50.42% 50.36% 49.71%
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
(in thousands, except adjusted EBITDA
margin)
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures:
Net income (loss)
$ (4,110) ¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045 $ 161 ¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Dividend income and interest income
(6) (676) (558) (12) (1,338) (787)
Interest expense
56 6,076 7,155 126 13,591 15,485
Gain from bargain purchases
(15) (1,624) (4,343) (60) (6,487) (33,218)
Other, net
(132) (14,142) (5,057) (39) (4,153) (133)
Income tax expense
177 19,030 11,429 148 15,961 25,252
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
(280) (5) (559) 359
Operating income (loss)
$ (4,030) ¥ (434,307) ¥ 62,391 $ 319 ¥ 34,350 ¥ 73,268
Depreciation and
amortization
307 33,105 22,793 428 46,174 44,267
Losses on sales of directly-operated salons to
franchises
1 65 8,721 89 9,600 4,057
Losses on disposal of property
and equipment, net and other
intangible assets, net
250 26,913 540 43 4,631 17,627
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604 413 44,546 40,778
Adjusted EBITDA
$ (3,472) ¥ (374,224) ¥ 118,049 $ 1,292 ¥ 139,301 ¥ 179,997
Adjusted EBITDA margin(7)
(27.6)% (27.6)% 5.8% 3.6% 3.6% 5.2%
 
45

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information:
Total assets
$ 38,025 ¥ 4,097,971 $ 44,144 ¥ 4,757,465 ¥ 4,521,978
Total liabilities
36,567 3,940,884 38,577 4,157,407 4,639,533
Equity (deficit):
Common stock, no par value;
5,521 595,000 5,521 595,000 245,000
Class A common stock, no par value;
1 100 1 100 100
Additional paid-in capital
6,618 713,267 6,618 713,267 363,267
Accumulated deficit
(10,654) (1,148,280) (6,545) (705,309) (722,644)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(278)
Treasury stock, at cost
(28) (3,000) (28) (3,000) (3,000)
Total equity (deficit)
1,458 157,087 5,567 600,058 (117,555)
Total Liabilities and Equity
$ 38,025
¥
4,097,971
$ 44,144 ¥ 4,757,465 ¥ 4,521,978
(1)
We define financial expense and income as dividend income plus interest income less interest expense and use it to measure net financial burden of our borrowings.
(2)
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), adjusted to exclude: (i) dividend and interest income, (ii) interest expense, (iii) gain from bargain purchases, (iv) other, net, (v) income tax expense, (vi) equity in earnings (loss) of investment, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) losses on sales of directly-operated salons to franchises, (ix) losses on disposal of property and equipment, and other intangible assets, and (x) impairment loss on long-lived assets. Management considers Adjusted EBITDA to be a measurement of performance which provides useful information to both management and investors. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income or other measurements under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies and, therefore, our measurements of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Non-U.S. GAAP Measures—Adjusted EBITDA.”
(3)
We define CAPEX as the sum of investment amounts on tangible fixed assets and intangible assets during the period. These investment activities consist of acquisitions of property and equipment, acquisitions of businesses, and cost additions to internal use software. CAPEX—paid-out cash basis is the cash amount actually paid during the period to the CAPEX investments defined above, while CAPEX—paid-out cash plus future payment obligation basis is the sum of CAPEX—paid-out cash basis and the unpaid but obliged to pay amounts in the future to the same capital investments which remain on our consolidated balance sheet as accounts payable or accrued expenses.
(4)
We define sales per customer as the ratio of total salon sales to number of treated customers at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available).
(5)
We define repeat ratio for our Re.Ra.Ku® brand as the ratio of repeat customer visits to total customer visits in the applicable month or other stated period.
(6)
We define the operation ratio for our Re.Ra.Ku® brand as the ratio of therapists’ in-service time to total therapists’ working hours (including stand-by time) for the applicable month or other stated period.
(7)
We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as the percentage derived from dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by total revenue for the same period.
 
46

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the sections of this prospectus entitled “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data” and “Business”, and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current plans, expectations, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
Our principal business is to own, develop, operate, manage, and support relaxation salons through the franchising and through direct ownership of such salons throughout Japan. We seek to be the leading provider of relaxation and bodywork services in the markets we serve and to become the most recognized brand in our industry through the steady and focused expansion of relaxation salons in key markets throughout Japan and potentially abroad.
As of June 30, 2020, we and our franchisees operated 289 salons, of which 138 were operated as Company-operated salons, and 151 were operated by our franchisees. Of the 138 directly-operated salons, 26 were developed by us or acquired from franchisees.
Our current strategy is to grow our business through development of additional franchises, and to continue to expand the number of our directly-operated salons in a deliberate and measured manner. In addition, we believe that we can continue the development of, and revenue generation from, Company-operated salons through further selective acquisition of existing franchised salons and the opening of greenfield units. We will seek to acquire existing franchised salons that meet our criteria for demographics, site attractiveness, proximity to other salons, and other suitability factors.
Key Financial Definitions
Revenue.   Revenue consists of the following items: revenue from directly-operated salons, franchise revenue, and other revenues.
Cost of Revenue.   The total cost of delivering services to customers consists of the following items: cost of goods sold, subcontract expenses, cost of franchise royalty and affiliation revenue, salon operating cost, salaries for therapists, legal and welfare expenses, provision for paid annual leave, travelling expenses, salon rent, depreciation and amortization, gain/loss from asset retirement obligation, interest expenses for asset retirement obligation, business consignment expenses, and others.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.   Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, includes the costs to sell and deliver services and the costs to manage the company as follows: directors’ compensations, salaries and allowances, bonuses, legal welfare expenses, provision for paid annual leave, recruiting expenses, travel expenses, advertising expenses, rent, taxes and duties, commission fees, compensations, depreciation and amortization, provision for doubtful accounts, and others.
Non-U.S. GAAP Measures
Financial Expense and Income.   We define financial expense and income as dividend income plus interest income less interest expense and use it to measure net financial burden of our borrowings.
 
47

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Adjusted EBITDA.    We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), adjusted to exclude: (i) dividend and interest income, (ii) interest expense, (iii) gain from bargain purchases, (iv) other, net, (v) income tax expense, (vi) equity in earnings (loss) of investment, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) losses on sales of directly-operated salons to franchises, (ix) losses on disposal of property and equipment, and other intangible assets, and (x) impairment loss on long-lived assets. Management considers Adjusted EBITDA to be a measurement of performance which provides useful information to both management and investors. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income or other measurements under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies and, therefore, our measurements of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
We use Adjusted EBITDA to enhance our understanding of our operating performance, which represents our views concerning our performance in the ordinary, ongoing and customary course of our operations. We historically have found it helpful, and believe that investors have found it helpful, to consider an operating measure that excludes certain expenses relating to transactions not reflective of our core operations.
The information about our operating performance provided by this financial measure is used by our management for a variety of purposes. We regularly communicate Adjusted EBITDA results to our board of directors and we discuss with the board our interpretation of such results. We also compare our Adjusted EBITDA performance against internal targets as a key factor in evaluating our periodic operating performance at each salon level, segment level, and consolidated level, largely because we believe that this measure is indicative of how the fundamental business is performing and is being managed.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin.   Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by total revenue for the same period.
CAPEX.   Capital expenditure, or CAPEX, is the sum of investment amounts on tangible fixed assets and intangible assets during the period. These investment activities consist of acquisitions of property and equipment, acquisitions of businesses, and cost additions to internal use software. CAPEX—paid-out cash basis is the cash amount actually paid during the period to the CAPEX investments defined above, while CAPEX—paid-out cash plus future payment obligation basis is the sum of CAPEX—paid-out cash basis and the unpaid but obliged to pay amounts in the future to the same capital investments which remain on our consolidated balance sheet as accounts payable or accrued expenses.
Key Performance Indicators
In assessing the performance of our business, we consider several key performance indicators used by management. We receive monthly performance reports from our system and our salons which include key performance indicators per salon including sales, number of newly-acquired customers, number of repeat customers, sales per customer, and operation ratio. We believe these indicators provide us with useful data with which to measure our performance and to measure the performance of our own and our franchisees’ salons.
These key indicators include:

Number of Salons.   Directly-operated salons, and franchisees’ salons.

Sales Per Customer.    The ratio of total salon sales to number of treated customers at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available).

Repeat Ratio.    The ratio of repeat customer visits to total customer visits in the applicable month or other stated period.

Operation Ratio.   The ratio of therapists’ in-service time to total therapists’ working hours (including stand-by time) for the applicable month or other stated period.
 
48

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
The following table sets forth the above key performance indicators for the periods presented:
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
2020
2019
2019
2018
Number of Salons
289 270 283 263
Sales per Customer(1)
¥ 6,234 ¥ 5,968 ¥ 6,064 ¥ 5,914
Repeat Ratio(2)
81.16% 80.63% 81.72% 82.39%
Operation Ratio(2)
40.79% 50.42% 50.36% 49.71%
(1)
We define sales per customer as the ratio of total salon sales to number of treated customers at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available).
(2)
Repeat Ratio and Operation Ratio are measured semi-annually only for the months of June and December. We believe semi-annual measurements are more meaningful than monthly assessments, as the latter can yield fluctuations due to seasonality. However, in the case of a crisis, we may measure more frequently.
Factors Impacting our Operating Results
We expect that our results of operations will be affected by a number of factors and will primarily depend on the global economy, issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and elsewhere, general market conditions, customer preference, and the competitive environment.
Our revenues, operating results and financial performance are impacted by a multitude of factors, including, but not limited to:
Business Environment.   According to the 2019 Yano Report, the relaxation market continues to see industry consolidation and notable category entrants from low-price, high turnover service providers, athletic and personal training services, and body stretching. We anticipate that market share will be further transferred to the category leaders in the industry, as smaller, private operators sell their businesses for retirement and/or market competition reasons. We believe that we stand to benefit from these industry trends.
Our Achievements.   To date, we have not engaged in price competition, which we believe will damage the reputation of our industry in the long run. We try to increase the revenue per customer by providing quality services. The year over year comparison between 2018 and 2019 shows that our average revenue per customer had grown by 2.5%, from JPY5,914 (US$54.88) to JPY6,064 (US$56.27). We also control the opening of new salons and focus on improving profitability, which we believe will eventually contribute to the higher customer satisfaction. Our repeat ratio was 81.72% in 2019. We believe that our training method and system is the key in sustaining long term growth in the high-end market. One of the unique features of our culture is our employees’ handbook or credo, which helps sustain high morale in our employee base and incentivize a long term, career focused approach to relaxation therapy that we believe differs from certain of our competitors. Average store sales for all stores were the highest in the last six consecutive years. As a result of further consolidation with other companies in the same industry, the number of stores in our group has increased to 289 as of June 30, 2020. We won the Grand Prix in both the therapist and the store categories at the Relaxation Contest Japan 2019 hosted by the Japan Relaxation Industry Association.
New Business.   In our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment, we have been involved in the Specific Health Guidance Program, promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan, and have developed what we believe will be the only self-charging wearable activity device called MOTHER Tracker®, which was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2020.
Issues to be Solved.   The relaxation industry is expected to face a difficult business environment due to a shortage of therapists and increased hiring costs. Under these circumstances, we have set the goal of “No. 1 Quality”, in addition to replenishing our workforce by hiring a large number of fresh graduates. We own and operate our proprietary job portal website, targeting prospective therapist candidates. The job portal website was launched on February 1, 2020 and, as of September 30. 2020, 25% of our new employees
 
49

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
during fiscal 2020 have been hired through the site. The SEO-optimized website has received more than 11,000 pageviews, with over 179 candidates in the database as of June 30, 2020. By introducing the service, we expect to reduce our hiring costs paid to manpower agencies. One of the primary reasons for small independent salons’ exiting from the sector is the difficulty in securing sufficient employees for the salons.
We strive to achieve sustained growth and strengthen our revenue base by improving our sources and uses of cash flows, including scenario planning for anomalous legal or economic events that may impact our core operations. Additionally, we will utilize a zero-based budgeting approach to shore up balance sheet health, minimize ineffective spending, and maintain tight controls on cash flows across the holding company structure, including restricting subsidiary dividends, debt incurrence, or any other operating or financing actions that may impact our liquidity.
Assessment of Impact of the COVID-19 to the Company’s Business Operations, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
The global outbreak of COVID-19 has been impacting Japan throughout 2020. In April 2020, the Japanese government issued the Declaration, whereby the Japanese government requested the closing of non-essential activities and businesses across the country as a preemptive safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic. This adversely impacted businesses across the nation, particularly in the retail segment in which we operate. The Japanese government-requested halt in business lasted through May 2020.
During the period, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government-driven or voluntary closure of workplaces and public spaces, the reluctance or inability to commute on public transportation, shop, or enjoy outdoor leisure activities has affected our business operations and liquidity position. We undertook several measures to mitigate the impact on our Company and our employees.
Closure of Operations or Shortened Operations at Our Salons
In March, some shopping malls and landlords, the properties of whom our salons are located, decided to voluntarily shorten their open hours or close their malls, resulting in shorter hours in operation or closure of our directly-operated and franchised salons.
On April 7, 2020, the Japanese government issued the Declaration which initially covered Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka Prefectures. Since our salon locations are primarily located in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, which includes Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, our salon operations were adversely impacted. We closed or shortened the operation of salons due to the Declaration. On April 16, 2020, the government expanded the coverage of the Declaration to be nationwide, resulting in an expansion of our salon closures and shortened operations. By April 30, 2020, all but 8 of the Company’s Re.Ra.Ku® brand salons were closed temporarily, with those remaining open operating on reduced hours. On May 25, 2020, the Declaration was completely lifted. As of June 30, 2020, 123 of the Company’s Re.Ra.Ku® brand salons were in full operation, and 166 operated with reduced hours.
Decrease in Number of Served Customers and Sales Per Customer
During the period from March to May 2020, the number of our served customers dropped dramatically due in large part to the Japanese government-requested closures of our salons. However, our customer numbers recovered markedly by June 2020 as restrictions were lifted and businesses reopened, but still reflecting a decrease from June 2019 of approximately 33%. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting our business and the management expects the number of served customers to remain lower than 2019 for the next several months. Notwithstanding the decreased level of served customers in recent months, the sales per customer during the second quarter of 2020 has been comparable to the same period in 2019. Despite the pandemic, the sales per customer experienced an increase of 4.5% for the six months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
Mitigation Efforts
After the Japanese government announced the Declaration, we furloughed most of our relaxation therapists and headquarter employees in order to mitigate the impact on revenue due to closure or shortened
 
50

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
operating hours of our salons. We have also applied for the subsidy program for employment adjustment by the Japanese government with COVID-19 special treatment, which incentivizes companies to retain their employees. As of August 18, 2020, we had received JPY76,419 thousand (US$709 thousand) from the subsidy program. We believe the subsidy can help to cover the payroll costs of furloughed employees.
At the same time, to minimize our operating losses, the Company has sought rent reductions for our salon spaces. In total, we succeeded in temporarily reducing the rental expenses, including commissions and fixed monthly installment payments, through negotiation with our landlords, during April and May 2020.
Delay in Our Salon Development and Hiring Activities that Could Affect Our Future Growth
During the period of the nationwide Declaration and the Company’s temporary reduction in force, we could not be active in new salon development both for our directly-operated salons and franchised salons. In addition, our hiring activities were similarly affected, although we continued to have interviews with therapist candidates and candidates for key positions at headquarters via video conference.
Since the primary source of our revenue generation is the relaxation services by our therapists at our salons, retaining well-trained existing therapists and hiring new therapists are the core of our business activities. During the period from March to April 2020, we hired 81 permanent-based therapists, while 5 therapists left the Company. Now that our recruiting activity has resumed following the lifting of the Declaration, we are targeting an acceleration of our recruiting activities to meet our growth target, while we monitor our short-term profitability and liquidity.
 
51

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019
Six months ended June 30,
Change (2020 vs 2019)
(in thousands, except change % data and Adjusted
EBITDA margin )
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
$
¥
%
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statement of Income Information:
Revenues:
Relaxation Salons
$ 12,476 ¥ 1,344,503 ¥ 2,010,506 $ (6,180) ¥ (666,003) (33.1)%
Digital Preventative Healthcare
109 11,774 21,025 (86) (9,251) (44.0)%
Total revenue
12,585 1,356,277 2,031,531 (6,266) (675,254) (33.2)%
Cost of revenues and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues
11,777 1,269,220 1,533,819 (2,455) (264,599) (17.3)%
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
4,838 521,364 411,717 1,017 109,647 26.6%
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604 (219) (23,604) (100.0)%
Total cost of revenues and operating expenses
16,615 1,790,584 1,969,140 (1,657) (178,556) (9.1)%
Operating income (loss)
$ (4,030) ¥ (434,307) ¥ 62,391 $ (4,609) ¥ (496,698) (796.1)%
Other income (expenses):
Dividend income
2 2 0.0%
Interest income
6 674 556 1 118 21.2%
Interest expense
(56) (6,076) (7,155) 10 1,079 (15.1)%
Gain from bargain purchases
15 1,624 4,343 (25) (2,719) (62.6)%
Other, net
132 14,142 5,057 84 9,085 179.7%
Total other income (expenses)
97 10,366 2,803 70 7,563 269.8%
Income tax expense
177 19,030 11,429 70 7,601 66.5%
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
280 (3) (280) (100.0)%
Net income (loss)
$ (4,110) ¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045 $ (4,612) ¥ (497,016) (919.6)%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
$ (3,472) ¥ (374,224) ¥ 118,049 $ (4,568) ¥ (492,273) (417.0)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)
(27.6)% (27.6)% 5.8% (574.8)%
(1)
For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure, see footnote 2 to “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data.”
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by total revenue for the same period.
 
52

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Six months ended June 30,
2020
2019
Number of Salons
289 270
Sales per Customer(1)
¥ 6,234 ¥ 5,968
Repeat Ratio(2)
81.16% 80.63%
Operation Ratio(2)
40.79% 50.42%
(1)
We define sales per customer as the ratio of total salon sales to number of treated customers at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available).
(2)
Repeat Ratio and Operation Ratio are measured semi-annually only for the months of June and December.
The number of our salons increased by 19 stores to 289 in the six months ended June 30, 2020 from 270 stores in the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increase in the number of salons is attributed to the opening of new direct stores and franchise stores and partially offset by store acquisitions and divestitures.
Sales per customer increased during the period by 4.5% to JPY6,234 (US$57.85) in the six months ended June 30, 2020 from JPY5,968 (US$55.38) in the six months ended June 30, 2019. Sales per customer, which is the ratio of total salon sales to the number of treated customers served at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available), is influenced, in particular, by pricing of services at given salons, which is impacted by the level and quality of services. The period-over-period increase in the sales per customer reflects these two factors and was offset in part by a lower average sale price for the comparative period in 2019.
Repeat ratio increased by 0.53 percentage points to 81.16% in the six months ended June 30, 2020 from 80.63% in the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increase is attributed to the strong demand from our existing customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many recreational businesses were closed or reduced their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced an increase in the frequency of visits to our salons by our existing customers.
Operation ratio decreased by 9.63 percentage points to 40.79% in the six months ended June 30, 2020 from 50.42% in the six months ended June 30, 2019. We believe the decrease is a temporary result from the hiring of additional therapists to fill positions during the six months ended June 30, 2020, as the number of our salons increase. Because our newly-hired therapists are required to undergo initial on-site training, they had less actual in-service time than our fully-trained therapists, which reduced our operation ratio during the period.
We continue to drive our strategic initiatives and progress toward long-term growth and profitability. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, our directly-operated salons increased 13 (net) and our franchised salons decreased 6 (net). During the six months ended June 30, 2020, our directly-operated salons increased 23 (net) and our franchised salons decreased 17 (net).
Revenues
Revenues derived from our Relaxation Salon Segment were JPY2,010,506 thousand (US$18,656 thousand) in the first six months of 2019, and JPY1,344,503 thousand (US$12,476 thousand) in the first six months of 2020.
The revenue from our Relaxation Salon Segment consists of revenue from directly-operated salons and revenue from franchising. In the first six months of 2019, our revenue from directly-operated salons and from franchising was JPY1,045,945 thousand (US$9,705 thousand) and JPY964,561 thousand (US$8,950 thousand), respectively. In the first six months of 2020, our revenue from directly-operated salons and from franchising decreased to JPY751,267 thousand (US$6,971 thousand) and JPY593,235 thousand (US$5,505 thousand), respectively.
 
53

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
The primary factor for the decrease in revenues from directly-operated salons between the first six months of 2019 and 2020 was the decrease in the number of customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first six months of 2019, our directly-operated salons had customer visits of 127.7 thousand, while in the same period of 2020, the figure was 73.2 thousand excluding visitors to our Joy Hands Wellness salons located in spa facilities (for which data is not available).
The primary reason for the decrease in revenues from franchising was also the decrease in the number of customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first six months of 2019, our franchised salons had served 302.9 thousand customers, while in the same period of 2020, franchised salons served 187.5 thousand customers. Although this decrease in revenue by our franchisees resulted in less royalty income for the Company, our expenses for providing supporting services to our franchisees decreased accordingly.
We recognize revenue from initial franchise membership on the opening date of the new franchised salons. In addition, our revenue from franchise royalties includes revenues from recurring royalty income, rental income from subleased salon properties, construction of franchised salons, uniforms and training sales.
The revenue from our Preventative Healthcare Segment decreased 44.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, as a result of the temporary suspension of the Sampling business and a decrease in the number of participants in the Health Guidance Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our MOTHER Tracker®is still at the development stage and generates no revenue.
Cost of Revenues
For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, the cost of revenues was JPY1,533,819 thousand (US$14,232 thousand) and JPY1,269,220 thousand (US$11,777 thousand), respectively. The cost to revenue ratios were 75.5% during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 93.6% during the comparable period in 2020, primarily due to the closure and reduced operations of our salons resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cost of revenue from directly-operated salons decreased by JPY128,334 thousand (US$1,191 thousand) from JPY994,631 thousand (US$9,229 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to JPY866,297 thousand (US$8,038 thousand) in the first six months of 2020. The cost of revenue from franchising activities decreased by JPY134,502 thousand (US$1,248 thousand) from JPY529,408 thousand (US$4,912 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to JPY394,906 thousand (US$3,664 thousand) in the first six months of 2020.
The largest common cost driver for the decrease of cost of revenues was the decrease in number of therapists deployed to salons. The Company collectively hires therapists through MHR and deploys them to directly-operated salons and franchised salons. The Company allocates the total costs of therapists based on the number of therapists deployed to the directly-operated salons and those to the franchised salons. The total cost of therapists has decreased by JPY13,506 thousand (US$125 thousand) from JPY418,160 thousand (US$3,880 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to JPY404,654 thousand (US$375 thousand) in the first six months of 2020.
In addition, the cost of revenue from directly-operated salons decreased due to a decrease in salon lease expenses by JPY22,016 thousand (US$204 thousand) from JPY108,801 thousand (US$1,010 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to JPY86,785 thousand (US$805 thousand) in the first six months of 2020.
The cost of revenue from franchising decreased due to a decrease in salon sublease expenses by JPY63,534 thousand (US$590 thousand) from JPY327,975 thousand (US$3,043 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to JPY264,441 thousand (US$2,454 thousand) in the first six months of 2020. These are primarily due to salon closures or reduced operations both at directly-operated salons and franchised salons, together with negotiated waivers of lease/head-lease expense with the landlords.
The cost of other revenues slightly decreased by JPY1,763 thousand (US$16 thousand) from JPY9,780 thousand (US$91 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to JPY8,017 thousand (US$74 thousand) in the first six months of 2020.
 
54

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Selling, General, and Administration Expenses
For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, the selling, general, and administration expenses were JPY411,717 thousand (US$3,820 thousand) and JPY521,364 thousand (US$4,838 thousand), respectively. The percentage of revenue of selling, general, and administration expenses in the first six months of 2019 and 2020 was 20.3% and 38.4%, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2020 was a result of an increase in the number of new college graduate employees, moving expenses incurred in connection with the relocation of our headquarters, and professional fees incurred in connection with this offering.
Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA
Our consolidated net income in the six months ended June 30, 2019 was JPY54,045 thousand (US$502 thousand), or 2.7% of consolidated revenue, while our consolidated net loss for the comparable period in 2020 was JPY442,971 thousand (US$4,110 thousand), or (32.7)% of consolidated revenue, as a result of the key factors described above. Our Adjusted EBITDA decreased from JPY118,049 thousand (US$1,095 thousand) in the first six months of 2019 to a loss of JPY374,224 thousand (US$3,472 thousand) for the comparable period in 2020, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.8%, and (27.6)% for the first six months of 2019 and 2020, respectively. The key factors behind this decrease, other than changes in revenues, cost of revenues, and selling, general and administrative expenses, were the increase of losses on disposal of property and equipment and other intangible assets (net) by JPY26,373 thousand (US$245 thousand) and decrease of impairment loss on long-lived assets by JPY23,604 thousand (US$219 thousand).
 
55

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Comparison of the Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Year ended December 31,
Change (2019 vs 2018)
(in thousands, except change % data and
Adjusted EBITDA margin)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
$
¥
%
Consolidated Statement of Income Information:
Revenues:
Relaxation Salons
$ 35,860 ¥ 3,864,656 ¥ 3,348,042 $ 4,794 ¥ 516,614 15.4%
Digital Preventative Healthcare
405 43,608 85,093 (385) (41,485) (48.8)%
Total revenue
36,265 3,908,264 3,433,135 4,409 475,129 13.8%
Cost of revenues and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues
27,443 2,957,506 2,476,267 4,465 481,239 19.4%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
8,090 871,862 842,822 269 29,040 3.4%
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
413 44,546 40,778 35 3,768 9.2%
Total cost of revenues and operating
expenses
35,946 3,873,914 3,359,867 4,770 514,047 15.3%
Operating income
$ 319 ¥ 34,350 ¥ 73,268 $ (361) ¥ (38,918) (53.1)%
Other income (expenses):
Dividend income
2 2 0.0%
Interest income
12 1,336 785 5 551 70.2%
Interest expense
(126) (13,591) (15,485) 18 1,894 (12.2)%
Gain from bargain purchases
60 6,487 33,218 (248) (26,731) (80.5)%
Other, net
39 4,153 133 37 4,020 3,022.6%
Total other income (expenses)
(15) (1,613) 18,653 (188) (20,266) (108.6)%
Income tax expense
148 15,961 25,252 (86) (9,291) (36.8)%
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
5 559 (359) 9 918 (255.7)%
Net income
$ 161 ¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310 $ (454) ¥ (48,975) (73.9)%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
$ 1,292 ¥ 139,301 ¥ 179,997 $ (378) ¥ (40,696) (22.6)%
Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)
3.6% 3.6% 5.2% (30.8)%
(1)
For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure, see footnote 2 to “Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data.”
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by total revenue for the same period.
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
Number of Salons
283 263
Sales per Customer(1)
¥ 6,064 ¥ 5,914
Repeat Ratio(2)
81.72% 82.39%
Operation Ratio(2)
50.36% 49.71%
(1)
We define sales per customer as the ratio of total salon sales to number of treated customers at salons (other than JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available).
(2)
Repeat Ratio and Operation Ratio are measured semi-annually only for the months of June and December.
 
56

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
The number of our salons increased by 20 stores to 283 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from 263 stores in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in the number of salons is attributed to the opening of new direct stores and new franchise stores and partially offset by store acquisitions and divestitures.
Sales per customer increased by 2.5% to JPY6,064 (US$56.27) in the year ended December 31, 2019 from JPY5,914 (US$54.88) in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in sales per customer is attributed to our premium pricing strategy. The increase in sales per customer is due to the up-selling effort at our salons (excluding JOYHANDS WELLNESS for which comparative financial and customer data is not available). In 2018, we started assigning marketing resources to assist the franchisees’ operations and train franchisees to recommend value-added services to the customers and to optimize the discount promotions, which contributed to the longer service time per customer and similarly the higher sales per customer in 2019.
Repeat ratio decreased by 0.67 percentage point to 81.72% in the year ended December 31, 2019 from 82.39% in the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease is due to the new customer acquiring effort.
Operation ratio increased by 0.65 percentage point to 50.36% in the year ended December 31, 2019 from 49.71% in in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase is attributed to the optimization of the staffing at the salons.
We continue to drive our strategic initiatives and progress toward long-term growth and profitability.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, our directly-operated salons increased 79 (net) and our franchised salons decreased 3 (net). During the year ended December 31, 2019, our directly-operated salons decreased 9 (net) and our franchised salons increased 29 (net).
In addition to our continuous efforts to increase the number of our branded salons (both directly-operated and franchised), while closing unprofitable salons, as part of our organic business activities, we also prioritize the growth strategy such as mergers and acquisitions. In 2018, we completed the following as part of our growth initiatives:

In 2018, we entered into an agreement with Kabushiki Kaisha Bell Epoc, through Bell Epoc Wellness Inc., our wholly-owned and newly established subsidiary for this transaction, to acquire the seller’s relaxation business and related assets. This resulted in our acquisition of 46 salons, all of which were directly-operated salons.

On September 27, 2018, we entered into an agreement with Kabushiki Kaisha Decollte to acquire 100% of the equity in Decollte Wellness Corporation, which was newly established by the seller to separate its relaxation business and to transfer it to us. This resulted in our acquisition of seven salons. As of June 30, 2020, we now operate five salons, which we count as directly-operated salons since we control their operations.

During 2018, we entered into an oral agreement with Kabushiki Kaisha Joyhands, through JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc., our wholly-owned and newly established subsidiary for this transaction, to gradually assume salon operator positions under Salon Operation Outsourcing Agreements with public bath operators. These changes of the outsourcing of salon operator positions must be made through separate agreements with each of the public bath operators. Accordingly, under this legal structure, in 2018, we entered into 10 outsourcing agreements with one public bath operator to operate 26 salons in their public bath facilities, and in 2019, we entered into outsourcing agreements with 21 public bath operators to operate 26 salons, which we count as directly-operated salons since we control their operations.
Financial Results.   For fiscal year 2019, we had revenue of JPY3,908,264 thousand (US$36,265 thousand) (an increase of JPY475,129 thousand (US$4,409 thousand) from fiscal year 2018), operating income of JPY34,350 thousand (US$319 thousand) (a decrease of JPY38,918 thousand (US$361 thousand) from fiscal year 2018), income before income tax expense and equity in earnings of investment of JPY32,737 thousand (US$304 thousand) (a decrease of JPY59,184 thousand (US$549 thousand) from fiscal year 2018 year), and net income of JPY17,335 thousand (US$161 thousand) (a decrease of JPY48,975 thousand (US$454 thousand) from fiscal year 2018).
 
57

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Revenues
As a result of our initiatives for growth as described above, the revenues derived from our Relaxation Salon Segment were JPY3,348,042 thousand (US$31,067 thousand) in 2018, and JPY3,864,656 thousand (US$35,860 thousand) in 2019.
Revenue from our Relaxation Salon Segment consists of revenue from directly-operated salons and revenue from franchising. In 2018, our revenue from directly-operated salons and from franchising was JPY1,477,985 thousand (US$13,714 thousand) and JPY1,870,057 thousand (US$17,352 thousand), respectively.
In 2019, our revenue from directly-operated salons and from franchising was JPY2,031,155 thousand (US$18,847 thousand) and JPY1,833,501 thousand (US$17,013 thousand), respectively.
The primary factors for the increase in revenues from directly-operated salons between 2018 and 2019 were the increase of 26 directly-operated salons located in spa facilities and increased sales per customer. The Company had an increase of 26 directly-operated salons in spa facilities through JHW, while we had a decrease of 36 directly-operated salons operated by MD, BEW, and DCW, primarily due to sale of BEW directly-operated salons into franchised salons. The Company also had an increase of sales per customer of JPY150 (US$1.39) from JPY5,914 (US$54.88) to JPY6,064 (US$56.27)—the trend is the same for both directly-operated salons and franchised salons.
The primary factors for the increase in revenues were an increase in the number of franchised salons and an increase in the sales per customer. Mainly due to the above-mentioned sale of our BEW directly-operated salons, the total number of franchised salons increased by 29 during 2019. In addition, the increase trend in sales per customer also applies to our franchised salons, which benefited from optional marketing campaigns and service extension offerings to the customers.
We recognize revenue from initial franchise membership on the opening date of the new franchised salons. In addition, our revenue from franchise royalties includes revenues from recurring royalty income, rental income from subleased salon properties, construction of franchised salons, uniforms and training sales.
The revenue from our Preventative Healthcare Segment decreased 48.8% in 2019 compared to 2018, as a result of a downsizing of the Sampling business and the termination in 2019 of a previous preventative healthcare program for monitoring diets. Our MOTHER Tracker® is still at the development stage and as such generates no revenue.
Cost of Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2019, the cost of revenues was JPY2,476,267 thousand (US$22,977 thousand) and JPY2,957,506 thousand (US$27,443 thousand) respectively.
The cost of revenue from directly-operated salons has increased by JPY496,075 thousand (US$4,603 thousand) from JPY1,416,818 thousand (US$13,147 thousand) in 2018 to JPY1,912,893 thousand (US$17,750 thousand) in 2019. The cost of revenue from franchising activities has decreased by JPY4,019 thousand (US$37 thousand) from JPY1,023,975 thousand (US$9,501 thousand) in 2018 to JPY1,019,956 thousand (US$9,464 thousand) in 2019.
The largest common cost driver for the increase in cost of revenues was the increase in the number of therapists deployed to salons. The Company collectively hires therapists through MHR and deploys them to directly-operated salons and franchised salons. The Company allocates the total costs of therapists based on the number of therapists deployed to the directly-operated salons and those to the franchised salons. The total cost of therapists has increased by JPY348,384 thousand (US$3,233 thousand) from JPY522,137 thousand (US$4,845 thousand) in 2018 to JPY870,521 thousand (US$8,083 thousand) in 2019. In addition, salon lease expense decreased for the directly-operated salons by JPY14,253 thousand (US$132 thousand) from JPY208,378 thousand (US$1,934 thousand) in 2018 to JPY194,125 thousand (US$1,801 thousand) in 2019, while the sub-leasing cost for the franchising activities increased by JPY26,358 thousand (US$245 thousand) from JPY581,322 thousand (US$5,394 thousand) in 2018 to JPY607,680 thousand (US$5,639
 
58

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
thousand) in 2019. This was primarily due to sale of some of BEW directly-operated salons and entering into the franchising agreement with the buyer at the same time.
Cost of other revenues has decreased by JPY10,817 thousand (US$100 thousand) from JPY35,474 thousand (US$329 thousand) in 2018 to JPY24,657 thousand (US$229 thousand) in accordance with the decrease in other revenues.
Selling, General, and Administration Expenses
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for 2019 was mainly due to an increase in professional fees of JPY26,254 thousand (USD$244 thousand), which primarily resulted from audit fees incurred in connection with this offering.
Impairment Loss on Long-lived Assets
MD and DCW recorded impairment losses of JPY4,604 thousand (USD$43 thousand) and JPY36,174 thousand (USD$336 thousand), respectively, for 2018 while MD, BEW and DCW recorded impairment losses of JPY30,224 thousand (USD$280 thousand), JPY9,420 thousand (USD$87 thousand) and JPY4,902 thousand (USD$45 thousand), respectively, for 2019. The impairment loss in 2018 is principally attributable to the closure of several stores and the rebranding of the Decollte brand following our acquisition of DCW.
Interest Expense
The decrease in interest expense for 2019 of JPY1,894 thousand (USD$18 thousand) was driven primarily by repayment of long-term borrowings.
Gain from Bargain Purchase
Gain from bargain purchases decreased JPY26,731 thousand (USD$248 thousand). In 2018, the Company acquired control of Decollte Wellness and recognized a gain from a bargain purchase of JPY21,090 thousand (USD$196 thousand) while there was no such transaction in 2019. Gain from bargain purchases through acquisitions of relaxation salons also decreased JPY5,641 thousand (USD$52 thousand) from the prior year mainly due to a decrease in the number of salons acquired during the period.
Other Income—net
The fluctuation in other income, net, resulted primarily from transaction fees paid to a third-party specialist to perform due diligence to determine the feasibility of the acquisition of Decollte Wellness.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense decreased JPY9,291 thousand (USD$86 thousand) resulting from a decrease in deferred tax expense by JPY12,729 thousand (USD$118 thousand), partially offset by an increase in current tax expense by JPY3,438 thousand (USD$32 thousand). The fluctuation in deferred tax expense was driven primarily by fluctuations in deferred tax assets related to deferred offering costs and operating loss carryforwards. The increase in current tax expense was mainly due to an increase in inhabitant tax per capita, which is calculated based on capital and the number of employees.
Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA
Our consolidated net income in 2018 was JPY66,310 thousand (US$615 thousand), or 1.9% of consolidated revenue, while our consolidated net income in 2019 was JPY17,335 thousand (US$161 thousand), or 0.4% of consolidated revenue, as a result of the key factors described above. Our Adjusted EBITDA decreased from JPY179,997 thousand (US$1,670 thousand) in 2018 to JPY139,301 thousand (US$1,292 thousand) in 2019, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.2% in 2018 and 3.6% in 2019. The primary factor for this decrease was the change in the operating income.
 
59

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements. We generally funded our operations with cash flow from operations, and, when needed, with borrowings from Japanese financial institutions. Our principal uses for liquidity have been to fund development of new salons, acquisitions of salons or relaxation businesses from franchisees or third parties, development of new software for new business and/or internal use, our daily operations, working capital and debt service. We believe our sources of liquidity and capital will be sufficient to finance our continued operations, growth strategy and additional expenses we expect to incur as a public company for at least the next 12 months.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.
Six months ended June 30,
Year ended December 31,
2020($)
2020(¥)
2019(¥)
2019($)
2019(¥)
2018(¥)
(Unaudited)
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
$ (4,110) ¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045 $ 161 ¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Net cash provided by operating activities
(3,478) (374,861) 181,561 73 7,870 141,872
Net cash used in investing activities
(531) (57,255) (25,774) (352) (37,931) (79,388)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,331 143,555 (144,760) 3,081 331,994 (74,475)
Net increase (decrease) of cash and cash equivalents during the period
(2,678) (288,561) 11,027 2,802 301,933 (11,991)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$ 4,766 ¥ 513,621 ¥ 211,688 $ 1,964 ¥ 211,688 ¥ 223,679
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 2,088 ¥ 225,060 ¥ 222,715 $ 4,766 ¥ 513,621 ¥ 211,688
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities decreased from JPY141,872 thousand (US$1,316 thousand) in 2018 to JPY7,870 thousand (US$73 thousand) in 2019, primarily due to decrease in net income attributable to shareholders, increase in accounts receivables-trade and accounts receivables—other of JPY103,067 thousand, increase in operating assets, increase in accounts payables—trade and accrued expenses, and decrease in advances received.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities decreased from JPY181,561 thousand (US$1,685 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 to net cash flows used in operating activities of JPY374,861 thousand (US$3,478 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in net income, increase in accounts receivables—trade and accounts receivables-other, decrease in accounts payables—trade and accrued expenses, decrease in advances received, and deposit received.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities decreased from JPY79,388 thousand (US$737 thousand) in 2018 to JPY37,931 thousand (US$352 thousand) in 2019, primarily due to decreases in proceeds from maturities of time deposits, acquisition of affiliated company securities, partially offset by an increase in acquisition of investment securities. acquisition of property and equipment, and acquisition of businesses.
The total amount of capital investment made in 2019 was JPY22,675 thousand (US$210 thousand). The main investments were JPY7,406 thousand (US$69 thousand) for acquisition of property and equipment, JPY12,068 thousand (US$112 thousand) for acquisition of internal use software, and JPY3,201 thousand (US$30 thousand) for acquisition of businesses.
Net cash flows used in investing activities increased from JPY25,774 thousand (US$239 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 to JPY57,255 thousand (US$531 thousand) for the six months ended
 
60

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
June 30, 2020, primarily due to the sale of affiliated company securities, an increase in the amount of acquisition of property and equipment, and an increase in acquisition of businesses.
The total amount of capital investment made in the first half of 2020 was JPY122,688 thousand (US$1,138 thousand). The main investments were JPY70,803 thousand (US$657 thousand) for acquisition of property and equipment, and JPY42,393 thousand (US$393 thousand) for acquisition of businesses.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows from financing activities turned from net usage of JPY74,475 thousand (US$691 thousand) in 2018 into net proceeds of JPY331,994 thousand (US$3,081 thousand) in 2019, primarily due to an equity finance of JPY700,000 thousand (US$6,495 thousand) in the fourth quarter of 2019 through a private placement of 350,000 common shares in Japan, the repayment of long-term loans of JPY234,411 thousand (US$2,175 thousand), and payment of consideration for acquired businesses of JPY82,812 thousand (US$768 thousand).
Net cash flows from financing activities increased from net usage of JPY144,760 (US$1,343 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 to net proceeds of JPY143,555 thousand (US$1,331 thousand) for the six months ended June 30, 2020, primarily due to a net increase in the borrowing of long-term loans of JPY215,343 thousand (US$1,998 thousand) in the first half of 2020.
Credit Facilities and Corporate Bonds
As of June 30, 2020, we have 26 business loans outstanding from six Japanese financial institutions. The balance on the outstanding loans as of June 30, 2020 was approximately JPY737,444 thousand (approximately US$6,842 thousand).
In addition, we have a fundamental funding and treasury policy of (i) maintaining a balanced ratio of debt to equity, and (ii) aligning our repayment of loans with our cash flow from business. Our primary use of funds from our loans is capital expenditures on newly opened Company-owned salons. Therefore, we have sought debt financing with longer than three-year terms and equal monthly repayment amounts of principal and interest in order to align our debt repayment schedule with our cash flow from our salon business operations. In order to avoid interest rate risk during the terms of the loans, we usually borrow money with fixed interest rates, and do not enter into hedging arrangements. Since our primary business operations are in Japan, our borrowings have been made to date only in Japanese yen with Japanese financial institutions.
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, on May 20, 2020, we entered into an additional loan agreement with Japan Finance Corporation (JFC) to borrow JPY100,000 thousand (US$928 thousand) as a 10-year loan. The loan has a fixed annual interest rate of 0.21%, with equal monthly principal and interest payments. On the same date, we received an additional 10-year loan from JFC in the amount of JPY100,000 thousand (US$928 thousand) with 1.11% fixed annual interest rate. In addition, we entered into a loan agreement with The Higashi-Nippon Bank, Limited (HNP) for JPY30,000 thousand (US$278 thousand) along with the guarantee by Credit Guarantee Association, a governmental affiliate agency which supplements private companies with credit. The loan has duration of 12 years and a fixed annual interest rate of 2.00%.
On July 28, 2020, we entered into an additional loan agreement with HNP for a 10-year loan in the amount of JPY70,000 thousand ((US$650 thousand). The loan has a fixed annual interest rate of 2.00%, with equal monthly principal and interest payments. On the same date, we received an additional 10-year loan from HNP in the amount of JPY100,000 thousand (US$928 thousand) with a 2.00% fixed annual interest rate. Both loans are backed by the Credit Guarantee Association.
As of July 31, 2020, the total outstanding balance we owed on our loan agreements was JPY890,090 thousand (US$8,259 thousand), with interest rates ranging from 0.21% to 3.30%, and a weighted average interest rate of 1.64%. The loans mature at various dates through 2030. Our Chief Executive Officer and a director, Kouji Eguchi, is a guarantor with respect to 22 of our 28 outstanding loans.
 
61

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2020, we were not party to any material off-balance sheet financial arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition or operating results. We do not have any relationship with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Contractual Obligations
Payments of contractual obligations and commitments will require considerable resources. In our ordinary course of business, we routinely enter into commercial commitments and financial obligations for various aspects of our operations. The following table sets forth the amount of our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2020.
(in thousand JPY)
Payments due by period:
Total
Less than
1 year
1 – 3 years
More than
3 years
Debt obligations
¥ 737,444 ¥ 357,285 ¥ 146,804 ¥ 233,355
Operating lease obligations
1,691,660 680,555 790,634 220,471
Other contractual commitments
11,726 2,005 4,010 5,711
Total
¥ 2,440,830 ¥ 1,039,845 ¥ 941,448 ¥ 459,537
Research and Development
Our research and development activities have been focusing on development of our on-demand health monitoring smartphone application, Lav®, which has already been released and is capitalized as an software asset. This software asset is amortized over 3 years.We anticipate incurring expense costs for further development of our MOTHER Tracker®, including embedded software development and product design, in 2020.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our accounting estimates and assumptions on historical experience and other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, actual results may differ from those estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that materially affect our consolidated financial statements and are subject to complex judgment by our management.
Revenue Recognition
The Company currently recognizes revenue under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Topic 605 Revenue Recognition as an emerging growth company and expects to implement ASC 606 — “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for the year ending December 31, 2020. See “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted”. The Company’s revenues consist of the following:
Revenue from Directly-Operated Salons
Revenues from directly-operated salons are recognized when services are provided at the salons.
Franchise Revenue
Franchise Revenue is comprised of (i) franchise fees and royalty income, (ii) staffing service revenue, and (iii) sublease revenue. The Company and the franchisee enter into a franchise agreement which sets
 
62

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
forth the standard terms and conditions of operating the franchised salon, as well as the fees and royalties over the term of the agreement. In most cases, an outsourcing agreement is also entered into in conjunction with the franchise agreement that specifies the terms of the sublease arrangement with the franchisee. Upon the franchisee’s request, the Company’s therapists are dispatched to franchise locations and franchisees must pay dispatch fees in accordance with the dispatched employees’ position.
The Company receives the entire non-refundable initial franchise fees from the franchisee based on the franchise agreement and collects royalties, an amount calculated by multiplying a certain percentage to gross sales, on a monthly basis. The franchise agreement typically has an initial term of five years. The franchise agreement can be renewed prior to expiration by mutual consent and renewal franchise fees are paid by the franchisee upon renewal of agreement. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the franchised relaxation salon is opened as all material services and conditions related to the initial franchise fee have been substantially performed by the opening date. Royalties are recognized as revenues based on the monthly royalty earned where such amount is determined on the basis of gross sales made from each salon. Renewal franchise fees are basically recognized as revenues at the beginning of the renewal term. The Company leases the premises in which the majority of its franchisees operate, where the Company retains the head lease primary obligation, and has entered into corresponding sublease arrangements with franchisees. Revenues from sublease transactions with franchisees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms, or at the time of the underlying sales for variable lease payments, in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases.” The Company also generates revenue from providing its therapists to franchisees, which are recognized as revenues based on the total number of working hours of the agency worker during the dispatched period.
Other Revenues
Other revenues are primarily from the Digital Preventive Healthcare segment, which include revenues from distributing promotional items at salons at the request of third parties (Real Media), serving implementation of health and wellness programs (Specific Health Guidance Program), and are recognized when services are provided. Our health monitoring wearable device, MOTHER Tracker®, is still at the development stage and as such generates no revenue.
Revenue is recognized net of consumption tax collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.
Leases
The Group adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 Leases (“ASC 842”) early effective January 1, 2018 pursuant to which it considers whether a contract is a lease or if it contains a lease element when a contract is executed. If a contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration, such contract is determined to contain a lease element. When the contract contains a lease element, a lease is either classified as operating lease or finance lease when the Group is a lessee, and a sales-type lease or direct financing lease when the Group is a lessor.
The Group, as a lessee, applies the right-of-use model to account for lease transactions. Under the right of-use model, right-of-use asset and lease liability are recognized at commencement date. The Group measures its lease liability at present value of future lease payments over the remaining term. The Group uses its incremental borrowing rate for the discount rate to calculate the present value of the payments since it is difficult and not practical to determine the interest rate implicit in the lease. The Group’s incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Right-of-use asset is initially measured as the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any lease payments made to the lessor before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, minus any lease incentives received. When the Group determines a lease term, if a lease contract contains an option to extend its lease term, we are reasonably certain to exercise such option so we include the extending period in its lease term. This is mainly due to the severe economic loss the Group may face for not exercising the right of extension, such as recognizing impairment loss of attached facilities and loss resulting from failure to receive the franchise fee originally obtainable. Initial lease terms are generally between 3 and 10 years.
 
63

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
For operating leases, the Group recognizes the minimum lease payments where it is the lessee and the minimum lease income where it is the lessor on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and reflects them as rental expenses and rental revenues, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income.
Operating rental expense includes amortization of right-of-use assets and interests on lease liability. Variable lease expenses are primarily linked to sales and are excluded from the measurement of lease liability.
Rental expenses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income based on the nature of the underlying lease. Rental expense related to leases for directly-operated salons and for leased properties that are subsequently subleased to franchisees are recorded to “Cost of revenues,” and rental expense related to leases for corporate offices is recorded to “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”
Rental income for operating leases on properties subleased to franchisees is recorded to “Franchise revenue”. Terms and conditions of the sublease agreements are arranged to pass through lease obligations under head leases to the franchisees. Sublease income is presented on a gross basis on the accompanying consolidated statements of income, as the Company remains the primary obligor.
For newly executed contracts, renewal and revision related to leases, estimates and certain assumptions are used to determine asset value, useful lives, discount rate, lease term, etc. and these have effects on (1) classification of lease, (2) measurement of rental payments and (3) measurement of lease asset. These results may differ if varying estimates and assumptions are used.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Excluding Goodwill
The Company assesses impairment of long-lived assets at the individual salon level, as this is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other groups of assets and liabilities. The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets or a related group of assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are considered to be impaired when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition are less than their carrying values. The impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. In determining the fair value, the Company uses present value techniques, if appropriate, based on the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual dispositions. During 2019, long-lived assets impairment charges related to continuing operations of ¥9,825 thousand and ¥34,721 thousand were recorded on property and equipment and right-of-use asset — operating leases, respectively. During 2018, long-lived assets impairment charges related to continuing operations of ¥4,315 thousand and ¥36,463 thousand were recorded on property and equipment and right-of-use asset — operating leases, respectively.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Leases
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 Leases (“ASC 842”) using the modified retrospective method, reflecting an immaterial cumulative effect as an adjustment to retained earnings. ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, representing their right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities on the balance sheet.
The Company elected the permitted practical expedients not to reassess the following related to leases that commenced before the effective date of ASC 842:
(i)
whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases;
(ii)
the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and
(iii)
initial direct costs for any existing leases.
The Company also elected the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining lease term and assessment of impairment of right-of-use assets. Upon adoption, the Company recorded right-of-use assets
 
64

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
of JPY2,197,493 thousand and lease liabilities of JPY2,168,096 thousand on January 1, 2018. The difference between the value of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities is due to the reclassification of existing deferred rent and unamortized lease incentives as of January 1, 2018. The Company further elected to apply the short-term lease recognition exemption for all equipment and office leases. Under this practical expedient, for those leases that qualify, we did not recognize right-of-use assets or liabilities, which included not recognizing right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition.
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01 (ASC Subtopic 825-10), Financial Instruments—Overall Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, as amended by ASU 2018-03, Financial Instruments—Overall: Technical Correction and Improvements, issued in February 2018. The amendments in these ASUs require entities to measure all equity investments at fair value with changes recognized through net income. Additionally, the amendments eliminate certain disclosure requirements related to financial instruments measured at amortized cost and add disclosures related to the measurement categories of financial assets and financial liabilities. For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, the Company elected the measurement method as cost, less impairments, and adjusted up or down based on observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment in the same issuer. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Business Combinations
In January 2017, the FASB issued “ASU” No. 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a “business” with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-01 on January 1, 2018, which resulted in the classification of certain transactions in 2018 and 2019 as business combinations. See further discussion in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Stock Compensation
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and an entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. The Company has elected to estimate expected forfeitures. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting” (“ASU 2017-09”). ASU 2017-09 provides clarification when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as a modification. The new guidance requires modification accounting if the fair value, vesting condition or the classification of the award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Statement of Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The amendment
 
65

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
provides updated guidance on eight specific cash flow issues, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from settlement of insurance claims and corporate-owned life insurance, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by removing step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires the determination of the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit. The new guidance requires goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company early adopted the amendment in 2018. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Derivatives and Hedging
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). ASU 2017-12 simplifies hedge accounting through changes to both designation and measurement requirements. For hedges that qualify as highly effective, the new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and record hedge ineffectiveness with the entire change in fair value of designated hedge reported in the results of operations in the same line item as the hedged item. The Company early adopted this standard in 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard provides principles for recognizing revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In June 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-05, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Leases (Topic 842) — Effective Dates for Certain Entities. The standard permits private entities that have not yet issued their financial statements or made financial statements available for issuance as of June 3, 2020 to adopt Topic 606 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. As a result, Topic 606 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning in 2020 and for interim periods beginning in 2021. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. A final decision regarding the adoption method has not been finalized at this time. The Company is continuing to assess all potential impacts of adoption. However, based on its preliminary assessment, it currently believes the most significant impact relates to the timing of franchise fees recognition. Under the new guidance, initial franchise fees and renewal franchise fees from franchisees will be recognized over the term of the related franchise agreements. This guidance is not expected to impact recognition of revenue from salon service or product sales or recognition of continuing royalty revenues from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales. The Company is currently finalizing its assessment of the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires measurement and recognition of
 
66

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including accounts receivable, upon initial recognition of that financial asset using a forward-looking expected loss model, rather than an incurred loss model. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). The standard defers the effective dates of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, non-SEC filers and all other companies. As a result, Topic 326 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning in 2023. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. This amendment provides updates to the disclosure requirements on fair value measures in Topic 820 which includes the changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, the option of additional quantitative information surrounding unobservable inputs and the elimination of disclosures around the valuation processes for Level 3 measurements. The new standard is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019. The effective date for the Company will be January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: interest rate risk, currency risk and other price risk, such as equity price risk and commodity risk. Financial instruments affected by market risk include borrowings and other financial liabilities. The sensitivity analyses in the following sections relate to our positions as of June 30, 2020.
The sensitivity analyses have been prepared on the basis that the amount of net debt, the ratio of fixed to floating interest rates of the debt and derivatives, and the proportion of financial instruments in foreign currencies are all constant, and on the basis of the hedge designations in place as of June 30, 2020. The analyses exclude the impact of movements in market variables on provisions. The analyses also assume that the sensitivity of the relevant statement of profit or loss item is the effect of the assumed changes in respective market risks. This is based on the financial assets and financial liabilities held on June 30, 2020, including the effect of hedge accounting.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Our exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt obligations with floating interest rates. We manage our interest rate risk by having a balanced portfolio of fixed and variable rate borrowings. Our policy is to keep between 0.5% and 3.5% of our borrowings at fixed rates of interest.
Japanese interest rates have been at historically low levels during the past two decades. We operate our business under the stimulus monetary policy. We do not expect dramatic changes to such low interest rates in the near future. In addition, with respect to most of our borrowings, our interest rates have been fixed to mitigate interest rate risk. Therefore, we believe that our present exposure to interest rate risk is manageable, as is reflected in the sensitivity analysis below.
Our borrowings of JPY737,444 thousand (US$6,842 thousand) as of June 30, 2020 consist of fixed interest rate loans of JPY605,154 thousand (US$5,615 thousand) and variable interest rate loans of JPY132,170 thousand (US$1,226 thousand). An increase of interest rates by 100 basis points on our variable
 
67

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
interest rate loans would increase our interest expense by JPY974,840 (US$9,046). If the increase were applied to all the fixed interest rate loans, the total impact to our interest expense would be JPY5,556,265 (US$51,557).
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our foreign currency exposures give rise to market risk associated with exchange rate movements of the Japanese yen mainly against the U.S. dollar, and vice versa, because most of our expenses are denominated in Japanese yen. Our Japanese yen expenses consist principally of compensation, subcontractor expenses, and rent. We anticipate that a sizable portion of our expenses will continue to be denominated in Japanese yen. Our financial position, results of operations and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our results of operations and cash flow are, therefore, subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be adversely affected in the future due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
To date, we have not engaged in hedging our foreign currency exchange risk. In the future, we may enter into formal currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rates of our principal operating currencies. These measures, however, may not adequately protect us from the adverse effects of such fluctuations.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial loss. We are exposed to credit risk from our operating activities (primarily trade receivables) and from our financing activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions, and other financial instruments.
Our primary customers are consumers who visit our Company-owned relaxation salons, franchisees who have payment obligations for our franchise services (e.g., initial membership fees, recurring royalties, training fees, therapist staffing fees, etc.), public bath operators and other business clients for whom we operate their salons on their behalf. With respect to consumer credit risk, consumers pay in cash or credit cards for the services we provide them. If the salons are located in shopping malls, all the daily service fees are collected by the shopping mall operators, reported to us as revenue on a monthly basis, and paid to us in the following month. As such, we are exposed to credit risk of the shopping mall operators and credit card companies for our salon services.
With respect to credit risk of our franchisees, we are at risk of unpaid franchise services charges. However, in most cases, we control the daily bank accounts of franchised salons, from which we can collect our franchise service charges and pay to franchises their net proceeds after such deductions. We believe this can mitigate the credit risk with respect to our franchisees. Regardless of that, we are still exposed to credit risk with respect to our franchisees, especially in cases where they terminate their franchise contracts or declare bankruptcy without paying franchise service charges which exceed their bank balances under our control, and without paying their salon lease obligations and restoration obligations they owe to us in cases where they subleased salons which we have leased from property owners.
With respect to credit risk of public bath operators and other business clients, we serve as salon operators. We are exposed to the risk of uncollectible receivables to the extent that these clients delay payments to us after their salons under our operation have collected relaxation service fees from consumers.
Customer credit risk is managed by each business unit subject to our established policies, procedures and controls relating to customer credit risk management. Credit quality of a customer is assessed based on an extensive credit rating scorecard, and individual credit limits are defined in accordance with this assessment. Outstanding customer receivables are regularly monitored.
An impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date for major accounts on an individual basis. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of financial assets disclosed in Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 included elsewhere in this prospectus. We do not hold collateral as security. We believe that the concentration of risk with respect to trade receivables is low, since our receivables from
 
68

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
consumers are collected directly at salons or through credit card companies or shopping malls, whose credit ratings are quite high, we control the daily bank accounts of our franchisees, and the geographic location of public bath operators and other business clients are highly diversified. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019.
Financial instruments and cash deposits
We manage credit risk with respect to balances with banks and financial institutions in accordance with our policies. Investments of surplus funds are made only with approved counterparties and within credit limits assigned to each counterparty. The limits are set to minimize the concentration of risks, and therefore mitigate financial loss through a counterparty’s potential failure to make payments.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to SEC reporting companies that are not emerging growth companies. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to, among other things:

present more than two years of audited financial statements and two years of related selected financial data and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure in our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part;

have an auditor report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and

disclose certain executive compensation related items.
The JOBS Act also permits emerging growth companies to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(2) of the JOBS Act. This election allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Exchange Act, which means the market value of our common shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
In this prospectus, we have taken advantage of certain of the reduced reporting requirements as a result of being an emerging growth company and a foreign private issuer. Accordingly, the information that we provide in this prospectus may be different than the information you may receive from other public companies in which you hold equity interests. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.
 
69

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
BUSINESS
Company Overview
We are one of the leading holistic health services providers in Japan. Medirom is a franchiser and operator of healthcare salons across Japan and is a preferred platform partner for large consumer brands, healthcare service providers, and government entities to affect positive health outcomes. Through our well-known retail salon brands, including primarily Re.Ra.Ku®, nascent tech platforms, and targeted health consulting and marketing, we have formed a “healthtech” segment. The healthtech segment's goal is to improve health outcomes and the satisfaction of our customers, as well as offer corporations data-rich, targeted advertising and promotional opportunities.
We operate two synergistic lines of businesses: (1) Relaxation Salon Segment (retail); and (2) Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment (healthtech). By combining brand strength and core retail competencies, including a broad physical footprint in population dense areas across the country, with proprietary technologies and partnerships, our business provides unique, value-added healthcare services to our customers with scale, customization, and cross-network effects that we believe few other companies in the industry can emulate.
As of June 30, 2020, the Relaxation Salon Segment has 289 locations across Japan (consisting of 138 directly-operated and 151 franchised), located within the country’s major cities. Since we introduced the customer management system in 2010, we have served more than 1.57 million customers and in 2019, we served an average 59,000 customers per month. Our customer management system is a cloud-based customer relationship management system which we use to record all customer data and which facilities reservation, point-of-sale and business intelligence functions. Our salons operate under several brands. Medirom’s core brand, Re.Ra.Ku®, has 177 locations across Japan consisting of 51 directly-operated salons and 126 franchised salons. Our wholly-owned subsidiaries operate under the following names: JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc. with 62 directly-operated salons, Bell Epoc Wellness Inc. with 45 salons, of which 20 are directly-operated, and Decollte Wellness Corporation with 5 directly-operated salons. Our salons are generally located in metros/subways, shopping malls, plazas and high-traffic streets. The Relaxation Salon Segment is our core business and accounted for ¥3,865 million (US$35.9 million), or 98.9%, of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, and ¥1,345 million (US$12.5 million), or 99.1%, of our total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
The Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment is a growing business line and accounted for less than 2% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the six months ended June 30, 2020. The Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment consists of the following operations: Sampling business (which includes brand promotion and consumer analysis for third party brands of corporate clients); government-sponsored Specific Health Guidance program, utilizing our internally-developed on-demand health monitoring smartphone application, Lav®; our MOTHER Tracker® for fitness applications; and preventative healthcare services utilizing our digital application and devices.
Operations in 2020 have been affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.   In April 2020, the Japanese government issued the Declaration, whereby the Japanese government requested the closing of non-essential activities and businesses across Japan as a preemptive safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic. This adversely impacted businesses across the nation, particularly in the retail segment in which we operate. The Japanese government-requested halt in businesses lasted through May 2020. The year on year comparison of Re.Ra.Ku® and other branded salon gross revenue was 74% in June and 86% in July, and improved to 93% in September and 105% in October based on preliminary revenue data, although there can be no guarantee such improvement will continue. We are focusing on the repeat rate improvement while we are under COVID-19 influence. The impact of this Japanese government-requested business halt materially adversely impacted our revenue for the period. During this time, we implemented mitigation measures to limit the impact on our operations and financial results, including reductions in executive and employee compensation and deferral of nonessential spend. However, additional restrictions imposed by the Japanese government, if any, could adversely affect our recovery and negatively impact our results of operations. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Assessment of Impact of the COVID-19 to the Company’s Business Operations, Liquidity, and Capital Resources.”
 
70

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Our liquidity remains stable due to our borrowing capabilities despite COVID-19 market environment.   On a liquidity basis, cashflow from operations decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 (¥374,861 thousand loss), compared to the same period in 2019 (¥181,561 thousand), primarily due to the closure of operations or shortened operations of our salons. However, we were able to obtain aggregate bank loans of ¥230 million under the government-led economic injury relief program during the first half of 2020, and an additional ¥170 million in July 2020. Our liquidity remains stable and we anticipate cash flows in the second half of 2020 to benefit from pent-up demand as well as cost rationalizations spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consumers increasingly recognize the value of services in the relaxation sector.   While the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to structural changes in demand in the United States, including a shift in preferences toward digital commerce per traditional retail brick and mortar, we view the effects as much more muted in Japan. The relaxation sector continues to offer a nearly non-discretionary service, as bodily health, joint alignment, and therapeutic bodyworks impact the health wellness of our customers and require physical contact—continuing to buoy our core Salon business. We believe the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified public perception of the importance of health and wellness. In particular, based upon our observations, we believe that consumers are increasingly seeking services and adopting personal measures to address their health and wellness with greater priority. In light of our recovery rate in both customers and revenues over the course of the pandemic in Japan, we believe services such as ours are being viewed as a more necessary item of consumer spend that we expect will increase demand for our services given the strength of our brand.
Relaxation Salon Segment
The Relaxation Salon Segment is the core of our business consisting of directly-operated as well as franchised relaxation salons in Japan. Our salon locations cover major cities throughout Japan, with strong market presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama. According to the Survey on Basic Resident Registration System as of January 1, 2019, by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the population (registered residents) of the Tokyo metropolitan area was estimated to be 36.6 million, making it the most populous metropolitan area in the world. According to the 2019 Yano Report, in terms of the number of salons, we are one of the top three companies, on a consolidated basis, in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki and Tochigi), and in the top four nationwide.
Our goal is to improve our customers’ quality of life by providing alternative, non-invasive wellness care. We use therapeutic techniques encompassing finger-pressure style bodywork therapy, stretch therapy, posture and joint alignment, as well as physical therapy elements. Our salons are designed to appeal to individuals seeking to improve their mental and/or physical well-being. Our customers vary from individuals seeking stress and pain relief to other individuals who are just looking to improve their overall mental and physical health. We offer a variety of individual services at our salons, including anti-fatigue therapy, athletic support therapy, slim-down therapy and reflexology. Each therapy is unique and designed to target specific areas of the body.
Our salons operates under several brand names. Our core brand is Re.Ra.Ku®. There were 177 Re.Ra.Ku® salons across Japan (consisting of 51 directly-operated and 126 franchised) as of June 30, 2020. We also have 112 salons under other brand names (consisting of 87 directly-operated and 25 franchised). Our salons are generally located in metros/subways, shopping malls, plazas and high-traffic streets. On average, our salons measure approximately 670 square feet and contain a reception area and treatment space. A typical salon under the Re.Ra.Ku® brand is staffed by six relaxation therapists.
Since our founding in 2000, we have steadily increased the number of Re.Ra.Ku®-branded salons, as shown in the graph below. We intend to continue to grow our salon business over time through both organic growth, including acquisition and turnaround of underperforming franchised salons, and opportunistic acquisition and consolidation of competitor salons. As of June 30, 2020, we had a total 289 salons in operation throughout Japan under all of our brands. However, the rate of growth of our Re.Ra.Ku®-branded salons in recent years has slowed due to our focus on the acquisition and turnaround of underperforming franchised salons. Since such turnaround activity requires substantial human resources, we considered it appropriate to freeze the opening of new salons in 2019 and redirect our resources accordingly.
 
71

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
To achieve our mid-term goal of 1,000 salons, we intend to allocate more resources for the acquisition of competitors’ salons and brands. We believe that our current turnaround practices for our acquired franchisees’ salons will also benefit the integration of newly-acquired salons and other related business practices. The graph below represents the gross revenue of our Re.Ra.Ku®-branded salons, included franchised salons, for the period indicated.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-BC_TOTALSAL4CLR.JPG]
As of June 30, 2020, 138 locations are directly-operated salons under our management and 151 locations are franchised salons that are operated by independent franchisees. Our largest source of revenue derives from our directly-operated salons. Revenue from our directly-operated salons accounted for 52.0% of our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019. Revenue from our franchise business consists of recurring franchise royalty, initial franchise membership fees, and staffing services fees. Royalty income and membership fees from our franchisees and staffing services accounted for 36.0% and 10.9%, respectively, of our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Our franchisees are expected to meet the same quality and customer service standards as our Company-operated locations. We select potential franchisees based on a set of strict qualification criteria which includes background checks, financial net worth assessment and personal interviews. We enter into a franchise agreement with each of our franchisees, stipulating a standard set of terms and conditions for operating the salons and each party’s duties and responsibilities.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_CUSTOMER4C.JPG]
Customers
Our relaxation salons are designed to appeal to individuals seeking to improve their mental and/or physical well-being. Our customers include individuals who are health conscious and other individuals seeking stress and pain relief, therapeutic reflexology, or to improve their overall mental and physical health. The majority of our customers are employed females with disposable income, but our demographic mix varies by salon and geography. Our customer base has grown each year with the opening of new salons. We benefit from and rely on the value and recognition of our Re.Ra.Ku® and other brands which drive word of mouth and direct referrals. Additionally, we utilize an omnichannel advertising strategy across print, television, affiliate referrals and digital marketing to reach out to and cultivate potential customers. In 2019,
 
72

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
we serviced approximately 79,700 customers in our Re.Ra.Ku® and other branded salons (approximately 280). In the six months ended June 30, 2020, we serviced approximately 53,700 customers across 289 salons.
Services
Our relaxation salons offer a variety of individual services, each with multiple price ranges, including: anti-fatigue therapy; athletic support therapy; slim-down therapy; and reflexology. Anti-fatigue therapy is designed to relieve fatigue and discomfort, and concentrates on the shoulder blade, neck, lower back and posture. We suggest that first-time customers begin with anti-fatigue therapy because most new customers visit our salons with stiff muscles and are unable to do more difficult stretches. Anti-fatigue therapy helps enhance the customer’s stretching ability. Athletic support therapy is intended to provide quick gains in active and passive range of motion to help improve athletic performance and increase flexibility, by performing shoulder blade alignment adjustments and resistance exercise. Slim-down therapy focuses on pelvic and shoulder blade alignment and is intended to help dieting by moving the muscles near the pelvis, which normally get little exercise, thereby increasing metabolism and improving posture. Our reflexology therapy is designed to target specific pressure points and areas on the feet to promote relaxation, improve circulation and reduce pain. While most Re.Ra.Ku® locations offer these four therapies, some individual salons offer other select therapy methods, such as Thai traditional stretching. Pursuant to the terms of our standard franchise agreements, our approval is required for any changes to the services provided in franchised salons.
Our customers can arrive at our salons with or without appointments at times convenient to their schedule. Upon checking-in, salon staff provides customers with a questionnaire that asks for their contact information and certain health information to help the therapist identify the service that is most appropriate for the customer and whether the customer is experiencing muscle pain or other health problems. Upon completion of the therapy, the therapist will meet with the customers to obtain feedback on the services provided as well as provide samples from our Sampling business, as described further below.
In December 2008, we began issuing prepaid cards, called the Re.Ra.Ku® Card, to relaxation salon customers. Users of the Re.Ra.Ku® Card can continuously use and replenish the card at our Company’s relaxation salons. The customer receives rewards on a tiered basis, so the more the customer spends on the Re.Ra.Ku® Card, the greater the reward that can be used at Re.Ra.Ku® locations. Rewards range from 3% to 5% of total purchase price using the card. We believe the Re.Ra.Ku® Card is more convenient than paying in cash and customers can also give a Re.Ra.Ku® Card to another as a gift.
Market
Most of our relaxation salons are located in the Kanto region of Japan. Kanto is commonly considered the economic and political center of Japan, and includes cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Saitama, among other large cities and prefectures. According to the Statistics Bureau of Japan, as of October 2019, the population of Kanto was 43.46 million, which accounted for 34.4% of the total population of Japan (126.1 million). According to the 2019 Yano Report, in terms of the number of salons, we are one of the top three companies, on a consolidated basis, in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki and Tochigi) and in the top four nationwide.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-MAP_JAPAN4C.JPG]
 
73

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Our midterm goal is to have 1,000 salons nationwide and become the number one salon network in Japan. In addition, our Company plans overseas expansion and is currently exploring opportunities in the United States and Asia.
Seasonality
Our Relaxation Salon Segment experiences seasonal trends due primarily to changes in weather and in line with holiday schedules. Generally, our revenue is strongest from May to October. Sales tend to slow in November due to the shorter day length and lower temperatures in Japan, but then increase in December for the holiday season. Fewer operating days and cold weather lead to weaker sales figures in January and February. March and April are transition months before the high season. We carry out spring sales promotion in April to boost the sales in May.
Franchises
As of June 30, 2020, 151 of our 289 salons were operated by franchisees. We strive to ensure that each of our franchise locations meets the same quality and customer service standards as our directly-operated locations in order to preserve the consistency and reliability of our brand and earn the trust of our customers.
We are committed to providing the tools that our franchisees need to succeed before, during and after a salon opening, including guidance with site selection and development, training, operations and marketing support. We have a franchisee support team that we use to help provide continuous assistance to franchisees. This support team is sent directly to meet with franchisees to help identify any areas that could be improved with regard to the franchisee’s business, and devise strategies to overcome such obstacles the franchisees may be facing.
We identify potential franchisees through a variety of methods, including word-of-mouth and referrals from existing franchise owners. We also employ qualification criteria in the selection of franchisees, including reviewing the candidates’ backgrounds and net worth, conducting interviews and determining the candidates’ compatibility with our Company’s culture. Our franchise agreements set forth a high standard of conduct across all franchised locations. As such, our franchisees are curated to confirm with the high standards of quality, expertise, and customer centricity which form the core of our brand and culture. We provide our franchisees with ongoing training and advertising support. We continuously monitor the financial performance of each franchised location using our proprietary software called Peak Manager.
Additionally, all of our franchisees join an organization, “Franchisees’ Friendship Club”, that facilitates discussion among the franchisees regarding our Company’s business model and shared know-how. The Club also makes proposals to our Company regarding the franchise agreement, Company business and other matters related to the franchisor-franchisee relationship, to maximize mutual benefits. The Franchisees’ Friendship Club holds a meeting once per month. Apart from the Franchisees’ Friendship Club, our Company holds “Franchise Owners Meeting” every quarter to share our Company’s salon business strategy, key performance indicators, and other matters of common interest. Our Chief Executive Officer attends meetings to interact directly with the franchisees.
Franchise Agreements
Our franchise model requires minimal capital expenditures by our Company while generating recurring revenue streams from franchise fees and salon sales. For each franchised salon, we enter into a franchise agreement stipulating a standard set of terms and conditions.
A franchise agreement allows an owner to open a single salon at a specific location. The initial term of a franchise agreement is five years from the salon’s opening date. Unless either party provides notice of nonrenewal by at least six (6) months prior to the franchise agreement’s expiration, the franchise term extends for an additional five-year period, and the same provision applies thereafter. Franchisees must pay an initial fee for our salons at the time the franchise agreement is signed. Franchisees that renew their franchises after the initial term must pay a renewal fee on a per salon basis. Under our standard franchise agreements, franchisees are also required to pay a monthly royalty fee. The royalty rates vary depending on the number of salons operated by a franchisee, ranging from 6-8% of the total revenue of the franchisee.
 
74

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Our franchise agreements set forth certain material duties and responsibilities of the franchisees, including, but not limited to: (i) cooperating with our Company’s advertising initiatives prior to and after the opening of a salon; (ii) maintaining the design, layout and equipment of a salon as designated by our Company; (iii) undergoing periodic skills training in accordance with our policies; and (iv) complying with restrictions on transfer of the franchise. We provide our franchisees with license to use our registered marks, including CLP CARE LIFE PLANNER®, in connection with the operation of their franchised salons. We utilize this mark in our franchise agreements to define therapists who have completed a required technique training program. We retain the right to approve any change to a salon location, the service menu and the types of products sold at the salon other than those products supplied or purchased from us. Franchisees are subject to non-compete provisions during the term of the franchise agreement and for one year after termination thereof. Franchisees are responsible for hiring and compensating their own employees. However, Company employees may be dispatched to franchise locations as needed. In such cases, franchisees must pay dispatch fees in accordance with the dispatched employees’ position. Through our subsidiary, Medirom Human Resources, Inc., we earn a commission per each employee that is dispatched to a franchised location. As part of the agreement, employees of a franchised salon are also required to receive training at the College, as discussed further below. The franchise owner is required to pay an initial training fee per therapist for the first month and a monthly training fee thereafter, even if the therapist does not attend the monthly training lesson.
We have the right to terminate the franchise agreement for cause, including failure of the franchisees to pay our fees as set forth in the franchise agreement or failing to meet our established profitability metrics. Either we or the franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement without cause upon six months’ prior written notice to the other party and prior consultation to attempt to resolve any disputes and prior consultation with the franchisees. The franchisee may be required to pay us a termination fee under certain circumstances. The franchise agreement may only be amended upon mutual consent of both parties in writing.
Site Selection, Design and Construction
Our real estate department identifies and recommends the salon sites for directly-operated and franchise locations. The real estate department analyses the sites based on criteria such as the average population, income and gender demographics, proximity to train stations and foot traffic in front of the salon. A score is then assigned to each potential site location. Once our Company identifies a potential site, it will enter into a lease agreement with the landlord. Street locations generally have a three-year lease term, while locations inside train stations or shopping centers have a five-year lease term. Our Company subleases salon locations to franchisees and passes through all of the associated rental costs. Franchisees are required to pay us an upfront fee for design and construction of the leased location as well as a nominal monthly management fee during the term of the lease to cover processing and service charges. It takes approximately 90 days to complete the design and construction of a new salon. We believe the sublease arrangements are more suitable for our business because our reputation and size allow us to negotiate for more favorable lease terms than would otherwise be provided to individual franchisees. Upon expiration of the initial lease term on a franchised location, franchisees generally enter into new leases directly with the landlord of the locations and such leases generally get renewed over time partly because we provide a guaranty on the leases for franchisees.
Recruiting and Training
As a complement to our salons, we also operate Re.Ra.Ku® College (which we refer to as the “College”). The College is located in the Odaiba area in Tokyo. The College offers continuing training for franchise owners, home office staff, and salon staff, covering topics such as customer service, salon operations, and relaxation techniques. The College also provides training for students who wish to become qualified as “Relaxation Therapists”, which is a private qualification granted by the Association of Japan Relaxation Industry, an industry group for relaxation services providers. In addition, franchise owners, salon managers and relaxation therapists engage in recurring monthly education at the College. We do not charge students any fees for the training provided at the College. However, upon completion of the initial training program, we assist students with obtaining employment at our franchised salons in exchange for a fixed monthly payment from the franchise owners. We also employ students at our directly-operated salons. The College
 
75

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
enables us to implement and promote our corporate culture and mission and we believe it helps improve job satisfaction and employee retention.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_PLACE4C.JPG]
To be admitted into the College, students must pass a qualification check and an interview. This initial qualification program consists of thirty-two courses that typically extend for a month. The curriculum used at the College teaches 120 skills to students via a combination of live training and online videos. Although there is no qualification requirement for a therapist in Japan, students have to pass this initial qualification program before working at our salons. Currently, our Company has College campuses in Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Yokohama.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_THERAPIS4C.JPG]
Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment
Our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment consists of the following businesses.
Sampling Business.   We operate an advertising-based business line called Real Media that leverages brand presence and retail partnerships in Japan to advertise on behalf of corporate clients, clinics, and universities. We have partnered with approximately 50 Real Media clients to provide samples of health and beauty products at both directly-operated and franchised salons as well as other businesses that target similar customer demographics such as yoga studios, fitness clubs, spas and beauty retailers, which we collectively refer to as the Medirom corporate partners. In addition, we also offer our Real Media clients the opportunity to advertise their products via print advertising in our salons. We charge our Real Media clients fees for distributing the samples, distributing questionnaires and compiling customer feedback. In addition, the Medirom corporate partners receive a percentage of the fees we collect from the Real Media clients. The data helps Real Media clients improve their products, develop new products and better target their customer base. We believe our advertising strategy for our Real Media clients is more effective than conventional sampling methods because our salons and Medirom corporate partners target customers who are interested in health, fitness and beauty products. Additionally, the samples are promoted by employees who are knowledgeable about the products and provide another level of education and value to potential clients. We believe our competitors, many of which rely on a more scattershot sampling method including broad
 
76

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
mailing and flyer handouts, tend to incur higher costs of acquisition, a lower return on advertising spend for clients, and less feedback on product distributed.
Specific Health Guidance Program.   We serve small businesses, large corporations, and government entities in their implementation of health and wellness programs as outlined by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan’s Specific Health Guidance Program. Japan is confronting a super-aging society, as well as inflation of medical expenses from the increasing number of fatal diseases, such as diabetes, heart attack and stroke. To tackle this nationwide issue, the government initiated the Specific Health Guidance Program in April 2008. In this program, 40-through-74-year-old people who have received a diagnosis alerting lifestyle diseases at a health check-up are requested by a doctor to take a series of courses that are tailored to reduce the risk of developing certain lifestyle diseases. Because Japanese citizens and permanent residents are required to maintain health insurance through government or employer sponsored programs, it is generally the health insurance providers’ responsibility to have participants take the courses if they are requested to do so. By partnering with a number of health insurance providers, we provide support to connect those who need to take the courses with health care professionals via our on-demand health monitoring application for smartphones called Lav®. We charge fees to health insurance providers, depending on how many participants take the program and which type of program is taken. A portion of these fees is subsidized by the Japanese government. As of June 30, 2020, we signed up with 11 health insurance providers of corporations and local governments which have identified 213 individuals whose health conditions, diet and daily activities need to be monitored.
MOTHER Tracker®.   In 2019, we acquired a minority interest in Matrix, a developer of a thermoelectric generator and boost converter. In furtherance of our relationship, we entered into a production and development agreement with Matrix in August 2020 to develop and manufacture a health monitoring wearable device called MOTHER Tracker®. Our MOTHER Tracker® fitness device is designed to track and collect the health data of the wearer, such as calorie consumption, activity and sleep patterns.
The agreement grants us exclusivity as to third parties in the Asia territory, except for certain prior contractual obligations of Matrix, for use of their thermoelectric power module and software in our MOTHER Tracker® wearable device for one year following receipt of the sample product, or February 2021, whichever is earlier. Under the agreement, we are obligated to place an agreed minimum annual order, the first of which must be placed within the first six months following approval of the product, and to pay royalties based on a percentage of the gross profit received. The royalty percentage decreases following the sale of the first 10,000 units. We are responsible for all costs of manufacture and shipment, and non-recurring engineering and development costs are shared equally with Matrix. The initial term of the agreement is the earlier of two years from execution or one year from the date of first retail shipment, and automatically renews for successive one-year terms subject to 60-days’ prior notice of either party for non-renewal.
We believe the MOTHER Tracker® will be the only fitness tracker that requires no electric charging, as it will utilize innovative technology such as Gemini TEG (Thermoelectric Generator) and Mercury Boost Converter to enable the user’s body heat to generate electricity. We are not aware of any other wearable devices equipped with NFC currently in the market with equivalent capabilities at this time. MOTHER Tracker® is our registered trademark in Japan. In June 2020, we received a pre-order for the MOTHER Tracker® from Kansai Medical University Hospital (headquartered in Osaka, Japan) for the purpose of health and activities tracking for the patients. We intend to pursue other opportunities in Japan and the United States for large-scale private label contracts for our device.
Customers
Sampling Business.   As of June 30, 2020, we had approximately 50 Real Media clients, which include corporate clients, clinics, and universities. Our Real Media corporate clients encompass industries ranging from cosmetics, personal healthcare, beverages, and supplements.
Specific Health Guidance Program.   As of June 30, 2020, we are partnered with 11 health insurance providers with a total of 213 participants. Although we have developed an on-demand health monitoring application, this business sector has not adopted a subscription business model to date. We charge fees to health insurance providers, depending on how many participants take the program and which type of program is taken. We plan on continuing to grow both provider count (including corporate sponsors, insurance
 
77

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
providers, and government entities) as well as the end-participant pool (which are end users under our Lav® application), the latter of which may provide a potential stream of revenue income in the future, although there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to realize any such potential income stream.
MOTHER Tracker®.   Our launch of MOTHER Tracker® has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our prospective clients, from whom we have already received pre-orders and inquiries, are hospitals, clinics, department stores, sports clubs (gyms), electronics volume stores, foreign embassies (commercial division), trading firms, life insurance companies, human resource service companies, beverage makers, and so on.
Services
Sampling Business.   We provide samples of health and beauty products provided by our Real Media clients at both directly-operated and franchised salons as well as locations of our Medirom corporate partners. The samples are sometimes accompanied by a questionnaire which can be used by the sample recipients to provide feedback on the product. Results of the questionnaire are aggregated and provided to the Real Media clients, which helps the Real Media clients improve their products, develop new products, and better target their customer base. In addition, we also offer our Real Media clients the opportunity to advertise their products via print advertising in our salons.
Specific Health Guidance Program.   Through our Lav® application, we provide participants in their health insurance providers the ability to search for professionals tailored to each individual’s preferences, lifestyle, and health conditions. Participants can enjoy benefits from specific health guidance based on provided information. In addition, our therapists, composed of licensed nutritionists and registered dieticians, provide coaching services to program participants. This allows us to leverage idle time from therapists to generate additional revenue, which effectively results in improved efficiency ratios. The coaching services also provide our therapists with personal income of up to approximately ¥90,000 (US$812) per month in addition to their monthly salaries. We currently have over 60 nutritionists or dieticians out of a base of 500 therapists. We will continue to favor recruiting recent graduates with an added preference for those with nutritionist or dietetics pedigrees.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_LAVAPP4C.JPG]
MOTHER Tracker®.   Our MOTHER Tracker® is designed to monitor and collect the health data of the wearer and can work seamlessly with our Lav® application and most of the other health monitoring applications that are available on the market. We also offer a Software Development Kit, or SDK, to our partners for their application or software development convenience.
Market
Our Sampling business operates within the advertising space in Japan, alongside such well-known groups as Recruit and Dentsu. According to publicly-available surveys and market reports conducted by Dentsu, the Japanese advertising market continues to structurally shift toward internet advertising away from
 
78

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
more traditional channels such as print, television and radio. Our Real Media business straddles digital (internet) and promotional media, particularly the events/exhibitions and live advertising sub-segment which are benefiting from industry tailwinds as advertisers realize better returns on ad spend through more targeted and impactful mediums.
Our Lav® healthcare app and its Specific Health Guidance Program competes in the Preventative Care sub-segment ($3 billion) of the broader Medical Treatment Market in Japan ($100 billion). This sub-segment of the market receives proportionally increasing funding from the Japanese government’s health insurance budget and its respective participants within the Specific Health Guidance Program. Secular shifts toward prevention versus treatment, increasing insurance premiums and greater government subsidies make this a growing and attractive submarket to capture.
The Japanese healthcare system itself is well-regarded worldwide, leading most other countries on key outcomes including availability of hospital beds, public expenditure as a percentage of GDP, and infant mortality. These qualities allow leaders in the market to capture significant revenues and prioritize of budgets from both the public and private sectors. One notable deficiency is in the low number of practicing physicians per population density, which reflects both the highly populous cities of Japan and the relative dearth in medical practitioners.
Our Lav® app was created to address the aforementioned shortfall by leveraging co-medical practitioners and therapists to advise patients digitally. This telehealth approach to medical service and healthcare is further fortified by our strong brand, retail scale which allows for drop-in appointments, and both technical and live support leveraging our broad employee base and scope of customer service.
Our MOTHER Tracker® operates in the wearable device spacial though we focus on specific market segments tailored towards corporate clientele, hospitals, nursing homes and medical facilities serving the elderly population, and labs and research facilities. Our sales and distribution model is primarily B2B with an emphasis on large and recurring contract orders placed by these entities and distributed to their end customers. Secondarily, we will opportunistically sell direct to consumers both in Japan and internationally through distributors, online commerce, and strategic partners including retail placements at select big box stores.
The Roots of our Business
Our Company was originally incorporated as “Kabushiki Kaisha Young Leaves” in Japan on July 13, 2000. On January 1, 2017, our Company’s name was changed to MEDIROM Inc. and on March 26, 2020, our Company’s English d/b/a name was changed to MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.
Through a series of transactions in 2018, we expanded our relaxation salon business by acquiring three branded businesses: Bell Epoc Wellness Inc. (which we refer to as “BEW”), Decollte Wellness Corporation (which we refer to as “DW”), JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc. (which we refer to as “JW”). We operate these businesses through three separate wholly-owned subsidiaries, along with an additional subsidiary, Medirom Human Resources Inc. (which we refer to as “MHR”). All of the foregoing subsidiaries are organized and existing under the laws of Japan. BEW, DW, and JW each operate relaxation salons and MHR operates a therapist dispatch business. Our Company provides administrative functions, such as accounting, finance, human resources, and legal affairs to each of the subsidiaries. In exchange for such administrative functions, we receive a monthly service fee from each subsidiary.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-FC_MEDIROM4C.JPG]
 
79

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
On April 17, 2018, we established BEW. On May 28, 2018, 46 relaxation salons with the brand name “Bell Epoc” were transferred from Kabushiki Kaisha Bell Epoc to BEW for cash. Pursuant to an operating agreement entered into in 2018, by and between Kabushiki Kaisha Bell Epoc and BEW, Kabushiki Kaisha Bell Epoc has continued to manage the relaxation salons and BEW pays operation fees to Kabushiki Kaisha Bell Epoc based on revenue. As of June 30, 2020, BEW manages a total of 45 salons, 20 of which are directly-operated salons. Its head office is in Tokyo.
On April 20, 2018, we formed JW to acquire the relaxation business operated by Kabushiki Kaisha Joyhands. Kabushiki Kaisha Joyhands is party to a number of outsource agreements with various public bath operators, whereby Kabushiki Kaisha Joyhands provided relaxation services to customers of public bath houses. JW began entering into assignment and novation agreements with such public bath service providers, whereby Kabushiki Kaisha Joyhands would be substituted by JW as the counterparty to the existing outsource agreements with the public bath operators. As of June 30, 2020, JW has obtained consents from approximately one-third of the public bath operators who each had a prior agreement with Kabushiki Kaisha Joyhands. As of June 30, 2020, JW consisted of 62 salons with its head office located in Tokyo.
On April 27, 2018, we established MHR under the trade name Re.Ra.Ku Wellness Inc. MHR operates our therapist dispatch business. Previously, we hired therapists pursuant to an exemption that allowed us to forego obtaining permission from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan under the Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching Undertakings and Improved Working Conditions for Dispatched Workers and dispatched such therapists to our franchisees. When the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan eliminated the exemption in September 2018, we created MHR and transferred the therapist dispatch business to it. MHR’s head office is located in Tokyo.
On October 1, 2018, we acquired DW from Decollte Corporation for cash. As of June 30, 2020, DW consisted of 5 salons with its head office in Kobe, Hyogo.
Our Growth Strategy
Our goal is not only to capture a significant share of the existing market for relaxation salons but also to expand the market for relaxation salons throughout Japan and internationally. We expect to employ a variety of strategic initiatives, including increasing the number of franchises and expanding marketing and advertising efforts throughout strategic locations.
Organic Growth in the Japanese Market.   According to the 2019 Yano Report, in terms of the number of salons, we are one of the top three companies, on a consolidated basis, in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki and Tochigi), and in the top four nationwide. The total number of relaxation salons under major brands in Japan as of December 31, 2019 was 2,991, with the largest operator having 633 salons. We believe that the Japanese market has capacity for approximately 1,000 of our salons in the future, based upon our assessment of suitable real estate that fits the underwriting requirements for our business. We aim to achieve this capacity goal through a combination of franchising, direct store ownership, and opportunistic brand partnerships. If we are able to achieve this goal, we believe that we would then have the largest salon network in Japan.
Lead Industry Consolidation Via Targeted Acquisitions.   As the domestic Japanese relaxation sector faces structural changes that accelerate consolidation, we believe that we are positioned strategically to harness value, acquire synergies, and maximize our pipeline of suitable bids at bargain prices. Our corporate acquisitions team aims to buy businesses at a small multiple to ours, leveraging our brand, the well-regarded reputation of our founder CEO, and the halo effect of joining Japan’s first relaxation company to go public in the United States. We believe we have a competitive advantage and significant negotiating power to structure accretive deals, integrate both culture and operations of target companies, and grow long-term value.
International Expansion.   We continually consider growth opportunities, including acquisitions and strategic partnerships, in select locations in the United States and other parts of the world, primarily Asia. Our overall approach to retail growth outside of Japan emphasizes a hub-spoke franchising model that requires both low asset intensity and operating drag, relying on local strategic partners who leverage our brand and service competencies to grow. In the United States, we have developed and continue to sharpen our pipeline of
 
80

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
operating partners in the bodywork and physical therapy industry. In the United States, we may, in the future, opportunistically acquire and/or form joint ventures with strategic partners as a means to launch our brand at scale, although there can be no guarantee that such opportunities will become available on acceptable terms. We do not foresee grass-root franchising in the United States given the administrative, legal, and practical challenges of franchising locally. We may consider small retail pop-ups and other low investment models of testing demand in the market.
In Asia, we have a partner in the western Sichuan Province of China who manages day-to-day operations and remits a monthly license fee based on revenues. We continue opportunistic discussions with potential partners across Taiwan, Philippines, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Franchising remains the preferred operating model for us in these markets as it allows us to grow with minimal capital or operating expenditures, relative ease of franchising regulations in local markets compared to the United States, and local synergies in culture, customer preference, and business ethos.
Acquiring Existing Franchises.   Our management team has developed a strategy for acquiring existing franchised salons and beginning their conversion to directly-operated salons. Our management has developed a template for the acquisition and resale of existing franchised salons that are underperforming relative to our established benchmarks. We monitor the financial performance of our franchised salons on a periodic basis. One of our strategies is to acquire franchised salons that are underperforming, improve their profit margins and then refranchise them. Medirom collects a fee from each salon that is franchised out.
Maximizing Unit Economics.   Our core retail strategy is to improve same store sales and system wide revenue (brand franchise revenue) through marketing, franchisee support, and strategic actions (such as licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and trade deals). We have implemented an internal revenue maximization and cost efficiency strategy that rewards loyal franchisees, increases margins at the store level, and capitalizes on retail flow in our high traffic real estate locations.
Marketing and Advertising Strategy.   We conduct most of our marketing and advertising on our website and through print advertisements in magazines. In addition, our salons are strategically located in areas near train stations and shopping centers that are in and of themselves advertising and marketing drivers. As we look at global markets, a key focus for our Company will be our ability to combine local cultures and consumer preferences with our Japanese-inspired brand value and services.
Continue to improve margins and leverage infrastructure.   We believe our corporate infrastructure is positioned to support a customer base greater than our existing footprint. As we continue to grow, we expect to drive greater efficiencies across our operations and development and marketing organizations and further leverage our technology and existing support infrastructure. We believe we will be able to reduce corporate costs over time to enhance margins as general and administrative expenses are expected to grow at a slower rate due to efficiencies of scale as we expand our franchises. In addition, we will consider introducing additional complementary products and services that can benefit from our customer base.
Healthtech Strategy.   We plan to invest in and grow the higher margin Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment. We intend to increase the number of Lav® users via the Specific Health Guidance Program promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan. We also intend to accelerate the development and production of our MOTHER Tracker®. Our sales and distribution model is primarily B2B with an emphasis on large and recurring contract orders placed by corporate sponsors, healthcare and medical facilities, and government entities, who in turn distribute to the end consumer. Secondarily, we will opportunistically sell direct to consumers both in Japan and internationally through distributors, online commerce, and strategic partners including retail placements at select big box stores.
Competition
The relaxation industry in Japan is highly competitive. The size of the relaxation market in Japan is estimated at US$1.132 billion or JPY122 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow up to US$1.178 billion or JPY127 billion in 2023, according to the 2019 Yano Report. While 30% of the market is occupied by large chains like us, most of the market consists of small, locally-owned salons, 77% of which are estimated to be individual-run single outlets. Out of the 2,991 major bodywork therapy salons in Japan as of December 31, 2019, 283 salons were operated by us or our franchisees, 580 by Raffine, 296 by Karada Factory, 633 by
 
81

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Riracle, and 162 by Temomin. We expect competition in this market to continue to be intense because relaxation salons are comparatively inexpensive to start and operate, and new competitors are regularly appearing in the market. The expected annual growth rate of the Japanese relaxation industry is around 1% through the period between 2019 and 2023. We operate at a slight premium (approximately JPY1,000 (US$9.28)) price point relative to the market, which we believe is justified by our strong brand and service value. We generally do not engage in price-reduction strategies, although uncertain future economic conditions may create circumstances requiring us to reconsider our strategy in certain markets line with our growth profile.
We experience significant competition, in all aspects of our business, including for highly skilled relaxation therapists and for the best salon locations. Our directly-operated and franchised relaxation salons compete with national and regional relaxation salon chains for customers, relaxation salon locations and qualified management and other staff, including relaxation therapists. Competition in our industry is primarily based on price, convenience, quality of service, brand recognition, and location. We consider our biggest competitors to be K.K. Factory Japan (Karada Factory) and K.K. Bodywork (Raffine), both of which are operators of relaxation salons in Japan.
In our Digital Preventative Healthcare segment, we face competition from large incumbents in the traditional and digital advertising space and, to a lesser extent, startups in the health tech industry. Given the unique value proposition and startup nature of our growth segments, we remain focused on transaction level priorities, winning clients through our platform capabilities and features and benefits and leveraging relationships over what other incumbents may be doing in the space.
Our Competitive Strengths.
We are a defined leader in Japan’s health and wellness space. We provide ground-up educational and training services for aspiring specialists, as well as top of the line health services for our clients. As the Company grows and expands, the brand recognition that we enjoy across Japan will help promote international expansion, aided by the maturation of our new digital business lines. We believe the following strengths have contributed to our initial success and will position us well for future growth:
Innovative Services.   Our salon services are innovative and differ from traditional shiatsu-style bodywork. For example, we created our unique wing stretch method, which focuses especially on the shoulder blades. This is important because the shoulder blades are a critical part of the body, as they connect and balance the bones from the neck to the lower back and support the body to ensure the body moves smoothly. Further, traditional shiatsu-style bodywork therapists typically use their body weight to put pressure on the muscles, which can cause damage. Our relaxation therapists use stretch techniques on the muscles, rather than body weight pressure, thereby preventing damage. We believe our non-pressure method mitigates the risk of severe malpractice and other similar claims. Finally, our relaxation therapists are trained to converse with our customers, to ask our customers questions in order to tailor the therapy to the customers’ unique needs, and to promote self-care by communicating with our customers about their current body ailments and to give advice for future visits.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_MEDIROM4C.JPG]
 
82

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Brand Value.   We believe our trademarks and other intellectual property create a strong competitive advantage in both our Relaxation Salon Segment and Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment. With widespread recognition in the Kanto region and across Japan, our Company, benefits from a loyal customer base and brand recognition that allows for smooth scaling of growth businesses.
Employee Satisfaction.   We employ all of our therapists on a salaried basis, rather than a commission-based contractor model normally used in the industry. We have also invested culturally and economically in creating a career progression for therapists, which helps give structure, purpose, and incentives to stay with the Company and improve skills. While this increases our operating leverage, we believe it a core strategic need and advantage as labor is a key gating factor currently in the relaxation sector. We believe that our industry-leading employee satisfaction levels, as evidenced by our award of the 2019 Grand Prix relaxation sector’s top therapist and best store awards in Japan, contributed to employee retention. This is particularly important as high turnover reduces or disrupts available investment in capital because of the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. In August 2020, we started an online exit survey for our leaving employees, including franchisees’ employees, to better assess the reasons for employee turnover. We continue to optimize our working environment for therapists in an effort to improve morale, productivity and a long-term orientation to their work and status within the Company.
Hiring Activities.   We own and run our own job portal website targeting prospective therapist candidates. The job portal website was launched on February 1, 2020 and, as of September 30, 2020, 25% of our new employees during fiscal 2020 have been hired through the site. The SEO-optimized website has surpassed 11,000 pageviews shortly after launch and has already contributed over 179 suitable candidates as of June 30, 2020. This digital solution to recruiting is expected to reduce costs otherwise paid to headhunters and manpower agencies by approximately JPY10,000,000 (US$92,790) in fiscal year 2020. As labor shortages and costly recruiting of therapists remain the primary gating factors for a successful salon operation, we believe our streamlined and cost-efficient recruiting method allows continued operating strength at expanded profit margins. Combined with our brand, this hiring approach at scale puts us in an advantageous position relative to our peers in the industry.
Re.Ra.Ku® College.   We believe we own the largest in scale and best in class education and training facility for relaxation therapists in the Japanese relaxation industry, which enables us to provide continuous training to our franchise owners and salon staff, as well as continuous direct access to a pool of newly trained and job-ready staff. We believe that regular training ensures that quality service and therapy are consistently provided to our customers throughout all of our salons. The strength of our Company’s training and education program is in providing our therapists learning opportunities to keep improving their service skills after commencing at our Company’s salons. Medirom requires a higher threshold of training before allowing students to work with our clients in our salons. We find that this rigorous skill grading system better prepares our students and has proven effective for our salons. We provide one of the longest training programs (54 hours) in the industry. Each training module can be taken randomly, rather than in a series, for the trainees’ convenience. Moreover, we provide the follow-up training courses, based on which we evaluate and grade the practitioners’ skills. We believe this is a different approach from certain of our competitors, who tend to utilize practitioners on a contract basis. Our training package enables our therapists to improve their treatment skills continuously and, importantly, to maintain high morale.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_CLASS4C.JPG]
 
83

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Sampling Business.   Our Real Media business generates revenue through product placements, advertising, and marketing services on behalf of corporate clients. They provide physical samples, promotional materials, and other branded items which we in turn distribute across our directly-operated and franchised salons as well as through our health and wellness retail partners across Japan. Our Real Media clients benefit from the size and growth of our salon and our health and wellness retail brands’ customer base, which increases scope, advertising precision, and end monetization of their preferred demographics. They further receive valuable, live customer feedback on their products and can inform product and brand marketing decisions at the grassroot level. This is all done using our Real Media Sampling Business platform, which we believe offers these services at significantly reduced costs compared to traditional advertising methods. We believe this B2B2C platform model is highly scalable and provides strong cash flow opportunities, which are enhanced by our long-term corporate relationships and brand prestige.
Specific Health Guidance Program.   As a leading provider of holistic health services, we support the government-initiated program, Specific Health Guidance Program. Other notable supporters include SOMPO Health Support, Benefit One Inc., and FitsPlus Inc. As a government (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)-subsidized program, participating companies need to maintain quality controls. Partners and service providers are vetted and must adhere to standards that are established by each of the health insurance providers. By satisfying each standard, Medirom has been engaged in supporting the program by health insurance providers and continues to expand its prospective clients. In addition, we have an on-demand health monitoring application, Lav®, which can provide user-friendly interfaces and experiences. This application, among other digital tools, allows for seamless functionality with our partners and service providers as well as optionality in future monetization of the end user base. As a result, we have successfully managed to acquire several corporate clients, including blue chip companies’ and local governments’ health insurance providers. We believe this B2G/B2B business provides opportunities for multi-year contracts and high margins, particularly given the significant barriers to entry that require a well-recognized health and consumer brand and blue-chip enterprise relationships.
Until recently, the goals of health checkups and health guidance have been early identification and treatment of sickness. By focusing on visceral-fat obesity, specific health checkups and specific health guidance are intended to decrease the numbers of those who suffer from, or are at risk for, lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, through providing health guidance to help them improve the living habits that cause visceral-fat obesity (i.e., disease prevention). Since lifestyle-related conditions progress with no visible symptoms, specific health checkups, which are comprised of health screenings intended to identify those who require health guidance to prevent lifestyle-related conditions, are considered to be an excellent opportunity to review the individual’s living habits. Health guidance is provided to help the individual change his or her behavior. All those who have undergone specific health checkups are provided with information suited to their own individual circumstances.
Based on the results of specific health checkups, persons eligible for specific health guidance are identified by level (that is, those eligible for motivational support and those eligible for active support) in accordance with their risk levels, by focusing on the degree of visceral fat buildup and numbers of risk factors. The goals of specific health guidance are to enable eligible persons to be aware of their own health conditions and make voluntary efforts, on a continual basis, to improve their own living habits. Participants are provided with a variety of motivational information and advice to help them live healthier lifestyles on their own. Motivational support provides support to encourage improvements in living habits, in principle, one time. An action plan is prepared with the guidance of doctors, health nurses, and a senior nutritionist; specialists provide motivational support for efforts to improve living habits. Evaluations are performed to determine whether results have been achieved as planned.
Active support provides continual support in multiple sessions over three months or longer. An action plan is prepared with the guidance of doctors, health nurses, and a senior nutritionist. Medirom retains approximately 500 therapists, several of whom are experienced nutritionists and healthcare professionals., by entering into service agreements with workers dispatching companies. These therapists and nutritionists help provide an integrated bodywork (physical body), encouragement and inspiration (mental), and dietary guidelines (metabolic/diet). Specialists provide regular, continual support for efforts to improve living habits over a period of three months or longer.
 
84

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-FC_HEALGUI4C.JPG]
MOTHER Tracker®.   Our MOTHER Tracker® fitness device is designed to track and collect the health data of the wearer, such as calorie consumption, activity and sleep patterns. We believe our MOTHER Tracker® will be the only fitness tracker that requires no electric charging as it will utilize innovative technology such as Gemini TEG (Thermoelectric Generator) and Mercury Boost Converter to enable the user’s body heat to generate electricity. We are not aware of any other wearable devices equipped with NFC currently in the market with equivalent capabilities at this time. We are the first relaxation salon operator in Japan to launch a health-monitoring wearable device. We believe our MOTHER Tracker® is an important complement to our holistic approach to providing health services.
We have an expanding pipeline for pre-orders from well-established health and wellness chains within the country. In June 2020, we received a pre-order for the MOTHER Tracker® from Kansai Medical University Hospital (headquartered in Osaka, Japan) for the purpose of health and activities tracking for the patients. We intend to pursue other opportunities in Japan and the United States for large-scale private label contracts for our device. Upon expected manufacturing and delivery in 2021, we anticipate (but cannot assure) a significant contribution to revenue as well as earnings, given the one-of-a-kind technology that backs our device and the features and value proposition afforded to users, which we believe will enable us to command premium pricing.
Attractive Market Opportunity
Relaxation Industry Growth
According to the 2019 Yano Report, the Japanese relaxation sector continues to lead overall GDP growth, increasing 4% to ¥119 billion in 2018 while national GDP grew only 0.8%.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-BC_MARKET4C.JPG]
We believe the sector continues to see outsized growth as consumers in an already health-conscious country increasingly value health and wellness of both body and mind. Concurrently, large companies, in partnership with or through subsidies received from the government, increasingly factor in employee wellness for both productivity and for retention, loyalty, and satisfaction with the employer. This has led to the creation of corporate budgets, often with government subsidies, earmarked for employee health and wellness programs, insurance programs, fitness and gym memberships which further increases spend in the market. While 30% of the market is occupied by large chains like ours, most of the market consists of small, locally-owned salons, 77% of which are estimated to be individual-run single outlets.
 
85

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
M&A, Consolidation, and Industry Rationalizations
The relaxation sector in Japan faces structural changes that have accelerated mergers and acquisitions and consolidations. As smaller, private operators either fail to grow sufficient revenue to cover costs and owners of larger, established companies seek to exit for retirement or other reasons, an increasing number of sellers have attracted both industry players as well as financial sponsors. We believe the gating factors remain synergies between the acquirer and target, including a pragmatic approach to M&A integration, post-acquisition operations, and preservation of brand and customer base. Purchase price remains a more muted factor which affords compelling valuation creation for the right strategic acquirer.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_MASTRAT4CLR.JPG]
Preferential shift toward lower price points and specialized stretching salons
According to publicly-available data, industry wide fees have halved over the past decade to approximately ¥3,000 for 60 minutes on most conventional services and demand has become bifurcated between a highly-price conscious mass market and a more discerning brand conscious consumer. We operate in-between high volume/low price point/low service intensity operations and high touch point /specialized services providers. Our services lie in the spectrum of affordable value and, we believe, capture the largest portion of the demand curve. Additionally, consumers have increasingly sought specialized services including stretching therapy (tendons and ligaments, in addition to muscles) and bathhouses.
Integrated Health Solutions, Analytics and Targeting
The Japanese government and major corporate sponsors in the country have accelerated needs for preventative care and ascribing key factors affecting health outcomes. As demographics continue to focus on the elderly and insurance plans face uncertain or insufficient returns relative to premiums, major health insurance companies and the government require solutions to target problems, streamline costs, and save lives through a preventative focus. This has resulted in government budgets and subsidies earmarked for improving employee health and increased incentives for understanding, diagnosing, and creating action plans to address health issues. We believe our platform and technology allow us to serve government and corporate entities with a one-stop shop, data-driven and targeted solution service.
Global Expansion Opportunities
We focus on core competencies within the local markets of Japan, although we opportunistically assess franchising or partnerships abroad for our core salon business, and B2B2C distribution models for MOTHER Tracker® and other digital businesses through online marketing, commerce, and joint ventures. We believe the wearables market and omnichannel distribution trends, particularly online commerce, remain attractive avenues of growth for our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment.
 
86

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Employees
Most of our Company’s group employees are employed by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Medirom Human Resources Inc. As of June 30, 2020, the Medirom Human Resources Inc. had 180 employees on a full-time basis, 237 employees on a part-time basis, and 76 employees on a fixed-term basis. As of December 31, 2019, our Company had 106 employees on a full-time basis, 310 employees on a part-time basis, and 71 employees on a fixed-term basis. Our Company is not currently, and has not in the past, been unionized. As such, neither we nor our franchisees are required to engage in collective bargaining procedures with any unions under Japanese labor laws.
We do not use contract employees hired by any third party agencies in the relaxation salon. We dispatch therapists and other employees to our franchisees from time to time and receive a fee for such services. Our employees are paid on a salary basis. We also offer an incentive program whereby relaxation therapists earn points for various reasons such as continuing as a Medirom relaxation therapist for certain designated periods of time or taking additional relaxation courses at our College. As the number of collected points increase, the relaxation therapist’s salary also increases.
Property and Equipment
As of June 30, 2020, we have 289 relaxation salons, each of which is leased at metro/subway stations, shopping malls, plazas, and high-traffic streets throughout Japan. We invest in leasehold improvement, equipment, and furniture in our directly-operated salons. The terms and conditions of the lease arrangements varies by agreement.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The term of our lease for this location expires on November 30, 2022, although there is a renewal provision in the lease agreement whereby the lease will automatically renew for an additional two years unless one of the parties provides notice of termination at least six months prior to the expiration of the current lease term. Our Re.Ra.Ku® College is annexed to our corporate headquarters, and we also have branch school locations at Nagoya, Fukuoka and Yokohama.
[MISSING IMAGE: TM2026644D8-PH_INTELLECT4C.JPG]
Intellectual Property
To establish and protect our proprietary rights, we rely on a combination of trademarks, confidentiality policies and procedures, non-disclosure agreements with third parties, employee non-disclosure agreements, and other contractual and implicit rights worldwide. We have 29 registered trademarks as of June 30, 2020, and other names and logos used by our Company as trademarks with the Japan Patent Office. Such trademarks are not currently registered in any other jurisdiction. Additionally, we registered the trademark Re.Ra.Ku in 2009. Our principal intellectual property rights include copyrights in our website and mobile applications content for Lav®, rights to our domain name https://medirom.co.jp, and trade secrets and know-how with respect to our training, servicing, sales and marketing and other aspects of our business, and our digital innovations such as the Lav® application. We further have license and sublicense agreements with
 
87

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
domestic and international partners. The success of our business strategy depends on our continued ability to use our existing intellectual property in order to increase brand awareness and develop our branded services. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are not adequate, or if any third party misappropriates or infringes on our intellectual property, whether in print, on the Internet or through other media, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the failure of our brands and branded services to achieve and maintain market acceptance. There can be no assurance that all of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in Japan or outside Japan in relevant foreign countries will be adequate. In addition, in light of our intention to expand internationally, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of Japan. If any of our trademarks, trade secrets or other intellectual property are infringed, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
In addition, third parties may assert infringement or misappropriation claims against us, or assert claims that our rights in our trademarks, patents and other intellectual property assets are invalid or unenforceable. Any such claims could have a material adverse effect on us or our franchisees if such claims were to be decided against us. If our rights in any intellectual property were invalidated or deemed unenforceable, it could permit competing uses of intellectual property which, in turn, could lead to a decline in relaxation salon, Real Media business, and other revenues. If the intellectual property became subject to third party infringement, misappropriation or other claims, and such claims were decided against us, we may be forced to pay damages, be required to develop or adopt non-infringing intellectual property or be obligated to acquire a license to the intellectual property that is the subject of the asserted claim. There could be significant expenses associated with the defense of any infringement, misappropriation, or other third party claims.
Our Company utilizes CLP CARE LIFE PLANNER®, owned by Mr. Kouji Eguchi, our Chief Executive Officer. In June 2020, we entered a Trademark License Agreement with Mr. Eguchi, pursuant to which Mr. Eguchi has granted us a non-exclusive, non-royalty bearing license to use CLP CARE LIFE PLANNER® in connection with the operation of our franchised salons in Japan. We utilize this mark in our franchise agreements to define therapists who have completed a required technique training program. The term of the Trademark License Agreement will expire upon the expiration of the trademark on October 24, 2023. We may not grant a sub-license to use the trademark to a third party without the prior written consent of Mr. Eguchi. Either party may terminate the Trademark License Agreement without notice in the event of a breach by the other party of its obligations (without cure) under the agreement, bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, dissolution, fraud, and criminal acts, among others, as set forth in further detail in the Trademark License Agreement. In addition to CLP CARE LIFE PLANNER®, we own and utilize MOTHER Tracker® in Japan.
Legal Proceedings
We are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings. We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including matters involving our franchisees, among others. Any litigation or other legal or administrative proceedings, regardless of the outcome, are likely to result in substantial costs and a diversion of our resources, including our management’s time and attention.
 
88

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
REGULATION OF OUR INDUSTRY
Regulations Governing our Relaxations Salons
Relaxation salons such as ours are not currently regulated by the Japanese government. The main law in Japan governing the massage industry is the Act on Practitioners of Massage, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion, and etc. (Act No. 217 of 1947). However, we do not market or provide massage, finger pressure, acupuncture, moxa-cauterization or other services regulated under this Act, and this information is clearly provided to all customers prior to them receiving our salon services.
Regulations Governing our Franchises
Japan has antitrust laws that protect consumers and regulate how companies operate their businesses. Among the various Japanese antitrust laws, the seminal antitrust law is the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade (Act No. 54 of 1947, as amended) (which we refer to as the “Antimonopoly Act”). The Antimonopoly Act prohibits certain activities that inappropriately induce or mislead persons into entering into a business relationship with us through our granting of seemingly preferable trade terms and conditions that could create false impressions in relation to other franchisors we compete with.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (which we refer to as the “JFTC”) enforces the Antimonopoly Act and other Japanese antitrust laws. The JFTC issued the “Guidelines Concerning the Franchise System Under the Antimonopoly Act” on April 24, 2002 (last amended on June 23, 2011) (which we refer to as the “Guidelines”), under which the JFTC suggests that, prior to entering into a franchise relationship, a franchisor should adequately disclose and explain material trade terms to a potential franchisee in order to prevent any misunderstanding of the material trade terms, and to prevent such potential franchisee from being misled or improperly induced into entering into such franchise relationship. Material trade terms include terms relating to the following:

the supply of products after the party becomes a franchisee (such as a system for recommending suppliers);

guidance, procedures, frequency, and cost to the franchisee relating to the business activities of the franchise;

nature and amount of payments to be collected when the party joins the franchise, whether the payments are refundable or may be returned, and the conditions for refunding or returning the payments;

royalties that the franchisee pays to the franchisor for use of trademarks and trade names and for guidance relating to management procedures, including the amount of, procedure for calculating, and the time and method of payment, of royalties;

loans the franchisor extends to the franchisee, including the interest rate and the mechanism and conditions of settlement;

compensation for any losses the business incurs, including the details of such compensation and whether there is management support from the franchisor in the event of a decline in business;

terms of the franchise agreement and the conditions and procedures for renewing or terminating the franchise agreement, including early termination prior to the expiration of its term; and

restrictions with respect to the franchisor or other franchisees of the franchise setting up an identical or similar business near the proposed business of the potential party to join the franchise, including whether there are any plans to set up additional businesses and the details of such plans.
In addition, when a franchisor markets its franchise, in the event such franchisor provides a prospective franchisee with an estimate of the revenue or profit that could possibly be generated upon becoming a franchisee, such estimated revenue or profit must be based on a reasonable method of calculation and established facts, such as the results of an existing franchise operating in a similar environment. The franchisor is required to present to the prospective franchisee such methods and facts.
 
89

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
If the JFTC finds any activities that violate the Antimonopoly Act, including any “deceptive customer inducement”, then the JFTC may order the offending franchisor to cease and desist from engaging in such unlawful activities, delete any applicable unlawful clauses from the franchise contract, or carry out any other measures necessary to eliminate such unlawful activities.
In the event the JFTC suspects any violation of the Antimonopoly Act or alleges that we have misled or wrongly induced any of our franchisees based upon any particular trade terms, we could be exposed to risks, including governmental action against us.
Regulations Governing Prepaid Cards
We began issuing our prepaid Re.Ra.Ku® Cards to relaxation salon customers starting in December 2008. Re.Ra.Ku® Card users can continuously use and also replenish the card at our relaxation salons. Prepaid cards are generally considered “prepaid payment methods” (which we refer to as “PPMs”) under the Act on Settlement of Funds (Act No. 59 of 2009) (which we refer to as the “Settlement Act”). PPMs are regulated under the Settlement Act so long as there is a possibility that the cards could be valid for a period of more than six months. The Re.Ra.Ku® Cards do not have expiration dates and therefore are regulated under the Settlement Act.
Issuers of prepaid cards with a validity of longer than six months are referred to as “PPM Providers.” There are two categories of PPM Providers:
(i)
a provider of prepaid cards that can only be used to purchase goods or services from that same provider or its affiliates, referred to as a “Private Use PPM Provider”; and
(ii)
a provider of prepaid cards that can be used at third party establishments, referred to as “Public Use PPM Providers.”
The Re.Ra.Ku® Card can be used at salons operated by our franchisees, which are considered third parties for the purposes of the Settlement Act. As such, we are considered a Public Use PPM Provider. A Public Use PPM Provider must file an application with the Kanto Local Financial Bureau and receive a license to issue PPM cards. On September 30, 2016, we received our license from the Kanto Local Financial Bureau.
A PPM Provider typically holds a certain amount of its customers’ cash in the form of prepaid amounts on the cards that have not yet been exchanged for goods or services. The total of such amounts for all customers of a PPM Provider is referred to as the “Outstanding Amount.” A Public Use PPM Provider is required to maintain deposits of at least half of its Outstanding Amount at the local Legal Affairs Bureau (although other arrangements are possible), in order to ensure that there are adequate funds for the card holders who are effectively loaning their money to the Public Use PPM Provider through their purchase of the prepaid card. At the end of March and September each year, the Public Use PPM Provider must calculate its Outstanding Amount and deposit half that amount at the Legal Affairs Bureau within two months. In the following year, if the Outstanding Amount has increased, the Public Use PPM Provider must pay the difference between such Outstanding Amount and the amount deposited with the Legal Affairs Bureau. We made our initial deposit of our Outstanding Amount with the Legal Affairs Bureau on November 28, 2016, in the amount of JPY125,261,250 (US$1,162,301.66), and make additional deposits in April and November to top-up our account.
Regulations Governing Dispatched Employees for Franchisees
In April 2018, we established our wholly-owned subsidiary, Medirom Human Resources Inc. (which we refer to as “MHR”) under the trade name Re.Ra.Ku Wellness Inc. MHR currently operates our therapist dispatch business. Previously, we hired therapists pursuant to an exemption that allowed us to forego obtaining permission from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan under the Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching Undertakings and Improved Working Conditions for Dispatched Workers (which we refer to as the “Dispatch Act”), and dispatched such therapists to our franchisees. When the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan eliminated the applicable exemption in September 2018, we decided to transfer the therapist dispatch business to MHR. MHR has obtained a
 
90

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
worker dispatch license from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan under the Dispatch Act, which is valid through July 31, 2021.
Regulations Governing our Recruiting License
In August 2013, we obtained a recruiting agency license (which we refer to as a “Recruiting License”) from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan under the Dispatch Act. We are required to obtain the Recruiting License because certain members of our staff, mostly consisting of relaxation therapists, are introduced to and placed at our franchisees. Such staff members typically provide training and relaxation services to salons managed by our franchisees.
Personal Information Protection
We are subject to laws and regulations regarding privacy and protection of user data and personal information, due to our customer data collection operations in connection with our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment. The application and interpretation of these and other similar international laws and regulations regarding privacy and protection of user data and personal information is often uncertain, particularly with respect to the new and rapidly evolving industry in which we operate.
In Japan, the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (which we refer to as the “APPI”) and its related guidelines impose various requirements on businesses, including us, that use databases containing personal information. Under the APPI, we are required to lawfully use personal information we have obtained within the purpose of use we have specified and take appropriate measures to maintain the security of such personal information. We are also restricted from providing personal information to third parties without the consent of such user. The APPI also includes regulations relating to the handling of sensitive personal data and anonymous personal data and the transfer of personal information to foreign countries. We collect information from our relaxation salon customers through the questionnaire completed by each first-time customer. Some of the information we collect through that questionnaire could fall under the category of sensitive personal data under the APPI.
 
91

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MANAGEMENT
Our Executive Officers, Directors, and Corporate Auditors
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers and members of our board of directors and of our board of corporate auditors as of the date of this prospectus. The business address of all of persons identified below is 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan.
Name
Age
Position(s) with our Company
Kouji Eguchi 47
Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director
Fumitoshi Fujiwara 54 Chief Financial Officer and Director
Miki Aoki 40 Manager, General Affairs and Director
Akira Nojima 56 Independent Director
Tomoya Ogawa 44 Independent Director
Tsukasa Karyu* 65 Corporate Auditor
Osamu Sato* 60 Corporate Auditor
Minekazu Shimada* 63 Corporate Auditor
*
Members of our statutory Board of Corporate Auditors are not members of our Board of Directors.
Biographical Information
The following is a summary of certain biographical information concerning our executive officers, directors, and corporate auditors.
Kouji Eguchi.   Mr. Eguchi is the founder of our Company and has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as the representative director since our inception. Prior to founding our Company, he served as the head of the internet division at Carchs Co., Ltd (formerly Jack Holding Co., Ltd.) from April 1998 to April 1999, and as a board member of a subsidiary of Jack Holding Co., Ltd. from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Eguchi has also served as a director of the Association of Japan Relaxation Industry since 2010 and as a director of the Japan Agriculture Kabushiki Kaisha since 2019. Mr. Eguchi received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science and Technology from Tokai University.
Fumitoshi Fujiwara.   Fujiwara has served as our Chief Financial Officer and a director on our board of directors since March 2017. Mr. Fujiwara founded Eaglestone Capital Management and has served as its Chief Executive Officer since 2009. Prior to Eaglestone, Mr. Fujiwara founded AC Capital Inc., a private equity company, in 2003. During his time at AC Capital, Mr. Fujiwara was instrumental in raising JPY20 billion of investment in Tully’s Coffee Japan leading up to its initial public offering, and also served as a representative director of AC Capital Inc. from June 2002 to June 2009. Prior to AC Capital, Mr. Fujiwara founded Star Capital Partners, Inc. in 2002 and served as its Chief Executive Officer until October 2001. Prior to Star Capital Partners, Mr. Fujiwara served as an executive partner and director of Spiralstar Japan, Inc. from October 2000 to October 2001. Prior to Spiralstar Japan, Mr. Fujiwara founded other companies and also held numerous positions at Shuwa Corporations and Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd. (formerly Koei Co. Ltd.), including those in the finance, real estate and investor relations departments. Mr. Fujiwara served as a director of the Japanese Association of Turnaround Professionals from 2003 to 2018, and also as an absentee director at Due Diligence Meister Inc., from October 2000 to March 2009. Mr. Fujiwara received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law from Meiji Gakuin University.
Miki Aoki.   Ms. Aoki is a director and has served on our board of directors since March 2013. Since October 2012, Ms. Aoki has also served as Manager of our general affairs division, where she is responsible for managing the budget of each of our business divisions and is instrumental in the execution of our comprehensive business plan. Prior to her current roles at our Company, Ms. Aoki served as head of our business administration department from October 2012 to June 2015 and as head of our finance division from April 2010 to September 2012. Ms. Aoki received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Tokyo Keizai University in 2003.
 
92

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Akira Nojima.   Mr. Akira Nojima is an independent director and has served on our board of directors since April 2020. Mr. Nojima is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of No Track Inc. He is concurrently a professor at May Ushiyama Academy’s Hollywood Graduate School, teaching courses including management strategy of beauty salon, creative business theory, salon marketing theory, and bridal business theory. Prior to his current positions, Mr. Nojima worked at Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Recruit Co., Ltd.) for 27 years, where he held various positions, including officer in charge of education and learning, branch office president, and media production manager. Mr. Nojima has served as the vice president of Japan Cosmetic Licensing Association and a director of Academy of Beauty Business. Mr. Nojima holds the national license of career consultant and has received the Global Career Development Facilitator (Japan) credential. He is also a licensed workers’ health and safety manager in Japan. Mr. Nojima received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law from Meiji Gakuin University.
Tomoya Ogawa.   Mr. Ogawa is an independent director and has served on our board of directors since March 2014. Mr. Ogawa has diverse professional experience, including serving as the general manager of corporate planning at DeNA Inc. from 2010 to 2014, an attorney at the Abe, Ikubo & Katayama Law Firm from 2007 to 2010, and as a management consultant at Monitor Group from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Ogawa has served as an outside director of iSGS Investment Works Inc. since 2016, and currently serves as a director of Akatsuki Inc., a mobile game business. Mr. Ogawa received a juris doctorate degree from Hitotsubashi University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Tokyo.
Tsukasa Karyu.   Mr. Karyu has served as a corporate auditor of our Company since May 2018. Mr. Karyu founded the Karyu Tsukasa Tax Advisor Office in 2016, where he has been serving as outside tax advisor and providing tax related accounting services to various companies in Japan. Prior to founding Karyu Tsukasa Tax Advisor Office, he held various positions, including as Chief Tax Counselor at the Tokyo National Tax Bureau and its tax offices for 42 years until his retirement in 2016. Mr. Karyu received a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree from Senshu University.
Osamu Sato.   Mr. Sato has served as a corporate auditor of our Company since March 2014. Mr. Sato also currently serves as the President and representative director of Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd. Mr. Sato has also served as a professor, director and research manager at Aoyama Gakuin University’s School of Business since April 1997. Prior to Aoyama Gakuin University, Mr. Sato was an assistant professor at Aomori Kouritsu University’s Economics Department from April 1993 to March 1997, and an assistant professor at Meijo University’s Commercial Science Department from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Sato has served as an outside director of Sanko Techno Co., Ltd., a Japanese company publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and as a non-executive corporate auditor of I.G.M. Holdings Inc. and Associa Small Amount and Short-Term Insurance Inc. Mr. Sato received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Economics and Management from Tohoku University.
Minekazu Shimada.   Mr. Shimada has served as a corporate auditor of our Company since March 2016. Previously, Mr. Shimada was a government-paid secretary for a former House of Representative member, Mr. Atsushi Chugo, from 2008 to 2012. Prior to that role, Mr. Shimada held various positions at the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, including as assistant professor, taxpayer support officer, deputy director of consumption tax division, special examiner of corporate taxation, director of office coordination division, and chief examiner of corporate taxation, from July 1999 to April 2010. Mr. Shimada received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Toyo University.
Corporate Governance Practices
We are a “foreign private issuer” as defined under the federal securities laws of the United States and the NASDAQ listing standards. Under the federal securities laws of the United States, foreign private issuers are subject to different disclosure requirements than U.S.-domiciled public companies. We intend to take all actions necessary for us to maintain our status as a foreign private issuer under the applicable corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable rules adopted by the SEC, and the NASDAQ listing standards. Under the SEC rules and the NASDAQ listing standards, a foreign private issuer is subject to less stringent corporate governance requirements. Subject to certain exceptions, the SEC and the NASDAQ permit a foreign private issuer to follow its home country practice in lieu of their respective rules and listing standards. In general, our articles of incorporation and the Companies Act of Japan (which we refer to as the “Companies Act”) govern our corporate affairs
 
93

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
In particular, as a foreign private issuer, we will follow Japanese law and corporate practice in lieu of the corporate governance provisions set out under NASDAQ Rule 5600, the requirement in NASDAQ Rule 5250(b)(3) to disclose third party director and nominee compensation, and the requirement in NASDAQ Rule 5250(d) to distribute annual and interim reports. Of particular note, the following rules under NASDAQ Rule 5600 differ from Japanese law requirements:

NASDAQ Rule 5605(b)(1) requires that at least a majority of a listed company’s board of directors be independent directors, and NASDAQ Rule 5605(b)(2) requires that independent directors regularly meet in executive session, where only independent directors are present. Under our current corporate structure, the Companies Act does not require independent directors. However, our board of directors is currently comprised of five directors, two of which are considered “independent”, as determined in accordance with the applicable NASDAQ rules. We expect our independent directors to regularly meet in executive sessions, where only the independent directors are present.

NASDAQ Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) requires a listed company to have an audit committee composed entirely of not less than three directors, each of whom must be independent. Under Japanese law, a company may have a statutory auditor or a board of auditors. We have a three-member Board of Corporate Auditors, each member of which will meet the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. See “—Board of Corporate Auditors” below for additional information.

NASDAQ Rule 5605(d) requires, among other things, that a listed company’s compensation committee be comprised of at least two members, each of whom is an independent director as defined under such rule. Our board of directors will collectively participate in the discussions and determination of compensation for our executive, directors and corporate auditors, and other compensation related matters.

NASDAQ Rule 5605(e) requires that a listed company’s nomination and corporate governance committee be comprised solely of independent directors. Our board of directors will not have a standalone nomination and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors will collectively participate in the nomination process of potential directors and corporate auditors and oversee our corporate governance practices.

NASDAQ Rule 5620(c) sets out a quorum requirement of 3313% applicable to meetings of shareholders. In accordance with Japanese law and generally accepted business practices, our articles of incorporation provide that there is no quorum requirement for a general resolution of our shareholders. However, under the Companies Act and our articles of incorporation a quorum of not less than one-third of the total number of voting rights is required in connection with the election of directors, statutory auditors and certain other matters.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of our affairs. Our board of directors meets no less than once every three months. Under the Companies Act and our articles of incorporation, our Company must have at least three, but no more than ten, directors on our board of directors. Our board of directors is currently comprised of five directors. Directors are typically nominated at the board level and are elected at general meetings of the shareholders. The term of office of any director expires at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held with respect to the last fiscal year ended within one year after such director’s election to office. Our directors may, however, serve any number of consecutive terms.
Our board of directors appoints from among its members one or more representative directors, who serve as head administrator(s) over our Company’s affairs and represent our Company in accordance with the resolutions of our board of directors. Mr. Kouji Eguchi, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, is currently the sole representative director of our Company. Our board of directors may appoint from among its members a chairman, a president or one or more deputy presidents, senior managing directors, or managing directors.
Under our Company’s current corporate structure, the Companies Act does not require our board of directors to have any independent directors. However, our board of directors is currently comprised of five
 
94

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
directors, two of which (Messrs. Akira Nojima and Tomoya Ogawa), are considered “independent”, as determined in accordance with the applicable NASDAQ rules, and also satisfy the requirements for an outside (or independent) director under the Companies Act.
In May 2016, we entered into an Investment Agreement (which we refer to as the “SE 2 LP Investment Agreement”) with Social Entrepreneur 2 Limited Partnership (which we refer to as “SE 2 LP”), pursuant to which, subject to certain conditions, we must seek the prior written approval of SE 2 LP in order for our Company to approve the resignation of Mr. Eguchi as a director of our Company. The SE 2 LP Investment Agreement also includes certain additional covenants with respect to pre-emptive rights. See “Description of Share Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Special Voting and Consent Rights—Consent Rights under the Investment Agreements”.
Board of Corporate Auditors
As permitted under the Companies Act, we have elected to structure our corporate governance system as a company with a separate board of corporate auditors instead of an audit committee of our board of directors. Our articles of incorporation provide for not more than three corporate auditors. Corporate auditors are typically nominated at the board level and are elected at general meetings of shareholders by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote, where a quorum is established by shareholders holding one-third or more of the voting rights of those who are entitled to vote are present at the shareholders’ meeting. The normal term of office of any corporate auditor expires at the close of the annual general meeting of shareholders held with respect to the last fiscal year ended within four years after such corporate auditor’s election to office. Our corporate auditors may, however, serve any number of consecutive terms. Corporate auditors may be removed by a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders.
Our corporate auditors are not required to be certified public accountants. Our corporate auditors may not concurrently serve as directors, employees or accounting advisors (kaikei sanyo) of our Company or any of our subsidiaries or serve as corporate officers of our subsidiaries. Under the Companies Act, at least one-half of the corporate auditors of a company must be persons who satisfy the requirements for an outside corporate auditor under the Companies Act, and at least one of the corporate auditors must be a full-time corporate auditor.
The function of our board of corporate auditors and each corporate auditor is similar to that of independent directors, including those who are members of the audit committee of a U.S. public company. Each corporate auditor has a statutory duty to supervise the administration by the directors of our affairs, to examine our financial statements and business reports to be submitted by a representative director at the general meetings of shareholders, and to prepare an audit report. Our corporate auditors are obligated to participate in meetings of our board of directors and, if necessary, to express their opinion at such meetings, but are not entitled to vote. Our corporate auditors must inspect the proposals, documents and any other materials to be submitted by our board of directors to the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. If a corporate auditor finds a violation of statutory regulations or our articles of incorporation, or another significant improper matter, such auditor must report those findings to the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting.
Furthermore, if a corporate auditor believes that a director has engaged in, or is likely to engage in, misconduct or acts that are significantly improper, or that there has been a violation of statutory regulations or our articles of incorporation, the corporate auditor: (i) must report that fact to our board of directors; (ii) can demand that a director convene a meeting of our board of directors; and (iii) if no such meeting is convened in response to the demand, can convene the meeting under the corporate auditor’s own authority. If a director engages in, or is likely to engage in, an activity outside the scope of the objectives of our Company or otherwise in violation of laws or regulations or our articles of incorporation, and such act is likely to cause significant damage to our Company, then a corporate auditor can demand that the director cease such activity.
Our board of corporate auditors has a statutory duty to prepare an audit report based on the audit reports issued by the individual corporate auditors and submit such audit reports to a relevant director and, in the case of audit reports related to financial statements, the independent auditors of our Company each year. A corporate auditor may note an opinion in an audit report issued by our board of corporate auditors,
 
95

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
if the opinion expressed in such corporate auditor’s individual audit report is different from the opinion expressed in the audit report issued by our board of corporate auditors. Our board of corporate auditors is empowered to establish the audit principles, the method of examination by our corporate auditors of our affairs and financial position, and any other matters relating to the performance of our corporate auditors’ duties.
Additionally, our corporate auditors must represent our Company in: (i) any litigation between our Company and a director; (ii) dealing with shareholders’ demands seeking a director’s liability to our Company; and (iii) dealing with notices of litigation and settlement in a derivative suit seeking a director’s liability to our Company. A corporate auditor can file court actions relating to our Company within the authority of our corporate auditors, such as an action to nullify the incorporation of our Company, the issuance of shares, or a merger, or to cancel a resolution at a shareholders’ meeting.
Risk Management
One of the key functions of our board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. Our board of directors does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through our board of directors as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of our board of directors that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, including risks associated with cybersecurity and data protection, and our board of corporate auditors is responsible for overseeing and evaluating our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. Our board of corporate auditors also reviews legal, regulatory and compliance matters that could have a significant impact on our financial statements. While each standing committee of our board of directors will be responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, our entire board of directors will be regularly informed through committee reports about such risks.
Code of Business Conduct
Following the consummation of this offering, our board of directors will adopt a written code of business conduct that applies to our directors, corporate auditors, officers, and employees (including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and other persons performing similar functions), and our agents.
Limitation of Liability of Directors and Corporate Auditors
In accordance with Article 27 and Article 35 of our articles of incorporation, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 427 of the Companies Act, we are authorized to enter into agreements with our non-executive directors and corporate auditors, respectively, to limit his or her liability to our Company for any losses or damages arising from the conduct specified under Article 423 of the Companies Act; provided, that, the amount of such limited liability is either: (i) an amount set out in an agreement which shall be not less than one million (1,000,000) yen, or (ii) the amount stipulated in applicable laws and regulations, whichever is higher. Messrs. Akira Nojima and Tomoya Ogawa are considered independent, non-executive directors within the meaning of the Companies Act. We have not, however, executed any such limitation of liability agreements with any of our non-executive directors or corporate auditors.
Our articles of incorporation include limitation of liability provisions for independent directors and corporate auditors, pursuant to which our board of directors can authorize our Company to exempt the independent directors and corporate auditors from liabilities arising in connection with any failure to execute their respective duties in good faith or due to simple negligence (excluding gross negligence and willful misconduct), within the limits stipulated by applicable laws and regulations, including Article 426, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act.
Compensation of our Directors and Corporate Auditors
In accordance with the Companies Act and our articles of incorporation, the amount of compensation for our directors and corporate auditors is decided by first setting the maximum amount of total compensation
 
96

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
for all of our directors and corporate auditors through a resolution adopted by our shareholders at a shareholders meeting. The representative director authorized by our board of directors and our board of directors then decide on the amount of compensation for each director based on certain criteria established by our Company, and the amount of compensation for each corporate auditor is decided through discussions among the corporate auditors.
In December 2016, our shareholders approved an aggregate compensation allowance of no more than ¥200,000,000 per year for our directors, and no more than ¥50,000,000 per year for our corporate auditors.
Remuneration to our directors and corporate auditors is comprised of base compensation. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, we paid an aggregate of approximately ¥45,000,000 (US$417,556) to our directors, and an aggregate of approximately ¥5,700,000 (US$52,890) to our corporate auditors. The Company did not grant any stock options and did not provide discretionary bonuses during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. We have not set aside pension, retirement, or other benefits for our directors, corporate auditors or executive officers.
The following table summarizes the total amount of remuneration paid to each category of our directors and corporate auditors in fiscal year 2019, including by the type of remuneration and the number of persons in each category.
(in thousands, except stock options and number of persons
in category)
Category of directors and corporate auditors
Total amount of
remuneration
Base compensation
Number of persons
in category
Executive directors(1)
¥ 45,000 ¥ 45,000 3
Outside directors(2)
3
Full-time corporate auditor(3)
¥ 4,800 ¥ 4,800 1
Outside corporate auditors(4)
¥ 900 ¥ 900 2
(1)
Consist of Messrs. Kouji Eguchi and Fumitoshi Fujiwara and Ms. Miki Aoki.
(2)
Our outside directors received no direct payments in 2019. Messrs. Ogawa and Nojima receive indirect payments of JPY100,000 (US$928) and JPY 50,000 (US$464) per month from us through Kabushiki Kaisha LTW and Kabushiki Kaisha No Track, respectively, as consulting fees.
(3)
Our full-time company auditor is Minekazu Shimada.
(4)
Consists of Tsukasa Karyu and Osamu Sato. Mr. Osamu Sato is a professor of Aoyama Gakuin University. In order to comply with the internal rules of Aoyama Gakuin University, we indirectly pay Mr. Sato’s compensation through Aogaku Consulting Group Co., Ltd., which is an affiliate company of Aoyama Gakuin University.
Stock Options
We have granted stock options to purchase our common shares, as authorized by our shareholders in December 2015, December 2016, and August 2020. The purpose of these grants is to enable our directors, corporate auditors, and employees to share in our success and to reinforce a corporate culture that aligns employee interests with those of our shareholders. Stock options granted prior to 2015 have all expired without having been exercised. Our stock option grants generally prohibit transfers of options. A stock option holder forfeits such stock options if they are no longer a director, corporate auditor, or employee of our Company, except under limited circumstances or as otherwise determined by our board of directors. The following table summarizes the stock options we have issued since 2015.
Name of Issuance
Issuance Date
Expiration Date
Exercise Price
(per share)
Number of
Common Shares
Granted
Fourth Series
12/24/2015
12/21/2025
¥ 400 1,539,500
Fifth Series
12/24/2015
12/21/2025
¥ 400 285,500
Sixth Series
12/22/2016
12/21/2026
¥ 2,000 230,000
Seventh Series
12/22/2016
12/21/2026
¥ 2,000 174,000
 
97

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Name of Issuance
Issuance Date
Expiration Date
Exercise Price
(per share)
Number of
Common Shares
Granted
Eighth Series
10/30/2020
9/30/2026
¥ 2,000 150,000
Ninth Series(1)
10/30/2020
9/30/2024
¥ 128 300,000
(1)
The exercise can take place only when the Company achieves an annual consolidated revenue target of JPY3,271,407,000 (US$30,355,451) under U.S. GAAP, with the revenue from sublease of franchised salon properties being recalculated on a net basis for satisfying this condition, in any of our 2020, 2021 or 2022 fiscal years.
Of the stock options granted pursuant to the above-mentioned grants, stock options to acquire an aggregate of 1,995,000 of our common shares have been extinguished, and stock options to acquire an aggregate of 234,000 of our common shares remain outstanding as of June 30, 2020. For additional details, see Notes 10 and 20 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and Note 13 to our unaudited condensed financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following table summarizes the outstanding stock options with respect to our common shares that we have granted to our directors and corporate auditors:
Name
Grant Date
Beginning of
Exercise
Period
End of
Exercise
Period
Exercise
Price
(per share)
Total
Number of
Stock
Options
Granted
Total
Number of
Common
Shares
Underlying
Stock
Options
Osamu Sato
12/24/2015
12/22/2017
12/21/2025 ¥ 400 25(1) 12,500
Miki Aoki
12/24/2015
12/22/2017
12/21/2025 ¥ 400 50(1) 25,000
Tomoya Ogawa
12/24/2015
12/22/2017
12/21/2025 ¥ 400 25(1) 12,500
Minekazu Shimada
12/22/2016
12/22/2018
12/21/2026 ¥ 2,000 5,000(2) 5,000
Kouji Eguchi
10/30/2020
10/1/2021
9/30/2026 ¥ 2,000 150,000(2) 150,000
(1)
Each stock option is exercisable for 500 common shares.
(2)
Each stock option is exercisable for one common share.
In December 2015, Mr. Eguchi was granted 3,000 stock options (each option exercisable for 500 common shares). Mr. Eguchi has subsequently waived his rights to the grant of the 3,000 stock options, which are no longer outstanding.
 
98

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table and accompanying footnotes set forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares, immediately prior to and immediately after the completion of this offering, by:

each of our named executive officers, directors, and corporate auditors;

all of our named executive officers, directors, and corporate auditors as a group; and

each person or entity (or group of affiliated persons or entities) known by us to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our common shares.
To our knowledge, each shareholder named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of our common shares shown as “beneficially owned” (as determined by the rules of the SEC) by such shareholder, except as otherwise set forth in the footnotes to the table. The SEC has defined “beneficial” ownership of a security to mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of voting power and/or investment power.
The percentages reflect beneficial ownership (as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) immediately prior to, and immediately after, the completion of this offering, and are based on • common shares outstanding as of the date immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and
• common shares outstanding as of the date immediately following the completion of this offering of
• common shares in the form of ADSs. The percentages assume no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs from us in this offering.
Except as noted in the footnotes to the table below, the address for all of the shareholders in the table below is c/o MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan.
Common Shares
Beneficially Owned
Immediately Prior to this
Offering(1)
Common Shares
Beneficially Owned
Immediately After this
Offering(1)
Name of Beneficial Owner
Shares
Percentage
Shares
Percentage
Named Executive Officers, Directors, and Corporate Auditors:
Kouji Eguchi(2)
1,884,960 44.33% %
Fumitoshi Fujiwara
40,000 * *
Miki Aoki(3)
56,000 1.32% *
Akira Nojima
* *
Tomoya Ogawa(4)
41,000 * *
Tsukasa Karyu
* *
Osamu Sato(5)
30,000 * *
Minekazu Shimada(6)
5,000 * *
All named executive officers, directors, and corporate auditors as a group (eight) persons)
2,056,960 48.38% %
5% or more Shareholders:
Kouji Eguchi(2)
1,884,960 44.33% %
*
Represents less than 1% of the number of common shares outstanding.
(1)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of any common shares if that person has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to those shares or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days.
(2)
Mr. Kouji Eguchi also holds one Class A Share with special voting rights. See “Description of Share
 
99

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Special Voting and Consent Rights—Class A Voting Rights.” The aggregate number of common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kouji Eguchi reflects 1,884,960 common shares.
(3)
The aggregate number of common shares beneficially owned by Ms. Miki Aoki reflects (i) 31,000 outstanding common shares, and (ii) an aggregate of 25,000 common shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options, held by Ms. Aoki.
(4)
The aggregate number of common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Tomoya Ogawa reflects (i) 28,500 outstanding common shares, and (ii) an aggregate of 12,500 common shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options, held by Mr. Ogawa.
(5)
The aggregate number of common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Osamu Sato reflects (i) 17,500 outstanding common shares, and (ii) an aggregate of 12,500 common shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options, held by Mr. Sato.
(6)
The aggregate number of common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Minekazu Shimada reflects an aggregate of 5,000 common shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options held by Mr. Shimada.
As of October 31, 2020, we have 87 common shareholders, none of which are record holders in the United States.
The ADSs that we issue in this offering will represent our common shares.
We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in change of control of our Company.
For additional information about our principal shareholders, please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
 
100

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following includes summaries of transactions or agreements, during our last three fiscal years, to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeded $120,000, and in which any of our directors, corporate auditors, executive officers or beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock, affiliates of our directors, corporate auditors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our voting securities or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other similar arrangements, which are described under “Management” and “Principal Shareholders.”
Arrangements with our Founder
Our Company made certain loans (which we refer to collectively as the “CEO Loans”) to Mr. Kouji Eguchi, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, in the aggregate amount of JPY55,000,000 (US$510,346). The CEO Loans were executed between April 2011 and December 2012 for Mr. Eguchi to purchase our Company’s outstanding shares from certain shareholders. As of June 29, 2020, the aggregate outstanding amount under the CEO Loans was repaid in full.
Mr. Eguchi is a guarantor for several bank loans on behalf of our Company. As of June 30, 2020, the outstanding amount of loans guaranteed by the CEO was JPY400,344,000 (US$3,714,800).
In June 2020, we entered into a Trademark License Agreement with Mr. Eguchi, pursuant to which Mr. Eguchi has granted us a non-exclusive, non-royalty bearing license to use CLP CARE LIFE PLANNER® in connection with the operation of our franchised salons in Japan. We utilize this mark in our franchise agreements to define therapists who have completed a required technique training program. The term of the Trademark License Agreement will expire upon the expiration of the trademark registration on October 24, 2023. We may not grant a sub-license to use the trademark to a third party without the prior written consent of Mr. Eguchi. Either party may terminate the Trademark License Agreement without notice in the event of a breach by the other party of its obligations (without cure) under the agreement, bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, dissolution, fraud, and criminal acts, among others, as set forth in further detail in the Trademark License Agreement.
Agreements with Directors, Corporate Auditors, and Officers
Tomoya Ogawa, an independent director of our Company, is the sole owner of Kabushiki Kaisha LTW, a Japanese company. Kabushiki Kaisha LTW receives JPY100,000 (US$928) per month (plus 10% consumption tax) from our Company as a consulting fee.
Akira Nojima, an independent director of our Company, is the sole owner of Kabushiki Kaisha No Track, a Japanese company. Kabushiki Kaisha No Track receives JPY50,000 (US$464) per month (plus 10% consumption tax) from our Company as a consulting fee.
Osamu Sato, a corporate auditor of our Company, serves as the president and representative director of Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd., a Japanese company. Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd. receives JPY100,000 (US$928) per month (plus 10% consumption tax) from our Company as a consulting fee.
There is no family relationship among any of the directors, corporate auditors and officers.
Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions
We intend that our independent directors will, as a group, be responsible for establishing a related person transaction policy, setting forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. This policy will cover any transaction, arrangement, or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships that meets the disclosure requirements set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, or Item 404, in which we were, are or are to be a participant, and in which a “related person”, as defined in Item 404, had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness,
 
101

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
and employment by us of a related person. In reviewing and approving any such transactions, our independent directors will be tasked to consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in an arm’s-length transaction and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction. We expect that, under the approval policy, the independent directors will similarly oversee approval of transactions and arrangements between us and our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and between principal shareholders, directors and officers to the extent involving amounts in excess of $120,000.
 
102

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The following is a summary of the material terms of our capital stock and our articles of incorporation, including a summary of the relevant provisions of applicable share handling regulations, of the Companies Act and the Act on Book-Entry Transfer of Company Bonds, Shares, etc. of Japan (Shasai Kabushiki tou no Furikae ni kansuru Houritsu) (Act No. 75 of 2001, as amended) (including regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Book-Entry Act”) relating to joint-stock corporations (kabushiki kaisha), and of certain related laws and legislation, each as currently in effect. Because it is a summary, this discussion should be read together with our articles of incorporation and the applicable share handling regulations.
We are a joint-stock corporation incorporated in Japan under the Companies Act. The rights of our shareholders are represented by our common shares and one Class A share as described below, and our shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their respective holdings in such shares.
Description of Our Share Capital
As of June 30, 2020, our authorized capital stock consisted of 10,000,000 shares, of which 9,999,999 were common shares and one was the Class A share, and there were 4,115,000 common shares and one Class A share outstanding. As of June 30, 2020, our total registered capital was JPY595,100,000 (US$5,521,944).
Immediately following this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of • shares, of which • will be common shares and one will be the Class A share, and there will be • common shares and the Class A share outstanding.
All currently outstanding common shares and the Class A share are fully-paid and non-assessable, and our common shares underlying the ADSs to be issued in this offering will be fully-paid and non-assessable.
Changes in Capital
Under our articles of incorporation, any changes in capital, such as a share issuance, stock split, consolidation of shares, or issuance of share options, among others, require a majority vote of our common shareholders and a resolution of the Class A shareholder(s), as set described under “—Voting Rights and Shareholder Meetings” below.
Voting Rights and Shareholder Meetings
Our articles of incorporation provide that each annual meeting of our shareholders must be held within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Our fiscal year ends on December 31, and therefore, we must hold our annual shareholders’ meeting by the end of March of each following year. In addition, shareholders meetings to consider and vote on extraordinary matters may be held as necessary, provided that we satisfy all of the procedural requirements under both our articles of incorporation and the Companies Act.
Our common shares allocate one vote per share at shareholders’ meetings. Our articles of incorporation provide for a simple majority approval on most matters submitted for shareholder vote, unless otherwise required by laws or regulations. As required by law, and as referenced in our articles of incorporation, a two-thirds majority approval is required for any votes on matters specified in Article 309, Paragraph (2) of the Companies Act, which cover, in relevant part, stock purchase requests, treasury stock purchases, purchases of an entire class of shares, demands for share sales by heir, stock consolidations, and amounts paid for the offered shares. Any amendment to our articles of incorporation must be approved by our shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting.
Special Voting and Consent Rights
Class A Voting Rights.   Our founder, Mr. Kouji Eguchi, who is also our Chief Executive Officer and a director, holds a single Class A share of our Company. The Class A share is the only Class A share outstanding and was issued to Mr. Eguchi in December 2015. Under our articles of incorporation, the Class A shareholder generally does not have any voting rights at general shareholders’ meetings. However,
 
103

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
under our articles of incorporation, when a decision-making body of our Company is to adopt a resolution on any of the matters listed in (i) to (ix) below, such a resolution requires the Class A shareholder’s approval, which means that Mr. Eguchi has veto rights with respect to these matters. The following matters require Mr. Eguchi’s approval as the holder of the Class A share:
(i)
request to sell shares to an heir, etc.;
(ii)
consolidation of shares;
(iii)
issuance of shares;
(iv)
issuance of share options;
(v)
dismissal of a corporate auditor;
(vi)
reduction of stated capital;
(vii)
issuance of a dividend of property other than cash;
(viii)
amendment to our articles of incorporation, transfer of business, dissolution, or liquidation; and
(ix)
change in organization, merger, share split, share exchange, or share transfer.
Consent Rights under Investment Agreements
Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, dated May 10, 2016, between us and Social Entrepreneur 2 Limited Partnership (which we refer to as “SE 2 LP”), when a decision-making body of our Company is to adopt a resolution on any of the following matters, such a resolution requires the prior written approval of SE 2 LP: (i) filing for bankruptcy (or other similar procedures) by our Company; (ii) issuance of securities (including new shares) with a purchase price (or strike price, in the case of stock options or convertible bonds) of less than JPY2,000 (US$18.56) per share; and (iii) resignation of Mr. Eguchi as a director of our Company. This agreement will terminate upon consummation of the IPO and have no further effect.
Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, dated December 22, 2016, between us and CCC Marketing Co., Ltd. (which we refer to as “CCC”), when a decision-making body of our Company is to adopt a resolution on any of the following matters, such a resolution requires the prior written approval of CCC: (i) filing for bankruptcy (or other similar procedures) by our Company; (ii) acquisition of our own shares; and (iii) merger, share exchange, share transfer, business transfer, acceptance of business transfer, company split, or any other business combination or capital alliance with a third party. This agreement will terminate upon consummation of the IPO and have no further effect.
Pre-Emptive Rights
Holders of common shares have no pre-emptive rights under our articles of incorporation.
Dividend Rights
We may issue dividends upon a resolution of our common shareholders. However, if the dividend is to be issued in property other than cash, the approval of the Class A shareholder(s) is also required. We have not issued dividends to our shareholders since the incorporation of our Company.
Liquidation Rights
In accordance with the Companies Act, liquidations must be approved by common shareholders holding at least a two-thirds majority of the shares present at a meeting where the majority of the issued and outstanding shares with voting rights is present. Liquidation is also a matter that requires the approval of the Class A shareholder(s).
Transfer Agent
Under Article 8 of our articles of incorporation, we are required to have a shareholder registry administrator. The shareholder registry administrator and the shareholder registry administrator’s location
 
104

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
for handling share-related affairs must be determined pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors. All affairs related to our shareholder and share option registries are delegated to the shareholder registry administrator and are not to be handled by our Company. The current shareholder registry administrator for our Company is Tokyo Securities Transfer Agent Co., Ltd.
Limitations on Liability
Our articles of incorporation permit us to exempt, by resolution of our board of directors, corporate auditors from liabilities arising in connection with their failure to execute their duties in good faith (but without gross negligence), to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act. In addition, our articles of incorporation permit us to exempt, by resolution of our board of directors, directors from liabilities arising in connection with any failure to execute their duties in good faith or due to simple negligence (excluding gross negligence and willful misconduct), to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act. Should our board of directors, exempt a corporate auditor or director from any such liabilities, our rights and those of our shareholders to file shareholders’ derivative suits on behalf of our Company to recover monetary damages from such director or corporate auditor for breach of their duties under the Companies Act will be eliminated or reduced. However, exculpation does not apply to any director or corporate auditor if they have breached their duties under the Companies Act intentionally (koi) or by gross negligence (ju-kashitsu). Furthermore, we may enter into agreements for the limitation of liabilities with our independent directors and corporate auditors. If we do so, we expect that these agreements will eliminate or reduce our rights and those of our shareholders as described above.
Articles of Incorporation
Objective of our Company under our Articles of Incorporation
We have broad authority under Article 2 of our articles of incorporation to conduct our lines of business.
Provisions Regarding Our Directors
With respect to the election of directors of our Company, each director must be voted in by a majority of our common shareholders entitled to vote at a common shareholders meeting where shareholders holding one-third or more of the voting rights entitled to vote are present. Additionally, any resolution regarding the election of a director cannot be adopted by cumulative voting.
Rights of Shareholders of our Common Shares
Under the Companies Act and our articles of incorporation, holders of our common shares have, among others, the following rights:

the right to receive dividends when the payment of dividends has been approved at a shareholders’ meeting, with this right lapsing three years after the due date for payment according to a provision in our articles of incorporation;

the right to vote at a shareholders’ meeting (cumulative voting for the election of directors is not allowed under our articles of incorporation);

the right to receive surplus in the event of a liquidation; and

the right to require us to purchase shares subject to certain requirements under the Companies Act when a shareholder opposes certain resolutions, including (i) the transfer of all or material part of our business, (ii) an amendment to our articles of incorporation to establish a restriction on share transfer, (iii) a share exchange or share transfer to establish a holding company, (iv) a company split, or (v) a merger, all of which must, as a general rule, be approved by a special resolution adopted at a shareholders’ meeting.
Under the Companies Act, a company is permitted to make a distribution of surplus to the extent that the aggregate book value of the assets to be distributed to shareholders does not exceed the distributable amount provided for under the Companies Act and the applicable ordinance of the Ministry of Justice as
 
105

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
of the effective date of such distribution of surplus. The amount of surplus at any given time shall be the amount of the company’s assets and the book value of the company’s treasury stock after subtracting and adding the amounts of the items provided for under the Companies Act and the applicable ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.
A shareholder is generally entitled to one vote per share at a shareholders’ meeting. In general, under the Companies Act and our articles of incorporation, a shareholders’ meeting may adopt an ordinary resolution by a majority of the voting rights presented at the meeting. The Companies Act and our articles of incorporation require a quorum of not less than one-third of the total number of voting rights in connection with the election of directors and statutory auditors. Under the Companies Act, to avoid exercising improper control in a form of mutual shareholding, an institutional shareholder, 25% or more voting rights of which are directly or indirectly held by us, does not have voting rights at our shareholders’ meeting. We have no voting rights with respect to our own common shares that we hold. Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that a shareholder may appoint only one other shareholder who has voting rights as its proxy.
With respect to a special resolution, while the Companies Act generally requires a quorum of the majority of the total number of voting rights and approval of two-thirds of the voting rights presented at the meeting in connection with any material corporate actions, it allows a company to reduce the quorum for such special resolutions pursuant to its articles of incorporation to one-third (or greater than one-third) of the total number of voting rights. We adopted a quorum of not less than one-third of the total number of voting rights in our articles of incorporation for special resolutions for material corporate actions, such as:

a reduction of the stated capital (except when a company reduces the stated capital within a certain amount as provided for under the Companies Act);

an amendment to our articles of incorporation;

establishment of a 100% parent-subsidiary relationship through a share exchange or share transfer requiring shareholders’ approval;

a dissolution, merger, or consolidation requiring shareholders’ approval;

a company split requiring shareholders’ approval;

a transfer of all or an important part of our business;

a takeover of the entire business of any other corporation requiring shareholders’ approval;

issuance of new shares at a substantially favorable price, or issuance of stock acquisition rights or bonds with stock acquisition rights with substantially favorable conditions, to persons other than our shareholders; and

other material corporate actions provided in the Companies Act.
The Companies Act provides additional specific rights for shareholders owning a substantial number of voting rights.
A shareholder holding 90% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders has the right to demand that all other shareholders sell their shares to such shareholder who holds 90% or more of the voting rights.
Shareholders holding 10% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 10% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for our dissolution.
Shareholders who have held 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders for six months or more have the right to demand the convening of a shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholders who have held 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 3% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, for six months or more have certain rights under the Companies Act, which include the right to:

apply to a competent court for removal of a director or a corporate auditor; and
 
106

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

apply to a competent court for removal of a liquidator.
Shareholders holding 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders have the right to object to the exculpation of a director or a corporate auditor from certain liabilities.
Shareholders holding 3% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 3% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, have certain rights under the Companies Act, which include the right to:

examine our accounting books and documents and make copies of them; and

apply to a competent court for the appointment of an inspector to inspect our operation and/or financial condition.
Shareholders who have held 1% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders for six months or more have the right to apply to a competent court for the appointment of an inspector to review the correctness of the convocation and voting procedures of a shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholders who have held 1% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 300 or more voting rights, for six months or more have the right to demand that certain matters be added to the agenda items at a shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholders holding 1% or more of the total number of voting rights of all shareholders, or 1% or more of the total number of our outstanding shares, have the right to institute a derivative action to enforce the liabilities of directors or corporate auditors of our material subsidiaries that satisfy statutory requirements.
Shareholders who have held any number of shares for six months or more have the right to demand that we take certain actions under the Companies Act, which include the rights to demand:

the institution of an action to enforce the liabilities of our directors or corporate auditors;

the institution of an action to disgorge from a recipient the benefit of a proprietary nature given in relation to the exercise of the right of a shareholder; and

on our behalf, that a director cease an illegal or ultra vires action.
There are no provisions under the Companies Act or our articles of incorporation which forces shareholders to make additional contributions when requested by us.
Under the Companies Act, in order to change the rights of shareholders which are stipulated and defined in our articles of incorporation, we must amend our articles of incorporation. Amendments must, as a general rule, be approved by a special resolution of our shareholders.
Annual meetings and special meetings of shareholders are convened by our Chief Executive Officer based on a resolution of our board of directors. Under our articles of incorporation, shareholders of record as of December 31 of each year have the right to attend our annual shareholders’ meeting. We may, by prescribing a record date, determine the shareholders who are stated or recorded in the shareholder registry on the record date as the shareholders entitled to attend and take action at a special shareholders’ meeting, and in this case, we are required to make a public notice of the record date at least two weeks prior to the record date. A convocation notice will be sent to these shareholders at least two weeks prior to the date of the shareholders’ meeting.
Our Acquisition of our Common Shares
Under applicable laws of Japan, we may acquire our common shares:
(i)
from a specific shareholder (other than any of our subsidiaries), pursuant to a special resolution of a shareholders’ meeting; or
(ii)
from any of our subsidiaries, pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors.
 
107

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
In the case of any acquisition made by way of (i) above, any other shareholder may request within a certain period of time provided under the applicable ordinance of the Ministry of Justice before a shareholders’ meeting that we also purchase the shares held by the requesting shareholder, unless the purchase price or any other consideration to be delivered in exchange for the acquisition of common shares does not exceed the market price of our common shares calculated by the method prescribed in the applicable ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.
In general, an acquisition by us of our common shares must satisfy certain requirements, including that the total amount of the acquisition price may not exceed the distributable amount.
We may hold the common shares which we acquired pursuant to (i) and (ii) above, or we may cancel such shares by a resolution of our board of directors. We may also dispose of such shares pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors, subject to other requirements applicable to the issuance of shares under the Companies Act.
Restrictions on Holders of our Common Shares
There are no restrictions with respect to non-residents of Japan or foreign shareholders holding our common shares or on the exercise of voting rights, except for filing requirements with respect to an acquisition of shares by a Non-Resident of Japan under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act of Japan and related regulations. However, pursuant to a provision of our share handling regulations, a shareholder who does not have an address or residence in Japan is required to file with our transfer agent its temporary address to receive notices in Japan or that of a standing proxy having any address or residence in Japan.
There are no provisions in our articles of incorporation that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving us.
There are no provisions in our articles of incorporation or other subordinated rules regarding an ownership threshold, above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
There are no provisions in our articles of incorporation governing changes in our Company’s capital more stringent than is required by law.
For a description of rights of holders of ADSs, please see the “Description of American Depositary Shares.”
Exchange Controls
The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and related regulations (which we refer to as “FEFTA”) regulate certain transactions involving a “Non-Resident of Japan” or a “Foreign Investor”, including “inward direct investments” by Foreign Investors, and payments from Japan to foreign countries or by residents of Japan to Non-Residents of Japan.
“Non-Residents of Japan” are defined as individuals who are not residents in Japan and corporations whose principal offices are located outside of Japan. Generally, branches and other offices of Japanese corporations which are located outside of Japan are regarded as Non-Residents of Japan, and branches and other offices of non-resident corporations which are located within Japan are regarded as residents of Japan.
“Foreign Investors” are defined as:

individuals who are Non-Residents of Japan;

entities which are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside of Japan;

companies of which 50% or more of their voting rights are held by individuals who are Non-Residents of Japan and/or corporations which are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside of Japan;
 
108

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

partnerships engaging in investment activities and investment limited partnerships (including partnerships formed under the laws of foreign countries) which satisfy one of the following conditions:

50% or more of contributions to the partnership were made by (i) individuals who are Non-Residents of Japan, (ii) entities which are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside of Japan, (iii) companies of which 50% or more of their voting rights are held by individuals who are Non-Residents of Japan and/or corporations which are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside of Japan, (iv) entities a majority of whose officers, or officers having the power of representation, are individuals who are Non-Residents of Japan, or (v) partnerships a majority of whose executive partners fall within items (i) through (iv) above; and

a majority of the executive partners of the partnership are (A) any persons or entities who fall within items (i) through (v) above, (B) any partnerships to which 50% or more of contribution were made by persons or entities who fall within items (i) through (v) above, or (C) limited partnerships a majority of whose executive partners fall within Non-Residents of Japan, persons or entities who fall within (A) or (B), or any officers of entities which fall within (A) or (B).

entities, a majority of whose officers are individuals who are Non-Residents of Japan.
Under FEFTA, among other triggering events, a Foreign Investor who desires to acquire shares in a Japanese company which is not listed on any stock exchange in Japan, is subject to a prior filing requirement, regardless of the acquired amount of shares, if such Japanese company engages any business in certain industries related to the national security. Such industries include, among other things, manufacturing in relation to weapons, aircraft, space, and nuclear power, as well as agriculture, fishery, mining, and utility service. Additionally, due to today’s growing awareness of cybersecurity, the recent amendment to FEFTA expanded the scope of the prior filing requirement, broadly covering industries related to data processing businesses and information and communication technologies service. Since our Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment could potentially involve the processing of data by collecting, processing, and retaining customers’ health information, direct acquisition of our common shares, rather than ADSs, by a Foreign Investor could be subject to the prior filing requirement under FEFTA.
A Foreign Investor wishing to acquire or hold our common shares directly will be required to make a prior filing with the relevant government authorities through the Bank of Japan and wait until clearance for the acquisition is granted by the applicable governmental authorities. Without such clearance, the Foreign Investor will not be permitted to acquire or hold our common shares directly. Once clearance is obtained, the Foreign Investor may acquire shares in the amount and during the period indicated in the filing. While the standard waiting period to obtain clearance is 30 days, the waiting period could be expedited to two weeks, at the discretion of the applicable governmental authorities, depending on the level of potential impact to national security.
In addition to the prior filing requirement above, when a Foreign Investor who completed a prior filing and received clearance has acquired shares in accordance with the filed information, such Foreign Investor will be required to make a post-acquisition notice filing to report the completed purchase. Such post-acquisition notice filing must be made no later than 45 days after the acquisition of the shares.
Under FEFTA, in each case where a resident of Japan receives a single payment of more than JPY 30 million from a Non-Resident of Japan for a transfer of shares in a Japanese company, such resident of Japan is required to report each receipt of payment to the Minister of Finance of Japan.
 
109

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Shares
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS will represent • common shares (or a right to receive • common shares) deposited with MUFG Bank Ltd., as custodian for the depositary in Japan. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property that may be held by the depositary. The deposited shares together with any other securities, cash or other property held by the depositary are referred to as the deposited securities. The depositary’s office at which the ADSs will be administered and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.
You may hold ADSs either (A) directly (i) by having an American Depositary Receipt, also referred to as an ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (ii) by having uncertificated ADSs registered in your name, or (B) indirectly by holding a security entitlement in ADSs through your broker or other financial institution that is a direct or indirect participant in The Depository Trust Company, also called DTC. If you hold ADSs directly, you are a registered ADS holder, also referred to as an ADS holder. This description assumes you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.
Registered holders of uncertificated ADSs will receive statements from the depositary confirming their holdings.
As an ADS holder, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. Japanese law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of our common shares underlying your ADSs. As a registered holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, ADS holders and all other persons indirectly or beneficially holding ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR. For directions on how to obtain copies of those documents, see “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
Dividends and Other Distributions
How will you receive dividends and other distributions on our common shares?
The depositary has agreed to pay or distribute to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on common shares or other deposited securities, upon payment or deduction of its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of common shares your ADSs represent.
Cash.   The depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the common shares into U.S. dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. If that is not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest.
Before making a distribution, any withholding taxes, or other governmental charges that must be paid will be deducted. See “Certain Tax Considerations.” The depositary will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some of the value of the distribution.
 
110

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Shares.   The depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any common shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will sell common shares which would require it to deliver a fraction of an ADS (or ADSs representing those common shares) and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. If the depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent the new common shares. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed common shares (or ADSs representing those common shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution.
Rights to purchase additional shares.   If we offer holders of our common shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may (i) exercise those rights on behalf of ADS holders, (ii) distribute those rights to ADS holders or (iii) sell those rights and distribute the net proceeds to ADS holders, in each case after deduction or upon payment of its fees and expenses. To the extent the depositary does not do any of those things, it will allow the rights to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. The depositary will exercise or distribute rights only if we ask it to and provide satisfactory assurances to the depositary that it is legal to do so. If the depositary will exercise rights, it will purchase the securities to which the rights relate and distribute those securities or, in the case of shares, new ADSs representing the new shares, to subscribing ADS holders, but only if ADS holders have paid the exercise price to the depositary. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute rights or ADSs or other securities issued on exercise of rights to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.
Other distributions.   The depositary will send to ADS holders anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it thinks is legal, fair and practical. If it cannot make the distribution in that way, the depositary has a choice. It may decide to sell what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds, in the same way as it does with cash. Or, it may decide to hold what we distributed, in which case ADSs will also represent the newly distributed property. However, the depositary is not required to distribute any securities (other than ADSs) to ADS holders unless it receives satisfactory evidence from us that it is legal to make that distribution. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed securities or property sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in connection with that distribution. U.S. securities laws may restrict the ability of the depositary to distribute securities to all or certain ADS holders, and the securities distributed may be subject to restrictions on transfer.
The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our common shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
How are ADSs issued?
Subject to the pre-clearance requirement described below, the depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposits our common shares or evidence of rights to receive common shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons that made the deposit.
What are the pre-clearance requirements for Foreign Investors to acquire or hold the underlying common shares directly rather than through the depositary?
Under recent amendments in 2019 to FEFTA, a proposed transferee of our common shares who is a Foreign Investor (as defined under FEFTA) must submit an application for pre-clearance to the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to the transfer of our common shares, which approval may take up to 30 days. Prior to accepting common shares for deposit in return for the issuance of ADSs, the depositary, which is considered a Foreign Investor for purposes of FEFTA, must obtain pre-clearance from the Japanese governmental authority. Accordingly, investors wishing to deposit common shares with the depositary for
 
111

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
the issuance of ADSs should notify the depositary at least 30 days prior to such deposit to allow time for the depositary to apply for any required pre-clearance, if not already obtained. The depositary will not accept any common shares for deposit until any required pre-clearance has been obtained. In addition, any Foreign Investor expecting to receive delivery of our common shares upon surrender of ADSs must also obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting delivery, which approval may take up to 30 days. Accordingly, ADS holders who are Foreign Investors wishing to surrender ADSs for the purpose of withdrawing the underlying deposited common shares should apply for pre-clearance at least 30 days in advance of such surrender. The depositary will not accept surrender of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal of common shares until it receives assurances satisfactory to the depositary that any required pre-clearance for the delivery of the common shares to a Foreign Investor has been obtained.
How can ADS holders withdraw the deposited securities?
Subject to the pre-clearance requirement described above, you may surrender your ADSs to the depositary for the purpose of withdrawal. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver our common shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to the ADS holder or a person the ADS holder designates at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its office, if feasible. However, the depositary is not required to accept surrender of ADSs to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a deposited share or other security. The depositary may charge you a fee and its expenses for instructing the custodian regarding delivery of deposited securities.
How do ADS holders interchange between certificated ADSs and uncertificated ADSs?
You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send to the ADS holder a statement confirming that the ADS holder is the registered holder of uncertificated ADSs. Upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to the ADS holder an ADR evidencing those ADSs.
Voting Rights
How do you vote?
ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote the number of deposited shares their ADSs represent. If we request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions (and we are not required to do so), the depositary will notify you of a shareholders’ meeting and send or make voting materials available to you. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on and explain how ADS holders may instruct the depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they must reach the depositary by a date set by the depositary. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to the laws of Japan and the provisions of our articles of association or similar documents, to vote or to have its agents vote the common shares or other deposited securities as instructed by ADS holders. If we do not request the depositary to solicit your voting instructions, you can still send voting instructions, and, in that case, the depositary may try to vote as you instruct, but it is not required to do so.
Except by instructing the depositary as described above, you won’t be able to exercise voting rights unless you surrender your ADSs and withdraw the common shares. However, you may not know about the meeting enough in advance to withdraw the common shares. The depositary will not exercise any discretion in voting deposited securities and it will only vote or attempt to vote as instructed, with the exception that, under certain circumstances, the depositary may give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the number of ADSs of certain ADS holders.
We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your common shares. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing you can do if your common shares are not voted as you requested.
 
112

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to Deposited Securities, if we request the Depositary to act, we agree to give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted upon at least 45 days in advance of the meeting date.
Fees and Expenses
Persons depositing or withdrawing common
shares or ADS holders must pay:
For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates
$.05 (or less) per ADS Any cash distribution to ADS holders
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been common shares and the common shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities (including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
$.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year Depositary services
Registration or transfer fees Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
Expenses of the depositary
Cable (including SWIFT) and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADSs or common shares underlying ADSs, such as stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities As necessary
The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable (or by selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to us by the depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.
 
113

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates, or the custodian or we may convert currency and pay U.S. dollars to the depositary. Where the depositary converts currency itself or through any of its affiliates, the depositary acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained by it or its affiliate in any currency conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s obligation to act without negligence or bad faith. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions made by the depositary is available upon request. Where the custodian converts currency, the custodian has no obligation to obtain the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or to ensure that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, and the depositary makes no representation that the rate is the most favorable rate and will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate. In certain instances, the depositary may receive dividends or other distributions from the us in U.S. dollars that represent the proceeds of a conversion of foreign currency or translation from foreign currency at a rate that was obtained or determined by us and, in such cases, the depositary will not engage in, or be responsible for, any foreign currency transactions and neither it nor we make any representation that the rate obtained or determined by us is the most favorable rate and neither it nor we will be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.
Payment of Taxes
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until those taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement or Cancellation of Deposited Securities
The depositary will not tender deposited securities in any voluntary tender or exchange offer unless instructed to do so by an ADS holder surrendering ADSs and subject to any conditions or procedures the depositary may establish.
If deposited securities are redeemed for cash in a transaction that is mandatory for the depositary as a holder of deposited securities, the depositary will call for surrender of a corresponding number of ADSs and distribute the net redemption money to the holders of called ADSs upon surrender of those ADSs.
If there is any change in the deposited securities such as a sub-division, combination or other reclassification, or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization affecting the issuer of deposited securities in which the depositary receives new securities in exchange for or in lieu of the old deposited securities, the depositary will hold those replacement securities as deposited securities under the deposit agreement. However, if the depositary decides it would not be lawful and practical to hold the replacement securities because those securities could not be distributed to ADS holders or for any other reason, the depositary may instead sell the replacement securities and distribute the net proceeds upon surrender of the ADSs.
If there is a replacement of the deposited securities and the depositary will continue to hold the replacement securities, the depositary may distribute new ADSs representing the new deposited securities or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities.
 
114

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
If there are no deposited securities underlying ADSs, including if the deposited securities are cancelled, or if the deposited securities underlying ADSs have become apparently worthless, the depositary may call for surrender of those ADSs or cancel those ADSs upon notice to the ADS holders.
Amendment and Termination
How may the deposit agreement be amended?
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADRs without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, or prejudices a substantial right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended.
How may the deposit agreement be terminated?
The depositary will initiate termination of the deposit agreement if we instruct it to do so. The depositary may initiate termination of the deposit agreement if

60 days have passed since the depositary told us it wants to resign but a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment;

we delist the ADSs from an exchange in the United States on which they were listed and do not list the ADSs on another exchange in the United States or make arrangements for trading of ADSs on the U.S. over-the-counter market;

we delist our common shares from an exchange outside the United States on which they were listed and do not list the common shares on another exchange outside the United States;

the depositary has reason to believe the ADSs have become, or will become, ineligible for registration on Form F-6 under the Securities Act;

we appear to be insolvent or enter insolvency proceedings;

all or substantially all the value of the deposited securities has been distributed either in cash or in the form of securities;

there are no deposited securities underlying the ADSs or the underlying deposited securities have become apparently worthless; or

there has been a replacement of deposited securities.
If the deposit agreement will terminate, the depositary will notify ADS holders at least 90 days before the termination date. At any time after the termination date, the depositary may sell the deposited securities. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. Normally, the depositary will sell as soon as practicable after the termination date.
After the termination date and before the depositary sells, ADS holders can still surrender their ADSs and receive delivery of deposited securities, except that the depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing deposited securities or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind that have not settled if it would interfere with the selling process. The depositary may refuse to accept a surrender for the purpose of withdrawing sale proceeds until all the deposited securities have been sold. The depositary will continue to collect distributions on deposited securities, but, after the termination date, the depositary is not required to register any transfer of ADSs or distribute any dividends or other distributions on deposited securities to the ADSs holder (until they surrender their ADSs) or give any notices or perform any other duties under the deposit agreement except as described in this paragraph.
 
115

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Limitations on Obligations and Liability
Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the Depositary; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADSs
The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. We and the depositary:

are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith, and the depositary will not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to holders of ADSs;

are not liable if we are or it is prevented or delayed by law or by events or circumstances beyond our or its ability to prevent or counteract with reasonable care or effort from performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement;

are not liable if we or it exercises discretion permitted under the deposit agreement;

are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement, or for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement;

have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of any other person;

may rely upon any documents we believe or it believes in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person;

are not liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system; and

the depositary has no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to our tax status, or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by ADS holders as a result of owning or holding ADSs or be liable for the inability or failure of an ADS holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit.
In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.
Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before the depositary will deliver or register a transfer of ADSs, make a distribution on ADSs, or permit withdrawal of common shares, the depositary may require:

payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other deposited securities;

satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and

compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents.
The depositary may refuse to deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs when the transfer books of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we think it advisable to do so.
Your Right to Receive the Common shares Underlying your ADSs
ADS holders have the right to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying common shares at any time except:
 
116

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

when temporary delays arise because: (i) the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books; (ii) the transfer of common shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders’ meeting; or (iii) we are paying a dividend on our common shares;

when you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; or

when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of common shares or other deposited securities.
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.
Direct Registration System
In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the Direct Registration System, also referred to as DRS, and Profile Modification System, also referred to as Profile, will apply to the ADSs. DRS is a system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated ADSs and holding of security entitlements in ADSs through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is a feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of a registered holder of uncertificated ADSs, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register that transfer.
In connection with and in accordance with the arrangements and procedures relating to DRS/Profile, the parties to the deposit agreement understand that the depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an ADS holder in requesting registration of transfer and delivery as described in the paragraph above has the actual authority to act on behalf of the ADS holder (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). In the deposit agreement, the parties agree that the depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the depositary through the DRS/Profile system and in accordance with the deposit agreement will not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the depositary.
Shareholder communications; inspection of register of holders of ADSs
The depositary will make available for your inspection at its office all communications that it receives from us as a holder of deposited securities that we make generally available to holders of deposited securities. The depositary will send you copies of those communications or otherwise make those communications available to you if we ask it to. You have a right to inspect the register of holders of ADSs, but not for the purpose of contacting those holders about a matter unrelated to our business or the ADSs.
Jury Trial Waiver
The deposit agreement provides that, to the extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our common shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable in the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable case law. You will not, by agreeing to the terms of the deposit agreement, be deemed to have waived our or the depositary’s compliance with U.S. federal securities laws or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
117

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
SECURITIES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, no public market existed for our common shares or the ADSs. Sales of substantial amounts of the ADSs following this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the ADSs and could impair our future ability to obtain capital, especially through an offering of equity securities. Assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs from us in this offering and assuming no exercise of outstanding stock options following this offering, we will have an aggregate of • common shares outstanding upon completion of this offering. Of these shares, the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless purchased by “affiliates” (as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act), who may sell only the volume of ADSs described below and whose sales would be subject to additional restrictions described below.
The remaining common shares will be held by our existing shareholders. Because substantially all of these shares were sold outside the United States to persons residing outside the United States at the time, they also will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration, except for the restrictions described below and as described under “Description of Share Capital and Articles of Incorporation—Transfer of Shares; Share Ownership Restrictions.” None of the outstanding common shares are subject to such lock-up agreements, except as described below.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 under the Securities Act (which we refer to as “Rule 144”) as in effect on the date hereof, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person who holds restricted shares (assuming there are any restricted shares) and is not one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned such restricted shares for at least six months, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of our common shares, provided that current public information about us is available. In addition, under Rule 144, a person who holds restricted shares and is not one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned such restricted shares for at least one year, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of our common shares immediately upon the closing of this offering without regard to whether current public information about us is available. Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, our affiliates who have beneficially owned our common shares for at least six months are entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

1% of the aggregate number of common shares then outstanding, in the form of ADSs or otherwise, which will equal approximately • common shares immediately after this offering (assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs from us); and

the average weekly trading volume of the ADSs on the NASDAQ Capital Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale; provided that current public information about us is available and such the affiliate complies with the manner of sale requirements imposed by Rule 144.
Upon expiration of the lock-up restrictions described under “Underwriting—No Sales of Similar Securities”, substantially all of our outstanding common shares will either be unrestricted or will be eligible for sale under Rule 144, subject to the Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to our affiliates described above. We cannot estimate the number of our common shares that our existing shareholders will elect to sell.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act (which we refer to as “Rule 701”) as currently in effect, each of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchased, or who purchases, pursuant to an offer made prior to the date hereof, common shares from us in connection with a compensatory share plan or other written agreement, if such purchase or offer, as applicable, was made in accordance with Rule 701, is eligible, beginning 90 days from the date hereof, to resell such shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144. We make no assurance that any such prior purchase or offer was made in accordance with Rule 701.
 
118

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Form S-8 Registration Statements
Following the completion of this offering, we may file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the common shares issued or reserved for issuance under the or any future plan. The registration statement on Form S-8 will become effective automatically upon filing. Common shares (and the ADSs representing such common shares) issued upon exercise of a stock option and registered under the Form S-8 registration statement will, subject to vesting and lock-up provisions, and Rule 144 volume limitations applicable to our affiliates, be available for sale in the open market immediately unless they are subject to the lock-up restrictions described under “Underwriting—No Sales of Similar Securities”, in which case, after the expiration of such lock-up.
THE DISCUSSION ABOVE IS A GENERAL SUMMARY. IT DOES NOT COVER ALL MATTERS RELATING TO SHARE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY BE OF IMPORTANCE TO A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN LEGAL ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR SECURITIES LAWS AND TRANSFER RESTRICTION CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, HOLDING, AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES OR THE ADSs, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.
 
119

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the ownership or disposition of our common shares, including the ADSs. You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any local, state, foreign, including Japan, or other taxing jurisdiction.
Taxation in Japan
Generally, a non-resident of Japan or non-Japanese entity (which we refer to as a “Non-Resident Holder”) is subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by Japanese corporations. Stock splits are not subject to Japanese income tax. A conversion of retained earnings or legal reserve (but not additional paid-in capital, in general) into stated capital (whether made in connection with a stock split or otherwise) is not treated as a deemed dividend payment to shareholders for Japanese tax purposes. Thus, such a conversion does not trigger Japanese withholding taxation (Article 2(16) of the Japanese Corporation Tax Law and Article 8(1)(xiii) of the Japanese Corporation Tax Law Enforcement Order).
Pursuant to the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (which we refer to as the “Treaty”), dividend payments made by a Japanese corporation to a U.S. resident or entity, unless the recipient of the dividend has a “permanent establishment” in Japan, and the common shares or ADSs with respect to which such dividends are paid are effectively connected with such “permanent establishment”, are generally subject to a withholding tax at rate of: (i) 10% for portfolio investors who are qualified U.S. residents eligible for benefits of the Treaty; and (ii) 0% (i.e., no withholding) for pension funds which are qualified U.S. residents eligible for benefits of the Treaty, provided that the dividends are not derived from the carrying on of a business, directly or indirectly, by such pension funds. Japan is a party to a number of income tax treaties, conventions and agreements, (which we refer to collectively as the “Tax Treaties”), whereby the maximum withholding tax rate for dividend payments is set at, in most cases, 15% for portfolio investors who are Non-Resident Holders. Specific countries with which such Tax Treaties have been entered into include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Singapore, and Spain. Japan’s income tax treaties with Australia, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have been amended to generally reduce the maximum withholding tax rate to 10%.
On the other hand, unless one of the applicable Tax Treaties reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax applies, the standard tax rate applicable to dividends paid with respect to listed shares, such as those paid by our Company on shares or ADSs, to Non-Resident Holders is 15% under the Japanese Income Tax Law, except for dividends paid to any individual shareholder who holds 3% or more of the issued shares, in which case the applicable rate is 20% (Article 182(2) of the Japanese Income Tax Law and Article 9-3(1)(i) of the Japanese Special Tax Measures Law, including its relevant temporary provision for these withholding rates). On December 2, 2011, the “Special measures act to secure the financial resources required to implement policy on restoration of the East Japan Earthquake” (Act No. 117 of 2011) was promulgated and special surtax measures on income tax and withholding tax were introduced thereafter to fund the restoration effort for the earthquake. Income tax and withholding tax payers need to pay a surtax, calculated by multiplying the standard tax rate by 2.1% for 25 years starting from January 1, 2013 (which we refer to as “Surtax”). As a result, the withholding tax rate applicable to dividends paid with respect to listed shares to Non-Resident Holders increased to 15.315% (which we refer to as “Withholding Tax Rate”) which is applicable for the period from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2037.
Taking this Withholding Tax Rate into account, the treaty rates such as the 15% rate (or 10% for eligible U.S. residents subject to the Treaty and/or eligible residents subject to other similarly renewed treaties mentioned above) apply, in general, except for dividends paid to any individual holder who holds 3% or more of the total issued shares, in which case the applicable rate is 20.42% (standard tax rate of 20% imposed by Surtax). The treaty rate normally overrides the domestic rate, but due to the so-called “preservation doctrine” under Article 1(2) of the Treaty, and/or due to Article 3-2 of the Special Measures Law for the Income Tax Law, Corporation Tax Law and Local Taxes Law with respect to the Implementation of Tax Treaties, if the tax rate under the domestic tax law is lower than that promulgated under the applicable income tax treaty, then the domestic tax rate is still applicable. Currently, the tax rate under the applicable tax
 
120

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
treaty is lower than that under the domestic tax law and thus the treaty override treatment applies. As such, the tax rate under the Treaty applies for most holders of shares or ADSs who are U.S. residents or entities. In the case where the treaty rate is applicable, no Surtax is imposed, but in order to enjoy the lower treaty rate, the taxpayer must file a treaty application in advance with the Japanese National Tax Agency through our Company. Gains derived from the sale outside Japan of a Japanese corporation’s shares or ADSs by Non-Resident Holders, or from the sale of a Japanese corporation’s shares or ADSs within Japan by a non-resident of Japan as an occasional transaction or by a non-Japanese entity not having a permanent establishment in Japan, are generally not subject to Japanese income or corporation taxes, provided that the seller is a portfolio investor. Japanese inheritance and gift taxes at progressive rates may apply to an individual who has acquired a Japanese corporation’s shares or ADSs as a distributee, legatee or donee.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders
The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our common shares or ADSs by a U.S. holder (as defined below) that acquires our common shares or ADSs in this offering.This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete discussion of all potential tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to acquire common shares or ADSs.
This summary is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the regulations promulgated under the Code (the “U.S. Treasury Regulations”), the income tax treaty between Japan and the United States (the “Treaty”), published rulings of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), published administrative positions of the IRS, and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date hereof. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to any of the U.S. federal income tax considerations described below and, as a result, the IRS could disagree with portions of this discussion.
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the common shares or ADSs that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

an estate the income of which is includable in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) that has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person under the Code.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the common shares or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership and its partners of the ownership and disposition of the common shares or ADSs generally will depend in part on the activities of the partnership and the status of such partners. This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such partner or partnership. Partners of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the common shares or ADSs.
This discussion applies only to a U.S. holder that holds common shares or ADSs as “capital assets” under the Code (generally, property held for investment). Unless otherwise provided, this summary does not discuss reporting requirements. In addition, this discussion does not address any tax consequences other than U.S. federal income tax consequences, such as U.S. state and local tax consequences, U.S. estate and gift tax consequences, and non-U.S. tax consequences, and does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a U.S. holder’s particular circumstances, including alternative
 
121

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
minimum tax consequences, the Medicare tax on certain net investment income, and tax consequences to holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, holders that:

are tax exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax deferred accounts;

are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies;

are brokers or dealers in securities or currencies or holders that are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method;

have a “functional currency” for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is not the U.S. dollar;

own common shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position;

acquire common shares or ADSs in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services;

are partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or investors in such partnerships and entities);

are required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to the common shares or ADSs as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement;

own or will own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our total combined voting power or value;

hold the common shares or ADSs in connection with trade or business conducted outside of the United States or in connection with a permanent establishment or other fixed place of business outside of the United States; or

are former U.S. citizens or former long-term residents of the United States.
Each U.S. holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of U.S. federal taxation to its particular circumstances, and the state, local, non-U.S. and other tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of our common shares or ADSs.
Treatment of ADSs
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder of ADSs generally will be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. The remainder of this discussion assumes that a U.S. holder of our ADSs will be treated in this manner. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of common shares for ADSs generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our company, is classified as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for any taxable year in which, after applying relevant look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of its subsidiaries, either: (i) 50% or more of the value of the corporation’s assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets; or (ii) at least 75% of the corporation’s gross income is passive income. “Passive income” generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. In determining the value and composition of our assets, the cash we raise in this offering will generally be considered to be held for the production of passive income and thus will be considered a passive asset.
The determination of whether a corporation is a PFIC for a taxable year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules that are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, the determination of whether a corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year can only be made after the close of such taxable year. Our PFIC status will depend, in part, on the amount of cash that we raise in this offering and how quickly we utilize the cash in our business. Furthermore, because we may value
 
122

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
our goodwill based on the expected market price of the ADSs in this offering, a decrease in the market price of our ADSs may also cause us to be classified as a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. Based upon the foregoing, it is uncertain whether we will be a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future taxable year.
We must make a separate determination each year as to whether we are a PFIC. As a result, our PFIC status may change. If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold the common shares or ADSs, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you hold such common shares or ADSs. However, if we cease to be a PFIC, provided that you have not made a mark-to-market election, as described below, you may avoid some of the adverse effects of the PFIC regime by making a deemed sale election with respect to the common shares or ADSs, as applicable.
The discussion below under “—Distributions on the Common Shares or ADSs” and “—Sale or Other Disposition of the Common Shares or ADSs” is written on the basis that we will not be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The U.S. federal income tax rules that generally would apply if we are treated as a PFIC are discussed below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
Distributions on the Common Shares or ADSs
The gross amount of any distributions paid on our common shares or ADSs will generally be included in the gross income of a U.S. holder as dividend income on the date actually or constructively received by the U.S. holder, in the case of common shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, but only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (computed on the basis of U.S. federal income tax principles). Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income tax principles, we expect that distributions will generally be reported to U.S. holders as dividends. Dividends received on our common shares or ADSs generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from U.S. corporations.
Individuals and other non-corporate U.S. holders will be subject to tax on any such dividends at the lower capital gains tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income,” provided that certain conditions are satisfied, including that (i) the common shares or ADSs on which the dividends are paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty, (ii) we are not a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to a U.S. holder (as discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend was paid or for the preceding taxable year, and (iii) certain holding period requirements are met. For this purpose, ADSs listed on the NASDAQ will generally be considered to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our common shares or ADSs.
For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid on our common shares or ADSs generally will be treated as foreign source income and generally will constitute passive category income. The amount of a dividend will include any amounts withheld by us in respect of Japanese income taxes. Subject to applicable limitations, some of which vary depending upon the U.S. holder’s particular circumstances, Japanese income taxes withheld from dividends on the common shares or ADSs, at a rate not exceeding any reduced rate pursuant to the Treaty, will be creditable against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. In lieu of claiming a foreign tax credit, U.S. holders may, at their election, deduct foreign taxes, including any Japanese income taxes, in computing their taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law. An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all foreign taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and U.S. holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the creditability or deductibility of foreign taxes in their particular circumstances.
The amount of any dividend paid in Japanese yen will equal the U.S. dollar value of the Japanese yen received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by you, in the case of common shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the Japanese yen are converted into U.S. dollars. If the Japanese yen received as a dividend are converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the Japanese yen received as a dividend are not converted into U.S.
 
123

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder will have a basis in the Japanese yen equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Japanese yen will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
Sale or Other Disposition of the Common Shares or ADSs
A U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of a common share or ADS equal to the difference between the amount realized for the common share or ADS and the holder’s tax basis in the common share or ADS. Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for such common share or ADS was more than one year as of the date of the sale or other disposition. Long-term capital gain recognized by a non-corporate U.S. holder is subject to U.S. federal income tax at rates lower than the rates applicable to ordinary income and short-term capital gains, while short-term capital gains are subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to various limitations. Any gain or loss recognized will generally be U.S. source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, a U.S. holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Japanese tax imposed on the disposition of the common share or ADS unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from non-U.S. sources.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our common shares or ADSs, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the common shares or ADSs, unless you make a mark-to-market election as discussed below. Distributions you receive from us in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions you received from us during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the common shares or ADSs will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:

the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the common shares or ADSs,

the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we became a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and

the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years will be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for you for such year and will be increased by an additional tax calculated as an interest charge on the resulting tax deemed deferred with respect to each such other taxable year at the rates generally applicable to underpayments of tax payable in those years.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder holds our common shares or ADSs and any of our subsidiaries or other corporate entities in which we own equity interests is also a PFIC, such U.S. holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. holder may make a mark-to-market election with respect to our common shares or ADSs, provided such common shares or ADSs are treated as “marketable stock.” The common shares or ADSs generally will be treated as marketable stock if the common shares or ADSs are regularly traded on a “qualified exchange or other market,” as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations. Our ADSs will be marketable stock as long as they remain listed on the NASDAQ, which is a qualified exchange for this purpose, and are regularly traded. We anticipate that our ADSs should qualify as being regularly traded but no assurances can be given in this regard. Only the ADSs and not the common shares will be listed on the NASDAQ. Consequently, a U.S. holder of common shares that are not represented by ADSs generally will not be eligible to make the mark-to-market election.
If a U.S. holder makes a valid mark-to-market election with respect to the ADSs, the holder generally will (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and
 
124

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
(ii) deduct as an ordinary loss in each such taxable year the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but such deduction will only be allowed to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of our ADSs and we cease to be classified as a PFIC, the holder will not be required to take into account the gain or loss described above during any period that we are not classified as a PFIC. If a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election, any gain such U.S. holder recognizes upon the sale or other disposition of our ADSs in a year when we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but such loss will only be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.
Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. holder may continue to be subject to the general PFIC rules described above with respect to such U.S. holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We have not determined whether, if we were to be classified as a PFIC for a taxable year, we will provide information necessary for a U.S. holder to make a “qualified electing fund” election which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs described above. Accordingly, U.S. holders should assume that they will not be able to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to the common shares or ADSs.
If a U.S. holder owns common shares or ADSs during any year in which we are a PFIC, the holder generally must file an annual report containing such information as the U.S. Treasury may require on IRS Form 8621 (or any successor form). A failure to file this report generally will suspend the statute of limitations with respect to any tax return, event, or period to which such report relates (potentially including with respect to items that do not relate to a U.S. holder’s investment in common shares or ADSs).
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules, the elections which may be available to it, and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of common shares or ADSs.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments of dividends or sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless (i) the U.S. holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient, or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. holder provides a correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner. Each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules in their particular circumstances and the availability of and procedures for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding.
Reporting Obligations for Certain Owners of Foreign Financial Assets
Certain U.S. holders may be required to file information returns with respect to their investment in common shares or ADSs. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on individuals who are U.S. holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain thresholds. The definition of “specified foreign financial assets” includes not only financial accounts maintained in non-U.S. financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person, and any interest in a non-U.S. entity.
 
125

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
U.S. holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their common shares or ADSs are held in an account at certain financial institutions.
The discussion of reporting obligations set forth above is not intended to constitute an exhaustive description of all reporting obligations that may apply to a U.S. holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting obligations may result in an extension of the period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting obligation. Penalties for failure to comply with these reporting obligations are substantial. U.S. holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.
U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any reporting obligations that may arise with respect to the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares or the ADSs. Failure to company with applicable reporting requirements could result in substantial penalties.
The foregoing discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations is for general information only and is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares or the ADSs. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences applicable to their particular situations.
 
126

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
UNDERWRITING
We are offering the ADSs described in this prospectus through a number of underwriters. Maxim Group LLC (the “Lead Manager”) is acting as book-running manager of this offering and as the representative of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of ADSs listed next to its name in the following table:
Name
Number of ADSs
Maxim Group LLC
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Total
  •  
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the ADSs offered by us under the underwriting agreement if they purchase any ADSs. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
The underwriters propose to offer the ADSs directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of US$• per ADS. Any such dealers may resell ADSs to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to US$• per ADS from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the ADSs to the public, the public offering price, concession, or any other terms of this offering may be changed.
The underwriters are offering the ADSs subject to their acceptance of the ADSs from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs offered in this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel, or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Sales of any ADSs made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.
Option to Purchase Additional ADSs
The underwriters have an option to buy up to • additional ADSs from us to cover sales of ADSs by the underwriters which exceed the number of ADSs specified in the table above. The underwriters have 45 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option to purchase additional ADSs. If any ADSs are purchased with this option to purchase additional ADSs, the underwriters will purchase ADSs in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional ADSs are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional ADSs on the same terms as those on which the ADSs are being offered.
Commissions and Discounts
The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per ADS less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per ADS. The underwriting fee is US$• per ADS (or US$• per ADS with respect to investors that are company contacts as confirmed by the Lead Manager). The following table shows the per ADS and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ADSs.
 
127

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
With no exercise of
the option to
purchase
additional ADSs
With full exercise
of the option to
purchase
additional ADSs
Per ADS
US$ US$
Per ADS For Company Contacts
US$ US$
Total
US$ US$
We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees, and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately US$•. This amount includes the Lead Manager’s accountable expenses, including fees for the Lead Manager’s legal counsel, that we have agreed to pay at the closing of the offering in an aggregate amount of up to US$•.      .
We have paid an expense deposit of $25,000 to the Lead Manager, which will be applied as a reasonable advance against out-of-pocket accountable expenses actually anticipated to be incurred by the Lead Manager. The advance will be returned to us to the extent not actually incurred in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(c).
Electronic Distribution
In connection with this offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail. A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of ADSs to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
Right of First Participation
For a period of twelve (12) months from the commencement of sales of the offering, the Lead Manager will have a right of first participation to act as underwriter and/or placement agent for any future public or private equity, equity-linked, and debt (excluding commercial bank debt) offerings of the Company’s securities during such period and as exclusive financial advisor with respect to any merger, acquisition, or sale of stock or assets of the Company or any successor to or any subsidiary of the Company or any similar transaction during such period, provided that the foregoing right of first participation does not apply to financing provided by or solicited from any person or entity who is a current holder of our debt or equity securities.
Other Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking, financial advisory and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
 
128

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
No Sales of Similar Securities
We have agreed that we will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any of our common shares, ADSs, or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of our common shares or ADSs, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, loan, disposition, or filing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any of our common shares, ADSs, or any such other securities (regardless of whether any of these transactions are to be settled by the delivery of our common shares, the ADSs, or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), in each case without the prior written consent of the Lead Manager for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, other than the ADSs to be sold in this offering.
The restrictions on our actions, as described above, do not apply to certain transactions, including (i) the issuance of our common shares, ADSs or securities convertible into or exercisable for any of our common shares or ADSs pursuant to the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities or the exercise of warrants or options (including net exercise) or the settlement of RSUs (including net settlement), in each case outstanding on the date of the underwriting agreement and described in this prospectus; (ii) grants of stock options, stock awards, restricted stock, RSUs, or other equity awards and the issuance of our common shares, ADSs or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any of our common shares or ADSs (whether upon the exercise of stock options or otherwise) to our employees, officers, directors, corporate auditors, advisors, or consultants pursuant to the terms of an equity compensation plan in effect as of the closing of this offering and described in this prospectus; or (iii) our filing of any registration statement on Form S-8 relating to securities granted or to be granted pursuant to any plan in effect on the date of the underwriting agreement and described in this prospectus or any assumed benefit plan pursuant to an acquisition or similar strategic transaction.
Our directors, corporate auditors, executive officers and holder(s) of five percent (5%) or more of our outstanding common shares as of the date of this prospectus, (collectively, “lock-up parties”) have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of the lock-up parties, with limited exceptions, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus (such period, the “restricted period”), may not (and may not cause any of their direct or indirect affiliates to), without the prior written consent of the Lead Manager, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our common shares, ADSs, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common shares or ADSs (including, without limitation, our common shares, the ADSs, or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such lock-up parties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant (collectively with our common shares and the ADSs, the “lock-up securities”)), (ii) enter into any lending swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the lock-up securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of lock-up securities, in cash or otherwise, (iii) make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any lock-up securities, or (iv) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. Such persons or entities have further acknowledged that these undertakings preclude them from engaging in any hedging or other transactions or arrangements (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) designed or intended, or which could reasonably be expected to lead to or result in, a sale or disposition or transfer (by any person or entity, whether or not a signatory to such agreement) of any economic consequences of ownership, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, of any lock-up securities, whether any such transaction or arrangement (or instrument provided for thereunder) would be settled by delivery of lock-up securities, in cash or otherwise.
The restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph and contained in the lock-up agreements between the underwriters and the lock-up parties do not apply, subject in certain cases to various conditions, to certain transactions, including (a) transfers of lock-up securities: (i) as bona fide gifts,
 
129

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
or for bona fide estate planning purposes, (ii) by will or intestacy, (iii) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the lock-up party or any immediate family member, (iv) to a partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which the lock-up party and its immediate family members are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests, (v) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv), (vi) in the case of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate of the lock-up party, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the lock-up party or its affiliates or (B) as part of a distribution to members or shareholders of the lock-up party; (vii) by operation of law, (viii) to us from an employee upon death, disability or termination of employment of such employee, (ix) to us in connection with the vesting, settlement or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase our common shares or ADSs (including “net” or “cashless” exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments, or (x) pursuant to a bona fide third party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction approved by our board of directors and made to all shareholders involving a change in control, provided that if such transaction is not completed, all such lock-up securities would remain subject to the restrictions in the immediately preceding paragraph; (b) exercise of the options, settlement of RSUs or other equity awards, or the exercise of warrants granted pursuant to plans described in this prospectus, provided that any lock-up securities received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement would be subject to restrictions similar to those in the immediately preceding paragraph; (c) the conversion of outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock, or convertible securities into our common shares or ADSs or warrants to acquire our common shares or ADSs, provided that any of our common shares or ADSs or warrant received upon such conversion would be subject to restrictions similar to those in the immediately preceding paragraph; (d) the establishment by lock-up parties of trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of lock-up securities during the restricted period; and (e) the sale of the ADSs pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
The Lead Manager, in its sole discretion, may release the securities subject to any of the lock-up agreements with the underwriters described above, in whole or in part at any time.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
NASDAQ listing
We have applied to list the ADSs on NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “MRM.”
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the ADSs is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing the ADSs. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the ADSs, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix, or maintain that price.
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing, and selling ADSs in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the ADSs while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of the ADSs, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of ADSs than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing ADSs on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be “covered” shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional ADSs referred to above, or may be “naked” shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their option to purchase additional ADSs, in whole or in part, or by purchasing ADSs in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of ADSs available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase ADSs through the option to purchase additional ADSs. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the ADSs in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this
 
130

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase ADSs in the open market to cover the position.
The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the ADSs, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase ADSs in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those ADSs as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.
These activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the ADSs or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the ADSs, and, as a result, the price of the ADSs may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on NASDAQ, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the ADSs. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price, we and the representatives of the underwriters expect to consider a number of factors, including:

the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representatives;

our financial information;

our prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

the present state of our development;

an assessment of our management;

our prospects for future earnings;

the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering;

the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common shares of generally comparable companies; and

other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us.
Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for the ADSs, or that the ADSs will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
Selling Restrictions Outside the United States
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
Notice to prospective investors in Japan
The ADSs have not been and will not be registered pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Accordingly, none of the ADSs nor any interest therein may be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any “resident” of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the
 
131

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and any other applicable laws, regulations, and ministerial guidelines of Japan in effect at the relevant time.
 
132

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
EXPENSES RELATED TO THE OFFERING
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses, payable in connection with this offering. All amounts shown are estimates and subject to future contingencies, except the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee, and the NASDAQ Capital Market entry and listing fee.
Description
Amount
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
$    •
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee
   •
NASDAQ Capital Market entry and listing fee
Accounting and Audit fees and expenses
Legal fees and expenses
Blue Sky fees and expenses
Printing expenses
Miscellaneous
Total
$
 
133

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
LEGAL MATTERS
We are being represented by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Los Angeles, California, with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The underwriters are being represented by Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The validity of the common shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering and certain legal matters as to Japanese law will be passed upon for us by Greenberg Traurig Tokyo Law Offices.
EXPERTS
Baker Tilly US, LLP (formerly Squar Milner LLP), independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2019 and 2018, as set forth in their report thereon. Such consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in Registration Statement have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of Baker Tilly US, LLP given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
CHANGES IN CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
On November 1, 2020, the Company was notified that Squar Milner, LLP (“Squar Milner”) an independent registered public accounting firm, was combined with Baker Tilly US, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) in a transaction pursuant to which Squar Milner combined its operations with Baker Tilly and certain of the professional staff and partners of Squar Milner joined Baker Tilly either as employees or partners of Baker Tilly. On November 1, 2020, Squar Milner resigned as the auditors of the Company and with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, Baker Tilly was engaged as its independent registered public accounting firm.
Prior to engaging Baker Tilly, the Company did not consult with Baker Tilly regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or contemplated transaction or regarding the type of audit opinions that might be rendered by Baker Tilly on the Company’s financial statements, and Baker Tilly did not provide any written or oral advice that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue.
The report of independent registered public accounting firm of Squar Milner regarding the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to audit scope or accounting principles. The report included an emphasis paragraph regarding the uncertainty surrounding government shutdowns in response to COVID-19 affecting the Company’s operations and the adoption of the new lease standard.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and during the interim period from the end of the most recently completed fiscal year through November 1, 2020, the date of resignation, there were no disagreements with Squar Milner on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Squar Milner would have caused it to make reference to such disagreement in its reports.
The Company provided Squar Milner with a copy of the disclosures it is making herewith and requested that Squar Milner furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with above statements and, if it does not agree, the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of the letter, dated November 1, 2020, is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated in this prospectus by reference.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are a corporation organized under Japanese law. Most of our directors, corporate auditors and executive officers reside in Japan, and significantly all of our assets and the assets of such persons are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or us, or to enforce against them or us judgments obtained in U.S. courts, whether or not predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or of the securities laws of any state of the United States. There is doubt as to
 
134

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
the enforceability in Japan, either in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely on the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state of the United States.
 
135

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form F-1 under the Securities Act relating to the underlying common shares represented by the ADSs being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules which are part of the registration statement. Some items included in the registration statement have been omitted from this prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information about our Company, our common shares, and the ADSs being offered by this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement, including all amendments, supplements, exhibits, and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see a copy of such contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
You may access and read the registration statement and this prospectus, including the related exhibits and schedules, and any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Internet website that contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public without charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act that are applicable to “foreign private issuers”, and under those requirements will file reports with the SEC. Those other reports or other information may be inspected without charge at the locations described above. As a “foreign private issuer”, we will be exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act related to the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors, corporate auditors, and principal shareholders will be exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales of common shares. In addition, as a “foreign private issuer”, we are also not subject to the requirements of Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Furthermore, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file annual or other reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies that have securities registered under the Exchange Act. As such, we will file with the SEC, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, or such other applicable time as required by the SEC, an annual report on Form 20-F containing financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm. We also intend to furnish to the SEC under cover of Form 6-K certain other material information.
Our corporate website is https://medirom.co.jp/en/. After the consummation of this offering, you may go to our website to access our periodic reports and other information that we file with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely for informational purposes.
 
136

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-9
INDEX TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and
2019
F-42
F-44
F-45
F-46
F-47
F-49
 
F-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Newly Adopted Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 8 to the financial statements, the Company has newly adopted its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2018.
Emphasis of Matter
As more fully discussed in Note 1, Recent Developments and Liquidity, and Note 20, Subsequent Events, since March 2020, the outbreak associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted governments and disrupted business across the world, including the Company’s retail activities. Whereas pursuant to Japan’s governmental directives, the temporary closure of non-essential businesses (including retail operations) was lifted effective May 25, 2020, the Company’ retail stores resumed operations after temporary closure. Further government-requested closures, if any, would adversely impact the Company’s financial position and results of operations. The financial statements do not reflect the effect of this uncertainty. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Squar Milner LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.
Irvine, California
September 10, 2020
 
F-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Yen in thousands, except share data)
December 31,
2019
2018
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
¥ 513,621 ¥ 211,688
Time deposits
38,520 33,020
Accounts receivable-trade, net
337,048 283,001
Accounts receivable-other
428,278 343,205
Due from shareholder
8,266 16,677
Inventories
5,511 6,403
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
47,485 40,044
Total current assets
1,378,729 934,038
Property and equipment, net
168,955 189,058
Goodwill
78,282 63,955
Other intangible assets, net
77,638 76,281
Investments
14,044 51,981
Long-term accounts receivable-other, net
106,208 109,977
Right-of-use asset−operating lease, net
1,829,968 2,083,963
Lease and guarantee deposits
769,104 754,941
Deferred tax assets, net
222,505 228,367
Deferred offering costs
57,509
Other assets
54,523 29,417
Total assets
¥ 4,757,465 ¥ 4,521,978
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
¥ 122,590 ¥ 141,319
Accrued expenses
447,974 378,771
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings
371,570 413,744
Accrued income taxes
17,834 13,634
Advances received
483,124 522,301
Short-term lease liability
704,024 768,196
Other current liabilities
115,573 112,847
Total current liabilities
2,262,689 2,350,812
Long-term borrowings−net of current portion
150,531 342,768
Deposit received
474,388 495,259
Long-term lease liability−net of current portion
1,136,799 1,324,156
Asset retirement obligation
127,411 119,519
Other liabilities
5,589 7,019
Total liabilities
4,157,407 4,639,533
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 17)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Common stock, no par value;
9,999,999 shares authorized; 4,115,000 shares issued and 4,022,500 shares outstanding
at December 31, 2019; 3,765,000 shares issued and 3,672,500 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2018
595,000 245,000
Class A common stock, no par value;
1 share authorized; 1 share issued and 1 share outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018
100 100
Treasury stock, at cost−92,500 common shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018
(3,000) (3,000)
Additional paid-in capital
713,267 363,267
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(278)
Accumulated deficit
(705,309) (722,644)
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)
600,058 (117,555)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)
¥ 4,757,465 ¥ 4,521,978
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Yen in thousands, except share and per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Revenues:
Revenue from directly-operated salons
¥ 2,031,155 ¥ 1,477,985
Franchise revenue
1,833,501 1,870,057
Other revenues
43,608 85,093
Total revenues
3,908,264 3,433,135
Cost of revenues and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue from directly-operated salons
1,912,893 1,416,818
Cost of franchise revenue
1,019,956 1,023,975
Cost of other revenues
24,657 35,474
Selling, general and administrative expenses
871,862 842,822
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
44,546 40,778
Total cost of revenues and operating expenses
3,873,914 3,359,867
Operating income
34,350 73,268
Other income (expense):
Dividend income
2 2
Interest income
1,336 785
Interest expense
(13,591) (15,485)
Gain from bargain purchases
6,487 33,218
Other, net
4,153 133
Total other income (expense)
(1,613) 18,653
Income before income tax expense and equity in earnings (loss) of
investment
32,737 91,921
Income tax expense
15,961 25,252
Equity in earnings (loss) of investment
559 (359)
Net income
¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Net earnings per share
Basic
¥ 4.63 ¥ 18.06
Diluted
¥ 4.06 ¥ 14.04
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
3,747,296 3,672,501
Diluted
4,272,302 4,721,278
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Yen in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Net income
¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
278 (278)
Comprehensive income
¥ 17,613 ¥ 66,032
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Yen in thousands, except share data)
Common stock
Class A
common stock
Treasury stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Accumulated
deficit
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Balance, January 1, 2018
3,765,000 ¥ 245,000 1 ¥ 100 92,500 ¥ (3,000) ¥ 363,118 ¥ ¥ (778,365) ¥ (173,147)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 842
(10,589) (10,589)
Net income
66,310 66,310
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(278) (278)
Stock-based compensation
149 149
Balance, December 31, 2018
3,765,000 245,000 1 100 92,500 (3,000) 363,267 (278) (722,644) (117,555)
Issuance of common shares for
cash
350,000 350,000 350,000 700,000
Net income
17,335 17,335
Foreign currency translation adjustments
278 278
Balance, December 31, 2019
4,115,000 ¥ 595,000 1 ¥ 100 92,500 ¥ (3,000) ¥ 713,267 ¥ ¥ (705,309) ¥ 600,058
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-6

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Yen in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
46,174 44,267
Losses on sales of directly-operated salons to franchisees
9,600 4,057
Provision for bad debt
271 10,237
Stock-based compensation
149
Losses on disposal of property and equipment, net and other intangible assets,
net
4,631 17,627
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
44,546 40,778
Gain from bargain purchases
(6,487) (33,218)
Deferred income tax expense
5,739 18,468
Other non-cash (gains) expense−net
(895) 565
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable-trade, net
(66,877) 30,170
Accounts receivable-other
(36,190) (66,331)
Inventories
892 6,921
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(39,698) (31,357)
Lease and guarantee deposits
(14,163) 35,488
Accounts payable
(18,729) 88,512
Accrued expenses
116,856 (89,935)
Accrued income taxes
4,200 4,510
Advances received
(39,177) 20,654
Other current liabilities
10,226 (9,878)
Deposit received
(20,871) (20,034)
Other assets and other liabilities−net
(9,513) 3,912
Net cash provided by operating activities
7,870 141,872
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of time deposits
(37,900) (40,002)
Proceeds from maturities of time deposits
6,000 82,100
Acquisition of affiliated company securities
(49,240)
Acquisition of investment securities
(13,544) (500)
Acquisition of property and equipment
(7,406) (34,298)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
5,000
Cost additions to internal use software
(12,068) (15,817)
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
2,430
Acquisition of businesses−net of cash acquired
(3,201) (60,271)
Proceeds from due from shareholder
8,412
Payment received on short-term loans receivable
450 2,310
Payment received on long-term accounts receivable-other, net
16,326 33,900
Net cash used in investing activities
¥ (37,931) ¥ (79,388)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
(Yen in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2019
2018
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
¥ 700,000 ¥
Net proceeds from short-term borrowings
180,000
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
90,000
Repayment of long-term borrowings
(234,411) (327,475)
Payment of consideration of business acquisitions
(82,812)
Payment of deferred offering costs
(43,283)
Repayment of corporate bonds
(7,500) (17,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
331,994 (74,475)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
301,933 (11,991)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
211,688 223,679
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
¥ 513,621 ¥ 211,688
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
¥ 11,872 ¥ 17,010
Income taxes
24,344 14,778
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
749,008 766,827
Purchases of intangible assets included in accrued expenses
3,321 791
Acquisition of businesses included in accrued expenses
48,901 111,101
Deferred offering costs included in accrued expenses
14,226
Refer to Note 8, “Leases” for supplemental cash flow information related to MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.’s leases.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-8

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
1.   Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) and its four subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) are one of the leading holistic health services providers in Japan. The Group is a franchiser and operator of healthcare salons across Japan and is a preferred platform partner for large consumer brands, healthcare service providers, and government entities to affect positive health outcomes. The Group primarily engages in two lines of business: Relaxation Salon Segment (retail) and Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment (healthtech). Refer to description below and Note 11 for segment information.
Our Company was originally incorporated in Japan on July 13, 2000 under the name “Kabushiki Kaisha Young Leaves.” In January 2017, we changed our name to “MEDIROM Inc.” In March 2020, our Company’s English name was changed to “MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.”
Relaxation Salon Segment (See Note 11 for segment information)
The Relaxation Salon Segment is the core of our business, whereby we own, develop, operate, or franchise and support relaxation salons. Our salon locations cover major cities throughout Japan, with strong market presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Segment includes several Relaxation Salon brands including Re.Ra.Ku, and as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, it has a total of 283 and 263 salons, respectively. The following table presents total number of salons by operation type:
Number of
Relaxation Salons
2019
2018
Directly-operated
107 116
Franchised
176 147
Total
283 263
See Note 2, “Business Combination” for the number of salons acquired during each year. The results of operations of directly-operated salons converted to franchised salons in sale transactions with franchisees were not material either individually or in the aggregate to the consolidated financial statements.
Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment (See Note 11 for segment information)
The Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment consists of the following operations: sampling business (which includes brand promotion and consumer analysis for third party brands); preventative healthcare services utilizing our digital application and devices; and government-sponsored Specific Health Guidance program, utilizing our internally-developed on-demand health monitoring smartphone application, or Lav®; our MOTHER Tracker® for fitness applications.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in Japanese yen, the currency of the country in which the Group is incorporated and principally operates. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc., Bell Epoc Wellness Inc., Decollte Wellness
 
F-9

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Corporation, and Medirom Human Resources Inc. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in companies over which the Company has significant influence but not control are accounted for by the equity method. The Company evaluates its investments and other significant relationships to determine whether any investee is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). If the Company concludes that an investee is a VIE, the Company evaluates its power to direct the activities of the investee, its obligation to absorb the expected losses of the investee and its right to receive the expected residual returns of the investee to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the investee. If the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company consolidates such entity and reflects the non-controlling interest of other beneficiaries of that entity. There is no VIE where the Company is the primary beneficiary as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Recent Developments and Liquidity
Pursuant to Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statement Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), management evaluates the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date of the financial statements are available for issuance. Management has performed its evaluation as of the date of the accompanying financial statements and determined that, although there are uncertainties, none of these conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
As more fully described in Note 20, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The outbreak is having an impact on the global economy, resulting in rapidly changing market and economic conditions. National and local governments around the world instituted certain measures, including travel bans, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain non-essential businesses, curfews, shelter-in-place orders and recommendations to practice social distancing. The outbreak and associated restrictions that have been implemented have had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and cash flow from operations, similar to many businesses.
In response to this outbreak, the Japanese government issued a Declaration of a State of Emergency (the “Declaration”) on April 7, 2020. The Declaration resulted in a significant reduction in guest traffic at our relaxation salons due to changes in consumer behavior as social distancing practices. On April 21, 2020, the Company announced the temporary closure of almost all of its relaxation salons located across the country until May 6, 2020. The Declaration was lifted in Japan on May 25, 2020, however, other restrictions have been continuously encouraged by the Japanese government. In September 2020, substantially all of the Company’s relaxation salons were in operation.
Because our operating results substantially depend upon our relaxation salon’s revenue volumes and profitability, the two months of idleness in April and May materially impacted our revenue. The Company implemented cost measures to mitigate topline degradation to the business from this pandemic, including reductions in executive and employee compensation and deferral of nonessential spend in order to limit the impact on our operations and financial results. Additionally, in order to further strengthen its cash position and provide financial flexibility in light of the current uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company entered into additional loan agreements with Japan Finance Corporation and Higashi-Nippon Bank, Limited to borrow ¥400,000 thousand collectively. The Company also applied for the subsidy program for employment adjustment by the Japanese government with COVID-19 special treatment, which incentivizes companies to retain their employees. As of August 18, 2020, the Company received ¥76,419 thousand from the subsidy program. The subsidy can help to cover the payroll costs of furloughed employees.
As of this report, the duration and extent of COVID-19’s impact is not reasonably possible to estimate due to the uncertainty about the spread of the virus. This could lead to lower sales, further relaxation salon closures, delays in development of our business, which could continue to materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
F-10

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Whereas management presently expects proceeds from existing loans and subsidies to be sufficient to fund operating needs and existing debt obligations and does not currently expect to require additional capital for the next 12 months, no assurance can be provided as to the ultimate resolution of the foregoing matters and their ultimate impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in the consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts, fair value of intangible assets acquired through business combination, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, asset retirement obligations, valuation of stock-based compensation, and valuation of deferred tax assets. Management bases these estimates on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstance. Actual results may differ from these estimates in future periods when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and additional information becomes available.
Foreign Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of an equity method investee are translated into Japanese yen at the respective year-end exchange rates. All income and expense accounts are translated at weighted average rates. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity (deficit).
Exchange gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions and the conversion of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are included in other income (expenses) in the consolidated statements of income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and time deposits or other highly liquid investments placed with banks or other financial institutions which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use and have original maturities of less than three months. There are no cash equivalents or restricted cash balances for the periods presented.
Time deposits presented in the consolidated balance sheet are short-term investments, these maturities are longer than three months but less than one year.
Accounts Receivable—Trade, Net
The accounts receivable-trade on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets primarily includes accounts receivables from franchisees. The balance is presented net of an allowance for expected losses (i.e., doubtful accounts), primarily related to receivables from the Company’s franchisees. The Company monitors the financial condition of its franchisees and records provisions for estimated losses on receivables when it believes franchisees are unable to make their required payments based on factors such as delinquencies and aging trends. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses incurred related to existing accounts and receivables. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable-trade was ¥22,920 thousand and ¥10,091 thousand, respectively.
Accounts Receivable—Other and Long-Term Accounts Receivable—Other, Net
The accounts receivable—other on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets primarily includes accounts receivable from commercial facility landlords and credit card companies related directly-operated
 
F-11

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
salon’s revenue and franchisee’s revenue collected by these entities on behalf of the Group. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, accounts receivable from commercial facilities and credit card companies of ¥318,474 thousand and ¥290,262 thousand, respectively, are included in the accounts receivable—other on the consolidated balance sheets. Receivable of ¥50,000 for the sale of the Company’s investment in Re.Ra.Ku (Hong Kong) Health Science and Technology Co., Limited is included in the accounts receivable—other as of December 31, 2019.
Long-term accounts receivable—other mainly consists of a non-interest bearing receivable due from an unrelated business entity, with a maturity of March 31, 2037, monthly repayment amounts of ¥1,200 thousand, and the principal balance due of ¥247,450 thousand and ¥262,240 thousand as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company monitors the financial condition of its obligor and records provisions for estimated losses on receivables when it believes the obligors are unable to make their required payments. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related discounts and allowance for doubtful accounts on long-term accounts receivable—other was ¥141,256 thousand and ¥153,814 thousand, respectively.
Concentrations
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash. The Company primarily places its cash with high-credit quality financial institutions. The Company’s cash deposits, of up to ¥10,000 thousand are insured by the Japanese government. From time to time the Company has deposits in excess of the insured amounts.
No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Inventories
Inventories consist principally of merchandise. A portion of inventories are also used for salon services. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined by the first-in, first-out method for merchandise.
Investments
The Company uses the equity method to account for equity investments over which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. The share of earnings or losses of the investee are recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Equity method adjustments include the company’s proportionate share of investee income or loss and other adjustments required by the equity method. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that may have a significant adverse impact on the fair value of the investment. If a loss in value has occurred and is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded. Several factors are reviewed to determine whether a loss has occurred that is other than temporary, including absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, the length and extent of the fair value decline, and the financial condition and future prospects of the investee.
Investments in equity securities, in which the Company does not have significant influence, and for which there is not a readily determinable fair value, are recorded at cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments in the same issuer.
When the Company evaluates whether these non-marketable equity securities are impaired or not, the Company evaluates first whether an event or change in circumstances has occurred in the period that may have significant adverse effect on the fair value of the securities (an impairment indicator).
 
F-12

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The Company uses such impairment indicators as follows:
(1)
A significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee.
(2)
A significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the investee.
(3)
A significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographic area or the industry in which the investee operates.
(4)
A recent example of the new issuance of a security, in which the issue price is less than our cost.
The Company estimates the fair value of the non-marketable equity securities when an impairment indicator is present. The fair value is determined as a result of considering various unobservable inputs which are available to the Company, including expectation of future income of the investees, net asset value of the investees, and material unrealized losses to be considered in assets and liabilities held by the investees. The Company recognizes impairment of non-marketable equity securities when the fair value is below the carrying amount and the decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary.
Leases
The Group adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 Leases (“ASC 842”) early effective January 1, 2018 pursuant to which it considers whether a contract is a lease or if it contains a lease element when a contract is executed. If a contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration, such contract is determined to contain a lease element. When the contract contains a lease element, a lease is either classified as operating lease or finance lease when the Group is a lessee, and a sales-type lease or direct financing lease when the Group is a lessor.
The Group, as a lessee, applies the right-of-use model to account for lease transactions. Under the right-of-use model, right-of-use asset and lease liability are recognized at commencement date. The Group measures its lease liability at present value of future lease payments over the remaining term. The Group uses its incremental borrowing rate for the discount rate to calculate the present value of the payments since it is difficult and not practical to determine the interest rate implicit in the lease. The Group’s incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Right-of-use asset is initially measured as the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any lease payments made to the lessor before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, minus any lease incentives received. When the Group determines a lease term, if a lease contract contains an option to extend its lease term, we are reasonably certain to exercise such option so we include the extending period in its lease term. This is mainly due to the severe economic loss the Group may face for not exercising the right of extension, such as recognizing impairment loss of attached facilities and loss resulting from failure to receive the franchise fee originally obtainable. Initial lease terms are generally between 3 and 10 years.
For operating leases, the Group recognizes the minimum lease payments where it is the lessee and the minimum lease income where it is the lessor on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and reflects them as rental expenses and rental revenues, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income.
Operating rental expense includes amortization of right-of-use assets and interests on lease liability. Variable lease expenses are primarily linked to sales and are excluded from the measurement of lease liability.
Rental expenses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income based on the nature of the underlying lease. Rental expense related to leases for directly-operated salons and for leased properties that are subsequently subleased to franchisees are recorded to “Cost of franchise revenue,” and rental expense related to leases for corporate offices is recorded to “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”
 
F-13

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Rental income for operating leases on properties subleased to franchisees is recorded to “Franchise revenue”. Terms and conditions of the sublease agreements are arranged to pass through lease obligations under head leases to the franchisees. Sublease income is presented on a gross basis on the accompanying consolidated statements of income, as the Company remains the primary obligor.
For newly executed contracts, renewal and revision related to leases, estimates and certain assumptions are used to determine asset value, useful lives, discount rate, lease term, etc. and these have effects on (1) classification of lease, (2) measurement of rental payments and (3) measurement of lease asset. These results may differ if varying estimates and assumptions are used.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed principally using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the assets.
The useful lives for depreciation by major asset classes are as follows:
Leasehold improvements Lesser of 10 years or the remaining lease term
Vehicles 6 years
Tools, furniture and fixtures 2−10 years
Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other intangible assets with finite useful lives consist primarily of capitalized software and reacquired franchise rights. The Company capitalizes both eligible internal and external costs of developing or obtaining computer software for internal use. Costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage are capitalized until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Costs related to data conversion, training and maintenance costs associated with internal-use software are expensed as incurred. Capitalized software is amortized over the estimated useful life (3-5 years) using the straight-line method. The Company amortizes the fair value of reacquired franchise rights over the remaining contractual terms of the reacquired franchise rights at the time of the acquisition, which generally range from 1-5 years. Other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives consist primarily of trademarks that are generally recorded in connection with business combinations at their fair value.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Excluding Goodwill
The Company assesses impairment of long-lived assets at the individual salon level, as this is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other groups of assets and liabilities. The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets or a related group of assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are considered to be impaired when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition are less than their carrying values. The impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. In determining the fair value, the Company uses present value techniques, if appropriate, based on the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual dispositions. During 2019, long-lived assets impairment charges related to continuing operations of ¥9,825 thousand and ¥34,721 thousand were recorded on property and equipment and right-of-use asset—operating leases, respectively. During 2018, long-lived assets impairment charges related to continuing operations of ¥4,315 thousand and ¥36,463 thousand were recorded on property and equipment and right-of-use asset—operating leases, respectively.
 
F-14

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and assumed in business combinations. The Company generally records goodwill in connection with the acquisition of relaxation salons from franchisees. Upon the sale of relaxation salons to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. Goodwill and intangible assets that are deemed to have indefinite useful lives are subject to impairment testing. Impairment testing is performed annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Goodwill impairment assessments are performed at the reporting unit level, which is the same as the Company’s operating segments. The Company utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary. If a step one test is considered necessary based on the qualitative factors, the Company compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The carrying value of each reporting unit is based on the assets and liabilities associated with the operations of the reporting unit. The Company calculates estimated fair values of the reporting units based on discounted future cash flows utilizing estimates in annual revenue, service and product margins, fixed expense rates, allocated corporate overhead, directly-operated and franchise salon counts, and long-term growth rates for determining terminal value. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a loss will be recorded for the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit over the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company did not recognize impairment losses for any goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Deferred Offering Costs
Deferred offering costs, which consist of direct incremental legal, consulting, accounting and other fees relating to the Company’s initial public offering (IPO), are capitalized and will be reclassified to additional paid-in capital (a component of capital surplus) as a reduction from the IPO proceeds. Other incremental organization costs are expensed as incurred. In the event the IPO is aborted, deferred offering costs will be expensed immediately. As of December 31, 2019, there were ¥57,509 thousand of deferred offering costs capitalized in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2018, there were no capitalized deferred offering costs in the consolidated balance sheet.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company records asset retirement obligations when the obligation is incurred. The obligation is measured at fair value and included in Non-current liabilities. When the liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizes the related cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the asset’s useful life.
Revenue Recognition
The Company currently recognizes revenue under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Topic 605 Revenue Recognition as an emerging growth company and expects to implement ASC 606—Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for the year ending December 31, 2020. See “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted”. The Company’s revenues consist of the following:
Revenue from Directly-Operated Salons
Revenues from directly-operated salons are recognized when services are provided at the salons.
Franchise Revenue
Franchise Revenue is comprised of (i) franchise fees and royalty income, (ii) staffing service revenue, and (iii) sublease revenue. The Company and the franchisee enter into a franchise agreement which sets forth the standard terms and conditions of operating the franchised salon, as well as the fees and royalties over the term of the agreement. In most cases, an outsourcing agreement is also entered into in conjunction
 
F-15

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
with the franchise agreement that specifies the terms of the sublease arrangement with the franchisee. Upon the franchisee’s request, the Company’s therapists are dispatched to franchise locations and franchisees must pay dispatch fees in accordance with the dispatched employees’ position.
The Company receives the entire non-refundable initial franchise fees from the franchisee based on the franchise agreement and collects royalties, an amount calculated by multiplying a certain percentage to gross sales, on a monthly basis. The franchise agreement typically has an initial term of five years. The franchise agreement can be renewed prior to expiration by mutual consent and renewal franchise fees are paid by the franchisee upon renewal of agreement. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the franchised relaxation salon is opened as all material services and conditions related to the initial franchise fee have been substantially performed by the opening date. Royalties are recognized as revenues based on the monthly royalty earned where such amount is determined on the basis of gross sales made from each salon. Renewal franchise fees are basically recognized as revenues at the beginning of the renewal term. The Company leases the premises in which the majority of its franchisees operate, where the Company retains the head lease primary obligation, and has entered into corresponding sublease arrangements with franchisees. Revenues from sublease transactions with franchisees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms, or at the time of the underlying sales for variable lease payments, in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases.” The Company also generates revenue from providing its therapists to franchisees, which are recognized as revenues based on the total number of working hours of the agency worker during the dispatched period.
Franchise Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Franchise fee and royalty income
¥ 800,110 ¥ 877,947
Staffing service revenue
425,711 410,788
Sublease revenue
607,680 581,322
Total
¥ 1,833,501 ¥ 1,870,057
Other Revenues
Other revenues are primarily from the Digital Preventive Healthcare segment, which include revenues from distributing promotional items at salons at the request of third parties (Real Media), serving implementation of health and wellness programs (Specific Health Guidance Program), and are recognized when services are provided. Health monitoring wearable device service (MOTHER Tracker®) is still at the development stage and as such generates no revenue.
Revenue is recognized net of consumption tax collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are recorded in “Selling, general and administration expenses”. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were ¥77,911 thousand and ¥71,214 thousand, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments at the fair value of the award on the grant date and recognizes the cost over the requisite service period which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Compensation
 
F-16

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards which are expected to be vested. The Company uses option pricing methods that require the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected term, expected volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes and tax loss carryforwards. These deferred taxes are measured using the currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences or tax loss carryforwards and tax credits are expected to reverse.
Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. The Company recognizes the financial statement effect of uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax positions will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Benefits from tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits are included in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per common share are presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. Basic net income attributable to the Company per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted net income attributable to the Company per common share reflects the potential dilutive effect of stock options. (See Note 14)
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Leases
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective method, reflecting an immaterial cumulative effect as an adjustment to retained earnings. ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize operating lease right-of-use assets, representing their right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities on the balance sheet.
The Company elected the permitted practical expedients not to reassess the following related to leases that commenced before the effective date of ASC 842:
(i)
whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases;
(ii)
the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and
(iii)
initial direct costs for any existing leases.
The Company also elected the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining lease term and assessment of impairment of right-of-use assets. Upon adoption, the Company recorded right-of-use assets of ¥2,197,493 thousand and lease liabilities of ¥2,168,096 thousand on January 1, 2018. The difference between the value of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities is due to the reclassification of existing deferred rent and unamortized lease incentives as of January 1, 2018. The Company further elected to apply the short-term lease recognition exemption for all equipment and office leases. Under this practical expedient, for those leases that qualify, we did not recognize right-of-use assets or liabilities, which included not recognizing right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition.
 
F-17

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-01 (ASC Subtopic 825-10), Financial Instruments—Overall Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, as amended by ASU 2018-03, Financial Instruments—Overall: Technical Correction and Improvements, issued in February 2018. The amendments in these ASUs require entities to measure all equity investments at fair value with changes recognized through net income. Additionally, the amendments eliminate certain disclosure requirements related to financial instruments measured at amortized cost and add disclosures related to the measurement categories of financial assets and financial liabilities. For equity investments without readily determinable fair value, the Company elected the measurement method as cost, less impairments, and adjusted up or down based on observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment in the same issuer. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Business Combinations
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a “business” with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-01 on January 1, 2018, which resulted in the classification of certain transactions in 2018 and 2019 as business combinations. See further discussion in Note 2.
Stock Compensation
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and an entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. The Company has elected to estimate expected forfeitures. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). ASU 2017-09 provides clarification when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as a modification. The new guidance requires modification accounting if the fair value, vesting condition or the classification of the award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Statement of Cash Flows
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The amendment provides updated guidance on eight specific cash flow issues, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from settlement of insurance claims and corporate-owned life insurance, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization
 
F-18

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Goodwill Impairment
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by removing step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires the determination of the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit. The new guidance requires goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company early adopted the amendment in 2018. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Derivatives and Hedging
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). ASU 2017-12 simplifies hedge accounting through changes to both designation and measurement requirements. For hedges that qualify as highly effective, the new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and record hedge ineffectiveness with the entire change in fair value of designated hedge reported in the results of operations in the same line item as the hedged item. The Company early adopted this standard in 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard provides principles for recognizing revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In June 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-05, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Leases (Topic 842)-Effective Dates for Certain Entities. The standard permits private entities that have not yet issued their financial statements or made financial statements available for issuance as of June 3, 2020 to adopt Topic 606 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. As a result, Topic 606 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning in 2020 and for interim periods beginning in 2021. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. A final decision regarding the adoption method has not been finalized at this time. The Company is continuing to assess all potential impacts of adoption. However, based on its preliminary assessment, it currently believes the most significant impact relates to the timing of franchise fees recognition. Under the new guidance, initial franchise fees and renewal franchise fees from franchisees will be recognized over the term of the related franchise agreements. This guidance is not expected to impact recognition of revenue from salon service or product sales or recognition of continuing royalty revenues from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales. The Company is currently finalizing its assessment of the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
 
F-19

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including accounts receivable, upon initial recognition of that financial asset using a forward-looking expected loss model, rather than an incurred loss model. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). The standard defers the effective dates of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, non-SEC filers and all other companies. As a result, Topic 326 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning in 2023. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. This amendment provides updates to the disclosure requirements on fair value measures in Topic 820 which includes the changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, the option of additional quantitative information surrounding unobservable inputs and the elimination of disclosures around the valuation processes for Level 3 measurements. The new standard is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019. The effective date for the Company will be January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
2.   Business Combination
Acquisition of Decollte Wellness’s shares
On October 1, 2018, the Company acquired control of Decollte Wellness by purchasing all outstanding shares for cash consideration of ¥6,000 thousand. As a result, each brand salon held by Decollte Wellness has become part of directly-operated salons. The cash consideration paid in this transaction, net of cash received, is included within “Acquisition of businesses—net of cash acquired” in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows. The acquisition was accounted for by the acquisition method. Acquisition related costs were recognized as expenses when incurred, which were immaterial in amount. The purchase price allocation was based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date.
 
F-20

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date were as follows:
Thousands
of Yen
Fair value of
assets / liabilities
Cash and cash equivalents
¥ 7,124
Other current assets
156
Property and equipment, net
19,981
Right-of-use asset−operating lease, net
126,178
Lease and guarantee deposits
23,339
Deferred tax assets
1,043
Other assets
124
Total assets acquired
177,945
Accrued expenses
(5,500)
Advances received
(1,813)
Other current liabilities
(1,212)
Long-term lease liability
(125,338)
Asset retirement obligations
(16,992)
Total liabilities assumed
(150,855)
Net assets assumed
27,090
Fair value of the consideration transferred
6,000
Gain from bargain purchase
¥ 21,090
The Company recognized the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the fair value of the consideration transferred as a gain from bargain purchase of ¥21,090 thousand in 2018, which is separately presented in the consolidated statements of income. The Seller made the strategic decision to withdraw from the relaxation business entirely, as it was a non-core business and not sustainable for them. Rather than discontinue the operations of the business, the Seller looked to quickly sell and was unable to market the business to multiple bidders, causing the Seller to enter into an exclusivity agreement with the Company which resulted in a distressed sale.
The amount of revenue and earnings from the acquisition included in the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was not material. Disclosure of pro-forma information is omitted as the acquisition is expected to have no material impact.
Acquisition of relaxation salons
During 2019 and 2018, the Company acquired 17 relaxation salons and 62 relaxation salons for cash consideration of ¥23,813 thousand and ¥148,992 thousand, respectively. The cash consideration paid in these transactions is included within “Acquisition of businesses—net of cash acquired” in the investing activities, “Payment of consideration of business acquisitions’’ in the financing activities and “Acquisition of businesses included in accrued expenses” in the non-cash investing and financing activities sections of the consolidated statements of cash flows. The acquisitions were accounted for by the acquisition method. Acquisition related costs were recognized as expenses when incurred, which were immaterial in amount. The results of operations, and assets and liabilities, of these relaxation salons were included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation was based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date.
 
F-21

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date were as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Fair value of
assets/liabilities
2019
2018
Property and equipment−net
¥ 27,567 ¥ 108,916
Right-of-use asset−operating lease, net
241,221
Goodwill
22,156 44,770
Intangible assets
6,519 46,905
Lease and guarantee deposits
61,240
Total assets acquired
56,242 503,052
Short-term lease liability
(241,221)
Asset retirement obligation
(25,942) (100,711)
Total liabilities assumed
(25,942) (341,932)
Net assets assumed
30,300 161,120
Fair value of the consideration transferred
23,813 148,992
Gain from bargain purchases
¥ 6,487 ¥ 12,128
The goodwill recorded primarily relates to the sales growth potential of the relaxation salons acquired and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Intangible assets in the table above consist of reacquired franchise rights and trademarks, fair values of which were estimated using the relief from royalty method with Level 3 unobservable inputs. The amount of reacquired franchise rights was ¥6,519 thousand and ¥7,983 thousand in 2019 and 2018 respectively. Reacquired franchise rights are subject to amortization, amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately three years. Trademarks of ¥38,922 thousand acquired in 2018 have an indefinite life and are not amortized.
On some relaxation salons acquired, the Company recognized the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the fair value of the consideration transferred as a gain from bargain purchases of ¥6,487 thousand and ¥12,128 thousand in 2019 and 2018 respectively, which is separately presented in the consolidated statements of income. In the case of the bargain purchase gain, the seller of franchisee wanted to cease their franchise business and reached out to the Company to sell the franchise. Most of the time, the franchisee wants to sell because the studio is not generating profit or for other financial reasons.
The amount of revenue from the acquired relaxation salons included in the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was ¥799,788 thousand and ¥608,293 thousand, respectively. The amount of earnings from the acquired relaxation salons included in the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was ¥107,145 thousand and ¥48,300 thousand, respectively. Disclosure of pro forma information is omitted as the information is not easily available.
 
F-22

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
3.   Property and Equipment, Net
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, property and equipment consist of the following:
Thousands of Yen
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Leasehold improvements
¥ 215,524 ¥ 231,760
Vehicles
7,786 7,786
Tools, furniture and fixtures
19,755 21,698
Total
243,065 261,244
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(74,110) (72,186)
¥ 168,955 ¥ 189,058
Depreciation and amortization expense was ¥29,557 thousand and ¥34,607 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized impairment loss of ¥9,825 thousand and ¥4,315 thousand, respectively, on leasehold improvements used in certain relaxation salons. The Company conducted strategic reviews of its future profitability forecast. Following these reviews, the Company reduced the corresponding estimated future cash flows of these assets and the estimated ability to recover the carrying amount of the long-lived assets within the period applicable to the impairment determination, resulting in the impairment charges.
4.   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
The components of intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Software for internal use
¥ 54,710 ¥ 41,020
Reacquired franchise rights
9,802 7,860
Other
10,750 10,750
Total
75,262 59,630
Accumulated amortization
(36,694) (22,419)
Net carrying amount
38,568 37,211
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Trademark
38,922 38,922
Goodwill
78,282 63,955
Telephone rights
148 148
Total
117,352 103,025
Total intangible assets
¥ 155,920 ¥ 140,236
The aggregate amortization expense was ¥16,617 thousand and ¥9,660 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
F-23

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for other intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020
¥ 16,410
2021
13,514
2022
5,362
2023
1,740
2024
1,392
Thereafter
150
Total
¥ 38,568
The following table shows changes in carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Thousands of Yen
Balance at January 1, 2018
Goodwill
¥ 22,645
Acquisitions of relaxation salons*
44,770
Sales of directly-operated salons to franchisees
(3,460)
Balance at December 31, 2018
Goodwill
63,955
Acquisitions of relaxation salons*
22,156
Sales of directly-operated salons to franchisees, and disposal of relaxation salons
(7,829)
Balance at December 31, 2019
Goodwill
¥ 78,282
*
Acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 relate to relaxation salon acquisitions in the Relaxation Salon Segment. Refer to Note 2.
No impairment losses were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
5.   Investment
Equity Method Investments
The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:
Ownership
2019
2018
Re.Ra.Ku (Hongkong) Health Science and Technology Co., Limited
44.0%
In June 2018, the Company acquired 44.0% shares in Re.Ra.Ku (Hong Kong) Health Science for ¥49,240 thousand. In December 2019, the Company sold all of its investment in Re.Ra.Ku (Hong Kong) Health Science and Technology Co., Limited, for ¥50,000 thousand, for a gain of ¥559 thousand.
 
F-24

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Disclosure of summary financial information for the equity method investment is omitted as the investment is expected to have no material impact.
Investment at Cost
The carrying amount of non-marketable securities are recorded at cost as fair value is not readily determinable. The amount is ¥14,044 thousand and ¥3,500 thousand as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company did not recognize any impairment during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The breakdown of non-marketable securities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Carrying amount
Thousands of Yen
Ownership
2019
2018
2019
2018
Matrix Industries, Inc.
¥ 5,544 ¥ 14.3%
Kabushiki Kaisha ReRaKu WEST
3,000 3,000 16.6% 16.6%
Other
5,500 500
Total
¥ 14,044 ¥ 3,500
6.   Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Borrowings
The Company has short-term borrowings from a Japanese financial institution, with a principal balance of ¥180,000 thousand outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The unsecured short-term borrowings accrue interest, compounded annually, using a fixed interest rate of 2.35%. As of December 31, 2019, the term of notes is three months, the maturity date of which is February 28, 2020. The current maturity date of these notes as of the date of this report is November 30, 2020. The Company generally renews these short-term borrowings on a short-term basis, which is three to six months, based on the Company’s assessment on the borrowing conditions including interest rate and term, and any unpaid principal when the amount is unchanged, and accrued is prepaid on every renewal day.
The Company has long-term loans with Japanese financial institutions. The long-term loans are unsecured. Some long-term loans are guaranteed by Credit Guarantee Association, a Japanese governmental affiliate agency which supplements private companies with credit. The long-term loan accrues interest using fixed interest rates of 0.61%−3.30% per annum as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Debt issuance costs related to these borrowings are immaterial.
Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follow:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Unsecured bank loans (Due through 2025 with weighted average interest
rates of 1.74% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively)
¥ 342,101 ¥ 576,512
Current portion of long-term borrowings
(191,570) (233,744)
Total long-term borrowings
¥ 150,531 ¥ 342,768
 
F-25

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The following is a summary of maturities of long-term borrowings subsequent to December 31, 2019:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020
¥ 191,570
2021
91,081
2022
25,970
2023
19,698
2024
9,732
2025
4,050
Total
¥ 342,101
Both short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings are primarily made under general agreements, which are to provide security and guarantees for present and future indebtedness or to secure a guarantor upon request of the bank, and that the banks shall have the right to offset cash deposits against any debts and obligations that have become due or, in the case of default, against all obligations to the banks. Kouji Eguchi, the representative director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 48.04% of common stock and all Class A common stock), is a guarantor with respect to some of these borrowings. None of the loan agreements contain any financial covenants.
7.   Asset Retirement Obligation
Asset retirement obligation primarily consists of estimated costs arising from a contractual obligation to a landlord to remove leasehold improvements from leased properties at the end of the lease contracts for its headquarters and directly-operated salons.
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of asset retirement obligation for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Beginning balance
¥ 119,519 ¥ 46,539
Liabilities incurred
63,623 118,832
Liabilities settled
(55,954) (46,059)
Accretion expense
223 207
Ending balance
¥ 127,411 ¥ 119,519
8.   Leases
The Group mainly leases commercial space for its relaxation salon from external third parties, which are either operated by the Company or a franchisee and also enters into contracts with franchisees subleasing partial spaces of leased properties under the terms and conditions that are substantially the same as the head lease contracts. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Group had 220 and 230 leased salons, respectively, of which 165 and 140 salons, respectively, were subleased.
Operating Leases
Lessee
There are no lease transactions classified as finance leases for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
 
F-26

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The table below summarizes the components of operating lease costs related to operating leases:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Fixed lease cost(a)
¥ 851,555 ¥ 817,288
Variable lease cost(b)
30,901 28,774
Short-term cost
10,979 31,691
Total
¥ 893,435 ¥ 877,753
(a)
This includes the amount of ¥580,074 thousand and ¥557,579 thousand recoverable from subleasees for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(b)
This includes the amount of ¥27,606 thousand and ¥23,744 thousand recoverable from subleasees for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
There are no sale-and leaseback transactions conducted in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Supplementary information on cash flow and other information for leasing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows
¥ 375,270 ¥ 337,293
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
749,008 766,827
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
3.3 3.6
Weighted average discount rate
1.45% 1.45%
Maturity analysis of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases subsequent to December 31, 2019 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020
¥ 708,552
2021
560,080
2022
346,190
2023
143,012
2024
69,596
2025 and thereafter
62,130
Total
1,889,560
Less: Interest component
(48,737)
Present value of minimum lease payments
¥ 1,840,823
The amount of ¥704,024 thousand and ¥1,136,799 thousand of the discounted present value of minimum lease payment are included in “Short-term lease liability” and “Long-term lease liability—net of current portion”, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
F-27

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Subleases
The Group leases space from commercial facility landlords which in turn it subleases to certain franchisees of its relaxation salons. Sublease revenues are as follows for the years ended December 31 and included in franchise revenues:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Fixed sublease income
¥ 580,074 ¥ 557,579
Variable sublease income
27,606 23,743
Total
¥ 607,680 ¥ 581,322
Expected future minimum lease collections to be received under non-cancellable subleases subsequent to December 31, 2019 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020
¥ 494,567
2021
392,987
2022
229,180
2023
108,298
2024
46,114
2025 and thereafter
34,994
Total
¥ 1,306,140
There are no lease transactions classified as sale-type leases and direct financing leases for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
9.   Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock and Class A common stock
The Company’s capital consists of common stock and Class A common stock.
The same rights are granted to common stock and Class A common stock on the right to claim a dividend and to claim a liquidation distribution.
Class A common stock is entitled to no voting rights at ordinary shareholder’s meetings. However, when the Company makes decisions on the following matters stipulated in laws or regulations or the articles of incorporation that need to be approved by the resolution of the Board of Directors, in addition, the Company needs approval at the Class General Meetings of respective shareholders, which is constituted by the shareholders of Class A common stock.
1.
Subject to a demand for sale of treasury stock from inheritors;
2.
Reverse stock split, stock split, issuance of stock and issuance of stock acquisition right;
3.
Dismissal of the Company’s corporate auditor (See Note 19);
4.
Decrease of common stock;
5.
Dividend paid in property other than money;
 
F-28

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
6.
Change in the articles of incorporation, business transfer, dissolution and liquidation of the Company; and
7.
Organizational change, merger, stock exchange and stock transfer;
All issued Class A common stock are held by the Company’s representative director, Kouji Eguchi. The holders of Class A common share can claim anytime to acquire Class A common share at market price.
Japanese companies are subject to the Companies Act of Japan (the “Companies Act”). The significant provisions in the Companies Act that affect financial and accounting matters are summarized below:
Common stock
Under the Companies Act, issuances of common stock are required to be credited to the common stock account for at least 50% of the proceeds and to the additional paid-in capital account for the remaining amounts.
Dividends
Under the Companies Act, companies can pay dividends at any time during the year in addition to the year-end dividend upon resolution at the shareholders meeting. The Companies Act permits companies to distribute dividends-in-kind (non-cash assets) to shareholder’s subject to certain limitations and additional requirements. Semiannual interim dividends may also be paid once a year upon resolution by the Board of Directors if the articles of incorporation of the company so stipulate. The Companies Act provides certain limitations on the amounts available for dividends or the purchase of treasury stock. The limitation is defined as the amount available for distribution to the shareholders, but the amount of net assets after dividends must be maintained at no less than ¥3 million.
Increases / decreases and transfer of common stock, reserve and surplus
The Companies Act requires that an amount equal to 10% of dividends must be appropriated as legal reserve (a component of retained earnings) or as additional paid-in capital (a component of capital surplus) depending on the equity account charged upon the payment of such dividends until the total of the aggregate amount of legal reserve and additional paid-in capital equals 25% of common stock. Under the Companies Act, the total amount of additional paid-in capital and legal reserve may be reversed without limitation. The Companies Act also provides that common stock, legal reserve, additional paid-in capital, and other capital surplus and retained earnings can be transferred among the accounts under certain conditions upon resolution of the shareholders.
Treasury Stock
The Companies Act also provides for companies to purchase treasury stock and dispose of such treasury stock by resolution of the Board of Directors. The amount of treasury stock purchased cannot exceed the amount available for distribution to the shareholders which is determined by a specific formula.
10.   Stock-based Compensation
The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant of the purchase rights using the Binomial option-pricing model. Binomial option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions such as the expected stock price volatility and the expected period until options are exercised.
According to the resolutions at the general meetings of shareholders held in December 2015, as Fourth Series of Stock Subscription Rights, stock options to purchase 1,539,500 shares of common stock were granted to the Company’s director and the Company’s corporate auditor (See Note 19) on December 21,
 
F-29

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
2015. The exercise term of stock options is 8 years commencing from December 22, 2017 and they must hold positions in the Company at the time of exercise to exercise their rights. The stock option’s fair value as of grant date was ¥2.45 per share. The exercise price of the stock option is ¥400 per share.
According to the resolutions at the general meetings of shareholders held in December 2015, as Fifth Series of Stock Subscription Rights, stock options to purchase 285,500 shares of common stock were granted to the Company’s employees on December 21, 2015. The exercise term of stock options is 8 years commencing from December 22, 2017 and they must be employed by the Company at the time of exercise to exercise their rights. The stock option’s fair value as of grant date is ¥2.96 per share. The exercise price of the stock option was ¥400 per share.
According to the resolutions at the general meetings of shareholders held in December 2016, as Sixth Series of Stock Subscription Rights, stock options to purchase 230,000 shares of common stock were granted to the Company’s corporate auditor (See Note 19) on December 21, 2016. The exercise term of stock options is 8 years commencing from December 22, 2018 and they must hold positions in the Company at the time of exercise to exercise their rights. The stock option’s fair value as of grant date is ¥0.67 per share. The exercise price of the stock option was ¥2,000 per share.
According to the resolutions at the general meetings of shareholders held in December 2016, as Seventh Series of Stock Subscription Rights, stock options to purchase 174,000 shares of common stock were granted to the Company’s employees on December 21, 2016. The exercise term of stock options is 8 years commencing from December 22, 2018 and they must be employed by the Company at the time of exercise to exercise their rights. The stock option’s fair value as of grant date was ¥0.82 per share. The exercise price of the stock option is ¥2,000 per share.
The Company did not grant any stock options during 2019 and 2018.
A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock option plans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below:
Yen
Years
Thousands of Yen
Number of
shares
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
2,120,500 ¥ 705 7.9 ¥    ―
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired
1,571,000 409
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
549,500 1,552 7.6
Exercisable at December 31, 2018
549,500 1,552 7.6
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Expired
30,000 800
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
519,500 1,595 6.7
Exercisable at December 31, 2019
519,500 ¥ 1,595 6.7 ¥
The compensation cost recognized for these stock options for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was nil and ¥149 thousand, respectively, and it is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no unrecognized compensation costs.
 
F-30

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
11.   Segment Information
The Company operates its business in two segments: Relaxation Salon, and Digital Preventative Healthcare, which are based on the organizational structure and information reviewed by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is the President, to evaluate its operating results and allocation of resources.
The accounting policies of the segments are substantially the same as those described in the significant accounting policies in Note 1.
Information about operating results and assets for each segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Relaxation
Salon
Digital
Preventative
Healthcare
Corporate
and
elimination
Consolidated
Year ended December 31, 2019
Revenues
¥ 3,864,656 ¥ 43,608 ¥ ¥ 3,908,264
Operating income (loss)
279,439 (43,056) (202,033) 34,350
Depreciation and amortization
34,025 4,764 7,385 46,174
Total assets
3,346,739 29,565 1,381,161 4,757,465
Year ended December 31, 2018
Revenues
¥ 3,348,042 ¥ 85,093 ¥ ¥ 3,433,135
Operating income (loss)
362,765 (40,903) (248,594) 73,268
Depreciation and amortization
34,898 9,369 44,267
Total assets
3,584,260 26,843 910,875 4,521,978
Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most reasonable measures applicable. Corporate expenses include certain corporate general and administrative expenses and back office expenses.
Assets attributed to each segment are accounts receivable-trade, net, accounts receivable-other, inventories, prepaid expenses, right-of-use asset—operating lease, property and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets, and lease and guarantee deposits. Corporate assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, long-term accounts receivable-other, net, deferred tax assets, and corporate properties.
Substantially all revenues are from customers operating in Japan. Geographic information is omitted due to immateriality of revenue and operating income attributable to international operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
 
F-31

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
12.   Income Taxes
The following table shows a summary of income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Thousands of Yen
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Domestic
Total
Domestic
Total
Income before income taxes
¥ 32,737 ¥ 32,737 ¥ 91,921 ¥ 91,921
Income taxes
Current
10,222 10,222 6,784 6,784
Deferred
5,739 5,739 18,468 18,468
Total
¥ 15,961 ¥ 15,961 ¥ 25,252 ¥ 25,252
The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to a number of taxes based on income, in the aggregate resulted in an effective statutory rate of 30.6% and 30.9% for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
A reconciliation of the differences between the effective income tax rates reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and Japanese statutory tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
2019
2018
Statutory tax rate
30.6% 30.9%
Increases (reductions) in taxes due to:
Change in valuation allowance
(10.2) (9.7)
Nondeductible expenses
3.2 0.9
Inhabitant tax-per capita*
24.5 3.9
Effect of business combination
0.5
Stock-based compensation
0.1
Other-net
0.7 0.9
Effective income tax rate
48.8% 27.5%
*
Inhabitants tax is imposed on resident corporations in Japan. It consists of the corporation tax calculated as a percentage of national corporation tax and the per capita levy determined based on capital and the number of employees. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the impact of inhabitant tax per capita on the effective tax rate increased due to lower income before income taxes and capital increase during 2019.
 
F-32

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The tax effects of the major items of temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable-trade
¥ 13,485 ¥ 13,485
Provision for bad debt
50,271 50,188
Goodwill
1,135 8,838
Other prepaid expenses−currently not deductible
54,235 74,658
Asset retirement obligation
39,013 36,597
Operating lease liability
563,660 640,678
Operating loss carryforwards
95,490 63,700
Other
51,485 48,567
Gross deferred tax assets
868,774 936,711
Valuation allowance
(42,395) (45,750)
Total deferred tax assets
826,379 890,961
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
(18,141) (18,169)
Intangible assets
(6,485) (1,861)
Right-of-use asset−operating lease
(560,336) (638,109)
Deferred offering costs
(17,609)
Advances received
(1,303) (3,604)
Other
(851)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(603,874) (662,594)
Net deferred tax assets
¥ 222,505 ¥ 228,367
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets have decreased by ¥3,355 thousand and decreased by ¥8,938 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the net deductible temporary differences are expected to reverse, the Company believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these tax assets, net of valuation allowance, at December 31, 2019.
At December 31, 2019, the Group had operating loss carryforwards of ¥311,855 thousand, which are available to offset future taxable income. These carryforwards are scheduled to expire as follows:
Operating loss
carryforwards
(Thousands of Yen)
Years ending December 31:
Between 2020 and 2023
¥ 75,596
Between 2024 and 2027
78,353
2028 and thereafter
157,906
Total
¥ 311,855
The Company does not recognize any deferred tax liabilities for undistributed earnings of domestic subsidiaries since dividends from these subsidiaries are not subject to taxation under Japanese tax law.
At December 31, 2019 and 2018, current unrecognized tax benefit is not material in amount. Even in the next twelve months after the end of 2019, it is unlikely that the total amount would change dramatically.
 
F-33

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The penalties and interest expenses related to income taxes are recognized in the consolidated statements of income as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, however, the amounts are immaterial.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in Japan. As of December 31, 2019, all years remain open to examination by the tax authority.
13.   Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassification adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Before Tax
Amount
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
Net of Tax
Amount
Year ended December 31, 2018
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Amount arising during the period
¥ (400) ¥ 122 ¥ (278)
Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
Net change during the year
(400) 122 (278)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
¥ (400) ¥ 122 ¥ (278)
Year ended December 31, 2019
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Amount arising during the period
¥ ¥ ¥
Reclassification adjustments for gains and losses realized in net income
400 (122) 278
Net change during the year
400 (122) 278
Other comprehensive income (loss)
¥ 400 ¥ (122) ¥ 278
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Foreign currency
translation adjustments
Balance at January 1, 2018
¥
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(278)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss)
Net change during the year
(278)
Balance at December 31, 2018
(278)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss)
278
Net change during the year
278
Balance at December 31, 2019
¥
 
F-34

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Affected line items
in consolidated
statements of income
2019
2018
Foreign currency translation adjustments
¥ 400 ¥    ― Other−net
(122)
Income tax expense
278 Net income
Total amount reclassified, net of tax
¥ 278 ¥
14.   Earnings Per Share
Earnings per common share is allocated based on each right of common stock and Class A common stock, on the assumption that income from current year has been distributed. Common stock and Class A common stock have equal rights with respect to surplus dividend and residual assets distribution as net income attributable to shareholders of the Company is allocated proportionally.
Reconciliations of net income and weighted average number of common shares outstanding used for the computation of basic earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
2019
2018
Common
Class A
Common
Class A
(Thousands of Yen)
(Thousands of Yen)
Income (Numerator)
Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company
¥ 17,335 ¥ 66,310
(Number of shares)
(Number of shares)
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
3,747,295 1 3,672,500 1
Effect of dilutive instruments:
Stock options
525,007 1,048,777
Weighted average common shares for diluted
computation
4,272,302 1 4,721,277 1
(Yen)
(Yen)
Earnings per common share attributable to shareholders of the Company
Basic
¥ 4.63 ¥ 4.63 ¥ 18.06 ¥ 18.06
Diluted
¥ 4.06 ¥ 4.06 ¥ 14.04 ¥ 14.04
15.   Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value of financial instruments
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are set forth below:
The following summary excludes cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, accounts receivable-trade, accounts receivable-other, due from shareholder, long-term accounts receivable-other, lease and guarantee
 
F-35

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
deposits, short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings, accounts payable-trade, accrued expenses, deposit received and operating lease liability for which fair values approximate their carrying amounts. The summary also excludes investments which are disclosed in Note 5.
Thousands of Yen
2019
2018
Carrying
amount
Estimated
fair value
Carrying
amount
Estimated
fair value
Long-term borrowings−net of current portion
¥ (150,531) ¥ (145,600) ¥ (342,768) ¥ (331,065)
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value in the above table.
Long-term borrowings
The Company’s long-term borrowings instruments are classified as Level 2 instruments and valued based on the present value of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using current market borrowing rates for similar borrowings instruments of comparable maturity. The classification of levels is fully described in Note 16.
Assumptions used in fair value estimates
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information available and details of the financial instruments. These estimates are practically conducted by the Company which involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, therefore, these cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
16.   Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value is as follows:
Level 1
Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3
Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable, which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in establishing a price.
There were no assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value on “recurring” basis during 2019 and 2018.
 
F-36

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Long-lived assets and liabilities measured at fair value on “nonrecurring” basis include leasehold improvements and right-of-use assets—operating lease. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on “nonrecurring” basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Impairment
loss
Year ended December 31, 2019
Assets
Leasehold improvements
¥    ― ¥    ― ¥ 161,330 ¥ 9,825
Right-of-use asset−operating lease
1,829,968 34,721
Total
¥ ¥ ¥ 1,991,298 ¥ 44,546
Year ended December 31, 2018
Assets
Leasehold improvements
¥ ¥ ¥ 177,949 ¥ 4,315
Right-of-use asset−operating lease
2,083,963 36,463
Total
¥ ¥ ¥ 2,261,912 ¥ 40,778
Impairment of long-lived assets
Significant judgments and unobservable inputs categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy are inherent in the impairment tests performed and include assumptions about the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, growth rates, and the determination of appropriate discount rates. The Company believes that the assumptions used in its annual and any interim date impairment tests are reasonable, but variations in any of the assumptions may result in different calculations of fair values and impairment charges.
The Company’s primary business is the operations of relaxation salons. It regularly conducts reviews of past performances and future profitability forecast for individual salons. Based on the evaluation, if the Company determines that the Salon assets are impaired and not fully recoverable, it reduces the carrying amounts of the Salon’s long-lived assets to the estimated fair value. Fair value is determined based on income approach using Level 3 inputs under ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement. The income approach is calculated using projected future (debt-free) cash flows that are discounted to present value. The future cash flows are based on the estimates made by management concerning forecast of sales, operating expenses and operating profit and loss, etc. with due consideration of industry trend and market circumstances, business risks and other factors, adjusted by market participants assumptions, if different from the Company’s assumptions. These cash flows are then discounted at the reporting unit’s calculated weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) of 11.3%. The discount rate (WACC) takes into consideration the characteristics of relevant peer companies, market observable data, and company-specific risk factors. Because of changing market conditions (i.e., rising interest rates and/or less marketplace demand), it is reasonably possible that the estimate of expected future cash flows may change resulting in the need to adjust our determination of fair value in the future.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized impairment loss of ¥44,546 thousand on leasehold improvements and right-of-use asset—operating lease used in certain relaxation salons. The Company conducted strategic reviews of its future profitability forecast for the salons. Following these reviews, the Company reduced the corresponding estimated future cash flows of these assets and the estimated ability to recover the carrying amount of the long-lived assets within the period applicable to the impairment determination, resulting in the impairment charges.
 
F-37

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized impairment loss of ¥40,778 thousand on leasehold improvements and right-of-use assets—operating lease used in certain relaxation salons. The Company conducted strategic reviews of its future profitability forecast for the salons. Following these reviews, the Company reduced the corresponding estimated future cash flows of these assets and the estimated ability to recover the carrying amount of the long-lived assets within the period applicable to the impairment determination, resulting in the impairment charges.
17.   Commitments and Contingencies
Operating leases
The Group mainly in addition to its headquarters facility, leases salon spaces from external third parties, which are either directly-operated salons or franchised salons. Refer to Note 8 “Leases” and Note 7 “Asset Retirement Obligation” for details on the components of operating lease costs and future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases and asset retirement obligation, respectively.
Borrowings
The Company has both short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings that are primarily made under general agreements. Refer to Note 6 “Short term and Long-term Borrowing” for future debt payments.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company has recorded provisions for liabilities when it is probable that liabilities have been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews these provision at least on a yearly basis and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impact of the negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Based on its experience, although litigation is inherently unpredictable, the Company believes that any damage amounts claimed in outstanding matters are not a meaningful indicator of the Company’s potential liability. In the opinion of management, any reasonably possible range of losses from outstanding matters would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
18.   Related Party Transactions
Transactions with the Company’s representative director
As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance due from Kouji Eguchi, the representative director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 48.04% of common stock and all Class A common stock), was ¥8,266 thousand. The interest received on the short-term loans mentioned below, in the amount of ¥189 thousand, is included under interest income in the consolidated statements of income. The balance was repaid in full in 2020.
As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance due from Kouji Eguchi, the representative director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 52.62% of common stock and all Class A common stock), was ¥16,677 thousand. The interest received on the short-term loans, in the amount of ¥227 thousand, is included under interest income in the consolidated statements of income.
Transactions with the Company’s director
Akira Nojima, the Company’s independent director, is the sole owner of Kabushiki Kaisha No Track.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the outstanding accrued expenses to Kabushiki Kaisha No Track are ¥110 thousand and ¥108 thousand (included in accrued expenses). The Company paid consulting fees of
 
F-38

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
¥600 thousand and ¥600 thousand (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) to Kabushiki Kaisha No Track, in each year respectively.
Tomoya Ogawa, the Company’s independent director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 0.71% and 0.78% of common stock as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively), is the sole owner of Kabushiki Kaisha LTW.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the outstanding accrued expenses to Kabushiki Kaisha LTW are ¥110 thousand and ¥108 thousand (included in accrued expenses). The Company paid consulting fees of ¥1,200 thousand and ¥1,200 thousand (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) to Kabushiki Kaisha LTW, in each year respectively.
Transactions with the Company’s corporate auditor (See Note 19)
Osamu Sato, the Company’s corporate auditor and the shareholder of the Company (holds 0.44% and 0.48% of common stock as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively), is the president and representative director of Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the outstanding accrued expenses to Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd are ¥110 thousand and ¥108 thousand (included in accrued expenses). The Company paid consulting fees of ¥1,200 thousand and ¥1,200 thousand (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) to Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd in each year, respectively.
19.   Corporate Auditor
As permitted under the Companies Act, we have elected to structure our corporate governance system as a company with a separate board of corporate auditors instead of an audit committee of our board of directors. Corporate auditors are typically nominated at the board level and are elected at general meetings of shareholders by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote, where a quorum is established by shareholders holding one-third or more of the voting rights of those who are entitled to vote are present at the shareholders’ meeting.
Our corporate auditors are not required to be certified public accountants. Our corporate auditors may not concurrently serve as directors, employees or accounting advisors (kaikei sanyo) of our Company or any of our subsidiaries or serve as corporate officers of our subsidiaries. Under the Companies Act, at least one-half of the corporate auditors of a company must be persons who satisfy the requirements for an outside corporate auditor under the Companies Act, and at least one of the corporate auditors must be a full-time corporate auditor.
The function of our board of corporate auditors and each corporate auditor is similar to that of independent directors, including those who are members of the audit committee of a U.S. public company. Each corporate auditor has a statutory duty to supervise the administration by the directors of our affairs, to examine our financial statements and business reports to be submitted by a representative director at the general meetings of shareholders, and to prepare an audit report. Our corporate auditors are obligated to participate in meetings of our board of directors and, if necessary, to express their opinion at such meetings, but are not entitled to vote. Our corporate auditors must inspect the proposals, documents and any other materials to be submitted by our board of directors to the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. If a corporate auditor finds a violation of statutory regulations or our articles of incorporation, or another significant improper matter, such auditor must report those findings to the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting.
20.   Subsequent Events
Stock options
On August 31, 2020, “Delegation of determination of subscription requirements for stock option to the Company’s board of directors, as eighth and ninth series of Stock Subscription Rights” was approved at
 
F-39

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
the Company’s extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, for directors, corporate auditor (See Note 19) and employees of the Company and outside service providers, in order to further promote their motivation and incentives to contribute to the enhancement of the continuous business performance and corporate value.
The key terms and conditions for the eighth series Stock Option Grant are as follows:
Grant date The date to be determined within one year from the date of the Company’s extraordinary general meeting resolution.
Number of Stock Options to be granted Upper limit 150,000
Number of shares to be issued Upper limit 150,000 shares
The key terms and conditions for the ninth series Stock Option Grant are as follows:
Grant date The date to be determined within one year from the date of the Company’s extraordinary general meeting resolution.
Number of Stock Options to be granted Upper limit 300,000
Number of shares to be issued Upper limit 300,000 shares
Novel Coronavirus Pandemic in March 2020
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The outbreak is having an impact on the global economy, resulting in rapidly changing market and economic conditions. National and local governments around the world instituted certain measures, including travel bans, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain non-essential businesses, curfews, shelter-in-place orders and recommendations to practice social distancing. The outbreak and associated restrictions that have been implemented have had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and cash flow from operations, similar to many businesses.
In response to this outbreak, the Japanese government issued the Declaration on April 7, 2020. The Declaration resulted in a significant reduction in guest traffic at our relaxation salons due to changes in consumer behavior as social distancing practices. On April 21, 2020, the Company announced the temporary closure of almost all of its relaxation salons located across the country until May 6, 2020. The Declaration was lifted in Japan on May 25, 2020, however, other restrictions have been continuously encouraged by the Japanese government. In September 2020, substantially all of the Company’s relaxation salons were in operation.
Because our operating results substantially depend upon our relaxation salons’ revenue volumes and profitability, the two months of idleness in April and May materially impacted our revenue. The Company implemented cost measures to mitigate topline degradation to the business from this pandemic, including reductions in executive and employee compensation and deferral of nonessential spend in order to limit the impact on our operations and financial results. Additionally, in order to further strengthen its cash position and provide financial flexibility in light of the current uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company entered into additional loan agreements with Japan Finance Corporation and Higashi-Nippon Bank, Limited to borrow ¥200,000 thousand respectively. The Company also applied for the subsidy program for employment adjustment by the Japanese government with COVID-19 special treatment, which incentivizes companies to retain their employees. In August 2020, the Company received ¥76,419 thousand from the subsidy program. The subsidy can help to cover the payroll costs of furloughed employees.
As of this report, the duration and extent of COVID-19’s impact is not reasonably possible to estimate due to the uncertainty about the spread of the virus. This could lead to lower sales, further relaxation salon
 
F-40

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
closures, delays in development of our business, which could continue to materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Acquisition of relaxation salons
In 2020, the Company acquired 27 relaxation salons from our franchisee located in Japan for consideration of ¥87,266 thousand. The results of operations, assets and liabilities of these acquired relaxation salons are expected to be included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of each acquisition during 2020.
 
F-41

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30, 2020 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2019
(Yen in thousands, except share data)
June 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
¥ 225,060 ¥ 513,621
Time deposits
32,520 38,520
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowances of ¥23,630 and ¥22,920, respectively
144,246 337,048
Accounts receivable-other
251,348 428,278
Due from shareholder
300 8,266
Inventories
5,880 5,511
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
90,642 47,485
Total current assets
749,996 1,378,729
Property and equipment, net
237,632 168,955
Goodwill
163,008 78,282
Other intangible assets, net
75,538 77,638
Investments
14,044 14,044
Long-term accounts receivable-other, net of allowances of ¥135,251 and ¥141,256, respectively
142,110 106,208
Right-of-use asset−operating lease, net
1,631,410 1,829,968
Lease and guarantee deposits
684,781 769,104
Deferred tax assets, net
211,459 222,505
Deferred offering costs
125,574 57,509
Other assets
62,419 54,523
Total assets
¥ 4,097,971 ¥ 4,757,465
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-42

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(CONTINUED)
AS OF JUNE 30, 2020 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2019
(Yen in thousands, except share data)
June 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
¥ 70,196 ¥ 122,590
Accrued expenses
437,321 447,974
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings
357,285 371,570
Accrued income taxes
20,939 17,834
Advances received
358,296 483,124
Short-term lease liability
683,026 704,024
Other current liabilities
92,097 115,573
Total current liabilities
2,019,160 2,262,689
Long-term borrowings−net of current portion
380,159 150,531
Deposit received
408,193 474,388
Long-term lease liability−net of current portion
964,973 1,136,799
Asset retirement obligation
158,680 127,411
Other liabilities
9,719 5,589
Total liabilities
3,940,884 4,157,407
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 12)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value;
9,999,999 shares authorized; 4,115,000 shares issued and 4,022,500 shares outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019
595,000 595,000
Class A common stock, no par value;
1 share authorized; 1 share issued and 1 share outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019
100 100
Treasury stock, at cost−92,500 common shares at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019
(3,000) (3,000)
Additional paid-in capital
713,267 713,267
Accumulated deficit
(1,148,280) (705,309)
Total shareholders’ equity
157,087 600,058
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
¥ 4,097,971 ¥ 4,757,465
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-43

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
(Yen in thousands, except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Revenues:
Revenue from directly-operated salons
¥ 751,267 ¥ 1,045,945
Franchise revenue
593,236 964,561
Other revenues
11,774 21,025
Total revenues
1,356,277 2,031,531
Cost of revenues and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue from directly-operated salons
866,297 994,631
Cost of franchise revenue
394,906 529,408
Cost of other revenues
8,017 9,780
Selling, general and administrative expenses
521,364 411,717
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604
Total cost of revenues and operating expenses
1,790,584 1,969,140
Operating (loss) income
(434,307) 62,391
Other income (expense):
Dividend income
2 2
Interest income
674 556
Interest expense
(6,076) (7,155)
Gain from bargain purchases
1,624 4,343
Other, net
14,142 5,057
Total other income
10,366 2,803
(Loss) income before income tax expense and equity in earnings of investment
(423,941) 65,194
Income tax expense
19,030 11,429
Equity in earnings of investment
280
Net (loss) income
¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045
Net (loss) earnings per share
Basic
¥ (110.12) ¥ 14.72
Diluted
¥ (110.12) ¥ 12.86
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
4,022,501 3,672,501
Diluted
4,022,501 4,203,106
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-44

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)
INCOME (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
(Yen in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Net (loss) income
¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
(980)
Comprehensive (loss) income
¥ (442,971) ¥ 53,065
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-45

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020
(Yen in thousands, except share data)
Common stock
Class A
common stock
Treasury stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
deficit
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Balance, December 31, 2019
4,115,000 ¥ 595,000    1 ¥ 100 92,500 ¥ (3,000) ¥ 713,267 ¥ (705,309) ¥ 600,058
Net loss
(442,971) (442,971)
Balance, June 30, 2020
4,115,000 ¥ 595,000 1 ¥ 100 92,500 ¥ (3,000) ¥ 713,267 ¥ (1,148,280) ¥ 157,087
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-46

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
(Yen in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
33,105 22,793
Losses on sales of directly-operated salons to franchisees
65 8,721
(Recovery of) provision for bad debt
(5,295) 6,895
Losses on disposal of long-lived assets, net
26,913 540
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
23,604
Gain from bargain purchases
(1,624) (4,343)
Deferred income tax expense
11,046 6,318
Other non-cash expense (gains)−net
121 (156)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable-trade, net
192,093 108,749
Accounts receivable-other
89,518 108,501
Inventories
(369) 777
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(37,422) (1,570)
Lease and guarantee deposits
84,323 51,050
Accounts payable
(52,394) 42,184
Accrued expenses
(62,280) (78,015)
Accrued income taxes
3,105 (8,523)
Advances received
(124,828) (160,286)
Other current liabilities
(23,476) 2,790
Deposit received
(66,195) 2,323
Other assets and other liabilities−net
1,704 (4,836)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(374,861) 181,561
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of time deposits
(13,500) (18,700)
Proceeds from maturities of time deposits
10,000
Proceeds from sale of affiliated company securities
50,000
Acquisition of investment securities
(8,544)
Acquisition of property and equipment
(70,803)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
3,227
Cost additions to internal use software
(9,492) (6,473)
Acquisition of businesses−net of cash acquired
(42,393) (3,201)
Proceeds from due from shareholder
7,966 1,793
Payment received on short-term loans receivable
225 225
Payment received on long-term accounts receivable-other, net
7,515 9,126
Net cash used in investing activities
¥ (57,255) ¥ (25,774)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-47

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)—CONTINUED
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
(Yen in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
¥ 330,000 ¥
Repayment of long-term borrowings
(114,657) (121,260)
Payment of installment payables related to business acquisitions
(30,199) (16,000)
Payment of deferred offering costs
(41,589)
Repayment of corporate bonds
(7,500)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
143,555 (144,760)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(288,561) 11,027
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
513,621 211,688
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
¥ 225,060 ¥ 222,715
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
¥ 4,896 ¥ 6,579
Income taxes
4,953 13,634
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
189,240 240,790
Purchases of property and equipment included in accrued expenses
9,548
Payables related to acquisition of businesses included in accrued expenses
60,902 95,101
Deferred offering costs included in accrued expenses
26,476 15,184
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-48

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
1.   Basis of Presentation of Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) and its four subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) are one of the leading holistic health services providers in Japan. The Group is a franchiser and operator of healthcare salons across Japan and is a preferred platform partner for large consumer brands, healthcare service providers, and government entities to affect positive health outcomes. The Group primarily engages in two lines of business: Relaxation Salon Segment (retail) and Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment (healthtech). Refer to description below and Note 6 for segment information.
Our Company was originally incorporated in Japan on July 13, 2000 under the name “Kabushiki Kaisha Young Leaves.” In January 2017, we changed our name to “MEDIROM Inc.” In March 2020, our Company name was changed to “MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.”
Relaxation Salon Segment (See Note 6 for segment information)
The Relaxation Salon Segment is the core of our business, whereby we own, develop, operate, or franchise and support relaxation salons. Our salon locations cover major cities throughout Japan, with strong market presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Relaxation Salon Segment includes several relaxation salon brands including Re.Ra.Ku®, and as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, it has a total of 289 and 283 salons, respectively. The following table presents total number of salons by operation type:
Number of Relaxation Salons
As of June 30,
2020
As of December 31,
2019
Directly-operated
138 107
Franchised
151 176
Total
289 283
See Note 2 “Business Combination” for the number of salons acquired during the period. The results of operations of directly-operated salons converted to franchised salons in sale transactions with franchisees were not material either individually or in the aggregate to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment (See Note 6 for segment information)
The Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment consists of the following operations: Sampling business (which includes brand promotion and consumer analysis for third party brands); preventative healthcare services utilizing our digital application and devices; and government-sponsored Specific Health Guidance program, utilizing our internally-developed on-demand health monitoring smartphone application, Lav®; our MOTHER Tracker® for fitness applications.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in Japanese yen, the currency of the country in which the Company is incorporated and principally operates. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.
 
F-49

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
The results of operations for interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 or for any other future annual or interim period. The accompanying interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this registration statement.
Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc., Bell Epoc Wellness Inc., Decollte Wellness Corporation, and Medirom Human Resources Inc. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in companies over which the Company has significant influence but not control are accounted for by the equity method. The Company evaluates its investments and other significant relationships to determine whether any investee is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). If the Company concludes that an investee is a VIE, the Company evaluates its power to direct the activities of the investee, its obligation to absorb the expected losses of the investee and its right to receive the expected residual returns of the investee to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the investee. If the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company consolidates such entity and reflects the non-controlling interest of other beneficiaries of that entity. There is no VIE where the Company is the primary beneficiary as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Recent Developments and Liquidity
Pursuant to Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statement Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), management evaluates the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date of the condensed financial statements are available for issuance. Management has performed its evaluation as of the date of the accompanying condensed financial statements and determined that, although there are uncertainties, none of these conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The outbreak has impacted the global economy, resulting in rapidly changing market and economic conditions. National and local governments around the world instituted certain measures, including travel bans, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain non-essential businesses, curfews, shelter-in-place orders and recommendations to practice social distancing. The outbreak and associated restrictions that have been implemented have had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and cash flow from operations, similar to many businesses.
In response to this outbreak, the Japanese government issued a Declaration of a State of Emergency (the “Declaration”) on April 7, 2020. The Declaration resulted in a significant reduction in guest traffic at our relaxation salons due to changes in consumer behavior as social distancing practices. On April 21, 2020, the Company announced the temporary closure of almost all of its relaxation salons located across the country until May 6, 2020. The Declaration was lifted in Japan on May 25, 2020, however, other restrictions have been continuously encouraged by the Japanese government. In September 2020, substantially all of the Company’s relaxation salons were in operation.
Because our operating results substantially depend upon our relaxation salons’ revenue volumes and profitability, the two months of idleness in April and May materially impacted our revenue. The Company implemented cost measures to mitigate topline degradation to the business from this pandemic, including reductions in executive and employee compensation and deferral of nonessential spend in order to limit the impact on our operations and financial results. Additionally, in order to further strengthen its cash position and provide financial flexibility in light of the current uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company entered into additional loan agreements with Japan Finance Corporation and Higashi-Nippon Bank, Limited to borrow ¥230,000 thousand collectively as of June 30, 2020, furthermore,
 
F-50

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
the Company entered into additional loan agreements with Higashi-Nippon Bank, Limited to borrow ¥170,000 thousand as of July 28, 2020. The Company also applied for the subsidy program for employment adjustment by the Japanese government with COVID-19 special treatment, which incentivizes companies to retain their employees. As of August 18, 2020, the Company received ¥76,419 thousand from the subsidy program. The subsidy can help to cover the payroll costs of furloughed employees.
As of this report, the duration and extent of COVID-19’s impact is not reasonably possible to estimate due to the uncertainty about the spread of the virus. This could lead to lower sales, further relaxation salon closures, delays in development of our business, which could continue to materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Whereas management presently expects proceeds from existing loans and subsidies to be sufficient to fund operating needs and existing debt obligations and does not currently expect to require additional capital for the next 12 months, no assurance can be provided as to the ultimate resolution of the foregoing matters and their ultimate impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts, fair value of intangible assets acquired through business combination, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, asset retirement obligations, valuation of stock-based compensation, and valuation of deferred tax assets. Management bases these estimates on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstance, including considerations for the impact from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business. Actual results may differ from these estimates in future periods when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and additional information becomes available.
Revenue Recognition
The Company currently recognizes revenue under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Topic 605 Revenue Recognition as an emerging growth company and expects to implement ASC 606—Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for the year ending December 31, 2020. See “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted”. The Company’s revenues consist of the following:
Revenue from Directly-Operated Salons
Revenues from directly-operated salons are recognized when services are provided at the salons.
Franchise Revenue
Franchise Revenue is comprised of (i) franchise fees and royalty income, (ii) staffing service revenue and (iii) sublease revenue. The Company and the franchisee enter into a franchise agreement which sets forth the standard terms and conditions of operating the franchised salon, as well as the fees and royalties over the term of the agreement. In most cases, an outsourcing agreement, is also entered into in conjunction with the franchise agreement that specifies the terms of the sublease arrangement with the franchisee. Upon the franchisee’s request, the Company’s therapists are dispatched to franchise locations and franchisees must pay dispatch fees in accordance with the dispatched employees’ position.
The Company receives the entire non-refundable initial franchise fees from the franchisee based on franchise agreement and collects royalties, an amount calculated by multiplying a certain percentage to
 
F-51

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
gross sales, on a monthly basis. The franchise agreement typically has an initial term of five years. The franchise agreement can be renewed prior to expiration by mutual consent and renewal franchise fees are paid by the franchisee upon renewal of agreement. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the franchised relaxation salon is opened as all material services and conditions related to the initial franchise fee have been substantially performed by the opening date. Royalties are recognized as revenues based on the monthly royalty earned where such amount is determined on the basis of gross sales made from each salon. Renewal franchise fees are basically recognized as revenues at the beginning of the renewal term. The Company leases the premises in which the majority of its franchisees operate, where the Company retains the head lease primary obligation, and has entered into corresponding sublease arrangements with franchisees. Revenues from sublease transactions with franchisees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms, or at the time of the underlying sales for variable lease payments, in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases.” The Company also generates revenue from providing its therapists to franchisees, which are recognized as revenues based on the total number of working hours of the agency worker during the dispatched period.
Franchise Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Franchise fee and royalty income
¥ 203,568 ¥ 446,197
Staffing service revenue
125,227 190,389
Sublease revenue
264,441 327,975
Total
¥ 593,236 ¥ 964,561
Other Revenues
Other revenues are primarily from the Digital Preventive Healthcare segment, which include revenues from distributing promotional items at salons at the request of third parties (Real Media), serving implementation of health and wellness programs (Specific Health Guidance Program), and are recognized when services are provided. Health monitoring wearable device service (MOTHER Tracker®) is still at the development stage and as such generates no revenue.
Revenue is recognized net of consumption tax collected from customers and subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.
Income Taxes
The Company estimates the annual effective tax rate (“ETR”) derived from a projected annual net income before taxes and calculates the interim period income tax provision based on the year-to-date income tax provision computed by applying the ETR to the year-to-date net income before taxes at the end of each interim period. The income tax provision based on the ETR reflects anticipated net operating loss carryforwards and changes in valuation allowance.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. This amendment provides updates to the disclosure requirements on fair value measures in Topic 820 which includes the changes in unrealized gains and losses
 
F-52

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, the option of additional quantitative information surrounding unobservable inputs and the elimination of disclosures around the valuation processes for Level 3 measurements. The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard provides principles for recognizing revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In June 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-05, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Leases (Topic 842)—Effective Dates for Certain Entities. The standard permits private entities that have not yet issued their financial statements or made financial statements available for issuance as of June 3, 2020 to adopt Topic 606 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. As a result, Topic 606 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning in 2020 and for interim periods beginning in 2021. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company will adopt this standard, effective January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective method and will only apply this method to contracts that are not completed as of the effective date. The Company is continuing to assess all potential impacts of adoption. However, based on its preliminary assessment, it currently believes the most significant impact relates to the timing of franchise fees recognition. Under the new guidance, initial franchise fees and renewal franchise fees from franchisees will be recognized over the term of the related franchise agreements. This guidance is not expected to impact recognition of revenue from salon service or product sales or recognition of continuing royalty revenues from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales. The Company is currently finalizing its assessment of the impact of the adoption of this standard on its financial position or results of operations.
Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including accounts receivable, upon initial recognition of that financial asset using a forward-looking expected loss model, rather than an incurred loss model. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). The standard defers the effective dates of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, non-SEC filers and all other companies. As a result, Topic 326 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning in 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740), which simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance and will be applied using different approaches depending on what the specific amendment relates to and, for
 
F-53

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
public entities, are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Investments
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topics 321, 323 and 815. The new standard addresses accounting for the transition into and out of the equity method and measurement of certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. The standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of the standard requires changes to be made prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
Reference Rate Reform
In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative referencerates. This guidance is effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
2.   Business Combination
Acquisition of relaxation salons
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company acquired 27 relaxation salons for total consideration of ¥87,266 thousand. The total consideration paid in these transactions is included within “Acquisition of businesses—net of cash acquired” in the investing activities and “Payables related to acquisition of businesses included in accrued expenses” in the non-cash investing and financing activities sections of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The acquisitions were accounted for by the acquisition method. Acquisition related costs were recognized as expenses when incurred, which were immaterial in amount. The results of operations, and assets and liabilities, of these relaxation salons were included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price was based on preliminary estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date, as the Company is continuing to obtain information to complete its valuation of identified intangible assets.
 
F-54

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date were as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Fair value of
assets/liabilities
Six Month Ended
June 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents
¥ 350
Property and equipment−net
51,832
Goodwill
84,726
Asset retirement obligation
(48,018)
Net assets assumed
88,890
Fair value of the consideration transferred
87,266
Gain from bargain purchases
¥ 1,624
The goodwill recorded primarily relates to the sales growth potential of the relaxation salons acquired and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
On some relaxation salons acquired, the Company recognized the excess of the fair value of the net assets assumed over the fair value of the consideration transferred as a gain from bargain purchases of ¥1,624  thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which is separately presented in the condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income. In the case of the bargain purchase gain, the seller of franchisee wanted to cease their franchise business and reached out to the Company to sell the franchise. Most of the time, the franchisee wants to sell because the studio is not generating profit or for other financial reasons.
The amount of revenue from the acquired relaxation salons included in the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was ¥86,333 thousand. The amount of (loss) earnings from the acquired relaxation salons included in the Company’s results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was ¥(26,680) thousand. Disclosure of pro forma information is omitted as the information is not easily available.
3.   Goodwill
The following table shows changes in carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2020:
Thousands of Yen
Balance at December 31, 2019
Goodwill
¥ 78,282
Acquisitions of relaxation salons*
84,726
Balance at June 30, 2020
Goodwill
¥ 163,008
*
Acquisitions for the six months ended June 30, 2020 relate to relaxation salon acquisitions in the Relaxation Salon Segment. Refer to Note 2.
 
F-55

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company considered the effects of COVID-19 but concluded that there were no triggering events requiring an impairment assessment. This conclusion was based on a qualitative analysis that the negative effects from COVID-19 will be short-lived and operations will return to normal. No impairments of goodwill were recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of macroeconomic conditions including, but not limited to, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, customers and the greater economy. If these macroeconomic conditions are protracted or result in significant changes in demand for the Company’s products and services, a goodwill impairment might be identified and the amount might be material.
4.   Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Borrowings
The Company has short-term borrowings from a Japanese financial institution, with a principal balance of ¥180,000 thousand and ¥180,000 thousand outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The unsecured short-term borrowings accrue interest, compounded annually, using a fixed interest rate of 2.35%. As of June 30, 2020, the term of notes is six months, the maturity date of which is August 31, 2020. The current maturity date of these notes as of the date of this report is November 30, 2020. The Company generally renews these short-term borrowings on a short-term basis, which is three to six months, based on the Company’s assessment on the borrowing conditions including interest rate and term, and any unpaid principal when the amount is unchanged, and accrued is prepaid on every renewal day.
The Company has long-term loans with Japanese financial institutions. The long-term loans are unsecured. Some long-term loans are guaranteed by Credit Guarantee Association, a Japanese governmental affiliate agency which supplements private companies with credit. The long-term loans accrue interest using fixed interest rates of 0.21%—3.30% and 0.61%—3.30% per annum as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Debt issuance costs related to these borrowings are immaterial.
Long-term borrowings as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follow:
Thousands of Yen
As of
June 30,
2020
As of
December 31,
2019
Unsecured bank loans (Due through 2030 with weighted average interest rates of 1.20% as of June 30, 2020, due through 2025 with weighted average interest rates of 1.74% as of December 31, 2019)
¥ 557,444 ¥ 342,101
Current portion of long-term borrowings
(177,285) (191,570)
Total long-term borrowings
¥ 380,159 ¥ 150,531
The following is a summary of maturities of long-term borrowings subsequent to June 30, 2020:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020 (remainder)
¥ 91,783
2021
122,281
2022
68,460
2023
61,938
2024
51,972
2025 and thereafter
161,010
Total
¥ 557,444
 
F-56

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
Both short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings are primarily made under general agreements, which are to provide security and guarantees for present and future indebtedness or to secure a guarantor upon request of the bank, and that the banks shall have the right to offset cash deposits against any debts and obligations that have become due or, in the case of default, against all obligations to the banks. Kouji Eguchi, the representative director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 47.17% of common stock and all Class A common stock), is a guarantor with respect to some of these borrowings. None of the loan agreements contain any financial covenants.
5.   Leases
The Group mainly leases commercial space for its relaxation salon from external third parties, which are either operated by the Company or a franchisee and also enters into contracts with franchisees subleasing partial spaces of leased properties under the terms and conditions that are substantially the same as the head lease contracts. As of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Group had 220 and 225 leased salons, respectively, of which 141 and 170 salons, respectively, were subleased.
Operating Leases
Lessee
There are no lease transactions classified as finance leases for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
The table below summarizes the components of operating lease costs related to operating leases:
Thousands of Yen
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Fixed lease cost(a)
¥ 372,769 ¥ 433,220
Variable lease cost(b)
7,476 14,952
Short-term cost
4,458 12,247
Total
¥ 384,703 ¥ 460,419
(a)
This includes the amount of ¥260,194 thousand and ¥316,217 thousand recoverable from subleasees for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(b)
This includes the amount of ¥5,674 thousand and ¥13,184 thousand recoverable from subleasees for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
There are no sale-and leaseback transactions conducted in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Supplementary information on cash flow and other information for leasing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows
¥ 99,758 ¥ 210,917
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
189,240 240,790
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
3.1 3.3
Weighted average discount rate
1.45% 1.45%
 
F-57

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
Maturity analysis of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases subsequent to June 30, 2020 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020 (remainder)
¥ 351,677
2021
616,323
2022
400,899
2023
168,612
2024
85,950
2025 and thereafter
68,199
Total
1,691,660
Less: Interest component
43,661
Present value of minimum lease payments
¥ 1,647,999
The amount of ¥683,026 thousand and ¥964,973 thousand of the discounted present value of minimum lease payment are included in “Short-term lease liability” and “Long-term lease liability—net of current portion”, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Subleases
The Group leases space from commercial facility landlords which in turn it subleases to certain franchisees of its relaxation salons. Sublease revenues are as follows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 included in franchise revenue:
Thousands of Yen
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Fixed sublease income
¥ 260,194 ¥ 316,217
Variable sublease income
5,674 13,184
Total
¥ 265,868 ¥ 329,401
Expected future minimum lease collections to be received under non-cancellable subleases subsequent to June 30, 2020 are as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Year ending December 31:
2020 (remainder)
¥ 218,828
2021
383,353
2022
235,877
2023
115,395
2024
53,623
2025 and thereafter
39,572
Total
¥ 1,046,648
There are no lease transactions classified as sale-type leases and direct financing leases for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
 
F-58

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
6.   Segment Information
The Company operates its business in two segments: Relaxation Salon Segment and Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment, which are based on the organizational structure and information reviewed by the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is the President, to evaluate its operating results and allocation of resources.
Information about operating results for each segment for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
Thousands of Yen
Relaxation
Salon
Digital
Preventative
Healthcare
Corporate and
elimination
Consolidated
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Revenues
¥ 1,344,503 ¥ 11,774 ¥ ¥ 1,356,277
Operating loss
(166,200) (21,016) (247,091) (434,307)
Depreciation and amortization
14,453 3,771 14,881 33,105
Six months ended June 30, 2019
Revenues
¥ 2,010,506 ¥ 21,025 ¥ ¥ 2,031,531
Operating income (loss)
132,984 (18,200) (52,393) 62,391
Depreciation and amortization
17,571 1,191 4,031 22,793
Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most reasonable measures applicable. Corporate expenses include certain corporate general and administrative expenses and back office expenses.
Substantially all revenues are from customers operating in Japan. Geographic information is omitted due to immateriality of revenue and operating income (loss) attributable to international operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
7.   Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was (4.5)% and 17.5%, respectively. The Company evaluates its effective income tax rate at each interim period and adjust it as facts and circumstances warrant. The difference between income taxes computed at the Japanese statutory rate and reported income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was primarily related to the impact of the valuation allowance and inhabitant tax-per capita.
Due to the novel circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a reliable forecast cannot be substantiated; therefore, the Company will utilize the year to date effective tax rate and record adjustments as deemed necessary for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year 2020; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from current estimates.
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, current unrecognized tax benefit is not material in amount. Even in the next twelve months after the end of June 2020, it is unlikely that the total amount would change dramatically.
8   Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Earnings (Loss) per common share is allocated based on each right of common stock and Class A common stock, on the assumption that income (loss) from current period has been distributed. Common
 
F-59

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
stock and Class A common stock have equal rights with respect to surplus dividend and residual assets distribution as net income attributable to shareholders of the Company is allocated proportionally.
Reconciliations of net income (loss) and weighted average number of common shares outstanding used for the computation of basic earnings (loss) per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Common
Class A
Common
Class A
(Thousands of Yen)
(Thousands of Yen)
Income (Numerator)
Net (loss) income attributable to
shareholders of the Company
¥ (442,971) ¥ 54,045
(Number of shares)
(Number of shares)
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average shares outstanding
4,022,500 1 3,672,500 1
Effect of dilutive instruments:
Stock options
530,605
Weighted average shares for diluted computation
4,022,500 1 4,203,105 1
(Yen)
(Yen)
(Loss) earnings per common share attributable to
shareholders of the Company
Basic
¥ (110.12) ¥ (110.12) ¥ 14.72 ¥ 14.72
Diluted
¥ (110.12) ¥ (110.12) ¥ 12.86 ¥ 12.86
For periods in which the Company reports net loss, diluted net loss per common share attributable to common shareholders is the same as basic net loss per common share attributable to common shareholders. Options to purchase 234,000 shares have been excluded from the diluted net loss per common share attributable to common shareholders calculation for the six months ended June 30, 2020 because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
9.   Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value of financial instruments
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are set forth below:
The following summary excludes cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, accounts receivable-trade, accounts receivable-other, due from shareholder, long-term accounts receivable-other, lease and guarantee deposits, short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings, accounts payable-trade, accrued expenses, deposit received and operating lease liability for which fair values approximate their carrying amounts.
Thousands of Yen
As of June 30, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
Carrying
amount
Estimated
fair value
Carrying
amount
Estimated
fair value
Long-term borrowings – net of current portion
¥ (380,159) ¥ (371,327) ¥ (150,531) ¥ (145,600)
 
F-60

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
Long-term borrowings
The Company’s long-term borrowings instruments are classified as Level 2 instruments and valued based on the present value of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using current market borrowing rates for similar borrowings instruments of comparable maturity. The classification of levels is fully described in Note 10.
Assumptions used in fair value estimates
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information available and details of the financial instruments. These estimates are practically conducted by the Company which involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, therefore, these cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
10.   Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value is as follows:
Level 1
Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3
Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable, which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in establishing a price.
There were no assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value on “recurring” basis for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Significant judgments and unobservable inputs categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy are inherent in the impairment tests performed and include assumptions about the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, growth rates, and the determination of appropriate discount rates. The Company believes that the assumptions used in its annual and any interim date impairment tests are reasonable, but variations in any of the assumptions may result in different calculations of fair values and impairment charges.
The Company’s primary business is the operations of relaxation salons. It regularly conducts reviews of past performances and future profitability forecast for individual salons. Based on the evaluation, if the Company determines that the salon assets are impaired and not fully recoverable, it reduces the carrying amounts of the salon’s long-lived assets to the estimated fair value. Fair value is determined based on income approach using Level 3 inputs under ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement. The income approach is calculated
 
F-61

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
using projected future (debt-free) cash flows that are discounted to present value. The future cash flows are based on the estimates made by management concerning forecast of sales, operating expenses and operating profit and loss, etc. with due consideration of industry trend and market circumstances, business risks and other factors, adjusted by market participants assumptions, if different from the Company’s assumptions. These cash flows are then discounted at the reporting unit’s calculated weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) of 11.3%. The discount rate (WACC) takes into consideration the characteristics of relevant peer companies, market observable data, and company-specific risk factors. Because of changing market conditions (i.e., rising interest rates and/or less marketplace demand), it is reasonably possible that the estimate of expected future cash flows may change resulting in the need to adjust our determination of fair value in the future.
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Company evaluated whether the carrying values of the long-lived assets in certain relaxation salons were recoverable as of June 30, 2020. Based on management’s expectation of resuming normal operations, the Company did not identify any triggering event during the period. No impairments of long-lived assets were recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized impairment loss of ¥23,604 thousand on leasehold improvements and right-of-use assets—operating lease used in certain relaxation salons. The Company conducted strategic reviews of its future profitability forecast for the salons. Following these reviews, the Company reduced the corresponding estimated future cash flows of these assets and the estimated ability to recover the carrying amount of the long-lived assets within the period applicable to the impairment determination, resulting in the impairment charges.
11.   Commitments and Contingencies
Operating leases
The Group mainly in addition to its headquarters facility, leases salon spaces from external third parties, which are either directly-operated salons or franchised salons. Refer to Note 5 “Leases” for details on the components of operating lease costs and future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases.
Borrowings
The Company has both short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings that are primarily made under general agreements. Refer to Note 4 “Short Term and Long-Term Borrowing” for future debt payments.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company has recorded provisions for liabilities when it is probable that liabilities have been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews these provision at least on a yearly basis and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impact of the negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Based on its experience, although litigation is inherently unpredictable, the Company believes that any damage amounts claimed in outstanding matters are not a meaningful indicator of the Company’s potential liability. In the opinion of management, any reasonably possible range of losses from outstanding matters would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
12.   Related Party Transactions
Transactions with the Company’s representative director
As of June 30, 2020, the outstanding balance due from Kouji Eguchi, the representative director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 47.17% of common stock and all Class A common stock), was ¥300 thousand. The balance was repaid in full in October 2020.
 
F-62

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance due from Kouji Eguchi, the representative director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 48.04% of common stock and all Class A common stock), was ¥8,266 thousand. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the interest received on the short-term loans, in the amount of ¥108 thousand, is included under interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income.
Transactions with the Company’s director
Akira Nojima, the Company’s independent director, is the sole owner of Kabushiki Kaisha No Track.
As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the outstanding accrued expenses to Kabushiki Kaisha No Track are ¥55 thousand and ¥110 thousand (included in accrued expenses), respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid consulting fees of ¥300 thousand and ¥300 thousand (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) to Kabushiki Kaisha No Track, respectively.
Tomoya Ogawa, the Company’s independent director and the shareholder of the Company (holds 0.71% of common stock as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively), is the sole owner of Kabushiki Kaisha LTW.
As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding accrued expenses to Kabushiki Kaisha LTW are ¥110 thousand (included in accrued expenses). For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid consulting fees of ¥600 thousand and ¥600 thousand (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) to Kabushiki Kaisha LTW, respectively.
Transactions with the Company’s corporate auditor
As permitted under the Companies Act, we have elected to structure our corporate governance system as a company with a separate board of corporate auditors instead of an audit committee of our board of directors. Corporate auditors are typically nominated at the board level and are elected at general meetings of shareholders by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote, where a quorum is established by shareholders holding one-third or more of the voting rights of those who are entitled to vote are present at the shareholders’ meeting.
Osamu Sato, the Company’s corporate auditor and the shareholder of the Company (holds 0.44% of common stock as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively), is the president and representative director of Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
As of December 31, 2019, the outstanding accrued expenses to Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd are ¥110 thousand (included in accrued expenses). For the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid consulting fees of ¥600 thousand and ¥600 thousand (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) to Aoyama Consulting Group Co., Ltd in each period, respectively.
13.   Subsequent Events
Stock options
On August 31, 2020, “Delegation of determination of subscription requirements for stock option to the Company’s board of directors, as eighth and ninth series of Stock Subscription Rights” was approved at the Company’s extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, for directors, corporate auditor and employees of the Company and outside service providers, in order to further promote their motivation and incentives to contribute to the enhancement of the continuous business performance and corporate value.
On October 2, 2020, the number of Stock Options to be granted and the number of shares to be issued were approved by the resolution of the Company’s board of directors.
 
F-63

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(CONTINUED)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
The key terms and conditions for the eighth series Stock Option Grant are as follows:
Grant date The date to be determined within one year from the date of the Company’s extraordinary general meeting resolution.
Number of Stock Options to be granted 150,000
Number of shares to be issued 150,000 shares
The key terms and conditions for the ninth series Stock Option Grant are as follows:
Grant date The date to be determined within one year from the date of the Company’s extraordinary general meeting resolution.
Number of Stock Options to be granted 300,000
Number of shares to be issued 300,000 shares
Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
As more fully described in ‘‘Recent Developments and Liquidity’’ in Note 1, in order to further strengthen its cash position and provide financial flexibility in light of the current uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company entered into additional loan agreements with Higashi-Nippon Bank, Limited to borrow ¥170,000 thousand as of July 28, 2020. The Company also applied for the subsidy program for employment adjustment by the Japanese government with COVID-19 special treatment, which incentivizes companies to retain their employees. In August 2020, the Company received ¥76,419 thousand from the subsidy program. The subsidy can help to cover the payroll costs of furloughed employees.
 
F-64

TABLE OF CONTENTS
•   American Depositary Shares
Representing   •   Common Shares
[MISSING IMAGE: LG_MEDIROM-4C.JPG]
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies, Inc.
Common Shares
in the form of American Depositary Shares
PROSPECTUS
MAXIM GROUP LLC
•   , 2020
Until and including •, 2020 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Article 330 of the Companies Act of Japan (which we refer to as the “Companies Act”) makes the provisions of Part III, Chapter 2, Section 10 of the Civil Code of Japan applicable to the relationship between us and our directors and corporate auditors. Section 10 of the Civil Code, among other things, provides in effect that:
1.
Any director or corporate auditor of a company may demand advance payment of expenses considered necessary for the management of the affairs of such company entrusted to the director or corporate auditor;
2.
If a director or a corporate auditor of a company has defrayed any expenses considered necessary for the management of the affairs of such company entrusted to the director or corporate auditor, the director or corporate auditor may demand reimbursement therefor and interest thereon after the date of payment from such company;
3.
If a director or a corporate auditor has assumed an obligation necessary for the management of the affairs of such company, the director or corporate auditor may require such company to perform it in the director or corporate auditor’s place or, if it is not due, to furnish adequate security; and
4.
If a director or a corporate auditor, without any fault on the director or corporate auditor’s part, sustains damage through the management of the affairs of such company, the director or corporate auditor may demand compensation therefor from such company.
In accordance with Article 27 and Article 35 of our articles of incorporation, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 427 of the Companies Act, we are authorized to enter into agreements with non-executive directors and corporate auditors, respectively, to limit his or her liability to our Company for loss or damage arising from the conduct specified under Article 423 of the Companies Act; provided that, the amount of such limited liability is either: (i) an amount set out in the agreement which shall be not less than one million (1,000,000) yen, or (ii) the amount stipulated in applicable laws and regulations, whichever is higher. Messrs. Akira Nojima and Tomoya Ogawa are considered independent, “non-executive” directors within the meaning of the Companies Act. Mr. Kouji Eguchi (our Chief Executive Officer), Mr. Fumitoshi Fujiwara (our Chief Financial Officer) and Ms. Miki Aoki are considered “executive” directors within the meaning of the Companies Act.
In addition, our articles of incorporation include limitation of liability provisions, pursuant to which we can exempt, by resolution of our board of directors, our independent directors and corporate auditors from liabilities arising in connection with any failure to execute their respective duties in good faith or due to simple negligence (excluding gross negligence and willful misconduct), within the limits stipulated by applicable laws and regulations including Article 426, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act.
We maintain, at our expense, a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy for each of our directors and corporate auditors. The policy insures each of our directors and corporate auditors against certain liabilities that they may incur in their capacity as a director or corporate auditor.
We have not entered into any limitation of liability agreements with any of our directors or corporate auditors.
Item 7.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Common Shares
On October 15, 2019, we completed a private placement (which we refer to as the October 2019 private placement”) pursuant to which we sold and issued an aggregate of 350,000 of our common shares to 12 new investors, none of which currently own 5% or more of our total outstanding common shares. We received aggregate proceeds of JPY700,000,000 (US$6,495,314) from the October 2019 private placement, and we
 
II-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
have used and will continue to use such proceeds to finance our business expansion, and for general corporate purposes. No underwriters or other broker-dealers were used in connection with the foregoing, and, as such, there were no underwriting fees or selling commissions. The October 2019 private placement was conducted outside of the United States in reliance upon the safe harbor provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act.
Item 8.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)   The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit
Number
Description
  1.1*
Form of Underwriting Agreement.
 3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (English translation).
  4.1
Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary, and holders of the American Depositary Receipts.
  4.2
  5.1*
Opinion of Greenberg Traurig Tokyo Law Offices, Japanese counsel for the Registrant.
10.1+
Investment Agreement, dated May 10, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Social Entrepreneur 2 Limited Partnership (English translation).
10.2+
Investment Agreement, dated December 22, 2016, by and between the Registrant and CCC Marketing Co., Ltd. (English translation).
10.3
Trademark License Agreement, dated June 30, 2020, by and between the Registrant, as licensee, and Kouji Eguchi, as licensor.
 10.4+
Development and Production Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2020, by and between the Registrant, as Customer, and Matrix Industries, Inc., as Supplier.
21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1
Consent of Baker Tilly US, LLP (formerly Squar Milner LLP), independent registered public accounting firm.
 23.2*
Consent of Greenberg Traurig Tokyo Law Offices (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).
99.1
Letter of Squar Milner LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission, dated November 1, 2020.
*
To be provided by amendment.
+
Portions of this exhibit indicated by asterisks have been omitted because the Registrant has determined they are not material and would likely cause competitive harm if publicly disclosed.
(b)   Financial Statements Schedules
See our Consolidated Financial Statements starting on page F-1. All other schedules have been omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or the information is otherwise set forth in the financial statements and related notes thereto.
 
II-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Item 9.
Undertakings
(a)
The undersigned registrant (which we refer to as the “Registrant”) hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)
To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)
To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the Registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements.
(5)
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;
(ii)
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the Registrant or used or referred to by the Registrant;
(iii)
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the Registrant; and
 
II-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
(iv)
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the Registrant to the purchaser.
(b)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(c)
The Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
II-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Tokyo, Japan on November 20, 2020.
MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.
By:
/s/ Kouji Eguchi
Name: Kouji Eguchi
Title: Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers, directors and corporate auditors of the Registrant, a Japanese corporation, which is filing this registration statement on Form F-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions of the Securities Act , and the Registrant’s Authorized Representative in the United States, hereby constitutes and appoints Messrs. Kouji Eguchi and Fumitoshi Fujiwara, and each of them, as such individual’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such individual and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, including a prospectus or an amended prospectus therein and any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and all other documents in connection therewith to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or her or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Kouji Eguchi
Kouji Eguchi
Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director (Principal Executive Officer)
November 20, 2020
/s/ Fumitoshi Fujiwara
Fumitoshi Fujiwara
Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
November 20, 2020
/s/ Miki Aoki
Miki Aoki
Director
November 20, 2020
/s/ Akira Nojima
Akira Nojima
Independent Director
November 20, 2020
/s/ Tomoya Ogawa
Tomoya Ogawa
Independent Director
November 20, 2020
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Signature of Authorized U.S. Representative of Registrant
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc., has signed this registration statement on November 20, 2020.
COGENCY GLOBAL INC.
By:
/s/ Colleen A. De Vries
Name: Colleen A. De Vries
Title:
Sr. Vice President on behalf of Cogency Global Inc.
 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation of Kabushiki Kaisha MEDIROM

 

Chapter I       General Provisions

 

Article 1 (Company Name)

 

The company name of this company is “Kabushiki Kaisha MEDIROM”, which is expressed in English as “MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc” (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”).

 

Article 2 (Purposes)

 

The purposes of the Company are to engage in the following businesses:

 

  1. general consulting services related to the Internet;
  2. planning, operation, and sale of online advertisement in general;
  3. distribution and management services for online advertising;
  4. collection and provision of information through the medium of information equipment, systems, and the Internet as well as provision of agency services for those purposes;
  5. planning, design, management, and operation of information systems;
  6. advertising agency business (including online advertising);
  7. development, purchase, sale, and maintenance of computer systems;
  8. information processing using computers;
  9. e-commerce business and intermediary services for providing information by utilizing networks such as the Internet, etc.;
  10. services for provision of information;
  11. planning, design, development, manufacture, lease, export, import, sale, and provision of intermediary services for computers, peripheral equipment and software applications;
  12. planning and production related to advertising and publicity;
  13. production, export, import, sale, and provision of intermediary services for digital publications;
  14. marketing research and collection and analysis of various types of information;
  15. planning, development, design, production, sale, lease, rental, and management of system for purchasing and selling of goods by utilizing networks, such as the Internet, etc.;
  16. planning, production, operation, and sale of websites on the Internet;
  17. management of relaxation salon offices;
  18. management consulting services;
  19. planning, design, and execution of construction work;

 

 

 

 

  20. design, manufacture, sale, lease, and provision of intermediary services for beauty and health-care equipment and peripheral equipment;
  21. development, planning, and proposal of new goods related to beauty and health as well as sale of medical equipment, devices and supplies, health food (enriched food), and daily household items;
  22. intermediary and consulting services related to alliances, mergers, and transfers of operational rights between enterprises;
  23. acquisition, possession, and management, etc., of securities;
  24. planning, development, and sale of franchises, etc.;
  25. general worker dispatching service and specified worker dispatching service pursuant to the Act on Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching Service and Protecting the Dispatched Workers, etc.;
  26. fee-charging recruiting agency service;
  27. planning and management of education, training, holding seminars, and lectures related to human resource development and skills development;
  28. distance education business;
  29. planning, publishing, and selling teaching materials related to human resource development and skills development;
  30. provision of employee education and training of various enterprises as well as lectures to various enterprises;
  31. insurance agency business;
  32. issuing prepaid payment instruments for third-party business pursuant to the Payment Services Act; and
  33. Any and all business incidental and relate to the above.

  

Article 3 (Location of Head Office)

 

The Company shall have its head office in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

 

Article 4 (Organizational Bodies)

 

The Company shall have the following organizational bodies in addition to meetings of the shareholders and directors:

 

(1) Board of directors;
     
(2) Corporate auditors;

 

2 

 

 

(3) Board of corporate auditors; and
     
(4) Accounting auditor.

 

Article 5 (Method for Public Notice)

 

Public notices by the Company shall be published in a form of electronic public notice, provided, however, that in the event that the Company is unable to publish public notices in an electronic form due to accidents or any other unavoidable events, the public notices shall be published in the Japanese Official Gazette (Kampo).

 

Chapter II     Shares

 

Article 6 (Total Numbers of Shares Issuable and Class Shares, etc.)

 

  1. The total number of shares issuable by the Company shall be ten million (10,000,000) shares. With regard to share classes, the total number of common shares issuable by the Company shall be nine million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (9,999,999) shares, and the total number of Class A shares issuable by the Company shall be one (1) share.
     
  2. The terms and conditions of the Class A share issued by the Company shall be as follows:

 

(1) Voting rights

 

The Class A share shall have no voting rights at the meetings of the shareholders, provided, however, this is not the case where it is otherwise specifically provided in laws and regulations.

 

(2) Dividends

 

Dividends on the Class A share shall be at the same amount as the dividends on the common shares.

 

(3) Distribution of residual assets

 

The Class A shareholder shall have a right to demand the distribution of residual assets in the same amount as that was distributed to the holders of the common shares.

 

(4) Put option and call option of class share

 

(i) The Class A shareholder may demand, at any time in writing, that the Company acquire its Class A share in exchange for payment of cash.
     
(ii) If the Class A share is transferred to a third party, the Company may acquire the Class A share in exchange for payment of cash regardless of the intention of the transferor. In this respect, when the Class A shareholder transfers its Class A share, the Class A shareholder shall notify the Company in advance in writing of the fact that the Class A share will be transferred and the name of the transferee.

 

3 

 

 

(iii) When the Class A shareholder dies, the Company shall acquire the Class A share in exchange for payment of cash.
     
(iv) The prices of the Class A share acquired pursuant to this provision shall be the market value of common shares of the Company: on the day of demand for acquisition in case of subparagraph (i) above; or on the preceding day of the acquisition date in case of subparagraphs (ii) or (iii) above (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Acquisition Value Base Date”). When the common shares of the Company are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange or other similar stock exchange, the market value on the Acquisition Value Base Date shall be the same value as the closing price per common share of the Company at the Tokyo Stock Exchange or such other similar stock exchange on the Acquisition Value Base Date. If there is no closing price on the Acquisition Value Base Date, it shall be based on the closing price on the immediately preceding day of the Acquisition Value Base Date.

 

  3. When the Company through a resolution passed by a decision-making body of the Company which is statutorily provided or is set up under these Articles of Incorporation is to pass a resolution on any of the matters listed below, as provided by laws and regulations or these Articles of Incorporation, in addition to the resolution, a resolution passed by at the meeting of class shareholders consisting of the shareholder(s) having Class A share(s) shall be required.

 

(1) request to an heir, etc. to sell his or her shares to the Company;
(2) consolidation of shares;
(3) issuance of shares;
(4) issuance of share option rights;
(5) removal of a corporate auditor;
(6) reduction of the amount of the stated capital;
(7) distribution of property other than cash;
(8) amendment to these Articles of Incorporation, transfer of business, dissolution, or liquidation; or
(9) corporate restructuring, merger, share split, share exchange, or share transfer.

 

4 

 

 

  4. When the Company acquires the Class A share, the Company shall cancel the Class A share.

 

Article 7 (Grant of Rights to Receive an Allotment of Shares)

 

Where the Company grants its shareholders the right to receive an allotment of its shares or treasury shares it disposes of during the solicitation period for people to subscribe for those shares, the subscription requirements and matters set forth under Article 202, Paragraph (1) of the Companies Act shall be determined by a resolution of the board of directors.

 

Article 8 (Shareholder Registry Administrator)

 

  1. The Company shall have a shareholder registry administrator.
     
  2. The shareholder registry administrator and the administrator’s office shall be determined by a resolution of the board of directors.
     
  3. Preparation and maintenance of the Company’s shareholder registry and share option rights registry and other affairs related to the Company’s shareholder registry and share option rights registry shall be entrusted to the shareholder registry administrator and shall not be handled by the Company.

 

Article 9 (Rules on Handling of Shares)

 

The method and fees for handling the Company’s shares shall be governed by the internal rules on the handling of the shares established by the board of directors, in addition to laws and regulations and these Articles of Incorporation.

 

Chapter III      Meeting of Shareholders

 

Article 10 (Convocation)

 

The Company shall convene an annual meeting of the shareholders within three (3) months of the last day of each fiscal year, and an extraordinary meeting of the shareholders, as and when required.

 

Article 11 (Record Date for Annual Shareholders Meetings)

 

The record date for voting rights at an annual meeting of the shareholders shall be December 31 of the preceding year.

 

5 

 

 

Article 12 (Convener and Chairperson)

 

A CEO shall convene a meeting of the shareholders pursuant to a resolution passed by the board of directors and shall act as the chairman therein, unless otherwise specifically stipulated in laws, regulations or ordinances. If the CEO is unable to so convene or act due to accidents, other directors shall act in place of the CEO, in accordance with the order decided upon in advance by a resolution of the board of directors.

 

Article 13 (Resolution Method)

 

  1. Unless otherwise specifically provided by laws and regulations or these Articles of Incorporation, resolutions at a meeting of the shareholders shall be passed by a majority of the votes of shareholders present at the meeting, who are entitled to exercise the voting rights.
     
  2. Resolutions set forth in Article 309, Paragraph (2) of the Companies Act shall be passed at a meeting of the shareholders by two-thirds or more of the votes of the shareholders present at the meeting, with a quorum of one-third or more of the votes of the shareholders who are entitled to exercise their votes.

 

Article 14 (Exercise of Voting Rights by Proxy)

 

  1. A shareholder may exercise voting rights by authorizing another shareholder who has voting rights in the Company as proxy.
     
  2. The shareholder or proxy shall present to the Company a document evidencing the authority for each meeting of the shareholders.

 

Chapter IV      Meetings of Class Shareholders

 

Article 15 (Convener and Chairperson)

 

A CEO shall convene a meeting of class shareholders and shall act as the chairperson herein, unless otherwise specifically stipulated in laws and regulations. If the CEO is unable to so convene due to accidents or is prevented from so convening, other directors shall convene the meeting, in accordance with the order decided up in advance.

 

Article 16 (Resolution Method)

 

  1. Unless otherwise specifically provided by laws and regulations or these Articles of Incorporation, resolutions at a meeting of the class shareholders shall be passed by a majority of the votes of class shareholders present at the meeting, who are entitled to exercise the voting rights, with a quorum of a half or more of the votes of the class shareholders who are entitled to exercise their votes.

 

6 

 

 

  2. Resolutions set forth in Article 324, Paragraph (2) of the Companies Act shall be passed at a meeting of the class shareholders by a two-thirds or more of the votes of the class shareholders present at the meeting, with a quorum of a half or more of the votes of the class shareholders who are entitled to exercise their votes.

 

Article 17 (Exercise of Voting Rights by Proxy)

 

  1. A class shareholder or the class shareholder’s statutory agent may exercise voting rights by authorizing another class shareholder who has voting rights in the Company or the other class shareholder’s heir-at-law as proxy.
     
  2. The class shareholder or statutory agent referred to in the preceding paragraph shall present to the Company a document evidencing the authority for each meeting of the class shareholders.

 

Chapter V      Directors and Board of Directors

 

Article 18 (Numbers of Directors)

 

The number of directors of the Company shall be no more than ten (10).

 

Article 19 (Election of Directors and Corporate Auditors)

 

  1. A director of the Company shall be elected by a resolution passed by a majority of the shareholders present at a meeting of the shareholders, with a quorum of one-third or more of the votes of the shareholders who are entitled to exercise their voting rights at the meeting of the shareholders.
     
  2. No cumulative voting shall be used for the election of directors.

 

Article 20 (Term of Office of Directors)

 

  1. The term of office of a director shall be until the conclusion of the annual meeting of the shareholders for the last fiscal year ending in one (1) year of the election.
     
  2. The term of office of a director who is elected to fill a vacancy or elected as an additional director shall be the same as the remining term of his or her predecessor or the remaining term of the other incumbent directors.

 

7 

 

 

Article 21 (Convocation and Chairperson of Meetings of Board of Directors)

 

  1. A CEO shall convene a meeting of the board of directors and shall act as the chairperson of the meetings, unless otherwise specifically stipulated in laws and regulations. If the CEO is unable to so convene or act due to accidents, other directors shall act in place of the CEO, in accordance with the order decided upon in advance by a resolution of the board of directors.
     
  2. A notice to convene a meeting of the board of directors shall be given to each director at least three (3) days before the date set for the meeting, provided, however, in case of emergency, such period may be shortened.

 

Article 22 (Representative Directors)

 

The board of directors shall elect a representative director(s) by a resolution of the board of directors.

 

Article 23 (Executive Directors)

 

The board of directors shall elect one (1) CEO (torishimariyaku shacho), and may elect a small number of each vice-president(s) (torishimariyaku fukushacho), senior managing director(s) (senmu torishimariyaku), and managing director(s) (jomu torishimariyaku), as it may be necessary, from among the directors by a resolution of the board of directors.

 

Article 24 (Waiver of Resolution of Board of Directors)

 

The Company may deem that a resolution was passed where the requirements under Article 370 of the Companies Act are satisfied.

 

Article 25 (Rules Concerning Board of Directors)

 

Any matter related to the board of directors shall be governed by the internal rules concerning the board of directors established by the board of directors as well as laws, regulations and these Articles of Incorporation.

 

Article 26 (Remuneration)

 

Any remuneration, bonus and other financial benefit (the “Remuneration, etc.”) to be received by the directors as consideration for the performance of their duties from the Company shall be determined by a resolution at a meeting of the shareholders.

 

8 

 

 

Article 27 (Directors Liability Exemption)

 

  1. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 426, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act, the Company may exempt directors (including former directors) from their liabilities for loss or damage arising from their negligence or willful misconduct to the extent permitted by laws and regulations by a resolution of the board of directors.
     
  2. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 427 of the Companies Act, the Company may enter into an agreement with non-executive directors to limit their liabilities for loss or damage arising from their conducts under Article 423 of the Companies Act, provided, however, that the maximum amount that the Company may limit under such agreement shall be the higher of: (i) the amount greater than one million (1,000,000) yen and set out in the agreement; and (ii) the amount stipulated in laws and regulations.

 

Chapter VI      Corporate Auditors and Board of Corporate Auditors

 

Article 28 (Number of Corporate Auditors)

 

The number of corporate auditors of the Company shall be no more than three (3).

 

Article 29 (Election of Corporate Auditors)

 

The election of corporate auditors of the Company shall be made by a resolution passed by a majority of shareholders entitled to exercise their voting rights, with a quorum of one-third or more of the votes of shareholders who are entitled to exercise their voting rights at the meeting of the shareholders.

 

Article 30 (Term of Office of Corporate Auditors)

 

  1. The term of office of a corporate auditor shall be until the conclusion of the annual meeting of the shareholders for the last fiscal year ending within four (4) years of the election.
     
  2. The term of office of a corporate auditor who is elected to fill a vacancy shall be the same as the remaining term of his or her predecessor.

 

Article 31 (Convocation of Meetings of Board of Corporate Auditors)

 

1. A notice to convene a meeting of the board of corporate auditors shall be given to each corporate auditor at least three (3) days before the date set for the meeting, provided, however, in case of emergency, such period may be shortened.
     
2. A meeting of the board of corporate auditors may be held without the convocation procedures if all corporate auditors consent.

 

9 

 

 

Article 32 (Full-Time Corporate Auditor)

 

The board of corporate auditors shall elect full-time corporate auditor(s) by its resolution.

 

Article 33 (Rules Concerning the Board of Corporate Auditors)

 

Any matter related to the board of corporate auditors shall be governed by internal rules concerning the board of corporate auditors established by the board of corporate auditors as well as laws, regulations and these Articles of Incorporation.

 

Article 34 (Remuneration)

 

Remuneration, etc. for corporate auditors shall be determined by a resolution at a meeting of the shareholders.

 

Article 35 (Corporate Auditors Liability Exemption)

 

1. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 426, Paragraph 1 of the Companies Act, the Company may exempt corporate auditors (including former corporate auditors) from their liabilities for loss or damage arising from negligence or willful misconduct to the extent permitted by laws and regulations by a resolution of the board of directors.
     
2. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 427 of the Companies Act, the Company may enter into an agreement with corporate auditor to limit their liabilities for loss or damage arising from their conducts under Article 423 of the Companies Act, provided, however, that the maximum amount that the Company may limit under such agreement shall be the higher of: (i) the amount greater than one million (1,000,000) yen and set out in the agreement; and (ii) the amount stipulated in laws and regulations.

 

Chapter VII       Financial Auditor

 

Article 36 (Election)

 

Financial auditor shall be elected by a resolution at a meeting of the shareholders.

 

10 

 

 

Article 37 (Term of Office)

 

1. The term of office of financial auditor shall be until the conclusion of the annual meeting of the shareholders for the last fiscal year ending within one (1) year of the election.
     
2. Unless otherwise specifically resolved at the annual meeting of the shareholders, the financial auditor shall be deemed reelected at such annual meeting of the shareholders.

 

Chapter VIII      Accounts

 

Article 38 (Fiscal Year)

 

The Company’s fiscal year shall be a period of one calendar year from January 1 of each year to December 31 of the same year.

 

Article 39 (Record Date for Dividends from Surplus)

 

1. The record date for the year-end dividend of the Company shall be December 31 of each year.
     
2. In addition to the preceding paragraph, the Company may set a record date to distribute surplus.

 

Article 40 (Statute of Limitations on Dividends)

 

1. If amounts concerning the dividend are not received after three (3) full years have passed since the date on which the payment of such dividend was attempted, the Company shall be released from its obligation to pay such dividend.
     
2. No interest shall accrue on the outstanding amount of dividend.

 

- END -

 

11 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.

 

AND

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

 

As Depositary

 

AND

 

OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

Deposit Agreement

 

__________, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 1.   DEFINITIONS 1
   
SECTION 1.1.   American Depositary Shares 1
SECTION 1.2.   Commission 2
SECTION 1.3.   Company 2
SECTION 1.4.   Custodian 2
SECTION 1.5.   Deliver; Surrender 2
SECTION 1.6.   Deposit Agreement 3
SECTION 1.7.   Depositary; Depositary’s Office 3
SECTION 1.8.   Deposited Securities 3
SECTION 1.9.   Disseminate 3
SECTION 1.10. Dollars 3
SECTION 1.11. DTC 4
SECTION 1.12. FEFTA 4
SECTION 1.13. Foreign Registrar 4
SECTION 1.14. Holder 4
SECTION 1.15. Owner 4
SECTION 1.16. Receipts 4
SECTION 1.17. Registrar 4
SECTION 1.18. Replacement 5
SECTION 1.19. Restricted Securities 5
SECTION 1.20. Securities Act of 1933 5
SECTION 1.21. Shares 5
SECTION 1.22. SWIFT 5
SECTION 1.23. Termination Option Event 5
   
ARTICLE 2.   FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF SHARES, DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES 6
   
SECTION 2.1.   Form of Receipts; Registration and Transferability of American Depositary Shares 6
SECTION 2.2.   Deposit of Shares 7
SECTION 2.3.   Delivery of American Depositary Shares 8
SECTION 2.4.   Registration of Transfer of American Depositary Shares; Combination and Split-up of Receipts; Interchange of Certificated and Uncertificated American Depositary Shares 9
SECTION 2.5.   Surrender of American Depositary Shares and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities 10
SECTION 2.6.   Limitations on Delivery, Registration of Transfer and Surrender of American Depositary Shares 11
SECTION 2.7.   Lost Receipts, etc. 12

 

-i-

 

 

SECTION 2.8.   Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts 12
SECTION 2.9.   DTC Direct Registration System and Profile Modification System 12
   
ARTICLE 3.   CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES 13
   
SECTION 3.1.   Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information 13
SECTION 3.2.   Liability of Owner for Taxes 13
SECTION 3.3.   Warranties on Deposit of Shares 14
SECTION 3.4.   Disclosure of Interests 14
   
ARTICLE 4.   THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES 15
   
SECTION 4.1.   Cash Distributions 15
SECTION 4.2.   Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights 16
SECTION 4.3.   Distributions in Shares 17
SECTION 4.4.   Rights 17
SECTION 4.5.   Conversion of Foreign Currency 18
SECTION 4.6.   Fixing of Record Date 20
SECTION 4.7.   Voting of Deposited Shares 21
SECTION 4.8.   Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement or Cancellation of Deposited Securities 22
SECTION 4.9.   Reports 23
SECTION 4.10. Lists of Owners 24
SECTION 4.11. Withholding 24
   
ARTICLE 5.   THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY 24
   
SECTION 5.1.   Maintenance of Office and Register by the Depositary 24
SECTION 5.2.   Prevention or Delay of Performance by the Company or the Depositary 25
SECTION 5.3.   Obligations of the Depositary and the Company 26
SECTION 5.4.   Resignation and Removal of the Depositary 27
SECTION 5.5.   The Custodians 28
SECTION 5.6.   Notices and Reports 28
SECTION 5.7.   Distribution of Additional Shares, Rights, etc. 29
SECTION 5.8.   Indemnification 29
SECTION 5.9.   Charges of Depositary 30
SECTION 5.10. Retention of Depositary Documents 31
SECTION 5.11. Exclusivity 31
SECTION 5.12. Information for Regulatory Compliance 31

 

-ii-

 

 

ARTICLE 6.   AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION 31
   
SECTION 6.1.   Amendment 31
SECTION 6.2.   Termination 32
   
ARTICLE 7.   MISCELLANEOUS 33
   
SECTION 7.1.   Counterparts; Signatures; Delivery 33
SECTION 7.2.   No Third Party Beneficiaries 33
SECTION 7.3.   Severability 33
SECTION 7.4.   Owners and Holders as Parties; Binding Effect 34
SECTION 7.5.   Notices 34
SECTION 7.6.   Appointment of Agent for Service of Process; Submission to Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver 35
SECTION 7.7.   Waiver of Immunities 35
SECTION 7.8.   Governing Law 36

 

-iii-

 

 

DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

 

DEPOSIT AGREEMENT dated as of __________, 2020 among MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC., a company incorporated under the laws of Japan (herein called the Company), THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a New York banking corporation (herein called the Depositary), and all Owners and Holders (each as hereinafter defined) from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued hereunder.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide, as set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of Shares (as hereinafter defined) of the Company from time to time with the Depositary or with the Custodian (as hereinafter defined) under this Deposit Agreement, for the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited and for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares; and

 

WHEREAS, the American Depositary Receipts are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as set forth in this Deposit Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1.                  DEFINITIONS

 

The following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated, apply to the respective terms used in this Deposit Agreement:

 

SECTION 1.1.            American Depositary Shares.

 

The term “American Depositary Shares” shall mean the securities created under this Deposit Agreement representing rights with respect to the Deposited Securities. American Depositary Shares may be certificated securities evidenced by Receipts or uncertificated securities. The form of Receipt annexed as Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement shall be the prospectus required under the Securities Act of 1933 for sales of both certificated and uncertificated American Depositary Shares. Except for those provisions of this Deposit Agreement that refer specifically to Receipts, all the provisions of this Deposit Agreement shall apply to both certificated and uncertificated American Depositary Shares.

 

Each American Depositary Share shall represent the number of Shares specified in Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement, except that, if there is a distribution upon Deposited Securities covered by Section 4.3, a change in Deposited Securities covered by Section 4.8 with respect to which additional American Depositary Shares are not delivered or a sale of Deposited Securities under Section 3.2 or 4.8, each American Depositary Share shall thereafter represent the amount of Shares or other Deposited Securities that are then on deposit per American Depositary Share after giving effect to that distribution, change or sale.

 

-1-

 

 

SECTION 1.2.            Commission.

 

The term “Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency in the United States.

 

SECTION 1.3.            Company.

 

The term “Company” shall mean MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of Japan, and its successors.

 

SECTION 1.4.            Custodian.

 

The term “Custodian” shall mean MUFG Bank Ltd., as custodian for the Depositary in Japan for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other firm or corporation the Depositary appoints under Section 5.5 as a substitute or additional custodian under this Deposit Agreement, and shall also mean all of them collectively.

 

SECTION 1.5.            Deliver; Surrender.

 

(a)       The term “deliver”, or its noun form, when used with respect to Shares or other Deposited Securities, shall mean (i) book-entry transfer of those Shares or other Deposited Securities to an account maintained by an institution authorized under applicable law to effect transfers of such securities designated by the person entitled to that delivery or (ii) physical transfer of certificates evidencing those Shares or other Deposited Securities registered in the name of, or duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer to, the person entitled to that delivery.

 

(b)       The term “deliver”, or its noun form, when used with respect to American Depositary Shares, shall mean (i) registration of those American Depositary Shares in the name of DTC or its nominee and book-entry transfer of those American Depositary Shares to an account at DTC designated by the person entitled to that delivery, (ii) registration of those American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt on the books of the Depositary in the name requested by the person entitled to that delivery and mailing to that person of a statement confirming that registration or (iii) if requested by the person entitled to that delivery, execution and delivery at the Depositary’s Office to the person entitled to that delivery of one or more Receipts evidencing those American Depositary Shares registered in the name requested by that person.

 

-2-

 

 

(c)       The term “surrender”, when used with respect to American Depositary Shares, shall mean (i) one or more book-entry transfers of American Depositary Shares to the DTC account of the Depositary, (ii) delivery to the Depositary at its Office of an instruction to surrender American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt or (iii) surrender to the Depositary at its Office of one or more Receipts evidencing American Depositary Shares.

 

SECTION 1.6.            Deposit Agreement.

 

The term “Deposit Agreement” shall mean this Deposit Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

 

SECTION 1.7.            Depositary; Depositary’s Office.

 

The term “Depositary” shall mean The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, and any successor as depositary under this Deposit Agreement. The term “Office”, when used with respect to the Depositary, shall mean the office at which its depositary receipts business is administered, which, at the date of this Deposit Agreement, is located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.

 

SECTION 1.8.            Deposited Securities.

 

The term “Deposited Securities” as of any time shall mean Shares at such time deposited or deemed to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement, including without limitation, Shares that have not been successfully delivered upon surrender of American Depositary Shares, and any and all other securities, property and cash received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect of Deposited Securities and at that time held under this Deposit Agreement.

 

SECTION 1.9.            Disseminate.

 

The term “Disseminate,” when referring to a notice or other information to be sent by the Depositary to Owners, shall mean (i) sending that information to Owners in paper form by mail or another means or (ii) with the consent of Owners, another procedure that has the effect of making the information available to Owners, which may include (A) sending the information by electronic mail or electronic messaging or (B) sending in paper form or by electronic mail or messaging a statement that the information is available and may be accessed by the Owner on an Internet website and that it will be sent in paper form upon request by the Owner, when that information is so available and is sent in paper form as promptly as practicable upon request.

 

SECTION 1.10.        Dollars.

 

The term “Dollars” shall mean United States dollars.

 

-3-

 

 

SECTION 1.11.        DTC.

 

The term “DTC” shall mean The Depository Trust Company or its successor.

 

SECTION 1.12.        FEFTA.

 

The term “FEFTA” shall mean the Japanese Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and related regulations.

 

SECTION 1.13.        Foreign Registrar.

 

The term “Foreign Registrar” shall mean the entity that carries out the duties of registrar for the Shares and any other agent of the Company for the transfer and registration of Shares, including, without limitation, any securities depository for the Shares.

 

SECTION 1.14.        Holder.

 

The term “Holder” shall mean any person holding a Receipt or a security entitlement or other interest in American Depositary Shares, whether for its own account or for the account of another person, but that is not the Owner of that Receipt or those American Depositary Shares.

 

SECTION 1.15.        Owner.

 

The term “Owner” shall mean the person in whose name American Depositary Shares are registered on the books of the Depositary maintained for that purpose.

 

SECTION 1.16.        Receipts.

 

The term “Receipts” shall mean the American Depositary Receipts issued under this Deposit Agreement evidencing certificated American Depositary Shares, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

 

SECTION 1.17.        Registrar.

 

The term “Registrar” shall mean any corporation or other entity that is appointed by the Depositary to register American Depositary Shares and transfers of American Depositary Shares as provided in this Deposit Agreement.

 

-4-

 

 

SECTION 1.18.        Replacement.

 

The term “Replacement” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 4.8.

 

SECTION 1.19.        Restricted Securities.

 

The term “Restricted Securities” shall mean Shares that (i) are “restricted securities,” as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, except for Shares that could be resold in reliance on Rule 144 without any conditions, (ii) are beneficially owned by an officer, director (or person performing similar functions) or other affiliate of the Company, (iii) otherwise would require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the public offer and sale thereof in the United States or (iv) are subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under the laws of Japan, a shareholder agreement or the articles of association or similar document of the Company.

 

SECTION 1.20.        Securities Act of 1933.

 

The term “Securities Act of 1933” shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended.

 

SECTION 1.21.        Shares.

 

The term “Shares” shall mean common shares of the Company that are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable and that were not issued in violation of any pre-emptive or similar rights of the holders of outstanding securities of the Company; provided, however, that, if there shall occur any change in nominal or par value, a split-up or consolidation or any other reclassification or, upon the occurrence of an event described in Section 4.8, an exchange or conversion in respect of the Shares of the Company, the term “Shares” shall thereafter also mean the successor securities resulting from such change in nominal value, split-up or consolidation or such other reclassification or such exchange or conversion.

 

SECTION 1.22.        SWIFT.

 

The term “SWIFT” shall mean the financial messaging network operated by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, or its successor.

 

SECTION 1.23.        Termination Option Event.

 

The term “Termination Option Event” shall mean any of the following events or conditions:

 

(i)       the Company institutes proceedings to be adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent, consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable law in respect of bankruptcy or insolvency, consents to the filing of any petition of that kind or to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian or sequestrator (or other similar official) of it or any substantial part of its property or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or if information becomes publicly available indicating that unsecured claims against the Company are not expected to be paid;

 

-5-

 

 

 

(ii)       the Shares are delisted, or the Company announces its intention to delist the Shares, from a stock exchange outside the United States, and the Company has not applied to list the Shares on any other stock exchange outside the United States;

 

(iii)       the American Depositary Shares are delisted from a stock exchange in the United States on which the American Depositary Shares were listed and, 30 days after that delisting, the American Depositary Shares have not been listed on another stock exchange in the United States, nor is there a symbol available for over-the-counter trading of the American Depositary Shares in the United States;

 

(iv)       the Depositary has received notice of facts that indicate, or otherwise has reason to believe, that the American Depositary Shares have become, or with the passage of time will become, ineligible for registration on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933; or

 

(v)       an event or condition that is defined as a Termination Option Event in Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.8.

 

ARTICLE 2. FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF SHARES, DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

SECTION 2.1.            Form of Receipts; Registration and Transferability of American Depositary Shares.

 

Definitive Receipts shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as permitted under this Deposit Agreement. No Receipt shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless that Receipt has been (i) executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary or (ii) executed by the facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary and countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar or a co-registrar. The Depositary shall maintain books on which (x) each Receipt so executed and delivered as provided in this Deposit Agreement and each transfer of that Receipt and (y) all American Depositary Shares delivered as provided in this Deposit Agreement and all registrations of transfer of American Depositary Shares, shall be registered. A Receipt bearing the facsimile signature of a person that was at any time a proper officer of the Depositary shall, subject to the other provisions of this paragraph, bind the Depositary, even if that person was not a proper officer of the Depositary on the date of issuance of that Receipt.

 

-6-

 

 

The Receipts and statements confirming registration of American Depositary Shares may have incorporated in or attached to them such legends or recitals or modifications not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or required to comply with any applicable law or regulations thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which American Depositary Shares may be listed or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts and American Depositary Shares are subject by reason of the date of issuance of the underlying Deposited Securities or otherwise.

 

American Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt, when the Receipt is properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable as certificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. American Depositary Shares not evidenced by Receipts shall be transferable as uncertificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. The Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Owner of American Depositary Shares as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes, and neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation or be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Holder of American Depositary Shares (but only to the Owner of those American Depositary Shares).

 

SECTION 2.2.            Deposit of Shares.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, Shares or evidence of rights to receive Shares may be deposited under this Deposit Agreement by delivery thereof to any Custodian, accompanied by any appropriate instruments or instructions for transfer, or endorsement, in form satisfactory to the Custodian.

 

As conditions of accepting Shares for deposit, the Depositary may require (i) any certification required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, (ii) a written order directing the Depositary to deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in that order American Depositary Shares representing those deposited Shares, (iii) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that those Shares have been re-registered in the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar in the name of the Depositary, a Custodian or a nominee of the Depositary or a Custodian, (iv) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary approval for the transfer or deposit has been granted by any governmental body in each applicable jurisdiction and (v) an agreement or assignment, or other instrument satisfactory to the Depositary, that provides for the prompt transfer to the Custodian of any dividend, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property, that any person in whose name those Shares are or have been recorded may thereafter receive upon or in respect of those Shares, or, in lieu thereof, such agreement of indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary.

 

-7-

 

 

The Depositary has been advised that, as of the date of this Deposit Agreement, under FEFTA, it must obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting Shares for deposit and that the applicable governmental authority may take up to 30 days to respond to applications for that pre-clearance. Accordingly, persons wishing to deposit Shares should notify the Depositary of that desire at least 30 days in advance. The Depositary shall not accept Shares for deposit until any required pre-clearance has been obtained. The Depositary has been advised that, as of the date of this Deposit Agreement, FEFTA also requires it to notify the applicable governmental authority within 45 days after accepting Shares for deposit. The Company agrees to reimburse the Depositary for its expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, for applying for any required pre-clearance or notification in connection with deposits of Shares.

 

At the request and risk and expense of a person proposing to deposit Shares, and for the account of that person, the Depositary may receive certificates for Shares to be deposited, together with the other instruments specified in this Section, for the purpose of forwarding those Share certificates to the Custodian for deposit under this Deposit Agreement.

 

The Depositary shall instruct each Custodian that, upon each delivery to a Custodian of a certificate or certificates for Shares to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement, together with the other documents specified in this Section, that Custodian shall, as soon as transfer and recordation can be accomplished, present that certificate or those certificates to the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, for transfer and recordation of the Shares being deposited in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or that Custodian or its nominee.

 

Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or at such other place or places as the Depositary shall determine.

 

SECTION 2.3.            Delivery of American Depositary Shares.

 

The Depositary shall instruct each Custodian that, upon receipt by that Custodian of any deposit pursuant to Section 2.2, together with the other documents or evidence required under that Section, that Custodian shall notify the Depositary of that deposit and the person or persons to whom or upon whose written order American Depositary Shares are deliverable in respect thereof. Upon receiving a notice of a deposit from a Custodian, or upon the receipt of Shares or evidence of the right to receive Shares by the Depositary, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall deliver, to or upon the order of the person or persons entitled thereto, the number of American Depositary Shares issuable in respect of that deposit, but only upon payment to the Depositary of the fees and expenses of the Depositary for the delivery of those American Depositary Shares as provided in Section 5.9, and of all taxes and governmental charges and fees payable in connection with that deposit and the transfer of the deposited Shares. However, the Depositary shall deliver only whole numbers of American Depositary Shares.

 

-8-

 

 

SECTION 2.4.            Registration of Transfer of American Depositary Shares; Combination and Split-up of Receipts; Interchange of Certificated and Uncertificated American Depositary Shares.

 

The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall register a transfer of American Depositary Shares on its transfer books upon (i) in the case of certificated American Depositary Shares, surrender of the Receipt evidencing those American Depositary Shares, by the Owner or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer or (ii) in the case of uncertificated American Depositary Shares, receipt from the Owner of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.9), and, in either case, duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States of America. Upon registration of a transfer, the Depositary shall deliver the transferred American Depositary Shares to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto.

 

The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts, execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.

 

The Depositary, upon surrender of certificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for uncertificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel the Receipt evidencing those certificated American Depositary Shares and send the Owner a statement confirming that the Owner is the owner of the same number of uncertificated American Depositary Shares. The Depositary, upon receipt of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.9) from the Owner of uncertificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for certificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel those uncertificated American Depositary Shares and register and deliver to the Owner a Receipt evidencing the same number of certificated American Depositary Shares.

 

The Depositary may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting registration of transfers of American Depositary Shares and combinations and split-ups of Receipts at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Depositary. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by Owners or persons entitled to American Depositary Shares and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as the Depositary.

 

-9-

 

 

SECTION 2.5.            Surrender of American Depositary Shares and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities.

 

Upon surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby and payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares as provided in Section 5.9 and payment of all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with that surrender and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owner of those American Depositary Shares shall be entitled to delivery (to the extent delivery can then be lawfully and practicably made), to or as instructed by that Owner, of the amount of Deposited Securities at the time represented by those American Depositary Shares, but not any money or other property as to which a record date for distribution to Owners has passed (since money or other property of that kind will be delivered or paid on the scheduled payment date to the Owner as of that record date), and except that the Depositary shall not be required to accept surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a Deposited Security. That delivery shall be made, as provided in this Section, without unreasonable delay.

 

As a condition of accepting a surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities, the Depositary may require (i) that each surrendered Receipt be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank and (ii) that the surrendering Owner execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be delivered to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in that order.

 

Thereupon, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to deliver, subject to Sections 2.6, 3.1 and 3.2, the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and local market rules and practices, to the surrendering Owner or to or upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order delivered to the Depositary as above provided, the amount of Deposited Securities represented by the surrendered American Depositary Shares, and the Depositary may charge the surrendering Owner a fee and its expenses for giving that direction by cable (including SWIFT) or facsimile transmission.

 

If Deposited Securities are delivered physically upon surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal, that delivery will be made at the Custodian’s office, except that, at the request, risk and expense of an Owner surrendering American Depositary Shares for withdrawal of Deposited Securities, and for the account of that Owner, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward any cash or other property comprising, and forward a certificate or certificates, if applicable, and other proper documents of title, if any, for, the Deposited Securities represented by the surrendered American Depositary Shares to the Depositary for delivery at the Depositary’s Office or to another address specified in the order received from the surrendering Owner.

 

-10-

 

 

The Depositary has been advised that, as of the date of this Deposit Agreement, under FEFTA, any Foreign Investor (as defined under FEFTA) expecting to receive delivery of Shares upon surrender of American Depositary Shares must obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting that delivery and that the applicable governmental authority may take up to 30 days to respond to applications for that pre-clearance. Accordingly, Owners that are Foreign Investors wishing to surrender American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of deposited Shares should apply or advise the persons to whom they intend to direct delivery of Shares to apply for pre-clearance at least 30 days in advance. The Depositary shall not accept surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Shares until it receives assurances satisfactory to it that any required pre-clearance for delivery of the Shares to be withdrawn to a Foreign Investor has been obtained. The Depositary has been further advised that, as of the date of this Deposit Agreement, under FEFTA, it must notify the applicable Japanese governmental authority within 45 days whenever it delivers deposited Shares upon a surrender of American Depositary Shares. The Company agrees to reimburse the Depositary for its expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, for making required notifications of that kind.

 

SECTION 2.6.            Limitations on Delivery, Registration of Transfer and Surrender of American Depositary Shares.

 

As a condition precedent to the delivery, registration of transfer or surrender of any American Depositary Shares or split-up or combination of any Receipt or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary, Custodian or Registrar may require payment from the depositor of Shares or the presenter of the Receipt or instruction for registration of transfer or surrender of American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as provided in this Deposit Agreement, may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with any regulations the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, including, without limitation, this Section 2.6.

 

The Depositary may refuse to accept deposits of Shares for delivery of American Depositary Shares or to register transfers of American Depositary Shares in particular instances, or may suspend deposits of Shares or registration of transfer generally, whenever it or the Company considers it necessary or advisable to do so. The Depositary may refuse surrenders of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities in particular instances, or may suspend surrenders for the purpose of withdrawal generally, but, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Deposit Agreement, only for (i) temporary delays caused by closing of the Depositary’s register or the register of holders of Shares maintained by the Company or the Foreign Registrar, or the deposit of Shares, in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the American Depositary Shares or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities or (iv) any other reason that, at the time, is permitted under paragraph I(A)(1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1993 or any successor to that provision.

 

-11-

 

 

The Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares that, at the time of deposit, are Restricted Securities.

 

SECTION 2.7.            Lost Receipts, etc.

 

If a Receipt is mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary shall deliver to the Owner the American Depositary Shares evidenced by that Receipt in uncertificated form or, if requested by the Owner, execute and deliver a new Receipt of like tenor in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt, upon surrender and cancellation of that mutilated Receipt, or in lieu of and in substitution for that destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt. However, before the Depositary will deliver American Depositary Shares in uncertificated form or execute and deliver a new Receipt, in substitution for a destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, the Owner must (a) file with the Depositary (i) a request for that replacement before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser and (ii) a sufficient indemnity bond and (b) satisfy any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary.

 

SECTION 2.8.            Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts.

 

The Depositary shall cancel all Receipts surrendered to it and is authorized to destroy Receipts so cancelled.

 

SECTION 2.9.            DTC Direct Registration System and Profile Modification System.

 

(a)       Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.4, the parties acknowledge that DTC’s Direct Registration System (“DRS”) and Profile Modification System (“Profile”) apply to the American Depositary Shares upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated securities and holding of security entitlements in those securities through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is a required feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of an Owner of American Depositary Shares, to direct the Depositary to register a transfer of those American Depositary Shares to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those American Depositary Shares to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the Depositary of prior authorization from the Owner to register that transfer.

 

-12-

 

 

(b)       In connection with DRS/Profile, the parties acknowledge that the Depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an Owner in requesting a registration of transfer and delivery as described in paragraph (a) above has the actual authority to act on behalf of that Owner (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Sections 5.3 and 5.8 apply to the matters arising from the use of the DRS/Profile. The parties agree that the Depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the Depositary through the DRS/Profile system and otherwise in accordance with this Deposit Agreement shall not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the Depositary.

 

ARTICLE 3. CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF OWNERS AND HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

SECTION 3.1.            Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information.

 

Any person presenting Shares for deposit or any Owner or Holder may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of transfer of American Depositary Shares, the distribution of any dividend or other distribution or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any Deposited Securities until that proof or other information is filed or those certificates are executed or those representations and warranties are made.

 

SECTION 3.2.            Liability of Owner for Taxes.

 

If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Custodian or the Depositary with respect to or in connection with any American Depositary Shares or any Deposited Securities represented by any American Depositary Shares or in connection with a transaction to which Section 4.8 applies, that tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner of those American Depositary Shares to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to register any transfer of those American Depositary Shares or any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares until that payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions or the proceeds thereof, or may sell for the account of the Owner any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares and apply those dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds of any sale of that kind in payment of that tax or other governmental charge but, even after a sale of that kind, the Owner of those American Depositary Shares shall remain liable for any deficiency. The Depositary shall distribute any net proceeds of a sale made under this Section that are not used to pay taxes or governmental charges to the Owners entitled to them in accordance with Section 4.1. If the number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share decreases as a result of a sale of Deposited Securities under this Section, the Depositary may call for surrender of the American Depositary Shares to be exchanged on a mandatory basis for a lesser number of American Depositary Shares and may sell American Depositary Shares to the extent necessary to avoid distributing fractions of American Depositary Shares in that exchange and distribute the net proceeds of that sale to the Owners entitled to them.

 

-13-

 

 

SECTION 3.3.            Warranties on Deposit of Shares.

 

Every person depositing Shares under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that those Shares and each certificate therefor, if applicable, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of the holders of outstanding securities of the Company and that the person making that deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every depositing person shall also be deemed to represent that the Shares, at the time of deposit, are not Restricted Securities. All representations and warranties deemed made under this Section shall survive the deposit of Shares and delivery of American Depositary Shares.

 

SECTION 3.4.            Disclosure of Interests.

 

When required in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations or the articles of association or similar document of the Company, the Company may from time to time request each Owner and Holder to provide to the Depositary information relating to: (a) the capacity in which it holds American Depositary Shares, (b) the identity of any Holders or other persons or entities then or previously interested in those American Depositary Shares and the nature of those interests and (c) any other matter where disclosure of such matter is required for that compliance.   Each Owner and Holder agrees to provide all information known to it in response to a request made pursuant to this Section.  Each Holder consents to the disclosure by the Depositary and the Owner or any other Holder through which it holds American Depositary Shares, directly or indirectly, of all information responsive to a request made pursuant to this Section relating to that Holder that is known to that Owner or other Holder.  The Depositary agrees to use reasonable efforts to comply with written instructions requesting that the Depositary forward any request authorized under this Section to the Owners and to forward to the Company any responses it receives in response to that request. The Depositary may charge the Company a fee and its expenses for complying with requests under this Section 3.4.

 

-14-

 

 

  ARTICLE 4. THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES

 

SECTION 4.1.            Cash Distributions.

 

Whenever the Depositary receives any cash dividend or other cash distribution on Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall, subject to the provisions of Section 4.5, convert that dividend or other distribution into Dollars and distribute the amount thus received (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9) to the Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing those Deposited Securities held by them respectively; provided, however, that if the Custodian or the Depositary shall be required to withhold and does withhold from that cash dividend or other cash distribution an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Owners of the American Depositary Shares representing those Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. However, the Depositary will not pay any Owner a fraction of one cent, but will round each Owner’s entitlement to the nearest whole cent.

 

The Company or its agent will remit to the appropriate governmental agency in each applicable jurisdiction all amounts withheld and owing to such agency. The Depositary will forward to the Company or its agent such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request in writing, at the Company’s expense, to enable the Company or its agent to file necessary reports with governmental agencies.

 

If a cash distribution would represent a return of all or substantially all the value of the Deposited Securities underlying American Depositary Shares, the Depositary may:

 

                             (i) require payment of or deduct the fee for surrender of American Depositary Shares (whether or not it is also requiring surrender of American Depositary Shares) as a condition of making that cash distribution; or

 

                             (ii) sell all Deposited Securities other than the subject cash distribution and add any net cash proceeds of that sale to the cash distribution, call for surrender of all those American Depositary Shares and require that surrender as a condition of making that cash distribution.

 

If the Depositary acts under this paragraph, that action shall also be a Termination Option Event.

 

-15-

 

 

 

SECTION 4.2.            Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights.

 

Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.11 and 5.9, whenever the Depositary receives any distribution other than a distribution described in Section 4.1, 4.3 or 4.4 on Deposited Securities (but not in exchange for or in conversion or in lieu of Deposited Securities), the Depositary shall cause the securities or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, after deduction or upon payment of any fees and expenses of the Depositary and any taxes or other governmental charges, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities held by them respectively, in any manner that the Depositary deems equitable and practicable for accomplishing that distribution (which may be a distribution of depositary shares representing the securities received); provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Owners entitled thereto, or if for any other reason (including, but not limited to, any requirement that the Company or the Depositary withhold an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges or that securities received must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 in order to be distributed to Owners or Holders) the Depositary deems such distribution not to be lawful and feasible, the Depositary may adopt such other method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including, but not limited to, the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and distribution of the net proceeds of any such sale (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9) to the Owners entitled thereto, all in the manner and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.1. The Depositary may withhold any distribution of securities under this Section 4.2 if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company that the distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of securities or other property it would otherwise distribute under this Section 4.2 that is sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution.

 

If a distribution to be made under this Section 4.2 would represent a return of all or substantially all the value of the Deposited Securities underlying American Depositary Shares, the Depositary may:

 

(i) require payment of or deduct the fee for surrender of American Depositary Shares (whether or not it is also requiring surrender of American Depositary Shares) as a condition of making that distribution; or

 

(ii) sell all Deposited Securities other than the subject distribution and add any net cash proceeds of that sale to the distribution, call for surrender of all those American Depositary Shares and require that surrender as a condition of making that distribution.

 

If the Depositary acts under this paragraph, that action shall also be a Termination Option Event.

 

  -16-  

 

 

SECTION 4.3.          Distributions in Shares.

 

Whenever the Depositary receives any distribution on Deposited Securities consisting of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Depositary may deliver to the Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares representing those Deposited Securities held by them respectively, an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the amount of Shares received as that dividend or free distribution, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement with respect to the deposit of Shares and issuance of American Depositary Shares, including withholding of any tax or governmental charge as provided in Section 4.11 and payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 (and the Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of the Shares received (or American Depositary Shares representing those Shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution). In lieu of delivering fractional American Depositary Shares, the Depositary may sell the amount of Shares represented by the aggregate of those fractions (or American Depositary Shares representing those Shares) and distribute the net proceeds, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.1. If and to the extent that additional American Depositary Shares are not delivered and Shares or American Depositary Shares are not sold, each American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Shares distributed on the Deposited Securities represented thereby.

 

If the Company declares a distribution in which holders of Deposited Securities have a right to elect whether to receive cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of those things, or a right to elect to have a distribution sold on their behalf, the Depositary may, after consultation with the Company, make that right of election available for exercise by Owners in any manner the Depositary considers to be lawful and practical. As a condition of making a distribution election right available to Owners, the Depositary may require satisfactory assurances from the Company that doing so does not require registration of any securities under the Securities Act of 1933 that has not been effected.

 

SECTION 4.4.          Rights.

 

(a)       If rights are granted to the Depositary in respect of deposited Shares to purchase additional Shares or other securities, the Company and the Depositary shall endeavor to consult as to the actions, if any, the Depositary should take in connection with that grant of rights. The Depositary may, to the extent deemed by it to be lawful and practical (i) if requested in writing by the Company, grant to all or certain Owners rights to instruct the Depositary to purchase the securities to which the rights relate and deliver those securities or American Depositary Shares representing those securities to Owners, (ii) if requested in writing by the Company, deliver the rights to or to the order of certain Owners, or (iii) sell the rights to the extent practicable and distribute the net proceeds of that sale to Owners entitled to those proceeds. To the extent rights are not exercised, delivered or disposed of under (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Depositary shall permit the rights to lapse unexercised.

 

  -17-  

 

 

(b)       If the Depositary will act under (a)(i) above, the Company and the Depositary will enter into a separate agreement setting forth the conditions and procedures applicable to the particular offering. Upon instruction from an applicable Owner in the form the Depositary specified and upon payment by that Owner to the Depositary of an amount equal to the purchase price of the securities to be received upon the exercise of the rights, the Depositary shall, on behalf of that Owner, exercise the rights and purchase the securities. The purchased securities shall be delivered to, or as instructed by, the Depositary. The Depositary shall (i) deposit the purchased Shares under this Deposit Agreement and deliver American Depositary Shares representing those Shares to that Owner or (ii) deliver or cause the purchased Shares or other securities to be delivered to or to the order of that Owner. The Depositary will not act under (a)(i) above unless the offer and sale of the securities to which the rights relate are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Depositary has received an opinion of United States counsel that is satisfactory to it to the effect that those securities may be sold and delivered to the applicable Owners without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

(c)       If the Depositary will act under (a)(ii) above, the Company and the Depositary will enter into a separate agreement setting forth the conditions and procedures applicable to the particular offering. Upon (i) the request of an applicable Owner to deliver the rights allocable to the American Depositary Shares of that Owner to an account specified by that Owner to which the rights can be delivered and (ii) receipt of such documents as the Company and the Depositary agreed to require to comply with applicable law, the Depositary will deliver those rights as requested by that Owner.

 

(d)       If the Depositary will act under (a)(iii) above, the Depositary will use reasonable efforts to sell the rights in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by the applicable Owners and pay the net proceeds to the Owners otherwise entitled to the rights that were sold, upon an averaged or other practical basis without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise.

 

(e)       Payment or deduction of the fees of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 and payment or deduction of the expenses of the Depositary and any applicable taxes or other governmental charges shall be conditions of any delivery of securities or payment of cash proceeds under this Section 4.4.

 

(f)       The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make rights available to or exercise rights on behalf of Owners in general or any Owner in particular, or to sell rights.

 

SECTION 4.5.            Conversion of Foreign Currency.

 

Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian receives foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the United States, the Depositary or one of its agents or affiliates or the Custodian shall convert or cause to be converted by sale or in any other manner that it may determine that foreign currency into Dollars, and those Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto.  A cash distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Owners based on exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into Dollars incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9.

 

  -18-  

 

 

If a conversion of foreign currency or the repatriation or distribution of Dollars can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary may, but will not be required to, file an application for that approval or license.

 

If the Depositary determines that in its judgment any foreign currency received by the Depositary or the Custodian is not convertible on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any government or agency thereof that is required for such conversion is not filed or sought by the Depositary or is not obtained within a reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or in its discretion may hold such foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same.

 

If any conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for distribution to some of the Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its discretion make that conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent practicable and permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or hold that balance uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the account of, the Owners entitled thereto.

 

The Depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates, or the Custodian or the Company may convert currency and pay Dollars to the Depositary. Where the Depositary converts currency itself or through any of its affiliates, the Depositary acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account.  The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under this Deposit Agreement and the rate that the Depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account.  The Depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained by it or its affiliate in any currency conversion under this Deposit Agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to Owners, subject to the Depositary’s obligations under Section 5.3.  The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions made by the Depositary is available upon request. Where the Custodian converts currency, the Custodian has no obligation to obtain the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or to ensure that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to Owners, and the Depositary makes no representation that the rate is the most favorable rate and will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.  In certain instances, the Depositary may receive dividends or other distributions from the Company in Dollars that represent the proceeds of a conversion of foreign currency or translation from foreign currency at a rate that was obtained or determined by or on behalf of the Company and, in such cases, the Depositary will not engage in, or be responsible for, any foreign currency transactions and neither it nor the Company makes any representation that the rate obtained or determined by the Company is the most favorable rate and neither it nor the Company will be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.

 

  -19-  

 

 

SECTION 4.6.          Fixing of Record Date.

 

Whenever a cash dividend, cash distribution or any other distribution is made on Deposited Securities or rights to purchase Shares or other securities are issued with respect to Deposited Securities (which rights will be delivered to or exercised or sold on behalf of Owners in accordance with Section 4.4) or the Depositary receives notice that a distribution or issuance of that kind will be made, or whenever the Depositary receives notice that a meeting of holders of Shares will be held in respect of which the Company has requested the Depositary to send a notice under Section 4.7, or whenever the Depositary will assess a fee or charge against the Owners, or whenever the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary otherwise finds it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date, which shall be the same as, or as near as practicable to, any corresponding record date set by the Company with respect to Shares, (a) for the determination of the Owners (i) who shall be entitled to receive the benefit of that dividend or other distribution or those rights, (ii) who shall be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at that meeting, (iii) who shall be responsible for that fee or charge or (iv) for any other purpose for which the record date was set, or (b) on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent the changed number of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.1 through 4.5 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Owners on a record date fixed by the Depositary shall be entitled to receive the amount distributable by the Depositary with respect to that dividend or other distribution or those rights or the net proceeds of sale thereof in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively, to give voting instructions or to act in respect of the other matter for which that record date was fixed, or be responsible for that fee or charge, as the case may be.

 

  -20-  

 

 

SECTION 4.7.          Voting of Deposited Shares.

 

(a)       (a)       Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Shares at which holders of Shares will be entitled to vote, if requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, Disseminate to the Owners a notice, the form of which shall be in the sole discretion of the Depositary, that shall contain (i) the information contained in the notice of meeting received by the Depositary, (ii) a statement that the Owners as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of Japanese law and of the articles of association or similar documents of the Company, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Shares represented by their respective American Depositary Shares (iii) a statement as to the manner in which those instructions may be given, including an express indication that instructions may be deemed given in accordance with the last sentence of paragraph (b) below, if no instruction is received, to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company and (iv) the last date on which the Depositary will accept instructions (the “Instruction Cutoff Date”).

 

(b)       Upon the written request of an Owner of American Depositary Shares, as of the date of the request or, if a record date was specified by the Depositary, as of that record date, received on or before any Instruction Cutoff Date established by the Depositary, the Depositary may, and if the Depositary sent a notice under the preceding paragraph shall, endeavor, in so far as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the amount of deposited Shares represented by those American Depositary Shares in accordance with the instructions set forth in that request. The Depositary shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the deposited Shares other than in accordance with instructions given by Owners and received by the Depositary or as provided in the following sentence. If

 

(i) the Company instructed the Depositary to Disseminate a notice under paragraph (a) above and complied with paragraph (d) below,

 

(ii) no instructions are received by the Depositary from an Owner with respect to a matter and an amount of American Depositary Shares of that Owner on or before the Instruction Cutoff Date and

 

(iii) the Depositary has received from the Company, by the business day following the Instruction Cutoff Date, a written confirmation that, as of the Instruction Cutoff Date, (x) the Company wishes a proxy to be given under this sentence, (y) the Company reasonably does not know of any substantial opposition to the matters and (z) the matters are not materially adverse to the interests of shareholders,

 

then, the Depositary shall deem that Owner to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to that matter and the amount of deposited Shares represented by that amount of American Depositary Shares and the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote that amount of deposited Shares as to that matter.

 

(c)       There can be no assurance that Owners generally or any Owner in particular will receive the notice described in paragraph (a) above in time to enable Owners to give instructions to the Depositary prior to the Instruction Cutoff Date.

 

  -21-  

 

 

(d)       If the Company will request the Depositary to Disseminate a notice under paragraph (a) above, the Company shall give the Depositary notice of the meeting, details concerning the matters to be voted upon and copies of materials to be made available to holders of Shares in connection with the meeting not less than 45 days prior to the meeting date.

 

SECTION 4.8.            Tender and Exchange Offers; Redemption, Replacement or Cancellation of Deposited Securities.

 

(a)       The Depositary shall not tender any Deposited Securities in response to any voluntary cash tender offer, exchange offer or similar offer made to holders of Deposited Securities (a “Voluntary Offer”), except when instructed in writing to do so by an Owner surrendering American Depositary Shares and subject to any conditions or procedures the Depositary may require.

 

(b)       If the Depositary receives a written notice that Deposited Securities have been redeemed for cash or otherwise purchased for cash in a transaction that is mandatory and binding on the Depositary as a holder of those Deposited Securities (a “Redemption”), the Depositary, at the expense of the Company, shall (i) if required, surrender Deposited Securities that have been redeemed to the issuer of those securities or its agent on the redemption date, (ii) Disseminate a notice to Owners (A) notifying them of that Redemption, (B) calling for surrender of a corresponding number of American Depositary Shares and (C) notifying them that the called American Depositary Shares have been converted into a right only to receive the money received by the Depositary upon that Redemption and those net proceeds shall be the Deposited Securities to which Owners of those converted American Depositary Shares shall be entitled upon surrenders of those American Depositary Shares in accordance with Section 2.5 or 6.2 and (iii) distribute the money received upon that Redemption to the Owners entitled to it upon surrender by them of called American Depositary Shares in accordance with Section 2.5 (and, for the avoidance of doubt, Owners shall not be entitled to receive that money under Section 4.1). If the Redemption affects less than all the Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall call for surrender a corresponding portion of the outstanding American Depositary Shares and only those American Depositary Shares will automatically be converted into a right to receive the net proceeds of the Redemption. The Depositary shall allocate the American Depositary Shares converted under the preceding sentence among the Owners pro-rata to their respective holdings of American Depositary Shares immediately prior to the Redemption, except that the allocations may be adjusted so that no fraction of a converted American Depositary Share is allocated to any Owner. A Redemption of all or substantially all of the Deposited Securities shall be a Termination Option Event.

 

  -22-  

 

 

(c)       If the Depositary is notified of or there occurs any change in nominal value or any subdivision, combination or any other reclassification of the Deposited Securities or any recapitalization, reorganization, sale of assets substantially as an entirety, merger or consolidation affecting the issuer of the Deposited Securities or to which it is a party that is mandatory and binding on the Depositary as a holder of Deposited Securities and, as a result, securities or other property have been or will be delivered in exchange, conversion, replacement or in lieu of, Deposited Securities (a “Replacement”), the Depositary shall, if required, surrender the old Deposited Securities affected by that Replacement of Shares and hold, as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, the new securities or other property delivered to it in that Replacement. However, the Depositary may elect to sell those new Deposited Securities if in the opinion of the Depositary it is not lawful or not practical for it to hold those new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement because those new Deposited Securities may not be distributed to Owners without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or for any other reason, at public or private sale, at such places and on such terms as it deems proper and proceed as if those new Deposited Securities had been Redeemed under paragraph (b) above. A Replacement shall be a Termination Option Event.

 

(d)       In the case of a Replacement where the new Deposited Securities will continue to be held under this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing the new Deposited Securities and the number of those new Deposited Securities represented by each American Depositary Share. If the number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share decreases as a result of a Replacement, the Depositary may call for surrender of the American Depositary Shares to be exchanged on a mandatory basis for a lesser number of American Depositary Shares and may sell American Depositary Shares to the extent necessary to avoid distributing fractions of American Depositary Shares in that exchange and distribute the net proceeds of that sale to the Owners entitled to them.

 

(e)       If there are no Deposited Securities with respect to American Depositary Shares, including if the Deposited Securities are cancelled, or the Deposited Securities with respect to American Depositary Shares have become apparently worthless, the Depositary may call for surrender of those American Depositary Shares or may cancel those American Depositary Shares, upon notice to Owners, and that condition shall be a Termination Option Event.

 

SECTION 4.9.            Reports.

 

The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Owners at its Office any reports and communications, including any proxy solicitation material, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of those Deposited Securities by the Company. The Company shall furnish reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material to which this Section applies, to the Depositary in English, to the extent those materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the Commission.

 

  -23-  

 

 

SECTION 4.10.       Lists of Owners.

 

Upon written request by the Company, the Depositary shall, at the expense of the Company, furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and American Depositary Share holdings of all Owners.

 

SECTION 4.11.       Withholding.

 

If the Depositary determines that any distribution received or to be made by the Depositary (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge that the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, all or a portion of the distributed property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in the amounts and manner the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay those taxes or charges, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of that sale, after deduction of those taxes or charges, to the Owners entitled thereto in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.

 

Services for Owners and Holders that may permit them to obtain reduced rates of tax withholding at source or reclaim excess tax withheld, and the fees and costs associated with using services of that kind, are not provided under, and are outside the scope of, this Deposit Agreement.

 

Each Owner and Holder agrees to indemnify the Company, the Depositary, the Custodian and their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates for, and hold each of them harmless against, any claim by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced withholding at source or other tax benefit received by it.

 

ARTICLE 5.                  THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIANS AND THE COMPANY

 

SECTION 5.1.            Maintenance of Office and Register by the Depositary.

 

Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Depositary shall maintain facilities for the delivery, registration of transfers and surrender of American Depositary Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.

 

The Depositary shall keep a register of all Owners and all outstanding American Depositary Shares, which shall be open for inspection by the Owners at the Depositary’s Office during regular business hours, but only for the purpose of communicating with Owners regarding the business of the Company or a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the American Depositary Shares.

 

  -24-  

 

 

 

The Depositary may close the register for delivery, registration of transfer or surrender for the purpose of withdrawal from time to time as provided in Section 2.6.

 

If any American Depositary Shares are listed on one or more stock exchanges, the Depositary shall act as Registrar or appoint a Registrar or one or more co-registrars for registration of those American Depositary Shares in accordance with any requirements of that exchange or those exchanges.

 

SECTION 5.2.            Prevention or Delay of Performance by the Company or the Depositary.

 

Neither the Depositary nor the Company nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Owner or Holder:

 

(i) if by reason of (A) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or other act of the government of the United States, any State of the United States or any other state or jurisdiction, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or stock exchange; (B) (in the case of the Depositary only) any provision, present or future, of the articles of association or similar document of the Company, or any provision of any securities issued or distributed by the Company, or any offering or distribution thereof; or (C) any event or circumstance, whether natural or caused by a person or persons, that is beyond the ability of the Depositary or the Company, as the case may be, to prevent or counteract by reasonable care or effort (including, but not limited to, earthquakes, floods, severe storms, fires, explosions, war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor disputes, criminal acts or outbreaks of infectious disease; interruptions or malfunctions of utility services, Internet or other communications lines or systems; unauthorized access to or attacks on computer systems or websites; or other failures or malfunctions of computer hardware or software or other systems or equipment), the Depositary or the Company is, directly or indirectly, prevented from, forbidden to or delayed in, or could be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of doing or performing and therefore does not do or perform, any act or thing that, by the terms of this Deposit Agreement or the Deposited Securities, it is provided shall be done or performed;

 

(ii) for any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement (including any determination by the Depositary to take, or not take, any action that this Deposit Agreement provides the Depositary may take);

 

(iii) for the inability of any Owner or Holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit that is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Owners or Holders; or

 

(iv) for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement.

 

-25-

 

 

Where, by the terms of a distribution to which Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 applies, or an offering to which Section 4.4 applies, or for any other reason, that distribution or offering may not be made available to Owners, and the Depositary may not dispose of that distribution or offering on behalf of Owners and make the net proceeds available to Owners, then the Depositary shall not make that distribution or offering available to Owners, and shall allow any rights, if applicable, to lapse.

 

SECTION 5.3.            Obligations of the Depositary and the Company.

 

The Company assumes no obligation nor shall it be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Owner or Holder, except that the Company agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith.

 

The Depositary assumes no obligation nor shall it be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to any Owner or Holder (including, without limitation, liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities), except that the Depositary agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith, and the Depositary shall not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to Owners or Holders.

 

Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the American Depositary Shares on behalf of any Owner or Holder or any other person.

 

Each of the Depositary and the Company may rely, and shall be protected in relying upon, any written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

 

Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be liable for any action or non-action by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Owner or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.

 

The Depositary shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the Depositary performed its obligations without negligence or bad faith while it acted as Depositary.

 

The Depositary shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system in connection with or arising out of book-entry settlement of American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or otherwise.

 

-26-

 

 

In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote.

 

The Depositary shall have no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to the tax status of the Company or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Owners or Holders as a result of owning or holding American Depositary Shares. The Depositary shall not be liable for the inability or failure of an Owner or Holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit.

 

No disclaimer of liability under the United States federal securities laws is intended by any provision of this Deposit Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.4.            Resignation and Removal of the Depositary.

 

The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, to become effective upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of that appointment as provided in this Section. The effect of resignation if a successor depositary is not appointed is provided for in Section 6.2.

 

The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by 120 days’ prior written notice of that removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 120th day after delivery of the notice to the Depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of its appointment as provided in this Section.

 

If the Depositary resigns or is removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. Every successor depositary shall execute and deliver to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment under this Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary receives notice from the Company that a successor depositary has been appointed following its resignation or removal, the Depositary, upon payment of all sums due it from the Company, shall deliver to its successor a register listing all the Owners and their respective holdings of outstanding American Depositary Shares and shall deliver the Deposited Securities to or to the order of its successor. When the Depositary has taken the actions specified in the preceding sentence (i) the successor shall become the Depositary and shall have all the rights and shall assume all the duties of the Depositary under this Deposit Agreement and (ii) the predecessor depositary shall cease to be the Depositary and shall be discharged and released from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement, except for its duties under Section 5.8 with respect to the time before that discharge. A successor Depositary shall notify the Owners of its appointment as soon as practical after assuming the duties of Depositary.

 

-27-

 

 

Any corporation or other entity into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.

 

SECTION 5.5.            The Custodians.

 

The Custodian shall be subject at all times and in all respects to the directions of the Depositary and shall be responsible solely to it. The Depositary in its discretion may at any time appoint a substitute or additional custodian or custodians, each of which shall thereafter be one of the Custodians under this Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary receives notice that a Custodian is resigning and, upon the effectiveness of that resignation there would be no Custodian acting under this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall, as promptly as practicable after receiving that notice, appoint a substitute custodian or custodians, each of which shall thereafter be a Custodian under this Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall require any Custodian that resigns or is removed to deliver all Deposited Securities held by it to another Custodian.

 

SECTION 5.6.            Notices and Reports.

 

If the Company takes or decides to take any corporate action of a kind that is addressed in Sections 4.1 to 4.4, or 4.6 to 4.8, or that effects or will effect a change of the name or legal structure of the Company, or that effects or will effect a change to the Shares, the Company shall notify the Depositary and the Custodian of that action or decision as soon as it is lawful and practical to give that notice.  The notice shall be in English and shall include all details that the Company is required to include in any notice to any governmental or regulatory authority or securities exchange or is required to make available generally to holders of Shares by publication or otherwise.

 

The Company will arrange for the translation into English, if not already in English, to the extent required pursuant to any regulations of the Commission, and the prompt transmittal by the Company to the Depositary and the Custodian of all notices and any other reports and communications which are made generally available by the Company to holders of its Shares. If requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary will Disseminate, at the Company’s expense, those notices, reports and communications to all Owners or otherwise make them available to Owners in a manner that the Company specifies as substantially equivalent to the manner in which those communications are made available to holders of Shares and compliant with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the American Depositary Shares are listed. The Company will timely provide the Depositary with the quantity of such notices, reports, and communications, as requested by the Depositary from time to time, in order for the Depositary to effect that Dissemination.

 

-28-

 

 

The Company represents, continuously, that the statements in Article 11 of the form of Receipt appearing as Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement or, if applicable, most recently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act with respect to the Company’s obligation to file periodic reports under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or its qualification for exemption from registration under that Act pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under that Act, as the case may be, are true and correct. The Company agrees to promptly notify the Depositary upon becoming aware of any change in the truth of any of those statements or if there is any change in the Company’s status regarding those reporting obligations or that qualification.

 

SECTION 5.7.            Distribution of Additional Shares, Rights, etc.

 

If the Company or any affiliate of the Company determines to make any issuance or distribution of (1) additional Shares, (2) rights to subscribe for Shares, (3) securities convertible into Shares, or (4) rights to subscribe for such securities (each a “Distribution”), the Company shall notify the Depositary in writing in English as promptly as practicable and in any event before the Distribution starts and, if requested in writing by the Depositary, the Company shall promptly furnish to the Depositary either (i) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that the Distribution is registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii) a written opinion from U.S. counsel for the Company that is reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, stating that the Distribution does not require, or, if made in the United States, would not require, registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

The Company agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company will at any time deposit any Shares that, at the time of deposit, are Restricted Securities.

 

SECTION 5.8.            Indemnification.

 

The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary, its directors, employees, agents and affiliates and each Custodian against, and hold each of them harmless from, any liability or expense (including, but not limited to any fees and expenses incurred in seeking, enforcing or collecting such indemnity and the fees and expenses of counsel) that may arise out of or in connection with (a) any registration with the Commission of American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or the offer or sale thereof or (b) acts performed or omitted, pursuant to the provisions of or in connection with this Deposit Agreement and the American Depositary Shares, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, (i) by either the Depositary or a Custodian or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates, except for any liability or expense arising out of the negligence or bad faith of either of them, or (ii) by the Company or any of its directors, employees, agents and affiliates.

 

The Depositary agrees to indemnify the Company, its directors, employees, agents and affiliates and hold them harmless from any liability or expense that may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the Depositary or any Custodian or their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates due to their negligence or bad faith.

 

-29-

 

 

SECTION 5.9.            Charges of Depositary.

 

The following charges shall be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering American Depositary Shares or to whom American Depositary Shares are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or a delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 4.3), or by Owners, as applicable: (1) taxes and other governmental charges, (2) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of Shares generally on the Share register of the Company or Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares to or from the name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals hereunder, (3) such cable (including SWIFT) and facsimile transmission fees and expenses as are expressly provided in this Deposit Agreement, (4) such expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency pursuant to Section 4.5, (5) a fee of $5.00 or less per 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion thereof) for the delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.3, 4.3 or 4.4 and the surrender of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.5 or 6.2, (6) a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to this Deposit Agreement, including, but not limited to Sections 4.1 through 4.4 and Section 4.8, (7) a fee for the distribution of securities pursuant to Section 4.2 or of rights pursuant to Section 4.4 (where the Depositary will not exercise or sell those rights on behalf of Owners), such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities under this Deposit Agreement (for purposes of this item 7 treating all such securities as if they were Shares) but which securities are instead distributed by the Depositary to Owners, (8) in addition to any fee charged under item 6 above, a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) per annum for depositary services, which will be payable as provided in item 9 below, and (9) any other charges payable by the Depositary or the Custodian, any of the Depositary's or Custodian’s agents or the agents of the Depositary's or Custodian’s agents, in connection with the servicing of Shares or other Deposited Securities (which charges shall be assessed against Owners as of the date or dates set by the Depositary in accordance with Section 4.6 and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing those Owners for those charges or by deducting those charges from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).

 

The Depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable, or by selling a portion of any securities to be distributed, to Owners that are obligated to pay those fees.

 

In performing its duties under this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the Depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.

 

-30-

 

 

The Depositary may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in American Depositary Shares.

 

SECTION 5.10.          Retention of Depositary Documents.

 

The Depositary is authorized to destroy those documents, records, bills and other data compiled during the term of this Deposit Agreement at the times permitted by the laws or regulations governing the Depositary.

 

SECTION 5.11.          Exclusivity.

 

Without prejudice to the Company’s rights under Section 5.4, the Company agrees not to appoint any other depositary for issuance of depositary shares, depositary receipts or any similar securities or instruments so long as The Bank of New York Mellon is acting as Depositary under this Deposit Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.12.          Information for Regulatory Compliance.

 

Each of the Company and the Depositary shall provide to the other, as promptly as practicable, information from its records or otherwise available to it that is reasonably requested by the other to permit the other to comply with applicable law or requirements of governmental or regulatory authorities.

 

ARTICLE 6.                  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

SECTION 6.1.            Amendment.

 

The form of the Receipts and any provisions of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary without the consent of Owners or Holders in any respect that they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment that would impose or increase any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees, cable (including SWIFT) or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or that would otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Owners, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding American Depositary Shares until the expiration of 30 days after notice of that amendment has been Disseminated to the Owners of outstanding American Depositary Shares. Every Owner and Holder, at the time any amendment so becomes effective, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold American Depositary Shares or any interest therein, to consent and agree to that amendment and to be bound by this Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. Upon the effectiveness of an amendment to the form of Receipt, including a change in the number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share, the Depositary may call for surrender of Receipts to be replaced with new Receipts in the amended form or call for surrender of American Depositary Shares to effect that change of ratio. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Owner to surrender American Depositary Shares and receive delivery of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

-31-

 

 

SECTION 6.2.            Termination.

 

(a)       The Company may initiate termination of this Deposit Agreement by notice to the Depositary. The Depositary may initiate termination of this Deposit Agreement if (i) at any time 60 days shall have expired after the Depositary delivered to the Company a written resignation notice and a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4 or (ii) a Termination Option Event has occurred or will occur. If termination of this Deposit Agreement is initiated, the Depositary shall Disseminate a notice of termination to the Owners of all American Depositary Shares then outstanding setting a date for termination (the “Termination Date”), which shall be at least 90 days after the date of that notice, and this Deposit Agreement shall terminate on that Termination Date.

 

(b)       After the Termination Date, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.8 and 5.9.

 

(c)       At any time after the Termination Date, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under this Deposit Agreement and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of American Depositary Shares that remain outstanding, and those Owners will be general creditors of the Depositary with respect to those net proceeds and that other cash. After making that sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement, except (i) to account for the net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges) and (ii) for its obligations under Section 5.8 and (iii) to act as provided in paragraph (d) below.

 

(d)       After the Termination Date, the Depositary shall continue to receive dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities (that have not been sold), may sell rights and other property as provided in this Deposit Agreement and shall deliver Deposited Securities (or sale proceeds) upon surrender of American Depositary Shares (after payment or upon deduction, in each case, of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of those American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). After the Termination Date, the Depositary shall not accept deposits of Shares or deliver American Depositary Shares. After the Termination Date, (i) the Depositary may refuse to accept surrenders of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities (that have not been sold) or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind that have not settled if in its judgment the requested withdrawal would interfere with its efforts to sell the Deposited Securities, (ii) the Depositary will not be required to deliver cash proceeds of the sale of Deposited Securities until all Deposited Securities have been sold and (iii) the Depositary may discontinue the registration of transfers of American Depositary Shares and suspend the distribution of dividends and other distributions on Deposited Securities to the Owners and need not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Deposit Agreement except as provided in this Section.

 

-32-

 

 

ARTICLE 7.                  MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 7.1.            Counterparts; Signatures; Delivery.

 

This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of those counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and the Custodians and shall be open to inspection by any Owner or Holder during regular business hours.

 

The exchange of copies of this Deposit Agreement and manually-signed signature pages by facsimile, or email attaching a pdf or similar bit-mapped image, shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement as to the parties to it; copies and signature pages so exchanged may be used in lieu of the original Deposit Agreement and signature pages for all purposes and shall have the same validity, legal effect and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature; the parties to this Deposit Agreement hereby agree not to argue to the contrary.

 

SECTION 7.2.            No Third Party Beneficiaries.

 

This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the Company, the Depositary, the Owners and the Holders and their respective successors and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever to any other person.

 

SECTION 7.3.            Severability.

 

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in a Receipt should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or that Receipt shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.

 

-33-

 

 

SECTION 7.4.            Owners and Holders as Parties; Binding Effect.

 

The Owners and Holders from time to time shall be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and of the Receipts by acceptance of American Depositary Shares or any interest therein.

 

SECTION 7.5.            Notices.

 

Any and all notices to be given to the Company shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by domestic first class or international air mail or air courier or sent by facsimile transmission or email attaching a pdf or similar bit-mapped image of a signed writing, addressed to MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., [Tradepia Odaiba 16F, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091], Attention: _____________, or any other place to which the Company may have transferred its principal office with notice to the Depositary.

 

Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if in English and personally delivered or sent by first class domestic or international air mail or air courier or sent by facsimile transmission or email attaching a pdf or similar bit-mapped image of a signed writing, addressed to The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, Attention: Depositary Receipt Administration, or any other place to which the Depositary may have transferred its Office with notice to the Company.

 

Delivery of a notice to the Company or Depositary by mail or air courier shall be deemed effected when deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box or received by an air courier service. Delivery of a notice to the Company or Depositary sent by facsimile transmission or email shall be deemed effected when the recipient acknowledges receipt of that notice.

 

A notice to be given to an Owner shall be deemed to have been duly given when Disseminated to that Owner. Dissemination in paper form will be effective when personally delivered or sent by first class domestic or international air mail or air courier, addressed to that Owner at the address of that Owner as it appears on the transfer books for American Depositary Shares of the Depositary, or, if that Owner has filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for that Owner be mailed to some other address, at the address designated in that request. Dissemination in electronic form will be effective when sent in the manner consented to by the Owner to the electronic address most recently provided by the Owner for that purpose.

 

-34-

 

 

SECTION 7.6.            Appointment of Agent for Service of Process; Submission to Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver.

 

The Company hereby (i) designates and appoints the person named in Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement as the Company's authorized agent in the United States upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement (a “Proceeding”), (ii) consents and submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the State of New York in which any Proceeding may be instituted and (iii) agrees that service of process upon said authorized agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any Proceeding. The Company agrees to deliver to the Depositary, upon the execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement, a written acceptance by the agent named in Exhibit A to this Deposit Agreement of its appointment as process agent. The Company further agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue that designation and appointment in full force and effect, or to appoint and maintain the appointment of another process agent located in the United States as required above, and to deliver to the Depositary a written acceptance by that agent of that appointment, for so long as any American Depositary Shares or Receipts remain outstanding or this Deposit Agreement remains in force. In the event the Company fails to maintain the designation and appointment of a process agent in the United States in full force and effect, the Company hereby waives personal service of process upon it and consents that a service of process in connection with a Proceeding may be made by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to the Company at its address last specified for notices under this Deposit Agreement, and service so made shall be deemed completed five (5) days after the same shall have been so mailed.

 

EACH PARTY TO THIS DEPOSIT AGREEMENT (INCLUDING, FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, EACH OWNER AND HOLDER) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE COMPANY AND/OR THE DEPOSITARY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SHARES OR OTHER DEPOSITED SECURITIES, THE AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES OR THE RECEIPTS, THIS DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, OR THE BREACH HEREOF OR THEREOF, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY QUESTION REGARDING EXISTENCE, VALIDITY OR TERMINATION (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

 

SECTION 7.7.            Waiver of Immunities.

 

To the extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or may hereafter become entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, or from execution of judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Deposit Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to plead or claim, any immunity of that kind and consents to relief and enforcement as provided above.

 

-35-

 

 

 

SECTION 7.8.            Governing Law.

 

This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall be interpreted in accordance with and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

  -36-  

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC. and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above and all Owners and Holders shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of American Depositary Shares or any interest therein.

 

  MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
       
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  
       
 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

as Depositary

       
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

  -37-  

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

  AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
  (Each American Depositary Share represents
  _____ deposited Shares)

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT

FOR COMMON SHARES OF

MEDIROM HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN)

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary (hereinafter called the “Depositary”), hereby certifies that_____________________, or registered assigns IS THE OWNER OF _________________________

 

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

representing deposited common shares (herein called “Shares”) of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., incorporated under the laws of Japan (herein called the “Company”). At the date hereof, each American Depositary Share represents _____ Shares deposited or subject to deposit under the Deposit Agreement (as such term is hereinafter defined) with a custodian for the Depositary (herein called the “Custodian”) that, as of the date of the Deposit Agreement, was MUFG Bank Ltd. located in Japan. The Depositary's Office and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y. 10286.

 

THE DEPOSITARY'S OFFICE ADDRESS IS

240 GREENWICH STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10286

 

     

 

 

1. THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT.

 

This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue (herein called “Receipts”), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement dated as of __________, 2020 (herein called the “Deposit Agreement”) among the Company, the Depositary, and all Owners and Holders from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder, each of whom by accepting American Depositary Shares agrees to become a party thereto and become bound by all the terms and conditions thereof. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights of Owners and Holders and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time received in respect of those Shares and held thereunder (those Shares, securities, property, and cash are herein called “Deposited Securities”). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at the Depositary's Office in New York City and at the office of the Custodian.

 

The statements made on the face and reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement, to which reference is hereby made. Capitalized terms defined in the Deposit Agreement and not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Deposit Agreement.

 

2. SURRENDER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AND WITHDRAWAL OF SHARES.

 

Upon surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby and payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares as provided in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement and payment of all taxes and governmental charges payable in connection with that surrender and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Owner of those American Depositary Shares shall be entitled to delivery (to the extent delivery can then be lawfully and practicably made), to or as instructed by that Owner, of the amount of Deposited Securities at the time represented by those American Depositary Shares, but not any money or other property as to which a record date for distribution to Owners has passed (since money or other property of that kind will be delivered or paid on the scheduled payment date to the Owner as of that record date), and except that the Depositary shall not be required to accept surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal to the extent it would require delivery of a fraction of a Deposited Security. The Depositary shall direct the Custodian with respect to delivery of Deposited Securities and may charge the surrendering Owner a fee and its expenses for giving that direction by cable (including SWIFT) or facsimile transmission. If Deposited Securities are delivered physically upon surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal, that delivery will be made at the Custodian’s office, except that, at the request, risk and expense of the surrendering Owner, and for the account of that Owner, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward any cash or other property comprising, and forward a certificate or certificates, if applicable, and other proper documents of title, if any, for, the Deposited Securities represented by the surrendered American Depositary Shares to the Depositary for delivery at the Depositary’s Office or to another address specified in the order received from the surrendering Owner.

 

  A-2  

 

 

The Depositary has been advised that, as of the date of the Deposit Agreement, under FEFTA, any Foreign Investor (as defined under FEFTA) expecting to receive delivery of Shares upon surrender of American Depositary Shares must obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting that delivery and that the applicable governmental authority may take up to 30 days to respond to applications for that pre-clearance. Accordingly, Owners that are Foreign Investors wishing to surrender American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of deposited Shares should apply or advise the persons to whom they intend to direct delivery of Shares to apply for pre-clearance at least 30 days in advance. The Depositary shall not accept surrender of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Shares until it receives assurances satisfactory to it that any required pre-clearance for delivery of the Shares to be withdrawn to a Foreign Investor has been obtained.

 

3. REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES; COMBINATION AND SPLIT-UP OF RECEIPTS; INTERCHANGE OF CERTIFICATED AND UNCERTIFICATED AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES.

 

The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, shall register a transfer of American Depositary Shares on its transfer books upon (i) in the case of certificated American Depositary Shares, surrender of the Receipt evidencing those American Depositary Shares, by the Owner or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer or (ii) in the case of uncertificated American Depositary Shares, receipt from the Owner of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.9 of that Agreement), and, in either case, duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States of America. Upon registration of a transfer, the Depositary shall deliver the transferred American Depositary Shares to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto.

 

The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, shall upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts, execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.

 

  A-3  

 

 

The Depositary, upon surrender of certificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for uncertificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel the Receipt evidencing those certificated American Depositary Shares and send the Owner a statement confirming that the Owner is the owner of the same number of uncertificated American Depositary Shares. The Depositary, upon receipt of a proper instruction (including, for the avoidance of doubt, instructions through DRS and Profile as provided in Section 2.9 of the Deposit Agreement) from the Owner of uncertificated American Depositary Shares for the purpose of exchanging for certificated American Depositary Shares, shall cancel those uncertificated American Depositary Shares and register and deliver to the Owner a Receipt evidencing the same number of certificated American Depositary Shares.

 

As a condition precedent to the delivery, registration of transfer, or surrender of any American Depositary Shares or split-up or combination of any Receipt or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary, the Custodian, or Registrar may require payment from the depositor of the Shares or the presenter of the Receipt or instruction for registration of transfer or surrender of American Depositary Shares not evidenced by a Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as provided in the Deposit Agreement, may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with any regulations the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.

 

The Depositary may refuse to accept deposits of Shares for delivery of American Depositary Shares or to register transfers of American Depositary Shares in particular instances, or may suspend deposits of Shares or registration of transfer generally, whenever it or the Company considers it necessary or advisable to do so. The Depositary may refuse surrenders of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities in particular instances, or may suspend surrenders for the purpose of withdrawal generally, but, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Deposit Agreement, only for (i) temporary delays caused by closing of the Depositary’s register or the register of holders of Shares maintained by the Company or the Foreign Registrar, or the deposit of Shares, in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the American Depositary Shares or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities or (iv) any other reason that, at the time, is permitted under paragraph I(A)(1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1993 or any successor to that provision.

 

The Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under the Deposit Agreement any Shares that, at the time of deposit, are Restricted Securities.

 

The Depositary has been advised that, as of the date of the Deposit Agreement, under FEFTA, it must obtain pre-clearance from the applicable Japanese governmental authority prior to accepting Shares for deposit and that the applicable governmental authority may take up to 30 days to respond to applications for that pre-clearance. Accordingly, persons wishing to deposit Shares should notify the Depositary of that desire at least 30 days in advance. The Depositary shall not accept Shares for deposit until any required pre-clearance has been obtained. The Company agrees to reimburse the Depositary for its expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, for applying for any required pre-clearance.

 

  A-4  

 

 

4. LIABILITY OF OWNER FOR TAXES.

 

If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Custodian or the Depositary with respect to or in connection with any American Depositary Shares or any Deposited Securities represented by any American Depositary Shares or in connection with a transaction to which Section 4.8 of the Deposit Agreement applies, that tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Owner of those American Depositary Shares to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to register any transfer of those American Depositary Shares or any withdrawal of Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares until that payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions or the proceeds thereof, or may sell for the account of the Owner any part or all of the Deposited Securities represented by those American Depositary Shares, and may apply those dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds of any sale of that kind in payment of that tax or other governmental charge but, even after a sale of that kind, the Owner shall remain liable for any deficiency. The Depositary shall distribute any net proceeds of a sale made under Section 3.2 of the Deposit Agreement that are not used to pay taxes or governmental charges to the Owners entitled to them in accordance with Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement. If the number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share decreases as a result of a sale of Deposited Securities under Section 3.2 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may call for surrender of the American Depositary Shares to be exchanged on a mandatory basis for a lesser number of American Depositary Shares and may sell American Depositary Shares to the extent necessary to avoid distributing fractions of American Depositary Shares in that exchange and distribute the net proceeds of that sale to the Owners entitled to them.

 

5. WARRANTIES ON DEPOSIT OF SHARES.

 

Every person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that those Shares and each certificate therefor, if applicable, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of the holders of outstanding securities of the Company and that the person making that deposit is duly authorized so to do. Every depositing person shall also be deemed to represent that the Shares, at the time of deposit, are not Restricted Securities. All representations and warranties deemed made under Section 3.3 of the Deposit Agreement shall survive the deposit of Shares and delivery of American Depositary Shares.

 

  A-5  

 

 

6. FILING PROOFS, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER INFORMATION.

 

Any person presenting Shares for deposit or any Owner or Holder may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, exchange control approval, or such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if applicable, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper. The Depositary may withhold the delivery or registration of transfer of any American Depositary Shares, the distribution of any dividend or other distribution or of the proceeds thereof or the delivery of any Deposited Securities until that proof or other information is filed or those certificates are executed or those representations and warranties are made. As conditions of accepting Shares for deposit, the Depositary may require (i) any certification required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, (ii) a written order directing the Depositary to deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in that order, the number of American Depositary Shares representing those Deposited Shares, (iii) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that those Shares have been re-registered in the books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar in the name of the Depositary, a Custodian or a nominee of the Depositary or a Custodian, (iv) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in each applicable jurisdiction and (v) an agreement or assignment, or other instrument satisfactory to the Depositary, that provides for the prompt transfer to the Custodian of any dividend, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property, that any person in whose name those Shares are or have been recorded may thereafter receive upon or in respect of those Shares, or, in lieu thereof, such agreement of indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary.

 

7. CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY.

 

The following charges shall be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing Shares or by any party surrendering American Depositary Shares or to whom American Depositary Shares are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Company or an exchange of stock regarding the American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or a delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Deposit Agreement), or by Owners, as applicable: (1) taxes and other governmental charges, (2) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of Shares generally on the Share register of the Company or Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares to or from the name of the Depositary or its nominee or the Custodian or its nominee on the making of deposits or withdrawals hereunder, (3) such cable (including SWIFT) and facsimile transmission fees and expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement, (4) such expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency pursuant to Section 4.5 of the Deposit Agreement, (5) a fee of $5.00 or less per 100 American Depositary Shares (or portion thereof) for the delivery of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.3, 4.3 or 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement and the surrender of American Depositary Shares pursuant to Section 2.5 or 6.2 of the Deposit Agreement, (6) a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, including, but not limited to Sections 4.1 through 4.4 and 4.8 of the Deposit Agreement, (7) a fee for the distribution of securities pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Deposit Agreement or of rights pursuant to Section 4.4 of that Agreement (where the Depositary will not exercise or sell those rights on behalf of Owners), such fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Shares referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities under the Deposit Agreement (for purposes of this item 7 treating all such securities as if they were Shares) but which securities are instead distributed by the Depositary to Owners, (8) in addition to any fee charged under item 6, a fee of $.05 or less per American Depositary Share (or portion thereof) per annum for depositary services, which will be payable as provided in item 9 below, and (9) any other charges payable by the Depositary or the Custodian, any of the Depositary's or Custodian’s agents or the agents of the Depositary's or Custodian’s agents, in connection with the servicing of Shares or other Deposited Securities (which charges shall be assessed against Owners as of the date or dates set by the Depositary in accordance with Section 4.6 of the Deposit Agreement and shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing those Owners for those charges or by deducting those charges from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions).

 

  A-6  

 

 

The Depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable, or by selling a portion of any securities to be distributed, to Owners that are obligated to pay those fees.

 

The Depositary may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in American Depositary Shares.

 

From time to time, the Depositary may make payments to the Company to reimburse the Company for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and maintenance of the American Depositary Shares program, waive fees and expenses for services provided by the Depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from Owners or Holders. In performing its duties under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the Depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.

 

8. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS.

 

When required in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations or the articles of association or similar document of the Company, the Company may from time to time request each Owner and Holder to provide to the Depositary information relating to: (a) the capacity in which it holds American Depositary Shares, (b) the identity of any Holders or other persons or entities then or previously interested in those American Depositary Shares and the nature of those interests and (c) any other matter where disclosure of such matter is required for that compliance.   Each Owner and Holder agrees to provide all information known to it in response to a request made pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Deposit Agreement.  Each Holder consents to the disclosure by the Depositary and the Owner or other Holder through which it holds American Depositary Shares, directly or indirectly, of all information responsive to a request made pursuant to that Section relating to that Holder that is known to that Owner or other Holder. 

 

  A-7  

 

 

 

9. TITLE TO AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES.

 

It is a condition of the American Depositary Shares, and every successive Owner and Holder of American Depositary Shares, by accepting or holding the same, consents and agrees that American Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt, when the Receipt is properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable as certificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York, and that American Depositary Shares not evidenced by Receipts shall be transferable as uncertificated registered securities under the laws of the State of New York. The Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Owner of American Depositary Shares as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in the Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes, and neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation or be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to any Holder of American Depositary Shares, but only to the Owner.

 

10. VALIDITY OF RECEIPT.

 

This Receipt shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless this Receipt shall have been (i) executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary or (ii) executed by the facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary and countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar or a co-registrar.

 

11. REPORTS; INSPECTION OF TRANSFER BOOKS.

 

The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, files certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Those reports will be available for inspection and copying through the Commission's EDGAR system or at public reference facilities maintained by the Commission in Washington, D.C.

 

The Depositary will make available for inspection by Owners at its Office any reports, notices and other communications, including any proxy soliciting material, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of those Deposited Securities by the Company. The Company shall furnish reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material to which Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement applies, to the Depositary in English, to the extent such materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to any regulations of the Commission.

 

A-8

 

 

The Depositary will maintain a register of American Depositary Shares and transfers of American Depositary Shares, which shall be open for inspection by the Owners at the Depositary’s Office during regular business hours, but only for the purpose of communicating with Owners regarding the business of the Company or a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the American Depositary Shares.

 

12. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.

 

Whenever the Depositary receives any cash dividend or other cash distribution on Deposited Securities, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a foreign currency can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, and subject to the Deposit Agreement, convert that dividend or other cash distribution into Dollars and distribute the amount thus received (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement) to the Owners entitled thereto; provided, however, that if the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from that cash dividend or other cash distribution an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Owners of the American Depositary Shares representing those Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly.

 

If a cash distribution would represent a return of all or substantially all the value of the Deposited Securities underlying American Depositary Shares, the Depositary may:

 

(i)      require payment of or deduct the fee for surrender of American Depositary Shares (whether or not it is also requiring surrender of American Depositary Shares) as a condition of making that cash distribution; or

 

(ii)      sell all Deposited Securities other than the subject cash distribution and add any net cash proceeds of that sale to the cash distribution, call for surrender of all those American Depositary Shares and require that surrender as a condition of making that cash distribution.

 

If the Depositary acts under this paragraph, that action shall also be a Termination Option Event.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 4.11 and 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement, whenever the Depositary receives any distribution other than a distribution described in Section 4.1, 4.3 or 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement on Deposited Securities (but not in exchange for or in conversion or in lieu of Deposited Securities), the Depositary will cause the securities or property received by it to be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto, after deduction or upon payment of any fees and expenses of the Depositary and any taxes or other governmental charges, in any manner that the Depositary deems equitable and practicable for accomplishing that distribution (which may be a distribution of depositary shares representing the securities received); provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Owners entitled thereto, or if for any other reason the Depositary deems such distribution not to be lawful and feasible, the Depositary may adopt such other method as it may deem equitable and practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including, but not limited to, the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and distribution of the net proceeds of any such sale (net of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement) to the Owners entitled thereto all in the manner and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may withhold any distribution of securities under Section 4.2 of the Deposit Agreement if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company that the distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of securities or other property it would otherwise distribute under this Article that is sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution.

 

A-9

 

 

If a distribution to be made under Section 4.2 of the Deposit Agreement would represent a return of all or substantially all the value of the Deposited Securities underlying American Depositary Shares, the Depositary may:

 

(i)      require payment of or deduct the fee for surrender of American Depositary Shares (whether or not it is also requiring surrender of American Depositary Shares) as a condition of making that distribution; or

 

(ii)      sell all Deposited Securities other than the subject distribution and add any net cash proceeds of that sale to the distribution, call for surrender of all those American Depositary Shares and require that surrender as a condition of making that distribution.

 

If the Depositary acts under this paragraph, that action shall also be a Termination Option Event.

 

Whenever the Depositary receives any distribution consisting of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Depositary may deliver to the Owners entitled thereto, an aggregate number of American Depositary Shares representing the amount of Shares received as that dividend or free distribution, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement with respect to the deposit of Shares and issuance of American Depositary Shares, including the withholding of any tax or other governmental charge as provided in Section 4.11 of the Deposit Agreement and the payment of the fees and expenses of the Depositary as provided in Article 7 hereof and Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement (and the Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, an amount of Shares received (or American Depositary Shares representing those Shares) sufficient to pay its fees and expenses in respect of that distribution). In lieu of delivering fractional American Depositary Shares, the Depositary may sell the amount of Shares represented by the aggregate of those fractions (or American Depositary Shares representing those Shares) and distribute the net proceeds, all in the manner and subject to the conditions described in Section 4.1of the Deposit Agreement. If and to the extent that additional American Depositary Shares are not delivered and Shares or American Depositary Shares are not sold, each American Depositary Share shall thenceforth also represent the additional Shares distributed on the Deposited Securities represented thereby.

 

A-10

 

 

If the Company declares a distribution in which holders of Deposited Securities have a right to elect whether to receive cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of those things, or a right to elect to have a distribution sold on their behalf, the Depositary may, after consultation with the Company, make that right of election available for exercise by Owners in any manner the Depositary considers to be lawful and practical. As a condition of making a distribution election right available to Owners, the Depositary may require satisfactory assurances from the Company that doing so does not require registration of any securities under the Securities Act of 1933 that has not been effected.

 

If the Depositary determines that any distribution received or to be made by the Depositary (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge that the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may sell, by public or private sale, all or a portion of the distributed property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in the amounts and manner the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay those taxes or charges, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of that sale, after deduction of those taxes or charges, to the Owners entitled thereto in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.

 

Each Owner and Holder agrees to indemnify the Company, the Depositary, the Custodian and their respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates for, and hold each of them harmless against, any claim by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced withholding at source or other tax benefit received by it. Services for Owners and Holders that may permit them to obtain reduced rates of tax withholding at source or reclaim excess tax withheld, and the fees and costs associated with using services of that kind, are not provided under, and are outside the scope of, the Deposit Agreement.

 

13. RIGHTS.

 

(a)       If rights are granted to the Depositary in respect of deposited Shares to purchase additional Shares or other securities, the Company and the Depositary shall endeavor to consult as to the actions, if any, the Depositary should take in connection with that grant of rights. The Depositary may, to the extent deemed by it to be lawful and practical (i) if requested in writing by the Company, grant to all or certain Owners rights to instruct the Depositary to purchase the securities to which the rights relate and deliver those securities or American Depositary Shares representing those securities to Owners, (ii) if requested in writing by the Company, deliver the rights to or to the order of certain Owners, or (iii) sell the rights to the extent practicable and distribute the net proceeds of that sale to Owners entitled to those proceeds. To the extent rights are not exercised, delivered or disposed of under (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Depositary shall permit the rights to lapse unexercised.

 

A-11

 

 

(b)       If the Depositary will act under (a)(i) above, the Company and the Depositary will enter into a separate agreement setting forth the conditions and procedures applicable to the particular offering. Upon instruction from an applicable Owner in the form the Depositary specified and upon payment by that Owner to the Depositary of an amount equal to the purchase price of the securities to be received upon the exercise of the rights, the Depositary shall, on behalf of that Owner, exercise the rights and purchase the securities. The purchased securities shall be delivered to, or as instructed by, the Depositary. The Depositary shall (i) deposit the purchased Shares under the Deposit Agreement and deliver American Depositary Shares representing those Shares to that Owner or (ii) deliver or cause the purchased Shares or other securities to be delivered to or to the order of that Owner. The Depositary will not act under (a)(i) above unless the offer and sale of the securities to which the rights relate are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Depositary has received an opinion of United States counsel that is satisfactory to it to the effect that those securities may be sold and delivered to the applicable Owners without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

(c)       If the Depositary will act under (a)(ii) above, the Company and the Depositary will enter into a separate agreement setting forth the conditions and procedures applicable to the particular offering. Upon (i) the request of an applicable Owner to deliver the rights allocable to the American Depositary Shares of that Owner to an account specified by that Owner to which the rights can be delivered and (ii) receipt of such documents as the Company and the Depositary agreed to require to comply with applicable law, the Depositary will deliver those rights as requested by that Owner.

 

(d)       If the Depositary will act under (a)(iii) above, the Depositary will use reasonable efforts to sell the rights in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by the applicable Owners and pay the net proceeds to the Owners otherwise entitled to the rights that were sold, upon an averaged or other practical basis without regard to any distinctions among such Owners because of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise.

 

(e)       Payment or deduction of the fees of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement and payment or deduction of the expenses of the Depositary and any applicable taxes or other governmental charges shall be conditions of any delivery of securities or payment of cash proceeds under Section 4.4 of that Agreement.

 

(f)       The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make rights available to or exercise rights on behalf of Owners in general or any Owner in particular , or to sell rights.

 

A-12

 

 

14. CONVERSION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY.

 

Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian receives foreign currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and if at the time of the receipt thereof the foreign currency so received can in the judgment of the Depositary be converted on a reasonable basis into Dollars and the resulting Dollars transferred to the United States, the Depositary or one of its agents or affiliates or the Custodian shall convert or cause to be converted by sale or in any other manner that it may determine that foreign currency into Dollars, and those Dollars shall be distributed to the Owners entitled thereto.  A cash distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Owners based on exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any American Depositary Shares or otherwise and shall be net of any expenses of conversion into Dollars incurred by the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement.

 

If a conversion of foreign currency or the repatriation or distribution of Dollars can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary may, but will not be required to, file an application for that approval or license.

 

If the Depositary determines that in its judgment any foreign currency received by the Depositary or the Custodian is not convertible on a reasonable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any government or agency thereof that is required for such conversion is not filed or sought by the Depositary or is not obtained within a reasonable period as determined by the Depositary, the Depositary may distribute the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or in its discretion may hold such foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of, the Owners entitled to receive the same.

 

If any conversion of foreign currency, in whole or in part, cannot be effected for distribution to some of the Owners entitled thereto, the Depositary may in its discretion make that conversion and distribution in Dollars to the extent practicable and permissible to the Owners entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received by the Depositary to, or hold that balance uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the account of, the Owners entitled thereto.

 

A-13

 

 

The Depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates, or the Custodian or the Company may convert currency and pay Dollars to the Depositary. Where the Depositary converts currency itself or through any of its affiliates, the Depositary acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account.  The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the Deposit Agreement and the rate that the Depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account.  The Depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained by it or its affiliate in any currency conversion under the Deposit Agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to Owners, subject to the Depositary’s obligations under Section 5.3 of that Agreement.  The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions made by the Depositary is available upon request. Where the Custodian converts currency, the Custodian has no obligation to obtain the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or to ensure that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to Owners, and the Depositary makes no representation that the rate is the most favorable rate and will not be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.  In certain instances, the Depositary may receive dividends or other distributions from the Company in Dollars that represent the proceeds of a conversion of foreign currency or translation from foreign currency at a rate that was obtained or determined by or on behalf of the Company and, in such cases, the Depositary will not engage in, or be responsible for, any foreign currency transactions and neither it nor the Company makes any representation that the rate obtained or determined by the Company is the most favorable rate and neither it nor the Company will be liable for any direct or indirect losses associated with the rate.

 

15. RECORD DATES.

 

Whenever a cash dividend, cash distribution or any other distribution is made on Deposited Securities or rights to purchase Shares or other securities are issued with respect to Deposited Securities (which rights will be delivered to or exercised or sold on behalf of Owners in accordance with Section 4.4 of the Deposit Agreement) or the Depositary receives notice that a distribution or issuance of that kind will be made, or whenever the Depositary receives notice that a meeting of holders of Shares will be held in respect of which the Company has requested the Depositary to send a notice under Section 4.7 of the Deposit Agreement, or whenever the Depositary will assess a fee or charge against the Owners, or whenever the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary otherwise finds it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date, which shall be the same as, or as near as practicable to, any corresponding record date set by the Company with respect to Shares, (a) for the determination of the Owners (i) who shall be entitled to receive the benefit of that dividend or other distribution or those rights, (ii) who shall be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at that meeting, (iii) who shall be responsible for that fee or charge or (iv) for any other purpose for which the record date was set, or (b) on or after which each American Depositary Share will represent the changed number of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Sections 4.1 through 4.5 of the Deposit Agreement and to the other terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Owners on a record date fixed by the Depositary shall be entitled to receive the amount distributable by the Depositary with respect to that dividend or other distribution or those rights or the net proceeds of sale thereof in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively, to give voting instructions or to act in respect of the other matter for which that record date was fixed, or be responsible for that fee or charge, as the case may be.

 

A-14

 

 

16. VOTING OF DEPOSITED SHARES.

 

(a)       (a)         Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of holders of Shares at which holders of Shares will be entitled to vote, if requested in writing by the Company, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, Disseminate to the Owners a notice, the form of which shall be in the sole discretion of the Depositary, that shall contain (i) the information contained in the notice of meeting received by the Depositary, (ii) a statement that the Owners as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of Japanese law and of the articles of association or similar documents of the Company, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Shares represented by their respective American Depositary Shares (iii) a statement as to the manner in which those instructions may be given, including an express indication that instructions may be deemed given in accordance with the last sentence of paragraph (b) below, if no instruction is received, to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company and (iv) the last date on which the Depositary will accept instructions (the “Instruction Cutoff Date”).

 

(b)       Upon the written request of an Owner of American Depositary Shares, as of the date of the request or, if a record date was specified by the Depositary, as of that record date, received on or before any Instruction Cutoff Date established by the Depositary, the Depositary may, and if the Depositary sent a notice under the preceding paragraph shall, endeavor, in so far as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the amount of deposited Shares represented by those American Depositary Shares in accordance with the instructions set forth in that request. The Depositary shall not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote that attaches to the deposited Shares other than in accordance with instructions given by Owners and received by the Depositary or as provided in the following sentence. If

 

(i) the Company instructed the Depositary to Disseminate a notice under paragraph (a) above and complied with paragraph (d) below,

 

(ii) no instructions are received by the Depositary from an Owner with respect to a matter and an amount of American Depositary Shares of that Owner on or before the Instruction Cutoff Date and

 

(iii) the Depositary has received from the Company, by the business day following the Instruction Cutoff Date, a written confirmation that, as of the Instruction Cutoff Date, (x) the Company wishes a proxy to be given under this sentence, (y) the Company reasonably does not know of any substantial opposition to the matters and (z) the matters are not materially adverse to the interests of shareholders,

 

then, the Depositary shall deem that Owner to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to that matter and the amount of deposited Shares represented by that amount of American Depositary Shares and the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote that amount of deposited Shares as to that matter.

 

A-15

 

 

(c)       There can be no assurance that Owners generally or any Owner in particular will receive the notice described in paragraph (a) above in time to enable Owners to give instructions to the Depositary prior to the Instruction Cutoff Date.

 

(d)       If the Company will request the Depositary to Disseminate a notice under paragraph (a) above, the Company shall give the Depositary notice of the meeting, details concerning the matters to be voted upon and copies of materials to be made available to holders of Shares in connection with the meeting not less than 45 days prior to the meeting date.

 

17. TENDER AND EXCHANGE OFFERS; REDEMPTION, REPLACEMENT OR CANCELLATION OF DEPOSITED SECURITIES.

 

(a)       The Depositary shall not tender any Deposited Securities in response to any voluntary cash tender offer, exchange offer or similar offer made to holders of Deposited Securities (a “Voluntary Offer”), except when instructed in writing to do so by an Owner surrendering American Depositary Shares and subject to any conditions or procedures the Depositary may require.

 

(b)       If the Depositary receives a written notice that Deposited Securities have been redeemed for cash or otherwise purchased for cash in a transaction that is mandatory and binding on the Depositary as a holder of those Deposited Securities (a “Redemption”), the Depositary, at the expense of the Company, shall (i) if required, surrender Deposited Securities that have been redeemed to the issuer of those securities or its agent on the redemption date, (ii) Disseminate a notice to Owners (A) notifying them of that Redemption, (B) calling for surrender of a corresponding number of American Depositary Shares and (C) notifying them that the called American Depositary Shares have been converted into a right only to receive the money received by the Depositary upon that Redemption and those net proceeds shall be the Deposited Securities to which Owners of those converted American Depositary Shares shall be entitled upon surrenders of those American Depositary Shares in accordance with Section 2.5 or 6.2 of the Deposit Agreement and (iii) distribute the money received upon that Redemption to the Owners entitled to it upon surrender by them of called American Depositary Shares in accordance with Section 2.5 of that Agreement (and, for the avoidance of doubt, Owners shall not be entitled to receive that money under Section 4.1 of that Agreement). If the Redemption affects less than all the Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall call for surrender a corresponding portion of the outstanding American Depositary Shares and only those American Depositary Shares will automatically be converted into a right to receive the net proceeds of the Redemption. The Depositary shall allocate the American Depositary Shares converted under the preceding sentence among the Owners pro-rata to their respective holdings of American Depositary Shares immediately prior to the Redemption, except that the allocations may be adjusted so that no fraction of a converted American Depositary Share is allocated to any Owner. A Redemption of all or substantially all of the Deposited Securities shall be a Termination Option Event.

 

A-16

 

 

(c)       If the Depositary is notified of or there occurs any change in nominal value or any subdivision, combination or any other reclassification of the Deposited Securities or any recapitalization, reorganization, sale of assets substantially as an entirety, merger or consolidation affecting the issuer of the Deposited Securities or to which it is a party that is mandatory and binding on the Depositary as a holder of Deposited Securities and, as a result, securities or other property have been or will be delivered in exchange, conversion, replacement or in lieu of, Deposited Securities (a “Replacement”), the Depositary shall, if required, surrender the old Deposited Securities affected by that Replacement of Shares and hold, as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, the new securities or other property delivered to it in that Replacement. However, the Depositary may elect to sell those new Deposited Securities if in the opinion of the Depositary it is not lawful or not practical for it to hold those new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement because those new Deposited Securities may not be distributed to Owners without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or for any other reason, at public or private sale, at such places and on such terms as it deems proper and proceed as if those new Deposited Securities had been Redeemed under paragraph (b) above. A Replacement shall be a Termination Option Event.

 

(d)       In the case of a Replacement where the new Deposited Securities will continue to be held under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing the new Deposited Securities and the number of those new Deposited Securities represented by each American Depositary Share. If the number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share decreases as a result of a Replacement, the Depositary may call for surrender of the American Depositary Shares to be exchanged on a mandatory basis for a lesser number of American Depositary Shares and may sell American Depositary Shares to the extent necessary to avoid distributing fractions of American Depositary Shares in that exchange and distribute the net proceeds of that sale to the Owners entitled to them.

 

(e)       If there are no Deposited Securities with respect to American Depositary Shares, including if the Deposited Securities are cancelled, or the Deposited Securities with respect to American Depositary Shares become apparently worthless, the Depositary may call for surrender of those American Depositary Shares or may cancel those American Depositary Shares, upon notice to Owners, and that condition shall be a Termination Option Event.

 

A-17

 

 

 

18. LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY AND DEPOSITARY.

 

Neither the Depositary nor the Company nor any of their respective directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Owner or Holder:

 

(i) if by reason of (A) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or other act of the government of the United States, any State of the United States or any other state or jurisdiction, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or stock exchange; (B) (in the case of the Depositary only) any provision, present or future, of the articles of association or similar document of the Company, or by reason of any provision of any securities issued or distributed by the Company, or any offering or distribution thereof; or (C) any event or circumstance, whether natural or caused by a person or persons, that is beyond the ability of the Depositary or the Company, as the case may be, to prevent or counteract by reasonable care or effort (including, but not limited to earthquakes, floods, severe storms, fires, explosions, war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor disputes, criminal acts or outbreaks of infectious disease; interruptions or malfunctions of utility services, Internet or other communications lines or systems; unauthorized access to or attacks on computer systems or websites; or other failures or malfunctions of computer hardware or software or other systems or equipment), the Depositary or the Company is, directly or indirectly, prevented from, forbidden to or delayed in, or could be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of doing or performing and therefore does not do or perform, any act or thing that, by the terms of the Deposit Agreement or the Deposited Securities, it is provided shall be done or performed;

 

(ii) for any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement (including any determination by the Depositary to take, or not take, any action that the Deposit Agreement provides the Depositary may take);

 

(iii) for the inability of any Owner or Holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit that is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, made available to Owners or Holders; or

 

(iv) for any special, consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement.

 

Where, by the terms of a distribution to which Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 of the Deposit Agreement applies, or an offering to which Section 4.4 of that Agreement applies, or for any other reason, that distribution or offering may not be made available to Owners, and the Depositary may not dispose of that distribution or offering on behalf of Owners and make the net proceeds available to Owners, then the Depositary shall not make that distribution or offering available to Owners, and shall allow any rights, if applicable, to lapse.

 

A-18

 

 

Neither the Company nor the Depositary assumes any obligation or shall be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to Owners or Holders, except that they agree to perform their obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith. The Depositary shall not be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to Owners or Holders. The Depositary shall not be subject to any liability with respect to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit, or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the American Depositary Shares, on behalf of any Owner or Holder or other person. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be liable for any action or non-action by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Owner or Holder, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information. Each of the Depositary and the Company may rely, and shall be protected in relying upon, any written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. The Depositary shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in connection with a matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises, the Depositary performed its obligations without negligence or bad faith while it acted as Depositary. The Depositary shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any securities depository, clearing agency or settlement system in connection with or arising out of book-entry settlement of American Depositary Shares or Deposited Securities or otherwise. In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote. The Depositary shall have no duty to make any determination or provide any information as to the tax status of the Company or any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Owners or Holders as a result of owning or holding American Depositary Shares. The Depositary shall not be liable for the inability or failure of an Owner or Holder to obtain the benefit of a foreign tax credit, reduced rate of withholding or refund of amounts withheld in respect of tax or any other tax benefit. No disclaimer of liability under the United States federal securities laws is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement.

 

19. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DEPOSITARY; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN.

 

The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by written notice of its election so to do delivered to the Company, to become effective upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by 120 days’ prior written notice of that removal, to become effective upon the later of (i) the 120th day after delivery of the notice to the Depositary and (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of its appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary in its discretion may at any time appoint a substitute or additional custodian or custodians.

 

A-19

 

 

20. AMENDMENT.

 

The form of the Receipts and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary without the consent of Owners or Holders in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment that would impose or increase any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees, cable (including SWIFT) or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or that would otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Owners, shall, however, not become effective as to outstanding American Depositary Shares until the expiration of 30 days after notice of that amendment has been Disseminated to the Owners of outstanding American Depositary Shares. Every Owner and Holder, at the time any amendment so becomes effective, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold American Depositary Shares or any interest therein, to consent and agree to that amendment and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. Upon the effectiveness of an amendment to the form of Receipt, including a change in the number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share, the Depositary may call for surrender of Receipts to be replaced with new Receipts in the amended form or call for surrender of American Depositary Shares to effect that change of ratio. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Owner to surrender American Depositary Shares and receive delivery of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

21. TERMINATION OF DEPOSIT AGREEMENT.

 

(a)       The Company may initiate termination of the Deposit Agreement by notice to the Depositary. The Depositary may initiate termination of the Deposit Agreement if (i) at any time 60 days shall have expired after the Depositary delivered to the Company a written resignation notice and a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4 of that Agreement or (ii) a Termination Option Event has occurred. If termination of the Deposit Agreement is initiated, the Depositary shall Disseminate a notice of termination to the Owners of all American Depositary Shares then outstanding setting a date for termination (the “Termination Date”), which shall be at least 90 days after the date of that notice, and the Deposit Agreement shall terminate on that Termination Date.

 

(b)       After the Termination Date, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.8 and 5.9 of that Agreement.

 

(c)       At any time after the Termination Date, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under the Deposit Agreement and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, unsegregated and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Owners of American Depositary Shares that remain outstanding, and those Owners will be general creditors of the Depositary with respect to those net proceeds and that other cash. After making that sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement, except (i) to account for the net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of such American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges) and (ii) for its obligations under Section 5.8 of that Agreement and (iii) to act as provided in paragraph (d) below.

 

A-20

 

 

(d)       After the Termination Date, the Depositary shall continue to receive dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities (that have not been sold), may sell rights and other property as provided in the Deposit Agreement and shall deliver Deposited Securities (or sale proceeds) upon surrender of American Depositary Shares (after payment or upon deduction, in each case, of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of American Depositary Shares, any expenses for the account of the Owner of those American Depositary Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). After the Termination Date, the Depositary shall not accept deposits of Shares or deliver American Depositary Shares. After the Termination Date, (i) the Depositary may refuse to accept surrenders of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities (that have not been sold) or reverse previously accepted surrenders of that kind that have not settled if in its judgment the requested withdrawal would interfere with its efforts to sell the Deposited Securities, (ii) the Depositary will not be required to deliver cash proceeds of the sale of Deposited Securities until all Deposited Securities have been sold and (iii) the Depositary may discontinue the registration of transfers of American Depositary Shares and suspend the distribution of dividends and other distributions on Deposited Securities to the Owners and need not give any further notices or perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement except as provided in Section 6.2 of that Agreement.

 

22. DTC DIRECT REGISTRATION SYSTEM AND PROFILE MODIFICATION SYSTEM.

 

(a)       Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.4 of the Deposit Agreement, the parties acknowledge that DTC’s Direct Registration System (“DRS”) and Profile Modification System (“Profile”) apply to the American Depositary Shares upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC that facilitates interchange between registered holding of uncertificated securities and holding of security entitlements in those securities through DTC and a DTC participant. Profile is a required feature of DRS that allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of an Owner of American Depositary Shares, to direct the Depositary to register a transfer of those American Depositary Shares to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those American Depositary Shares to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the Depositary of prior authorization from the Owner to register that transfer.

 

A-21

 

 

(b)       In connection with DRS/Profile, the parties acknowledge that the Depositary will not determine whether the DTC participant that is claiming to be acting on behalf of an Owner in requesting registration of transfer and delivery as described in paragraph (a) above has the actual authority to act on behalf of that Owner (notwithstanding any requirements under the Uniform Commercial Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Sections 5.3 and 5.8 of the Deposit Agreement apply to the matters arising from the use of the DRS/Profile. The parties agree that the Depositary’s reliance on and compliance with instructions received by the Depositary through the DRS/Profile system and otherwise in accordance with the Deposit Agreement, shall not constitute negligence or bad faith on the part of the Depositary.

 

23. APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES.

 

The Company has (i) appointed Cogency Global Inc., located at 122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10168, as the Company's authorized agent in the United States upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or this Agreement, (ii) consented and submitted to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the State of New York in which any such suit or proceeding may be instituted, and (iii) agreed that service of process upon said authorized agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such suit or proceeding.

 

EACH PARTY TO THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT (INCLUDING, FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, EACH OWNER AND HOLDER) THEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE COMPANY AND/OR THE DEPOSITARY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SHARES OR OTHER DEPOSITED SECURITIES, THE AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES OR THE RECEIPTS, THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, OR THE BREACH HEREOF OR THEREOF, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY QUESTION REGARDING EXISTENCE, VALIDITY OR TERMINATION (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

 

To the extent that the Company or any of its properties, assets or revenues may have or hereafter become entitled to, or have attributed to it, any right of immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, from any legal action, suit or proceeding, from the giving of any relief in any respect thereof, from setoff or counterclaim, from the jurisdiction of any court, from service of process, from attachment upon or prior to judgment, from attachment in aid of execution or judgment, or other legal process or proceeding for the giving of any relief or for the enforcement of any judgment, in any jurisdiction in which proceedings may at any time be commenced, with respect to its obligations, liabilities or any other matter under or arising out of or in connection with the Shares or Deposited Securities, the American Depositary Shares, the Receipts or the Deposit Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to plead or claim, any such immunity and consents to such relief and enforcement.

 

A-22

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY [****],
HAS BEEN OMITTED BECAUSE IT IS NOT MATERIAL AND WOULD LIKELY CAUSE
COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE REGISTRANT, IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED.

 

Investment Agreement

 

This Investment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into between Social Entrepreneur 2 Investment Limited Partnership (the “LP”) and Re.Ra.Ku. Co. Ltd. (“Re.Ra.Ku.”) and Kouji Eguchi (“Eguchi”) with regard to the investment into Re.Ra.Ku. by LP set forth in Article 1 (the “Investment”) for the purpose to enhance Re.Ra.Ku.’s enterprise value and cooperate for the achievement of the initial public offering of Re.Ra.Ku.

 

Article 1 (Description of Investment)

 

Company’s Name Re.Ra.Ku. Co. Ltd.
Number of Authorized Shares 20,000 shares
Class and Amount of Shares Subject to Issuance 100 shares of common stock
Issuing Price JPY [****] per share
Amount of Contribution for Issued Shares JPY [****]
Due Date for Contribution May 10, 2016
Relevant Provision of Articles of Incorporation

Article 7 (Restriction on Transfer of Shares)

Transferring any shares of the Company shall be subject to approval by the board of directors of the Company.

 

Article 2 (Representations and Warranties of Facts by Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi)

 

As a fundamental condition of the execution of this Agreement and the investment by the LP, each of Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi represents and warrants to the LP as truth the following facts:

 

(1) Re.Ra.Ku. has provided to the LP any documents requested by the LP prior to the execution of this Agreement, and all of those documents are the latest;

 

(2) Re.Ra.Ku. is a corporation legally incorporated under the laws of Japan and validly existing, and has full authority necessary to conduct the business. Re.Ra.Ku. has necessary capacity and authority to execute this Agreement and perform its responsibility, and no execution and performance violates the Articles of Incorporation of Re.Ra.Ku. or any other rules or contracts to which Re.Ra.Ku. is a party, and all processes necessary for license, permission, filing, etc., in connection with the execution or performance are completed and do not breach any conditions if such conditions are attached;

 

(3) as of the execution date of this Agreement, Re.Ra.Ku., Eguchi, or any interested persons, etc., shareholders or clients, etc. of the Re.Ra.Ku. or Eguchi are not an anti-social force or quasi-anti-social force (“Anti-Social Force, etc.”), are not in cooperation with or involved in keeping or operation of Anti-Social Force through a supply of money or the like to the Anti-Social Force, etc., or do not have any relations with the Anti-Social Force, etc. Additionally, Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi hereby affirm that neither Re.Ra.Ku. nor Eguchi will have any relationships with Anti-Social Forces, etc.; and

 

 

 

 

(4) representations and warranties made by Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi hereunder and documents and information provided by Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi for the execution of this Agreement are true and accurate and not missing any necessary facts the lack of which could mislead in all material respects.

 

Article 3 (Matters Subject to Prior Approval)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall obtain a prior approval in writing by the LP for the following matter:

 

(1) Filing of dissolution, bankruptcy, institution of corporate reorganization (kaisha kosei), the institution of civil rehabilitation (minji saisei), institution of corporate liquidation, institution of special liquidation (tokubetsu seisan) or any institution of other bankruptcy proceedings; and

 

(2) Issuance of stock at any price of less than the Issuing Price set forth in Article 1 (strike price in case of stock acquisition rights or bonds with stock acquisition rights).

 

Article 4 (Matters Subject to Prior Notification)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall notify the LP of facts, in case of matters under the following (1) through (9), prior to a resolution by the board of directors; in case of a matter under the following (10), promptly after any anticipation of the facts, in case of any hardship to anticipate, promptly after the event occurs:

 

(1) determination or change of anticipated timing of listing to any public stock market (the “IPO”), an anticipated market for the public offering, or underwriter company;

 

(2) issuance of stocks, stock acquisition rights, or bonds with stock acquisition rights;

 

(3) approval of transfer of stock;

 

(4) repurchase of stock by Re.Ra.Ku., elimination of treasury stock, decrease in paid-in capital, or any other change in paid-in capital (including decrease in statutory reserve);

 

(5) merger, share exchange, share transfer (kabushiki iten), transfer of business, assumption of business, company split (kaisha bunkatsu) or any consolidation of companies or any alliance by capital with third parties;

 

(6) sale of significant assets;

 

(7) substantial amount of loan, and substantial amount of repayment of loans;

 

(8) personnel changes affecting operation;

 

 

 

 

(9) amendment to the articles of incorporation and other matters for a special resolution at a meeting of shareholders; and

 

(10) any other matters that materially affect operation of Re.Ra.Ku.

 

Article 5 (Matters Subject to Report)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall report to the LP the following matters promptly:

 

(1) matters recorded in the corporate register (delivery of a copy certifying entire items of the corporate register after the completion of update of the record);

 

(2) monthly balance and monthly cash flow (delivery of trial balance and cash flow sheet);

 

(3) description of closing balance and tax return (delivery of balance sheet, profit/loss statement, form of tax return, and their supplemental notes);

 

(4) changes in constituents of shareholders (delivery of shareholders’ registry after the change);

 

(5) status of business performance, prospective business plan, and anything representing company’s present status (delivery of business plan, projection of profit/loss, and projection of working capital); and

 

(6) any other matters indicated by the LP.

 

Article 6 (Resignation or Departure of Directors)

 

1. Unless permitted by the LP beforehand, Eguchi shall not resign a director of Re.Ra.Ku. before the end of his term or refuse reappointment as a director of Re.Ra.Ku. at the end of his term.

 

2. Eguchi shall not, whether directly or indirectly, engage in any business competing with Re.Ra.Ku., by himself or through any third parties, during his term as a position of director, corporate auditor or employee of Re.Ra.Ku., and for two years after Eguchi is no longer at the position of director, corporate auditor or employee of Re.Ra.Ku. due to his own fault.

 

3. The preceding paragraph shall include, but not limited to, cases where Eguchi become an officer or employee of a company, legal entity, or partnership, etc., engaging in the same business as or competing with the one operated by Re.Ra.Ku. and other affiliates.

 

Article 7 (Investigation)

 

As it may be necessary, LP may investigate accounting books of Re.Ra.Ku. and other important documents at the head office or other offices of Re.Ra.Ku., and demand Re.Ra.Ku. to report the status of its business activity. In case Re.Ra.Ku. is requested to provide documents or books by the LP or report the status of its business activity, Re.Ra.Ku. shall respond in an immediate manner.

 

 

 

 

Article 8 (Suspension, withdrawal of capital contribution, purchase request of stock)

 

1. In the event that any of the following events occur, LP may suspend or withdraw carrying out the Investment or dispose of stocks that the LP acquired in the Investment by a means of purchase by Eguchi or other means:

 

(1) event where no IPO of Re.Ra.Ku.’s stocks happens when the LP finds it feasible in light of the financial conditions and business performance of Re.Ra.Ku.;

 

(2) event where Re.Ra.Ku. fails to obtain a prior approval, consult, or report set forth in Article 3, 4, or 5, or where any matters pre-approved, consulted, or reported are untrue;

 

(3) event where either of Re.Ra.Ku. or Eguchi materially breaches any of provisions hereof, and fails to cure the breach no later than 30 days after the breaching party receives a notice by the LP requesting that breaching party to cure; or

 

(4) in addition to the foregoing three items, event where Re.Ra.Ku. or Eguchi breaches this Agreement.

 

2. In addition to the foregoing paragraph, in the event that is considered as reasonable, including the case where any matter significantly affecting Re.Ra.Ku.’s operation occurs, the LP may suspend or withdraw carrying out the Investment or dispose of stocks that the LP acquired in the Investment by a means of purchase by Eguchi or other means.

 

3. Eguchi shall accept a demand to purchase stocks that is made by the LP to Eguchi pursuant to Paragraph 1; provided, however, that Eguchi may cause any third party designated by Eguchi to purchase stocks owned by the LP.

 

Article 9 (Purchase Price)

 

Any of the following prices that is determined by the LP shall be the purchase price acquired by Eguchi or the third party designated by Eguchi set forth in the foregoing article, except for cases permitted by the LP:

 

(1) price of the LP’s invested amount for the Investment (the “Invested Amount”) multiplied by 1.2;

 

(2) amount that is arrived after the calculation of the price of the Invested amount multiplied by a compounding interest at 3% per year;

 

(3) price determined by the LP based on the latest prices of Re.Ra.Ku.’s stock in issuing or selling its stocks;

 

(4) prices based on the Re.Ra.Ku.’s net book value per share;

 

 

 

 

(5) prices based on the comparable industry value as determined in the Basic Directive on Property Valuation of the National Tax Agency; or

 

(6) amount that is arrived by comparing stock prices of other similar companies in respect to the type of business, scale, and profit.

 

Article 10 (Right to Attend Meeting of Board of Directors)

 

1. If the LP requests, a person who is designated by the LP may attend a meeting of the board of directors of Re.Ra.Ku. and similar important management meetings as an observer, and may provide an opinion.

 

2. When Re.Ra.Ku. holds any meeting set forth in the foregoing paragraph, Re.Ra.Ku. shall give a notice to the person set forth in the foregoing paragraph by e-mail or telephone no later than one (1) week; provided, however, that Re.Ra.Ku. is allowed to call the meeting on an “as soon as possible” basis, if it is urgent.

 

Article 11 (Confidentiality)

 

LP shall maintain confidential any non-public information in connection with Re.Ra.Ku. that has been received pursuant to this Agreement, and shall not disclose to any third party without Re.Ra.Ku.’s prior consent or reasonable grounds; provided, however, that non-public information shall not include any information that was in the public domain at the time when the LP received the information, any information that became public without LP’s fault after the LP received the information, or any information that the LP lawfully received from any third party.

 

Article 12 (Expiry of this Agreement)

 

1. This Agreement shall end when any of the following events occurs:

 

(1) event where all the parties hereto reach an agreement whereby this Agreement will be terminated;

 

(2) event where the IPO of Re.Ra.Ku. is completed; or

 

(3) event where the LP has not become a shareholder or is no longer a shareholder.

 

2. The end of this Agreement shall be effective prospectively, and shall not affect any rights and obligations that arose out of this Agreement prior to the consummation hereof, except for cases otherwise set forth herein.

 

Article 13 (Consultation/Others)

 

1. If it is likely that any performance pursuant to each of the provisions hereof becomes difficult, Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi shall inform the LP of that fact promptly, and discuss and determine how to address it between Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi.

 

2. Any matters not stipulated in this Agreement and any doubts arising out of interpretation of this Agreement shall be discussed and determined by the LP, Re.Ra.Ku., and Eguchi.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have prepared this Agreement in triplicate, and each of the LP, Re.Ra.Ku., and Eguchi has held one copy.

 

May 10, 2016

 

LP:

HOMAT Hanzomon 4F, 1-12-12 Koujimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

SocialEntreprenuer 2 Investment Limited Partnership

PE&HR Kabushiki Kaisha, General Partner

Ryojiro Yamamoto, Representative Director [Stamped Seal]

   
Re.Ra.Ku.:

Column Minami-Aoyama 4F, 7-1-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Re.Ra.Ku. Co., Ltd.

Kouji Eguchi, Representative Director [Stamped Seal]

   
Eguchi:

3-5-1-1504, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo

Kouji Eguchi [Stamped Seal]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY [**],
HAS BEEN OMITTED BECAUSE IT IS NOT MATERIAL AND WOULD LIKELY CAUSE
COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE REGISTRANT, IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED.

 

Investment Agreement

 

This Investment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into between CCC Marketing Co., Ltd. (the “CCC”) and Re.Ra.Ku. Co. Ltd. (“Re.Ra.Ku.”) and Kouji Eguchi (“Eguchi”).

 

Article 1 (Purpose of this Agreement)

 

The purpose of this Agreement is for CCC to contribute to Re.Ra.Ku. set forth in Article 2 (the “Investment”) in order to enhance the Re.Ra.Ku.’s enterprise value and mutually cooperate for achievement of Re.Ra.Ku.’s initial public offering.

 

Article 2 (Description of Investment)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall issue and CCC shall acquire new common stocks as set forth below (the “Stock”) in accordance with resolutions of the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, class meeting of common shareholders, class meeting of Class A shareholders, and meeting of the board of directors held on December 21, 2016. Re.Ra.Ku. has conducted a 100-for-1 stock split of its Stock effective as of the end of December 21, 2016, and such the stock split is reflected in the description below.

 

Company’s Name Re.Ra.Ku. Co. Ltd.
Number of Authorized Shares 100,000 shares
Class and Amount of Shares Subject to Issuance 25,000 shares of common stock
Issuing Price JPY [****] per share
Amount of Contribution for Issued Shares JPY [****]
Due Date for Contribution December 28, 2016
Relevant Provision of Articles of Incorporation

Article 7 (Restriction on Transfer of Shares)

Transferring any shares of the Company shall be subject to approval by the board of directors of the Company.

 

Article 3 (Representations and Warranties of Facts by Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi)

 

1. As a fundamental condition of the execution of this Agreement and the investment by CCC, each of Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi represents and warrants to CCC as truth the following facts:

 

(1) Re.Ra.Ku. has provided to CCC any documents requested by CCC prior to the execution of this Agreement, and all of those documents are the latest;

 

(2) Re.Ra.Ku. is a corporation legally incorporated under the laws of Japan and validly existing, and has full authority necessary to conduct the business. Re.Ra.Ku. has necessary capacity and authority to execute this Agreement and perform its responsibility, and no execution and performance violates the Articles of Incorporation of Re.Ra.Ku. or any other rules or contracts to which Re.Ra.Ku. is a party, and all processes necessary for license, permission, filing, etc., in connection with the execution or performance are completed and do not breach any conditions if such conditions are attached;

 

 

 

 

(3) resolutions of each of meetings of shareholders and the board of directors, set forth in Article 2, necessary to carry out the Investment, have been rightly and lawfully adopted;

 

(4) as of the execution date of this Agreement, Re.Ra.Ku., Eguchi, or any interested persons, etc., shareholders or clients, etc. of the Re.Ra.Ku. or Eguchi are not an anti-social force or quasi-anti-social force (“Anti-Social Force, etc.”), are not in cooperation with or involved in keeping or operation of Anti-Social Force, etc. through a supply of money or the like to the Anti-Social Force, etc., or do not have any relations with the Anti-Social Force, etc.. Additionally, Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi hereby affirm that neither Re.Ra.Ku. nor Eguchi will have any relationships with Anti-Social Forces, etc.;

 

(5) representations and warranties made by Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi hereunder and documents and information provided by Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi for the execution of this Agreement are true and accurate and not missing any necessary facts the lack of which could mislead in all material respects; and

 

(6) with respect to potential stocks issued by Re.Ra.Ku., the matters stipulated in the corporate register provided by Re.Ra.Ku. as of September 23, 2016 and the information provided as of December 21, 2016 are full and complete, and no other potential stocks exist.

 

2. CCC shall make Re.Ra.Ku. recorded to CCC’s shareholder registry as a shareholder promptly after the Investment has been carried out.

 

Article 4 (Matters Subject to Prior Approval)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall obtain a prior approval in writing by CCC for the following matter:

 

(1) Filing of dissolution, bankruptcy, institution of corporate reorganization (kaisha kosei), the institution of civil rehabilitation (minji saisei), institution of corporate liquidation, institution of special liquidation (tokubetsu seisan) or any institution of other bankruptcy proceedings; and

 

(2) Repurchase of shares by Re.Ra.Ku.; and

 

(3) merger, share exchange, share transfer (kabushiki iten), transfer of business, assumption of business, company split (kaisha bunkatsu) or any consolidation of companies or any alliance by capital with third parties.

 

Article 5 (Matters Subject to Prior Notification)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall notify CCC of facts, in case of matters under the following (1) through (7), prior to a resolution by the board of directors; in case of a matter under the following (8), promptly after any anticipation of the facts, in case of any hardship to anticipate, promptly after the event occurs:

 

 

 

 

(1) determination or change of anticipated timing of listing to any public stock market (including the listing to any stock exchange outside of Japan by depositary receipts) (the “IPO”), an anticipated market for the public offering, or underwriter company;

 

(2) elimination of treasury stock, decrease in paid-in capital, or any other change in paid-in capital (including decrease in statutory reserve);

 

(3) sale of significant assets;

 

(4) substantial amount of loan, and substantial amount of repayment of loans;

 

(5) personnel changes affecting operation;

 

(6) amendment to the articles of incorporation and other matters for a special resolution at a meeting of shareholders; and

 

(7) any other matters that materially affect operation of Re.Ra.Ku.

 

Article 6 (Matters Subject to Report)

 

Re.Ra.Ku. shall report to CCC the following matters promptly:

 

(1) matters recorded in the corporate register (delivery of a copy certifying entire items of the corporate register after the completion of update of the record);

 

(2) monthly balance (delivery of trial balance);

 

(3) description of closing balance and tax return (delivery of balance sheet, profit/loss statement, form of tax return, and their supplemental notes);

 

(4) changes in constituents of shareholders (delivery of shareholders’ registry after the change); and

 

(5) status of business performance, prospective business plan, and anything representing company’s present status (delivery of business plan, projection of profit/loss, and projection of working capital).

 

Article 7 (Resignation or Departure of Directors)

 

1. Unless permitted by CCC beforehand, Eguchi shall not resign a director of Re.Ra.Ku. before the end of his term or refuse reappointment as a director of Re.Ra.Ku. at the end of his term.

 

2. Eguchi shall not, whether directly or indirectly, engage in any business competing with Re.Ra.Ku., by himself or through any third parties, during his term as a position of director, corporate auditor or employee of Re.Ra.Ku., and for two years after Eguchi is no longer at the position of director, corporate auditor or employee of Re.Ra.Ku. due to his own fault.

 

 

 

 

3. The preceding paragraph shall include, but not limited to, cases where Eguchi become an officer or employee of a company, legal entity, or partnership, etc., engaging in the same business as or competing with the one operated by Re.Ra.Ku. and other affiliates.

 

Article 8 (Investigation)

 

As it may be necessary, CCC may investigate accounting books of Re.Ra.Ku. and other important documents at the head office or other offices of Re.Ra.Ku., and demand Re.Ra.Ku. to report the status of its business activity. In case Re.Ra.Ku. is requested to provide documents or books by CCC or report the status of its business activity, Re.Ra.Ku. shall respond in an immediate manner.

 

Article 9 (Right to Attend Meeting of Board of Directors)

 

1. If CCC requests, a person who is designated by the CCC may attend a meeting of the board of directors of Re.Ra.Ku. and similar important management meetings as an observer, and may provide an opinion.

 

2. When Re.Ra.Ku. holds any meeting set forth in the foregoing paragraph, Re.Ra.Ku. shall notify the person set forth in the foregoing paragraph of the meeting and its proposals by e-mail or telephone no later than one (1) week; provided, however, that Re.Ra.Ku. is allowed to call the meeting on an “as soon as possible” basis, if it is urgent.

 

Article 10 (Confidentiality)

 

CCC and Re.Ra.Ku. shall maintain confidential any non-public information in connection with the counterparty that has been received pursuant to this Agreement, and shall not disclose to any third party without the counterparty’s prior consent or reasonable grounds; provided, however, that non-public information shall not include any information that was in the public domain at the time when CCC and/or Re.Ra.Ku. received the information, any information that became public without CCC’s fault after the receipt of the information, or any information that the CCC and/or lawfully received from any third party.

 

Article 11 (End of this Agreement)

 

1. This Agreement shall end when any of the following events occurs:

 

(1) event where all the parties hereto reach an agreement whereby this Agreement will be terminated;

 

(2) event where the IPO of Re.Ra.Ku. is completed; or

 

(3) event where CCC has not become a shareholder or is no longer a shareholder.

 

 

 

 

2. The end of this Agreement shall be effective prospectively, and shall not affect any rights and obligations that arose out of this Agreement prior to the consummation hereof, except for cases otherwise set forth herein.

 

Article 12 (Demand for Purchase of Stock)

 

1. If Re.Ra.Ku. and/or Eguchi fall into any of the following events, CCC may demand Re.Ra.Ku. and/or Eguchi to purchase all or part of stocks owned by CCC at a price of the issuing price set forth in Article 2 or fair price, whichever is higher:

 

(1) event where either of Re.Ra.Ku. or Eguchi fails to perform any obligation hereunder and fails to cure no later than 30 days after receiving a demand for cure made by CCC; and

 

(2) event where warranties hereunder are untrue in material respects, or an event where Re.Ra.Ku. and/or Eguchi fails to provide information that is considered as necessary and significant in order for CCC to contemplate whether to carry out the Investment.

 

2. In applying the foregoing paragraph, if Re.Ra.Ku. may not repurchase its own shares due to the laws and regulations after a demand for repurchase of shares owned by CCC, Re.Ra.Ku. shall promptly designate a third party who purchases the shares at the price set forth in the foregoing paragraph and cause the third party to purchase the shares owned by CCC.

 

Article 13 (Compensation for Damages)

 

If CCC incurred any damages due to the breach of any obligations hereunder or representations and warranties by Re.Ra.Ku. or Eguchi, Re.Ra.Ku. shall compensate for such damages and expenses (including attorney costs to the extent reasonably necessary for CCC to deal with them) that are in the scope of a reasonable causation, out of damages incurred by CCC.

 

Article 14 (Consultation/Others)

 

1. If it is likely that any performance pursuant to each of the provisions hereof becomes difficult, Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi shall inform CCC of that fact promptly, and CCC, Re.Ra.Ku. and Eguchi shall discuss and determine how to address it.

 

2. Any matters not stipulated in this Agreement and any doubts arising out of interpretation of this Agreement shall be discussed and determined by CCC, Re.Ra.Ku., and Eguchi.

 

3. No parties shall assign, set an encumbrance in, or dispose of any rights or obligations in connection with this Agreement to any third parties without prior written consent by the other party.

 

4. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Japan.

 

5. The Tokyo District Court shall have exclusive first instance jurisdiction over any and all disputes among the parties hereto arising out of this Agreement.

 

 

 

  

[Intentionally left blank]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have prepared this Agreement in triplicate, and each of the CCC, Re.Ra.Ku., and Eguchi has held one copy.

 

December 22, 2016

 

CCC:

16-17 Nampeidaicho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

CCC Marketing Co., Ltd.

Nobu Takeda, Representative Director [Stamped Seal]

   
Re.Ra.Ku.:

Column Minami-Aoyama 4F, 7-1-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Re.Ra.Ku. Co., Ltd.

Kouji Eguchi, Representative Director [Stamped Seal]

   
Eguchi:

3-5-1-1504, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo

Kouji Eguchi [Stamped Seal]

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

Trademark License Agreement

 

Koji Eguchi ("X") and Medirom Inc. (Y"), in granting Y the use of the registered trademark specified in Article 1 and owned by Y, enter into this Trademark License Agreement (the "Agreement") as follows:

 

Article 1 (Trademark)

 

X hereby grants to Y a non-exclusive license to use the following trademark owned by X (the "Trademark"). Y may not grant a third party the right to use the Trademark without the prior written consent of X:

 

Description

 

Registration Number: No. 4720144

 

Classification of Goods and Services: Class 44

 

Designated Goods or Designated Services: Finger pressure, massage and Shiatsu; chiropractic; moxacauterization; judo therapy; acupuncture; on-site finger pressure; on-site massage and Shiatsu; on-site chiropractic; on-site moxicauterization; on-site judo therapy; and on-site acupuncture

 

Article 2 (Scope of Non-exclusive Right of Use)

 

The scope non-exclusive license of the Trademark shall be as follows:

 

(i)     Area: Japan

 

(ii)    Term: As stated in Article 4

 

(iii)   Details: Description of relaxation therapists working at Y's stores

 

Article 3 (Royalty)

 

The use of the Trademark shall be free of charge.

 

Article 4 (Term of this Agreement)

 

The term of this Agreement shall commence on October 24, 2003 and expire upon the expiration of the term of the Trademark, regardless of the date of signing of this Agreement.

 

Article 5 (Registration)

 

1. If Y so desires, X shall cooperate with the procedures for registering Y's non-exclusive license with respect to the Trademark.

 

 

 

 

2. The allocation of the expenses required for the registration set forth in the preceding paragraph shall be determined by the parties after separate consultation between them.

 

Article 6 (Trademark Infringement)

 

1.   Y shall promptly inform X of any infringement or threatened Infringement by any third party of which Y becomes aware in connection with the Trademark.

 

2.   If X so desires, Y shall provide X with the necessary cooperation to eliminate such infringement described in the preceding paragraph.

 

Article 7 (Maintenance and Warranty of the Trademark)

 

1.   X shall maintain the Trademark during the term specified in Article 4.

 

2.   X represents and warrants to Y that the Trademark does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.

 

Article 8 (Prohibition of Assignment of Rights and Obligations)

 

Neither X nor Y shall assign or pledge as collateral all or part of the status, rights and obligations under the Agreement to a third party without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

Article 9 (Compensation for Damages)

 

If X or Y intentionally or negligently breaches any provision of this Agreement thereby causing damage to the other party, such breaching party shall be liable to compensate for those damages.

 

Article 10 (Termination)

 

1. In the event the other party comes under any one of the following items, then the party not falling under any of the following items shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement without notice:

 

(i)   In the event either party has breached its obligations as set forth in this Agreement and has failed to remedy such breach within a reasonable period of time in spite of receiving a demand for remedy from the other party within a reasonable period of time;

 

(ii)  In the event of attachment, provisional attachment, provisional disposition, or procedures for collection of tax delinquency;

 

(iii) In the event of a petition (either the subject party files itself or a third party (including the other party) files) for bankruptcy, special liquidation, corporate reorganization, or civil rehabilitation;

 

 

 

 

(iv) In the event of suspension of payment or insolvency;
   
(v) In the event of suspension of business transactions with banks;
   
(vi) When the competent authorities have ordered the suspension of business;
   
(vii) In the event of any change in major shareholders or directors, business transfer, merger, corporate reorganization, or any other event that has a material influence on the control of the party;
   
(viii) In the event of corporate dissolution; or

 

(ix) In the event of any other event similar to any of the preceding items.

 

2. The termination under the preceding paragraph shall not preclude the claim for damages under the preceding article.

 

Article 11 (Exclusion of Antisocial Forces)

 

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding articles, in the event the other party (including its officers and employees; the same shall apply hereinafter in this article) is found to fall under any of the following items, X and Y (whichever does not fall under any of the following items) may immediately terminate this Agreement. In this article, the persons specified in item (i) of this paragraph shall be referred to as "Antisocial Forces".

 

(i) When a party is found that the other party falls under any of the following items:

 

a. A person who belongs to an organization that is likely to encourage collective or habitual illegal or violent acts;
   
b. A person who has continues to do business, knowing that the person is under the influence of an entity specified in a. of this paragraph or a member of an association specified in a. of this paragraph;
   
c. A person who belongs to an organization subject to punishment under the Act on the Control of Organizations Who Have Conducted Non-Discriminatory Mass Murder (Act No. 147 of 1999) or a person who continuously carries out transactions with such a person, knowing the person belongs to such an organization;
   
d. A person who conceals criminal proceeds, etc. and receives criminal proceeds, etc. as stipulated in the Act on Punishment of Organized Crimes and Regulation of Crime Proceeds, etc. (Act No. 136 of 1999), or a person who is suspected to conduct such acts or is engaged in continuous transactions with such a person while knowing of the person conducts or is suspected to conduct such acts; or
   
e. Persons similar to a. to d. of this paragraph.
   

(ii) When a party has committed any of the following acts:

 

a. When using fraud, violent acts, or threatening speech;

 

b. When the party has informed that it is an "Antisocial Forces" or that its affiliate is a "Antisocial Forces";

 

 

 

 

c. When the party, by itself or through a third party, has committed any act that damages or is likely to damage the reputation or reputation of the other party;

 

d. When having interfered with the business of the other party or having committed illegal or improper acts that may interfere with the business of this Agreement party by itself or through a third party, or when it is found that all or part of the interests and effects are directly or indirectly attributable to Antisocial Forces.

 

2. In the event the other party comes under any one of the items in the preceding paragraph (i) or commits any of the acts in the preceding paragraph (ii), X and Y may terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, without requiring any notice to the other party.

 

3. In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the terminated party shall compensate all damages incurred by the terminated party.

 

Article 12 (Governing Law)

 

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Japan.

 

Article 13 (Jurisdiction)

 

Any dispute concerning this Agreement shall be settled at the Tokyo District Court as the exclusive jurisdictional court of first instance irrespective of the amount of the claim.

 

Article 14 (Consultation)

 

Any matter not described in this Agreement or any doubtful matter raised concerning the interpretation of this Agreement shall be settled after the parties' mutual consultation.

 

This Agreement shall be executed in duplicate as a proof of the execution of this Agreement, and each party shall retain one copy after affixing the parties' respective names and seals.

 

June 30, 2020

 

X:    3-5-1-1504, Itabashi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
Koji Eguchi [Stamped Seal]

 

Y:    2-3-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Medirom Inc. [Stamped Seal]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY [***], HAS BEEN OMITTED BECAUSE IT IS NOT MATERIAL AND WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE REGISTRANT, IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED.

 

DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION AGREEMENT

 

This Development and Production Agreement (“Agreement”), which is effective as of August 4, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) is made and entered into by and between Matrix Industries, Inc., a Delaware USA corporation with a place of business at 1440 O’Brien Drive, Suite A-1, Menlo Park, California, USA 94025 (“Company”) and MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., a Japan corporation having a place of business at Tradepia Odaiba 16F, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan (“Customer”). Company and Customer are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

 

RECITALS

 

A. WHEREAS, Company has developed thermoelectric energy harvesting technology and applied it to wearable devices and offers development services and its thermoelectric energy harvesting modules set forth in Appendix A (the “Products”);
   
B. WHEREAS, the Parties wish to collaborate in the development and deployment of a completed wearable device and service offering described in Appendix A as the “Customer Product”;
   
C. WHEREAS, Customer desires to purchase technical and engineering services (“Development Services”) and Products from Company for incorporation into Customer Products to be sold by Customer in and for use solely in the Territory in the Field (as those terms are defined and set forth in Appendix A);
   
D. WHEREAS, in connection with this Agreement, the Parties are entering into that certain Software License Agreement of even date herewith as attached hereto as Appendix E) (the “SLA”), pursuant to which Company will license to Customer the Firmware (as defined in the SLA) and provide the Support (as defined in the SLA), all as further described in and subject to the terms and conditions of the SLA; and
   
E. WHEREAS, Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company is willing to perform the Development Services, and to supply to Customer the Products for use solely in the Territory in the Field on an exclusive basis in the Territory in the Field, all as further described herein and subject to the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

 

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

1. Definitions. As used herein,

 

a.     “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person, which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. A Person shall be regarded as in control of another Person if it owns, or directly or indirectly controls, fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting stock or other ownership interest of the other Person, or if it directly or indirectly possesses the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person by any means whatsoever.

 

b.     “Commercialize”, “Commercializing” and “Commercialization” shall mean activities directed to using, marketing, advertising, promoting, exploiting, distributing, importing, selling, offering for sale and/or disposing of a product.

 

c.     “Confidential Information” means, with respect to a Party (“Discloser”), all information of any kind whatsoever, and all tangible and intangible embodiments thereof of any kind whatsoever, which is disclosed by such Party to the other Party (“Recipient”) that is marked or identified as “Confidential” or which is treated by Discloser as confidential or proprietary and which a reasonable person would recognize to be confidential or proprietary from its nature or the manner of its disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information of a Party shall not include information which (i) was publicly known prior to disclosure of such information by the Discloser to the Recipient, (ii) became publicly known, without fault on the part of the Recipient subsequent to disclosure of such information by the Discloser to the Recipient, (iii) was received by the Recipient at any time from a source, other than the Discloser, rightfully having possession of and the right to disclose such information without obligation of confidentiality, or (iv) was independently developed by employees or agents of the Recipient who have not had access to or made use of any information disclosed by the Discloser to the Recipient.

 

d.     “Defect” means any material non-conformance to the Specifications. Products that are subject to a Defect may be referred to herein as “Defective.”

 

e.     “Development Services” means technical and engineering activities provided by Company for the design, development, and preparation for manufacturing of the Product.

 

f.      “Field” means and is limited to the field described in Appendix A under the heading “Field”.

 

g.     “Intellectual Property Rights” means all past, present and future trade secret rights, trademark rights, patent rights, copyrights, moral rights, contract rights, and other proprietary rights in any jurisdiction.

 

h.     “Law” and “Laws” means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of any federal, national, multinational, state, regional, provincial, county, city or other political subdivision, agency or other body, domestic or foreign.

 

i.      “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, business trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.

 

Page 2 of 35

 

 

j.      “Specifications” mean the specifications set forth in Appendix C. From time to time, the Development Services and Specifications may be amended upon mutual written agreement by the Parties.

 

k.     “Technology” means and includes all innovations, improvements, suggestions, ideas, apparatuses, methods, processes, inventions (whether or not patentable), discoveries, proprietary information, trade secrets, know-how, protocols, specifications, techniques, works of authorship (including software), algorithms, documentation, designs, diagrams, data, test results, reports, and other forms of technology and information, whether in tangible or intangible form.

 

l.       “Third Party” means any Person other than Company, Customer, and their respective Affiliates.

 

2. Product Supply.

 

Supply; Exclusivity. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company agrees to sell the Products to Customer within the Territory for use by Customer in the Field. Except for the particular third party that Company has identified to Customer, Company will not provide, directly or indirectly, the Products to any third party for such Third Party, during the Initial Term, to distribute or sell the Products (whether in stand-alone form or as embedded or incorporated into a finished product of such Third Party) within the Field and Territory. For clarity, Company retains at all times the right to (A) Commercialize the Products inside and outside of the Field and inside and outside of the Territory so long as Company does not provide the Products to a Third Party for such Third Party, during the Initial Term, to distribute or sell the Products (whether in stand-alone form or as embedded or incorporated into a finished product of such Third Party) within the Field and Territory, (B) undertake and provide general engineering, customization, and consulting work for or to any Third Party, and (C) Commercialize its own product and supply against prior contractual obligations to Richemont Cartier without restriction other than activity band for consumer lifestyle health monitoring with all of the following characteristics:

 

i) Does not have a display;

 

ii) Does not contain GPS or other location capability

 

iii) Does includes heart rate and motion sensing

 

iv) For clarity, industrial, medical, and clinical applications are not considered exclusive.

 

b.    Prohibited Activities. Neither Customer nor its Affiliates may, directly or indirectly, during the term of this Agreement, (i) export, Commercialize, or otherwise exploit the Products (including as embedded or incorporated into any product of Customer) outside the Field or outside the Territory, or (ii) sell or distribute the Products (including as embedded or incorporated into any product of Customer) to any Person whom Customer or any of its Affiliates knows, or has a reasonable suspicion, has caused or will cause or has permitted or will permit the Products (including as embedded or incorporated into any product of Customer) to be Commercialized outside the Field or outside the Territory.

 

Page 3 of 35

 

 

c.     Additional Products. From time to time, the Products listed in Appendix A and the prices listed in Appendix B may be amended by mutual agreement of the Parties.

 

d.    Firmware. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any attachment hereto (other than the SLA), the Products sold by Company to Customer hereunder expressly exclude the Firmware, which is licensed, not sold, to Customer pursuant to the SLA. Any and all use of the Firmware by Customer and its End Customers (as defined in the SLA) shall be governed by and subject to, the terms and conditions of the SLA.

 

3. Purchase of Products.

 

a.     Forecast and Reports. Customer will provide Company with a twelve (12) months rolling forecast of estimated quantities of the Products which Customer intends to order from Company. The forecast is for planning purposes only and is not binding. Customer will deliver the initial forecast within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date. Thereafter, Customer will deliver the forecast and the reports on a monthly basis by the first business day of each month.

 

b.    Purchase Orders. On the Effective Date, Customer is required to purchase the minimum quantity of Products referenced in Appendix A as Initial Product Purchase Requirement and thereafter, on an annual basis during the term of this Agreement, the Annual Minimum Purchase Requirement referenced in Appendix A. From time to time, Customer will place written purchase orders with Company to purchase additional quantity of Products. Each purchase order shall identify (i) the purchase order number, (ii) the quantity of Products Customer desires to purchase, (iii) delivery address, (iv) the requested shipment date, (v) the price to be paid for the Products, and (vi) any other elements necessary to ensure the timely delivery of the Products. The Parties agree that the shipment dates requested in the purchase order must be at least forty five (45) days after the purchase order is submitted to Company. All purchase orders are subject to acceptance by Company. Company shall indicate its written acceptance of each purchase order within [5] days of receipt thereof, failing which the purchase order shall be deemed accepted. In its acceptance, Company shall notify Customer of the estimated shipping date of the Products. All purchase orders placed under this Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed upon formally in writing between the Parties with signatures of responsible executives. Company agrees to sell to Customer, if ordered, at least 300,000 units of Product during [2] years since the Effective Date provided that this Supply Agreement is in force and that Customer is not and has not been in default on any of its obligations under this Supply Agreement.

 

c.     Shipment, Title and Delivery. All sales of the Products are made Ex Works (Incoterms 2020) Company’s or its supplier’s facility. At the time a Product is delivered to Customer or an agent of Customer, including common carrier, title and risk of loss of the Product shall pass to Customer and Company is not responsible for any subsequent delay in transportation or non-delivery of the Product. Customer shall provide whatever insurance against loss or damage it considers necessary once a Product is shipped from Company or its supplier’s facility, and shall be responsible for all shipping and related costs following shipment of the Product at Company’s or its supplier’s facility.

 

Page 4 of 35

 

 

d.    Order Reschedule or Cancellation. Reschedule or cancellation of any purchase order by Customer prior to shipment will be subject to the terms specified in Appendix B.

 

e.     Reserved.

 

f.     Non-Conforming Orders.

 

i) Customer shall inform Company in writing, within thirty (30) days of receipt of Products under a particular purchase order (the “Review Period”), of any claims in which (a) there is a shortfall in the quantity of Products delivered, or (b) a delivered Product is Defective, provided that if a Defect in the Product could not reasonably be discovered by Customer within the Review Period (a “Latent Defect”), Customer shall provide Company with notice of such Latent Defect within thirty (30) days after discovering and confirming such Latent Defect (but in all cases within ninety (90) days of delivery' of the Product to Customer hereunder). Customer will return Defective Products to Company at Company’s expense. Provided that Customer complies with the obligations set forth above in this Section 3(f)(i):

 

(1) in the event of a shortfall in the quantity of Products delivered under a purchase order, Company shall supply as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than [30] days after receipt of the Products, to Customer any additional Products as is necessary to meet the quantity ordered under such purchase order;

 

(2) in the event that more Products are delivered to Customer than ordered under a purchase order, Customer may elect either to (i) return to Company, at Company’s expense, any Products in excess of the quantity ordered, or (ii) accept any Products in excess of the quantity ordered as against future purchase orders of Products; and

 

(3) in the event a Product is Defective, Company will honor the production warranty provisions as stated in Appendix B.

 

ii) In the event Company or its supplier does not agree with Customer’s determination that Products are Defective, Company shall promptly notify Customer of its dispute. In such event, Customer shall promptly segregate the disputed Products (“Disputed Products”) from the undisputed Products and the Parties will attempt, in good faith, to resolve such dispute. If the Parties cannot resolve such dispute within fifteen (15) days, an independent, neutral, qualified expert that is reasonably acceptable to both Parties shall be asked to inspect and test the Disputed Products. If such expert finds that the Disputed Products are not Defective, Customer shall accept delivery of the Products and pay the fees related to such inspection and testing and shall pay for the Disputed Products in accordance with this Agreement. If such expert finds that the Disputed Products are Defective, Company shall comply with its obligation under Section 3(f)(i)(3) and pay the fees of such inspection and testing. The findings of such inspection and testing shall be final and binding on the Parties and treated as the Company’s Confidential Information.

 

Page 5 of 35

 

 

4. Compliance with Laws. Each Party will comply with all applicable Laws with regard to its Commercialization of the Products (including as embedded or incorporated into any product of Customer) or otherwise regarding such Party’s activities hereunder. Neither Party will engage in any illegal or unethical practices in connection with its Commercialization of the Products (including as embedded or incorporated into any product of Customer) or otherwise regarding such Party’s activities hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall comply, and shall ensure its officers, directors, employees and contractors, subcontractors, agents and any person or entity acting on its behalf or under its control comply, with all applicable anti-corruption Laws, including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). If at any time any potential or actual conflict of interest arises the Party that becomes aware of such conflict shall immediately notify the other Party in writing of the potential or actual conflict. No payments or transfers of value shall be made which have the purpose or effect of public or commercial bribery, acceptance or acquiescence in extortion, kickbacks or other unlawful or improper means of obtaining or retaining business or directing business to any Person. Each Party' shall cooperate fully in the other Party’s efforts to enforce the terms of this provision, including but not limited to providing, upon request from the other Party (a) certification of compliance with this provision as signed by an authorized representative of Customer or Company, as applicable, and (b) reasonable cooperation at the requesting Party’s expense with respect to any investigation relating to this provision.

 

5. Fees.

 

a.     Product Price. The Products will be sold to Customer at the Product Prices set forth in Appendix B.

 

b.    Taxes and Other Charges. The prices owed by Customer to Company as set forth in this Agreement (including all Software Fees under the SLA) exclude all taxes, whether or not set forth separately. Customer shall be responsible for all sales, use, VAT and other taxes (including taxes based on Customer’s net income), fees and import duties arising from the purchase and delivery of the Products and the licensing of the Firmware. The prices will be subject to an additional charge to cover any applicable tax or government assessments (other than any tax based solely upon Company’s net income) and related interest which Company is at any time obligated to pay or collect in connection with or arising out of transactions between Company and Customer. The prices do not include any transportation or shipping charges, insurance charges, export or special packaging charges. The prices also do not include any charges relating to inspection performed by outside individuals, entities, or agents at the request of Customer.

 

c.     Payment. All payments due under this Agreement will be made in U.S. dollars in accordance with the Payment Terms set forth in Appendix B. Payments shall be made, at the instruction of Company, by either (i) a check to Company, or (ii) electronic transfer of funds to Company’s account. Except as may be expressly provided in this Agreement, all payments made under this Agreement are non-refundable. Failure of a Product to comply with the Specifications will not delay Customer’s obligation to pay for the Product but may be subject to the remedies set forth in Section 3(f).

 

d.     Late Fees. In the event Customer fails to make any payments when due under this Agreement then Customer will be charged a late fee of one and a half percent (1.5%) of the outstanding balance per month or the maximum rate allowed by applicable Law, whichever is lower. Company shall recover any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in collecting payments due, including, without limitation, any bank charges for returned checks and attorneys’ fees. In the event of any late payment by Customer that is not cured within ten (10) days from the date of notice thereof, Company may decline to make further shipments of the Products until all amounts due and late fees are paid in full, without in any way affecting its rights under this Agreement. Company may enforce the foregoing rights without waiving any and all other rights or remedies it may have for any breach of this Agreement.

 

Page 6 of 35

 

 

e.     Extension of Credit. Company may, in its sole discretion, extend credit to Customer for some or all of the entire amount due to Company hereunder. The amount or terms of credit may be changed or withdrawn completely by Company at any time for any reason.

 

6. Intellectual Property.

 

a.    Company IP. As between the Parties, Company exclusively owns all right, title, and interest in and to (i) the Products and Firmware, including all Technology embodied or incorporated therein and all Intellectual Property Rights therein or thereto, and (ii) all other Technology that is either (i) owned by Company (or its affiliates or third party suppliers or licensors) prior to the Effective Date, (ii) developed, acquired, or otherwise obtained by Company (or its affiliates or third party suppliers or licensors) during the term of this Agreement, and (iii) any improvements, enhancements, modifications, or derivative works of or to any of the foregoing, including all Intellectual Property Rights therein or thereto (collectively, the “Company IP”). There are no implied rights or licenses granted to Customer hereunder and Company expressly reserves all of its Intellectual Property Rights in and to the Company IP (including the Products and Firmware).

 

b.     Company hereby grants to Customer during the term of this Agreement a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license under Company’s Intellectual Property Rights for Customer to (i) use any plans, bill of material(s), documents, specifications, software code (in object code form only), and other materials specific to the Customer Product that are developed by Company in its performance of the Development Services and delivered to Customer hereunder (excluding, in all cases, the Firmware) (collectively, the “Customer Product Plans”) for the sole purpose of making or having made the Customer Product (other than the Product), and (ii) make and have made the Customer Product (other than the Product or the Firmware) in strict accordance with any applicable specifications provided by Company. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) all Customer Product Plans are and shall be deemed to be the Confidential Information of Company and may not be disclosed to any third party or used for any purpose other than manufacturing the Customer Product, (ii) Customer may not modify any Customer Product Plans or the Customer Product without Company’s prior written consent, and (iii) no right or license of any kind is granted hereunder for Customer to make or have made the Product or any component thereof or to make, have made, use, sell, import, export, reproduce, modify, create derivative works of, perform, display, or otherwise exploit the Firmware (which rights, if any, are granted solely under the SLA).

 

c.     Should Customer wish to develop a next-generation product, it will first invite Company to evaluate the requirements and make a proposal and provide Company the opportunity to meet any competitive bids. If Company provides a proposal that is the same or better for Customer, Customer will select Company for the development. During the term of this Agreement, should Company develop a next-generation set of capabilities, it shall, provided that Customer has agreed to appropriate confidentiality and non-use obligations and is not and has not been in breach of this Agreement, provide information on the capabilities to Customer and, at Customer’s request, negotiate in good faith with Customer to offer the capabilities to Customer prior to offering the capabilities to Company’s other customers. For any next-generation development, the Parties shall both use commercially reasonable efforts to provide exclusivity to each other.

 

Page 7 of 35

 

 

d.    Proprietary Notice. Customer will not remove, alter, or conceal any proprietary rights notices, warnings, or disclaimers of Company provided with the Products without Company’s prior written consent.

 

e.    Patent Challenge. During the term of this Agreement, neither Party nor its Affiliates will (i) commence or participate in any action or proceeding (including any patent opposition or re-examination proceeding), or otherwise assert in writing any claim, challenging or denying the validity of any Intellectual Property Rights in or embodied by the Company IP (including the Products) or the Customer Products, as applicable, or (ii) actively assist any other Person or entity in bringing or prosecuting any such patent challenge.

 

f.     Customer Intellectual Property. As between the Parties, Customer owns all rights, title, and interest in the Technology shown in Appendix A that Customer contributes to the Customer Products, including all Intellectual Property Rights therein, but in each instance excluding the Company IP. There are no implied rights or licenses granted to Company hereunder and Company expressly reserves all of its Intellectual Property Rights in and to the Customer Products except as expressly granted hereunder. Customer hereby grants to Company during the term of this Agreement a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license under all Intellectual Property Rights of Customer to make, have made, import, export, and sell the Products to Customer and to otherwise use and exploit such Intellectual Property Rights to the extent necessary for Company to perform its obligations hereunder or any attachment hereto.

 

g.    Customer Product Plans. Within two (2) weeks after Customer receives the Customer Product Plans from Company (the “Acceptance Period”), Customer will conduct acceptance testing (including in accordance with any criteria and procedures set forth in Appendix A) to evaluate whether such Customer Product Plans conform in all material respects with the specifications and requirements of this Agreement and will provide Company either (i) a written acceptance of the Customer Product Plans or (ii) a written statement of rejection indicating the non-conformities to the specification or requirements requiring correction. In the absence of such criteria and procedures being set forth in Appendix A, acceptance by Customer will be based solely upon such Customer Product Plans’ material conformance to objective criteria to be reasonably derived from the specifications and requirements of this Agreement. The Customer Product Plans and the corresponding Development Services will be deemed irrevocably accepted by Customer if Company does not receive either written acceptance or written rejection regarding such Customer Product Plans within the Acceptance Period. If Company receives a written statement of rejection and confirms that the Customer Product Plans are non-conforming, Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to remedy all identified, material, reproducible non-conformities and will promptly return the reworked Customer Product Plans to Customer for re-testing and reevaluation in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 6(g). The foregoing procedure will be repeated until (i) final written acceptance of the Customer Product Plans by Customer, (ii) the parties mutually agree in writing to terminate this Agreement, or (iii) at Company’s election, Company reimburses Customer the amounts it paid to Company for those portions of the Customer Product Plans that are non-conforming. This Section 6(g) sets forth the sole and exclusive remedies of Customer, and the exclusive obligations and liabilities of Company, with respect to all non-conforming Customer Product Plans and the Development Services.

 

Page 8 of 35

 

 

7. Term and Termination.

 

a.     Term. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to this Section 7, this Agreement shall remain in full force for an initial term of two (2) years from the Effective Date or one (1) year from date of first shipment of Customer Products to retailer / in store, whichever is the lesser (the “Initial Term”). This Agreement shall automatically renew for one (1) year terms (each, a Renewal Term”) unless either Party provides written notice of non-renewal to the other Party at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or the then-current Renewal Term, provided that Company agrees not to issue a notice of non-renewal to Customer so long as Customer is not in material breach of the Agreement at the time of renewal. Further Customer agrees that Customer’s exclusive rights under Section 2.1 hereof will automatically terminate following the Initial Term.

 

b.     Termination for Breach. Either Party may terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, by giving the other Party written notice of termination, if the other Party breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement and fails to cure such breach to the satisfaction of the terminating Party within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof from the terminating Party. In addition, Company may terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, by giving written notice of termination to Customer if Customer has failed to pay any undisputed amounts owed under this Agreement within thirty (30) days after Customer has received written notice from Company regarding such past due amount.

 

c.     Effects of Termination. In the event that this Agreement is terminated for any reason Company shall have no further obligation to fulfill any new orders for the Products and each Party shall immediately pay to the other party all outstanding amounts due under this Agreement. Neither Party shall be liable for damages of any kind as a result of properly exercising its respective right to terminate this Agreement according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and termination will not affect any other right or remedy of either Party. No compensation of any kind (including without limitation any claim for loss of profits, loss of prospective profits, damages, or indemnity) shall be due from either Party to the other solely as a result of termination of this Agreement.

 

d.     Survival. Sections 1, 2(b), 4, 6(a), 6(b), 6(d), 7(d), 8, 9(c), and 10-12, and any outstanding payment obligation of either Party will survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

8. Indemnification.

 

a.     Indemnification by Customer. Customer agrees to defend Company, Affiliates and licensors (directly or indirectly) of Company, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “Company Indemnitees”), and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company Indemnitees, from and against any liabilities, losses, costs, damages, fees or expenses payable to a Third Party, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and other legal expenses with respect thereto arising out of any claim, action, lawsuit, or other proceeding arising out of any theory of liability (collectively, “Losses and Claims”) brought against any Company Indemnitee by a Third Party resulting from or relating to: (i) any activities undertaken by Customer in its further Commercialization of the Products (including as embedded or incorporated into any product of Customer) and excluding Losses and Claims to the extent attributable to any failure or delay by Company in taking reasonable actions to mitigate such Losses and Claims, (ii) infringement, misappropriation, or violation by Customer of any Intellectual Property Rights of a Third Party, other than to the extent Company is obligated to indemnify Customer as set forth in Section 8(b) hereof, (iii) any breach by Customer of any of its representations or warranties or obligations pursuant to this Agreement, or (iv) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Customer or any Affiliate of Customer.

 

Page 9 of 35

 

 

b.    Indemnification by Company. Company agrees to defend Customer, Affiliates of Customer, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “Customer Indemnitees”), and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Customer Indemnitees, from and against any Losses and Claims brought against any Customer Indemnitee by a Third Party to the extent resulting from or relating to: (i) Defects with the Product, other than caused by Customer, and excluding Losses and Claims to the extent attributable to any failure or delay by Customer in taking all necessary actions to mitigate such Losses and Claims, (ii) infringement, misappropriation, or violation by a Customer Indemnity based solely upon the sale or import of the Product as and in the form provided by Company, of any Intellectual Property Rights of a Third Party, (iii) any breach by Company of any of its representations or warranties or obligations pursuant to this Agreement, or (iv) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Company or any Affiliate of Company, and in all cases excluding all Losses and Claims to the extent attributable to any failure or delay by Customer in taking reasonable actions to mitigate such Losses and Claims . For clarity, Company shall have no obligations under this Section 8(b) to the extent any Losses and Claims arise out of or relate to the modification of the Products by anyone other than Company, the misuse of the Products (including any Commercialization of the Products outside of the Field or the Territory), the combination of the Products with any hardware, products, or services not provided by Company or embedding or incorporating the Products into any products of Customer, or Customer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement (all of the foregoing being subject to Customer’s obligations under Section 8(a)).

 

c.     Procedure. If any Company Indemnitee or Customer Indemnitee (collectively, the “Indemnitee”) intends to claim indemnification under this Section 8, the Indemnitee shall promptly notify the other Party (the “Indemnitor”) of any Loss and Claim for which the Indemnitee intends to claim such indemnification, and the Indemnitor shall assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnitor and reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee, provided, however, that an Indemnitee shall have the right to retain its own counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the Indemnitor if representation of such Indemnitee by the counsel retained by the Indemnitor would be inappropriate due to actual or potential conflicting interests between such Indemnitee and any other Party represented by such counsel in such proceedings. The Indemnitor shall have the right to settle or compromise any claims for which it is providing indemnification under this Section 8, provided that the consent of the Indemnitee (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) shall be required in the event any such settlement or compromise would adversely affect the interests of the Indemnitee. The indemnity obligation under this Section 8 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Indemnitor. The failure to deliver notice to the Indemnitor within a reasonable time after the commencement of any such action, if prejudicial to the Indemnitor’s ability to defend such action, shall relieve such Indemnitor of any liability to the Indemnitee under this Section 8, but the omission to so deliver notice to the Indemnitor will not relieve Indemnitor of any liability that it may have to any Indemnitee otherwise than under this Section 8 other than to the extent such omission impinges on the ability to mitigate or avoid such liability. The Indemnitee under this Section 8 and its employees and legal representatives shall cooperate fully with the Indemnitor and its legal representatives in the investigation of any action, claim or liability covered by this indemnification. For clarity, nothing contained in this Section 8 shall be deemed to apply to the Firmware or Support, which are exclusively addressed in the SLA.

 

Page 10 of 35

 

 

9. Representations and Warranties.

 

a.     Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party as follows:

 

i) Corporate Existence. Such Party is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated.

 

ii) Authorization and Enforcement of Obligations. Such Party (a) has the corporate power and authority and the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, and (b) has taken all necessary corporate action on its part to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Party, and constitutes a legal, valid, binding obligation, enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms.

 

iii) No Consents. All necessary consents, approvals and authorizations of all governmental authorities and other Persons required to be obtained by such Party in connection with this Agreement have been and will be obtained.

 

iv) Compliance. Each Party will comply with all applicable Laws in exercising its rights and performing its obligations hereunder, including any applicable anti-corruption Laws.

 

b.     Company Warranties. Company represents and warrants to Customer that: (i) the Products when delivered to Customer will be new, free and clear of all liens, and, for a period of one year following delivery to Customer, will not be Defective (provided that Customer’s sole and exclusive remedies, and Company’s sole and exclusive liability (other than as set forth in Section 8(b)) arising out of or relating to any Defective Products are as set forth in Section 3(f) and the production warranty provisions as stated in Appendix B); and (ii) Company has all rights necessary to provide the Products hereunder, and that none of the Products do or will infringe upon the Intellectual Property Rights or other proprietary rights of any third party (provided that Customer’s sole and exclusive remedies (if any), and Company’s sole and exclusive liability arising out of or relating to any infringement by the Products of any Intellectual Property Rights or other proprietary rights of any third party are as set forth in Section 8(b)); (iii) Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to perform the Development Services hereunder in a timely and professional manner. For the avoidance of doubt, (1) Company shall respond to the Customer within [3] days after Customer contacts in relation to the Product and/or the Development Services, and (2) Company’s exclusive obligations and liabilities with respect to any non-conforming Development Services are as set forth in Section 6(g) hereof.

 

Company shall have no obligations under this Agreement and a Product shall not be deemed to be Defective to the extent a Product was subject to improper storage, handling, use, abuse, damage, destruction, or modification by anyone other than Company.

 

Page 11 of 35

 

 

c.     Warranty Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PRODUCTS, DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, AND CUSTOMER PRODUCT PLANS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND COMPANY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, AND ACCURACY. THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES IS AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

 

10. Limitation of Liability. EXCEPT ARISING OUT OF A PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, OR LIABILITY OF A PARTY FOR ITS BREACH OF SECTION 2 (PRODUCT SUPPLY) HEREOF OR ITS UNAUTHORZED USE OF THE OTHER PARTY’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PRODUCTS OR THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER FROM BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF ACTION), EVEN IF THE PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AND EXCEPT ARISING OUT OF A PARTY’S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ITS UNAUTHORZED USE OF THE OTHER PARTY’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, IN NO EVENT WILL THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF EITHER PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT (OTHER THAN CUSTOMER’S PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER) EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FEES ACTUALLY PAID BY CUSTOMER TO COMPANY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PRICES SPECIFIED IN THIS AGREEMENT REFLECT THE ALLOCATION OF RISK SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT COMPANY WOULD NOT HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT WITHOUT THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS OF ITS LIABILITY.

 

11. Confidentiality.

 

a.     Confidentiality Obligations. Each Party agrees that, for so long as this Agreement is in effect and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, the Recipient shall (i) maintain in confidence such Confidential Information using not less than the efforts such Recipient uses to maintain in confidence its own proprietary industrial or technical information of similar kind and value, but in no event using less than reasonable care, (ii) not disclose such Confidential Information to any Third Party without the prior written consent of the Discloser, except for disclosures expressly permitted below, and (iii) not use such Confidential Information for any purpose except those expressly permitted by this Agreement.

 

Page 12 of 35

 

 

b.     Authorized Disclosure. To the extent (and only to the extent) that it is reasonably necessary or appropriate to fulfill its obligations or exercise its rights under this Agreement, the Recipient may disclose Confidential Information belonging to the Discloser in the following instances: (i) regulatory filings; (ii) prosecuting or defending litigation; (iii) subject to Sections 11(c) and 11(d) in complying with applicable Laws and regulations (including, without limitation, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange) and with judicial process, if in the reasonable opinion of the Recipient’s counsel, such disclosure is necessary for such compliance; and (iv) disclosure, in connection with the performance of this Agreement and solely on a need-to-know basis, to potential or actual collaborators; potential or actual investment bankers, investors, lenders, or acquirers; or employees, independent contractors (including without limitation consultants and clinical investigators) or agents, each of whom prior to disclosure must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non- use no less restrictive than the obligations set forth in this Section 11; provided, however, that the Recipient shall remain responsible for any failure by any Person who receives Confidential Information pursuant to this Section 11 to treat such Confidential Information as required under this Section 11.

 

If and whenever any Confidential Information is disclosed in accordance with this Section 11(b), such disclosure shall not cause any such information to cease to be Confidential Information except to the extent that such permitted disclosure results in a public disclosure of such information (otherwise than by breach of this Agreement). Where reasonably possible and subject to Sections 11(c) and 11(d), the Recipient shall notify the Discloser of the Recipient’s intent to make such disclosure pursuant to Section 11(b) sufficiently prior to making such disclosure so as to allow the Discloser adequate time to take whatever action it may deem appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the information.

 

c.     Required Disclosure. A Recipient may disclose Confidential Information pursuant to interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand issued by a court or governmental agency or as otherwise required by Law; provided however, that the Recipient shall notify the Discloser promptly upon receipt thereof, giving (where practicable) the Discloser sufficient advance notice to permit it to oppose, limit or seek confidential treatment for such disclosure, and to file for patent protection if relevant; and provided, further, that the Recipient shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which it is advised by counsel is legally required whether or not a protective order or other similar order is obtained by the Discloser.

 

d.     Securities Filings. In the event either Party proposes to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the securities regulators of any state or other jurisdiction a registration statement or any other disclosure document which describes or refers to this Agreement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended, or any other applicable securities Law, the Party shall notify the other Party of such intention and shall provide such other Party with a copy of relevant portions of the proposed filing not less than ten (10) Business Days prior to such filing (and any revisions to such portions of the proposed filing a reasonable time prior to the filing thereof), including any exhibits thereto relating to the Agreement, and shall use reasonable efforts to obtain confidential treatment of any information concerning the Agreement that such other Party requests be kept confidential, and shall only disclose Confidential Information which it is advised by counsel is legally required to be disclosed. No such notice shall be required under this Section 11(d) if the substance of the description of or reference to this Agreement contained in the proposed filing has been included in any previous filing made by the either Party hereunder or otherwise approved by the other Party.

 

Page 13 of 35

 

 

e.     Terms of Agreement. The existence and the terms and conditions of the Agreement that the Parties have not specifically agreed to disclose pursuant to Sections 11(d) or 11(g) shall be considered Confidential Information of both Parties. Either Party may disclose such terms to a bona fide potential licensee, investor, investment banker, acquiror, merger partner or other potential financial partner, and their attorneys and agents, provided that each such Person to whom such information is to be disclosed is informed of the confidential nature of such information and has entered into a written agreement with the Party requiring such Person to keep such information confidential.

 

f.     Injunctive Relief. The Parties hereto understand and agree that remedies at Law may be inadequate to protect against any breach of any of the provisions of this Section 11 by either Party or their employees, agents, officers or directors or any other person acting in concert with it or on its behalf. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief by a court of competent jurisdiction against any action that constitutes any such breach of this Section 11.

 

g.     Publicity. Each Party agrees not to issue any press release or other public statement disclosing information relating to the content of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, provided however, that any disclosure which is required by Law or the rules of a securities exchange, as reasonably advised by the disclosing Party’s counsel, may be made subject to the following. The Parties agree that any such announcement will not contain the Confidential Information or any other confidential business or technical information and, if disclosure of any such information is required by Law, the Parties will use reasonable efforts to minimize such disclosure and obtain confidential treatment for any such information which is disclosed to a governmental agency. Each Party agrees to provide to the other Party a copy of any public announcement regarding this Agreement or the subject matter thereof as soon as reasonably practicable under the circumstances prior to its scheduled release. Each Party shall provide the other with an advance copy of any such announcement at least ten (10) business days prior to its scheduled release. Each Party shall have the right to expeditiously review and recommend changes to any such announcement and, except as otherwise required by Law, the Party whose announcement has been reviewed shall remove any information the reviewing Party reasonably deems to be inappropriate for disclosure.

 

Page 14 of 35

 

 

12. General Terms and Conditions.

 

a.     Notices. Any consent, notice or report required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement by one of the Parties to the other shall be in writing and addressed to such other Party at its address indicated below, or to such other address as the addressee shall have last furnished in writing to the addressor. Such notices shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if and at the moment it is delivered in person, transmitted by facsimile (upon receipt by the sender of a positive transmission report), by express courier service (upon signature of the receipt), or by registered letter with return receipt or its equivalent (upon execution of the return receipt by the recipients) to the following persons and addresses:

 

If to Customer:                                                              MEDIROM, Inc.

Tradepia Odaiba 16F, 2-3-1

Daiba, Minato-ku

Tokyo 135-0091

Japan

Attention: CEO

 

If to Company:                                                              Matrix Industries, Inc.,

1440 O’Brien Drive, Suite A-1

Menlo Park, California, USA 94025

Attention: CEO

 

b.     Governing Law: Venue. This Agreement and all related agreements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, USA without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof. The parties further agree that the state and federal courts located in any competent jurisdiction in New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue for all matters regarding the existence, interpretation, execution, validity, enforceability, performance and termination of this Agreement. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to this Agreement.

 

c.     Dispute Resolution. In the event of any dispute between the parties relating to, resulting from or arising out of this Agreement, a Party may notify the other Party in writing of such dispute providing details of the subject matter of the dispute and any relevant documentation. Up to one (1) duly authorized executive officer of each Party shall promptly attempt to settle such dispute within a period of three (3) months after notice. If the executive officers of the Parties are unable to resolve the issue within three (3) months after notice, the dispute may be submitted by either Party to the court stipulated in Section 12(b)(provided that Company may at any time bring an action anywhere in the world to protect or enforce its Intellectual Property Rights and Confidential Information).

 

d.     Independent Contractors. Each Party acknowledges that the parties shall be independent contractors and that the relationship between the parties shall not constitute a partnership, joint venture or agency. Neither Party shall have the authority to make any statements, representations or commitments of any kind, or to take any action, which shall be binding on the other Party, without the prior consent of the other Party to do so.

 

e.     Waiver. The waiver by a Party of any right hereunder, or of any failure to perform or breach by the other Party, shall not be deemed a waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other breach or failure by the other Party, whether of a similar nature or otherwise. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving Party.

 

Page 15 of 35

 

 

f.      Further Assurance. Each Party will duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such further instruments and do and cause to be done such further acts and things, including the filing of such assignments, agreements, documents and instruments, as may be necessary or as the other Party may reasonably request in connection with this Agreement or to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes, or to better assure and confirm to such other Party its rights and remedies under this Agreement.

 

g.    Construction. The singular will include the plural and the plural will include the singular. The captions of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, describe, extend or limit the scope or intent of this Agreement or the intent of any provision contained in this Agreement. The words “include” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “but not limited to”, “without limitation”, “inter alia” or words of similar import. The rights and remedies provided herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or in equity, unless expressly stated otherwise.

 

h.    Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is declared invalid, unenforceable or void to any extent, such provision shall be modified, if possible, by reducing its duration and scope to allow enforcement of the maximum permissible duration and scope. In any event, such declaration shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement. Any declaration of such invalidity, unenforceability or void provision in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable or void such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

i.      English Language. This Agreement was negotiated and executed in English, and the original language version shall be controlling. All communications and notices to be made or given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in English.

 

j.      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A signature transmitted via facsimile or electronic means shall be deemed to be and shall be as effective as an original signature upon confirmation of transmission.

 

k.     Force Majeure. Neither Party will be responsible for any failure or delay in the performance of all or any part of this Agreement caused by force majeure, including, without limitation, acts of God and nature, intervention of government, war or threat of war, conditions similar to war, acts of terrorism, sanctions, blockades, embargoes, strikes, lockouts, or other similar causes or circumstances which cannot reasonably be prevented by the Party the performance of which is delayed (“Force Majeure”). The affected Party shall promptly give written notice to the other Party whenever such Force Majeure becomes reasonably foreseeable, and shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to overcome the effects of the Force Majeure as promptly as possible, and shall promptly give written notice to the other Party of the cessation of such Force Majeure.

 

l.      Attorneys’ Fees. In any action or other legal proceeding between the Parties for relief based in whole or in part on this Agreement (or the breach thereof), the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover (in addition to any other relief awarded or granted) its reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in the proceeding.

 

Page 16 of 35

 

 

m.    Waiver. Any waiver by either Party of the breach of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not be considered as a continuing waiver or a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same or any other terms or conditions.

 

n.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including its Appendices (including the SLA) which are hereby incorporated herein) contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. All express or implied representations, agreements and understandings, either oral or written, regarding the subject matter of this Agreement heretofore made are expressly superseded by this Agreement. Each Party confirms that it is not relying on any representations or warranties of the other Party or its representatives except as specifically set forth herein. No amendment or modification of this Agreement will be binding upon the parties unless in writing and duly executed by authorized representatives of both parties. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any other attachment hereto, on the one hand, and the terms and conditions of the SLA, on the other hand, the terms and conditions of the SLA shall control with respect to the subject matter thereof (including with respect to the Firmware and Support).

 

o.    Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party’s prior written consent, not to unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided, however, in the event of a transfer or sale by a Party to a third party of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the assigning Party to which this Agreement relates then the assigning Party shall be required to assign this Agreement to such third party, the other Party’s consent shall not be required for such assignment, and this Agreement (including all supply obligations hereunder) will continue on in full force and effect. In the event of any assignment by a Party in accordance with this Section 12(o), the assigning Party’s rights and obligations herein shall be binding upon its successor and assigns. Any attempted assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 12(o) shall be void and of no effect. In the event of any assignment by a Party in accordance with this Section 12(o), the assigning Party shall notify the other Party of such fact in advance.

 

[remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

Page 17 of 35

 

 

Signature Page to Development and Production Agreement

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

Company   Customer
     
MATRIX Industries, Inc.   MEDIROM, Inc.
     
By: /s/ Akram Boukai   By: /s/ Kouji Eguchi
     
Name: Akram Boukai   Name: Kouji Eguchi
     
Title: CEO   Title: CEO

 

Page 18 of 35

 

 

Appendix A

 

General Terms and Conditions

 

Territory

Asia

 

Product(s):

 

· Product: Matrix thermoelectric power module for “MOTHER” smart tracker wearable device

· Customer Product: “MOTHER” activity band for consumer lifestyle health monitoring including hardware, related firmware, mobile phone application, and related cloud infrastructure

 

Field

 

Activity band for consumer lifestyle health monitoring Includes:

 

· Heart rate and motion sensing

· “MOTHER” brand, worldwide

 

Excludes:

 

· Analog and digital watches
· Industrial, medical, and clinical applications
· Display
· GPS

 

Exclusivity

 

· Exclusivity period shall be 1 year from the date that Customer receives the DVT sample unit (whichever is earlier, but no later than February 2021)
· Should Customer fail to meet an agreed-to forecast, Customer shall have 3 months’ time to remedy by placing orders, or this exclusivity provision is null and void

 

Contributed Technologies

 

· Customer shall be solely responsible for the development of a mobile phone application and associated cloud infrastructure and shall retain Intellectual Property Rights for this contributed Technology
· Company shall retain Intellectual Property Rights for all other technologies that are incorporated in Customer Product

 

Page 19 of 35

 

 

Appendix A (cont’d)

 

Financial arrangements

 

CUSTOMER

 

· Shall assume all costs of sales of the Customer Product including direct purchase from a mutually agreed contract manufacturer, inventory, sales channel and distribution expenses
· Payment of Non-Recurring Engineering charges to Company
· Acceptance of the risk of change in the cost of the non-Company bill of materials items and related manufacturing services
· Customer shall purchase a minimum of 100,000 units during the first 6 months since the first shipment of the Customer Products (“Initial Product Purchase Requirement”)
· [***]

 

Company

 

· Shall sell its thermoelectric power module and associated components directly to the chosen contract manufacturer
· These General Terms and Conditions of Sale may be extended to a contract manufacturer for the purpose of manufacturing the Customer’s product
o Customer shall request such an extension in writing for acceptance by Company
o A credit application to Company from the contract manufacturer will be also required
o Should the contract manufacturer fail to pay invoices on time or otherwise violate the terms of the credit application and agreement, this extension may be revoked by Company after notifying Customer and allowing 15 days for corrective action
· The purchase price shall include an activation fee that is included in the purchase price
· A software maintenance fee shall be applied to the mutually agreed number of active units that are in use by Customer’s customers and shall be invoiced by Company to Customer on a quarterly basis
· Company shall have the right to purchase the Customer Product from the contract manufacturer on the same terms and conditions and at the same prices as Customer. Customer hereby grants to Company a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferrable, non-sublicensable (solely with respect to any units of Customer Products purchased by Company for resale as contemplated herein), right and license, in the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to use Customer’s trademarks, service marks, and logos incorporated on any such Customer Products or their packaging that are owned by Customer during the term of the Agreement or any extension thereof, but excluding any Company IP ("Customer Marks”) in connection with the marketing, promotion, sale, licensing, distribution, resale and support of such Customer Products. It is understood and agreed that Customer shall retain all right, title and interest in and to Customer Marks. Company's use of Customer Marks will not tarnish, blur, or dilute the quality associated with the Customer Trademarks or the associated goodwill. Any goodwill accruing from Company's use of such Customer Marks will automatically vest in Customer.
· [***]

 

Page 20 of 35

 

 

 

Appendix B

 

Production Terms and Conditions

 

General Terms and Conditions of Sale

 

Item Description
Pricing In US Dollars
Payment terms Net 30 days from the date of invoice, with prior credit approval
Production Lead time 12-weeks ARO
Production Warranty One year from shipment date.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) is required prior to Company’s acceptance of a customer return request. For authorized returns, Company may replace, repair, or refund the purchase price of the Defective Products at its sole option.
Governing law New York
Shipment terms Ex-Works (EXW), Incoterms® 2020
Sales taxes To be paid by the Customer unless the Customer supplies a valid resale certificate at the time of order placement
Minimum Annual Purchase Quantity (units) 100,000
Minimum production line item purchase quantity (units) 10,000

 

Reschedule and Cancellation Terms

 

Days Before Shipment Reschedule/Push-Out Cancellation Liability
0 to 30 No reschedule allowed 100% of the purchase price
31 to 60 Up to 30 days, one time only 75% of the purchase price
61 to 90 Up to 60 days, one time only 50% of the purchase price
90 days or more Unlimited reschedule push-out Cancellation allowed with no liability

 

End-of-life in production

 

Company may notify Customer of end-of-life with 6 months of advance notification and an additional 6 months to request shipment of lifetime buys

 

Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide replacement components that are equivalent to or better than the discontinued components

 

Page 21 of 35

 

 

Appendix B (cont’d)

 

Non-Recurring Engineering Charges

 

[***]

 

Unit Pricing in Production

 

[***]

 

Page 22 of 35

 

 

Appendix C

 

Specification

 

[to be added]

 

Page 23 of 35

 

 

Appendix D

 

Development Services

 

[***]

 

Page 24 of 35

 

 

Appendix E

 

Software License Agreement

 

This Software License Agreement (this “Agreement”), which is effective as of August 4, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) is made and entered into by and between Matrix Industries, Inc., a Delaware USA corporation with a place of business at 1440 O’Brien Drive, Suite A-1, Menlo Park, California, USA 94025 (“Company”) and MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., a Japan corporation having a place of business at Tradepia Odaiba 16F, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan (“Customer”). Company and Customer are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

 

RECITALS

 

A. WHEREAS, in connection with this Agreement, the Parties are entering into that certain Development and Production Agreement on even date herewith (the “DPA”), pursuant to which the Parties are collaborating in the development and deployment of a completed wearable device and service offering described in Appendix A to the DPA as the “Customer Product”, and Company will be performing certain Development Services and supplying certain Products for incorporation into the Customer Product solely in the Territory in the Field (as those terms are defined and set forth in the DPA);
   
B. WHEREAS, Company and its suppliers have developed certain software that will be customized by Company for the Customer Product and installed by Company in the Products supplied by Company to Customer under the DPA [***] (the foregoing, together with any associated documentation and any updates thereto made available to Customer hereunder, collectively, the “Firmware”), which Firmware is to be provided and licensed by Company to Customer in the Territory in the Field as part of the Products supplied by Company under the DPA, solely for incorporation by Customer into Customer Products for use by Customer’s customers and end users of the Customer Products (collectively, “End Users”) solely as part of Customer Products (collectively, the “Purpose”); and
   
C. WHEREAS, Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company is willing to license the Firmware to Customer and to provide the software maintenance and second-level support for the Firmware further described below, all as further described herein and subject to the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

1.          Definitions. As used herein,

 

Confidential Information” means (i) the Firmware and (ii) all other information or materials of any kind whatsoever, including all tangible and intangible embodiments thereof of any kind whatsoever, which is disclosed or made available by Company to Customer hereunder. With respect to the foregoing item (ii), Confidential Information shall not include information which (a) was publicly known prior to disclosure of such information by Company to Customer and/or the Manufacturer, (b) became publicly known, without fault on the part of Customer and/or the Manufacturer subsequent to disclosure of such information by Company to Customer and/or the Manufacturer, (c) was received by Customer and/or the Manufacturer at any time from a source, other than Company, rightfully having possession of and the right to disclose such information without obligation of confidentiality, or (d) was independently developed by employees or agents of Customer who have not had access to or made use of any information disclosed by Company to Customer. For clarity, the Firmware shall not be subject to the foregoing exclusions in items (a)-(d) and shall at all times remain, and shall be deemed and treated by Customer, its employees, contractors, suppliers, agents and End Users as the Confidential Information of Company.

 

Page 25 of 35

 

 

2.       Limited License.

 

2.1               Firmware. Company hereby grants to Customer, subject to the terms and on the conditions of this Agreement, including Sections 2.3 and 3 and Customer’s payment to Company of the applicable Activation Fee (defined below) for the applicable Firmware installed on each unit of Product supplied by Company to Customer under the DPA, a limited, non-transferable, non-sublicensable (except as expressly provided herein) and non-exclusive license solely in the Territory in the Field, to: (i) use the Firmware, in object code form only, that is installed, or provided by Company to Customer hereunder for installation on, Products supplied by Company to Customer under the DPA solely for incorporation by Customer into Customer Products for use by End Users as part of Customer Products; (ii) make a reasonable number of reproductions of the Firmware (including any updates thereto made available to Customer hereunder) made available by Company to Customer hereunder solely for installation on Products supplied by Company to Customer under the DPA, and to install such Firmware on such Products, in each case that are incorporated into Customer Products for use by End Users as part of Customer Products; and (iii) to use the API and documentation included among the Firmware provided by Company to Customer hereunder for the sole purpose of developing and supporting a mobile application for End Users that will interface with the Firmware on the Customer Products (the “Customer App”), in each of the foregoing (i)-(iii), in furtherance of the Purpose and for no other purposes (collectively, the “License”). The License is also conditioned upon Customer’s full and continuing compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the DPA and any other attachment thereto.

 

2.2               Number of Licenses; Sublicenses. Customer acknowledges and agrees that the Firmware is licensed on a per unit of Product basis, that the License with respect to the Firmware installed on each unit of Product attaches to such Product, and that no right or license of any kind is granted to Customer to install, execute, or otherwise use more instances of the Firmware than the corresponding number of units of Products supplied by Company to Customer under the DPA. During the term of this Agreement, Customer shall have the right to grant pass-through sublicenses of the rights granted in item (i) of the License to End Users in the Territory in the Field with respect to their particular unit of Customer Product purchased from Customer for the sole purpose of making personal, non-commercial use of such Customer Product; provided, Customer may only grant such sublicenses pursuant to written agreements with each End User containing terms and conditions consistent with and no less protective of Company than those set forth in this Agreement, including the restrictions and obligations set forth in Sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 8.2 and 8.3. Provided that Customer shall not have any liability of any kind whatsoever for any breach of Sections 3,4,5,7, 8.2 and 8.3 by any End User.

 

2.3               Open Source Software. [***]If a software component included with or in the Firmware is licensed under an open source software license that is incompatible with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of such open source software license will take priority over this Agreement solely with respect to such incompatibility and solely with respect to Customer’s and End Users’ use of such software component. Company shall have no responsibility or liability for Customer’s and its end Customer’s use of any such third party open source software, including their respective compliance with and the application of any corresponding open source license terms to the Customer App or any other software of Customer or its other suppliers, licensors or End Users. For clarity, nothing in this Section 2.3 will (i) broaden Company’s representations or warranties or indemnification obligations to Customer; (ii) waive, limit, or disclaim any limitations of liability of Company set forth in this Agreement; or (iii) amend the scope of any license granted to Customer with respect to any proprietary portions of the Firmware.

 

Page 26 of 35

 

 

2.4               Support and Maintenance.

 

(i)                Customer will be solely responsible for performing training, support (including providing routine reports, call-in customer services, and on-site service calls), maintenance, and other services requested or required by End Users. Customer may not refer any End Users to Company for such support and services. Provided that Company shall use its best efforts to respond to inquiries from Customer concerning support and maintenance.

 

(ii)                So long as Customer has not breached this Agreement and provided Customer remains in full and continuing compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the DPA and any other attachment thereto, and subject to Customer’s continued payment of the Support Fees (defined below), Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to respond to Customer requests for second-level support and maintenance with respect to the Firmware (collectively, “Support”); provided, that Support shall not include, and Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement (or the DPA or any other attachment thereto) to: (a) provide any maintenance, support or other services directly to Customer’s End Users nor to respond directly to any requests from Customer’s End Users for maintenance or support; (b) provide any maintenance or support with respect to the Customer App or any issues, complaints or questions related thereto; (c) provide any maintenance or support outside of Company’s regular business hours nor any on site services; or (d) provide any upgrades, enhancements, customizations, integrations, installations, new versions or any new or additional functionality. Company may, from time to time, provide certain updates for Firmware (such as bug fixes, etc.), which Customer shall promptly install, or require to be installed, on the Customer Products. Company will be responsible for providing Support only to Customer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company shall provide maintenance, support or other services directly to End Users to whom Company has sold the Customer Products (“Company’s End Users”) and respond directly to any requests from Company’s End Users for maintenance or support.

 

3.        Restrictions. Customer acknowledges that the Firmware contains valuable trade secrets of Company and its licensors and suppliers and constitutes the Confidential Information of Company. Accordingly, and except as may be permitted under Section 2.4, Customer agrees that it may not: (i) modify, adapt, alter, translate, or create derivative works of the Firmware; (ii) build a product or service using similar ideas, features, functions, or graphics of the Firmware; (iii) except as expressly provided in Section 2, sublicense, resell, rent, lease, transfer or assign Firmware or its use, or offer the Firmware on a time share basis to any third party; (iv) reverse engineer, decompile, decode, or disassemble the Firmware; or (v) otherwise attempt to derive the source code or algorithms for or included in the Firmware or attempt to gain access to any underlying code or algorithms used in or to implement or deploy the Firmware. For clarity, Customer receives no right or license hereunder (nor pursuant to the DPA or any other attachment thereto) to any source code to the Firmware nor any of the algorithms contained therein.

 

4.        Ownership.

 

4.1               Firmware. Subject to the licenses expressly granted to Customer hereunder, all right, title and interest in and to the Firmware and any Technology embodied or incorporated therein and all Intellectual Property Rights (as those terms are defined in the DPA) therein and thereto are and shall be owned solely and exclusively by Company.

 

4.2               Feedback. To the extent Customer, its employees, or any End Users of the Firmware provide Company with any suggestions, ideas, enhancement requests, recommendations or feedback regarding the Firmware, or Company otherwise conceives of or creates any ideas, enhancements, improvements, or modifications to the Firmware (collectively, “Feedback and Improvements”), Company will be free to use, disclose, commercialize, license, and exploit such Feedback and Improvements without any restriction. Feedback and Improvements may also be used to improve the Firmware for other customers of Company.

 

Page 27 of 35

 

 

5.        Confidentiality.

 

5.1               Confidentiality Obligations. Customer agrees that, for so long as this Agreement is in effect and for a period of three (3) years thereafter (other than with respect to the Firmware, for which the obligations of this Section 5 shall apply in perpetuity), Customer shall (i) maintain in confidence such Confidential Information using not less than the efforts such Recipient uses to maintain in confidence its own proprietary industrial or technical information of similar kind and value, but in no event using less than reasonable care, (ii) not disclose such Confidential Information to any Third Party (as defined in the DPA) without the prior written consent of Company, except for disclosures to the Manufacturer and disclosures expressly permitted below in furtherance of the Purpose, and (iii) not use such Confidential Information for any purpose except those expressly permitted by this Agreement in furtherance of the Purpose.

 

5.2               Authorized Disclosure. To the extent (and only to the extent) that it is reasonably necessary or appropriate to fulfill its obligations or exercise its rights under this Agreement in furtherance of the Purpose, Customer may disclose Confidential Information belonging to Company in the following instances: (i) regulatory filings; (ii) prosecuting or defending litigation; (iii) subject to Section 5.3 in complying with applicable Laws (as defined in the DPA) and regulations (including, without limitation, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange) and with judicial process, if in the reasonable opinion of Customer’s counsel, such disclosure is necessary for such compliance; and (iv) disclosure, in connection with the performance of this Agreement and solely on a need-to-know basis, to the Manufacturer, potential or actual collaborators; potential or actual investment bankers, investors, lenders, or acquirers; or employees, independent contractors (including without limitation consultants and clinical investigators) or agents, each of whom prior to disclosure must be bound by written obligations of confidentiality and non-use no less restrictive than the obligations set forth in this Section 5; provided, however, that Customer shall remain responsible for any failure by any Person (as defined in the DPA) who receives Confidential Information pursuant to this Section 5 to treat such Confidential Information as required under this Section 5.

 

If and whenever any Confidential Information is disclosed in accordance with this Section 5.2, such disclosure shall not cause any such information to cease to be Confidential Information except to the extent that such permitted disclosure results in a public disclosure of such information (otherwise than by breach of this Agreement). Where reasonably possible and subject to Section 5.3, Customer shall notify Company of Customer’s intent to make such disclosure pursuant to this Section 5.2 sufficiently prior to making such disclosure so as to allow Company adequate time to take whatever action it may deem appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the information.

 

5.3               Required Disclosure. Customer may disclose Confidential Information pursuant to interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand issued by a court or governmental agency or as otherwise required by Law; provided however, that Customer shall notify Company promptly upon receipt thereof, giving (where practicable) Company sufficient advance notice to permit it to oppose, limit or seek confidential treatment for such disclosure, and to file for patent protection if relevant; and provided, further, that Customer shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which it is advised by counsel is legally required whether or not a protective order or other similar order is obtained by Company.

 

5.4               Terms of Agreement. The existence and the terms and conditions of the Agreement shall be considered Confidential Information of each Party. Each Party may disclose such terms to the Manufacturer, a bona fide potential licensee, investor, investment banker, acquiror, merger partner or other potential financial partner, and their attorneys and agents, or otherwise as required by applicable laws and regulations; provided that, where practicable, each such Person to whom such information is to be disclosed is informed of the confidential nature of such information.

 

5.5               Injunctive Relief. The Parties hereto understand and agree that remedies at Law may be inadequate to protect against any breach of any of the provisions of this Section 5 by Customer or its employees, agents, officers, directors, End Users or any other person acting in concert with it or on its behalf. Accordingly, Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief by a court of competent jurisdiction against any action that constitutes any such breach of this Section 5.

 

Page 28 of 35

 

 

5.6               Ownership and Return of Confidential Information. All Confidential Information of Company shall remain the sole property of Company. Upon the termination of this Agreement, or at any time upon written request of Company, Customer shall return Company’s Confidential Information and not keep any copies thereof.

 

6.       Payment Terms.

 

6.1               Firmware Activation Fees. Customer will pay Company the software activation fees set forth in Appendices A & B attached to the DPA, on a per unit basis, for the Firmware installed on each unit of Product supplied by Company to Customer under the DPA (with respect to each such unit, the “Activation Fee” and collectively, the “Activation Fees”) at the time and in the manner set forth in the DPA.

 

6.2               Support Fees. Customer will pay Company the annual software maintenance fees set forth in Appendices A & B attached to the DPA, on a per unit basis, based on the total number of active units of Customer Products during such applicable year (the “Support Fees”, and together with the Activation Fees, collectively, the “Software Fees”) at the time and in the manner set forth in the DPA.

 

7.        Disclaimer. By its nature, the Firmware may contain errors, bugs, and other problems that could cause system failure. In addition, the Firmware may not have any documentation, and any documentation in existence may be inaccurate or incomplete. Company PROVIDES THE FIRMWARE, SUPPORT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION TO CUSTOMER ON AN “AS-IS” AND “WITH ALL FAULTS” BASIS WITHOUT REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, AND COMPANY, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES, SUPPLIERS AND LICENSORS, MAKES NO AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND REGARDING THE FIRMWARE, SUPPORT, AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION, OR THE USE OR OPERATION OF THE FIRMWARE, SUPPORT, AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION, AND HEREBY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AVAILABILITY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

 

8.        Indemnification; Consequential Damages Waiver; Limitation of Liability.

 

8.1               Indemnification. Each Party shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other Party and its officers, directors, employees, and contractors from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and other expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting from any claim or suit arising out of or related to (i) the indemnifying Party’s material breach of this Agreement; (ii) any use or misuse (including any use outside of the express scope of the licenses granted hereunder) of the Firmware, Support or Customer Products by the indemnifying Party or any of its officers, directors, employees, and contractors or any of their End Users of the Firmware, Support or Customer Products; (iii) the other Party’s compliance with any explicit instructions or specifications provided by the indemnifying Party; (iv) in the case of the Customer, (x) the modification of the Firmware by anyone other than Company; (y) the combination of the Firmware with any product, component, software, or service not provided by Company without Company’s written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

8.2               Consequential Damages Waiver. EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO THE OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 5 AND SECTION 8.1, AND EXCLUDING ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE FIRMWARE BY THE CUSTOMER, IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR THE COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS OR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, HOWEVER INCURRED, WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY IS ASSERTED ON THE BASIS OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY), OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES IN ADVANCE BY THE OTHER PARTY.

 

Page 29 of 35

 

 

8.3               Limitation of Liability. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE TOTAL, CUMULATIVE LIABILITY OF COMPANY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY CONTRACT YEAR EXCEED THE SOFTWARE FEES ACTUALLY PAID TO COMPANY DURING THE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR CONTRACT YEAR.

 

9.       Term and Termination.

 

9.1               Term; Termination. This Agreement shall remain in full force during the term of the DPA for so long as the DPA remains in effect and Customer remains in full and continuing compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and those set forth in the DPA and any other attachment thereto; provided, Company may terminate or suspend, in its sole discretion, its obligations to provide Support hereunder, effective immediately, by giving Customer written notice of termination or suspension, if Customer breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement and fails to cure such breach to the satisfaction of Company within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof from Company or if Customer has failed to pay any undisputed amounts owed under this Agreement within thirty (30) days after Customer has received written notice from Company regarding such past due amount; and further provided, Customer may terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, by giving Company written notice of termination or suspension, if Company breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement and fails to cure such breach to the satisfaction of Company within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof from Customer or if Company fails to provide the Support to Customer.

 

9.2               Effect of Termination. In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article 9.1 Company shall have no further obligation to provide Support and Customer shall immediately pay to Company all outstanding amounts due under this Agreement. Customer shall not be liable for damages of any kind as a result of properly exercising its respective right to suspend performance or terminate this Agreement according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and such suspension or termination, as applicable, will not affect any other right or remedy of either Party. No compensation of any kind (including without limitation any claim for loss of profits, loss of prospective profits, damages, or indemnity) shall be due from either Party to the other solely as a result of such suspension or termination of this Agreement. For clarity, upon termination or expiration of the DPA for any reason, Company shall have no further obligation to fulfill any new orders for the Products and the License shall thereby cease to apply with respect any new or additional Products not supplied by Company to Customer, including with respect to any Customer Products that do not incorporate Products supplied by Company to Customer.

 

10.      General Terms and Conditions.

 

10.1            Notices. Any consent, notice or report required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement by one of the Parties to the other shall be in writing and addressed to such other Party at its address indicated below, or to such other address as the addressee shall have last furnished in writing to the addressor. Such notices shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if and at the moment it is delivered in person, transmitted by facsimile (upon receipt by the sender of a positive transmission report), by express courier service (upon signature of the receipt), or by registered letter with return receipt or its equivalent (upon execution of the return receipt by the recipients) to the following persons and addresses:

 

Page 30 of 35

 

 

If to Customer:                                                              MEDIROM, Inc.

Tradepia Odaiba 16F, 2-3-1

Daiba, Minato-ku

Tokyo 135-0091

Japan

Attention: CEO

 

If to Company:                                                              Matrix Industries, Inc.,

1440 O’Brien Drive, Suite A-1

Menlo Park, California, USA 94025

Attention: CEO

 

10.2            Governing Law: Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, USA without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof. The parties further agree that the state and federal courts located in ay competent jurisdiction in New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue for all matters regarding the existence, interpretation, execution, validity, enforceability, performance and termination of this Agreement(provided that Company may at any time bring an action anywhere in the world to protect or enforce its Intellectual Property Rights and Confidential Information). The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to this Agreement.

 

10.3            Dispute Resolution. In the event of any dispute between the parties relating to, resulting from or arising out of this Agreement, a Party may notify the other Party in writing of such dispute providing details of the subject matter of the dispute and any relevant documentation. Up to one (1) duly authorized executive officer of each Party shall promptly attempt to settle such dispute within a period of three (3) months after notice. If the executive officers of the Parties are unable to resolve the issue within three (3) months after notice, the dispute may be submitted by either Party to the courts stipulated in Section 10.2.

 

10.4            Independent Contractors. Each Party acknowledges that the parties shall be independent contractors and that the relationship between the parties shall not constitute a partnership, joint venture or agency. Neither Party shall have the authority to make any statements, representations or commitments of any kind, or to take any action, which shall be binding on the other Party, without the prior consent of the other Party to do so.

 

10.5            Waiver. The waiver by a Party of any right hereunder, or of any failure to perform or breach by the other Party, shall not be deemed a waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other breach or failure by the other Party, whether of a similar nature or otherwise. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving Party.

 

10.6            Construction. The singular will include the plural and the plural will include the singular. The captions of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, describe, extend or limit the scope or intent of this Agreement or the intent of any provision contained in this Agreement. The words “include” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “but not limited to”, “without limitation”, “inter alia” or words of similar import. The rights and remedies provided herein shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or in equity, unless expressly stated otherwise.

 

10.7            Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is declared invalid, unenforceable or void to any extent, such provision shall be modified, if possible, by reducing its duration and scope to allow enforcement of the maximum permissible duration and scope. In any event, such declaration shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement. Any declaration of such invalidity, unenforceability or void provision in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable or void such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

Page 31 of 35

 

 

10.8            English Language. This Agreement was negotiated and executed in English, and the original language version shall be controlling. All communications and notices to be made or given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in English.

 

10.9            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. A signature transmitted via facsimile or electronic means shall be deemed to be and shall be as effective as an original signature upon confirmation of transmission.

 

10.10        Force Majeure. Neither Party will be responsible for any failure or delay in the performance of all or any part of this Agreement caused by force majeure, including, without limitation, acts of God and nature, intervention of government, war or threat of war, conditions similar to war, acts of terrorism, sanctions, blockades, embargoes, strikes, lockouts, or other similar causes or circumstances which cannot reasonably be prevented by the Party the performance of which is delayed (“Force Majeure”). The affected Party shall promptly give written notice to the other Party whenever such Force Majeure becomes reasonably foreseeable, and shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to overcome the effects of the Force Majeure as promptly as possible, and shall promptly give written notice to the other Party of the cessation of such Force Majeure.

 

10.11        Waiver. Any waiver by either Party of the breach of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not be considered as a continuing waiver or a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same or any other terms or conditions.

 

10.12        Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all attachments hereto which are hereby incorporated herein) contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. All express or implied representations, agreements and understandings, either oral or written, regarding the subject matter of this Agreement heretofore made are expressly superseded by this Agreement. Each Party confirms that it is not relying on any representations or warranties of the other Party or its representatives except as specifically set forth herein. No amendment or modification of this Agreement will be binding upon the parties unless in writing and duly executed by authorized representatives of both parties.

 

10.13         Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party’s prior written consent, not to unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided, however, in the event of a transfer or sale by a Party to a third party of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the assigning Party to which this Agreement relates then the assigning Party shall be required to assign this Agreement to such third party, the other Party’s consent shall not be required for such assignment, and this Agreement (including all supply obligations hereunder) will continue on in full force and effect. In the event of any assignment by a Party in accordance with this Section 10.13, the assigning Party’s rights and obligations herein shall be binding upon its successor and assigns. Any attempted assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 10.13 shall be void and of no effect.

 

Page 32 of 35

 

 

Appendix A

 

[***]

 

Page 33 of 35

 

 

Appendix F

 

Costed Bill of Materials (Preliminary)

 

[to be added]

 

Page 34 of 35

 

 

Appendix G

 

Preliminary Development Schedule

 

[***]

 

Page 35 of 35

 

Exhibit 21.1

 

List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

Legal Name of the Subsidiary   Jurisdiction
Bell Epoc Wellness Inc.   Japan
Decollte Wellness Corporation   Japan
JOYHANDS WELLNESS Inc.   Japan
Medirom Human Resources Inc.   Japan

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. on Form F-1 of our report dated September 10, 2020 with respect to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2019 and 2018, which includes an emphasis of matter paragraph as to significant uncertainty related to the future outcome from the outbreak associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in such prospectus.

 

Our report refers to the adoption of new method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2018.

 

/s/ Baker Tilly US, LLP 

Baker Tilly US, LLP (formerly Squar Milner LLP)

Irvine, California

November 20, 2020

 

     

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

November 1, 2020

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC 20549

 

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We are the former independent registered public accounting firm for Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc. (the “Company”). We have read the Company’s disclosure set forth in the Registration Statement under “Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant” and are in agreement with the disclosure in such Registration Statement, insofar as it pertains to our firm.

 

Sincerely,
 
/s/ Squar Milner LLP