Link-U Group Secures Funding for Manga Expansion Under IP360 Program

TOKYO, Jun 26 (Pulse News Wire) – Link-U Group Inc. (4446.T) announced that its subsidiary, Link-U Technologies, was selected for the “Distribution Platform Expansion Support” category of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s IP360 program aimed at boosting overseas sales of Japanese content to reach ¥20.00 trillion by 2033.

The initiative involves expanding the global distribution of Shueisha's manga app and web service, MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA, which currently boasts over ¥4 billion downloads worldwide. This project will leverage Link-U Technologies' expertise in data delivery and server platforms to enhance the international expansion of Japanese manga intellectual property.

While the specific grant amount remains undisclosed, the company expects minimal impact on fiscal 2026 performance but anticipates positive contributions to long-term earnings growth starting from fiscal 2027 onwards. Link-U Group noted that the IP360 program supports various aspects of content industry development, including expanding content supply, increasing foreign user base, and maximizing profits through comprehensive IP utilization.

The funding covers up to half the costs with a cap of ¥3 billion per recipient and runs until February 2028.