Strengthening Corporate Governance and Accelerating Global Expansion Under a New Management Structure

‍

GESHER, Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yohei Harada; hereinafter "GESHER"), announced the appointment of two outside directors and one outside auditor effective May 30, 2025. On the same day, the company transitioned to a company with a Board of Directors, marking a new phase in its governance structure aimed at enhancing transparency and building a foundation for sustainable growth.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Background and Purpose

GESHER has been accelerating its expansion into global markets through its “Global Engagement” business, which supports M&A, investment, alliances, and global marketing. To further strengthen governance and ensure long-term success, the company has appointed two outside directors and one outside auditor and established a Board of Directors.

‍

With this transition, GESHER will incorporate more diverse perspectives into its decision-making, enhancing both transparency and reliability. The new members will bring valuable expertise and insights that will bolster GESHER’s competitiveness in global markets. This new structure will serve as a foundation for sustainable growth, enabling GESHER to enhance corporate value and further strengthen its governance.

‍

‍

Profiles and Comments from Outside Directors and Auditor

‍

Kentaro Ohori (Outside Director)

Attorney and patent attorney (Tokyo Bar Association). Currently affiliated with law firm LAB-01 and serving as Auditor at Ubiden, Inc. Previously served as Auditor at Cybercom Co., Ltd. (2016–2025). Has worked across legal and intellectual property fields at a boutique patent law firm. Offers broad legal support to various industries including retail, telecom, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Former system engineer. Holds degrees from International Christian University (BA and MA) and Chiba University Graduate School (JD).

‍

“I resonate with GESHER’s commitment to transparency and see great potential in its growth. I will leverage my experience in law and intellectual property to support the strengthening of governance and building a foundation for sustainable growth.”

‍

‍

Hideo Edasawa (Outside Director)

Began his corporate career in finance and corporate planning at Recruit Co., Ltd. Joined Digital Garage in 1999 and has since built a career focused on startups. Led turnarounds for a language education firm and a real estate advertising agency, and supported corporate recovery and MBOs during PMI phases. Served as Director of Marketing at Digital Garage in 2017, then moved to Kakaku.com in 2019 as Executive Officer, overseeing domestic subsidiaries and serving as president of one. In 2023, led an external divestiture of a subsidiary. Currently CEO of eiga.com, Inc., a Kakaku.com subsidiary. Graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in economics.

‍

“I’ve known Mr. Harada since our time at Digital Garage, and he continues to exceed expectations. I hope to contribute through the Board of Directors so that GESHER can turn future challenges into opportunities.”

‍

‍

Takeshi Kanamori (Outside Auditor)

After working in women’s magazine publishing, joined Accenture in 2004, then moved into investment banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. In 2016, joined INCJ (now JIC), a fund under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Later led global investments at Digital Garage’s venture capital arm. Founded TKOcean Inc. in 2023 and now serves as CEO. Supports startups in business development and finance. Has experience with multiple IPOs and M&As in both the US and Japan. Holds a degree in English literature from the University of Tokyo and an MBA from UC San Diego.

‍

“I highly value GESHER’s solid business foundation and global growth strategy. I look forward to contributing to the strengthening of governance and transparency by leveraging my cross-border experience in startup support and investment. I’m excited to support GESHER’s continued growth and enhanced corporate value.”

‍

Message from Yohei Harada, CEO

‍

“I’m truly pleased to welcome such distinguished individuals to our leadership team and to have officially established our Board of Directors. Through this new structure, we will strengthen transparency and governance at GESHER and drive further growth to increase our corporate value.”

‍

‍

About GESHER, Inc.

GESHER operates the “Global Engagement” business, serving as a bridge between Japanese companies and the world. The company supports M&A, investments, alliances, and global marketing initiatives, with a particular strength in startup collaboration and advanced technology projects. GESHER has successfully executed over 100 global initiatives to date. Moving forward, GESHER will continue to integrate diverse expertise from its outside directors and auditor to build a highly transparent and trusted management structure and foster long-term, sustainable growth in partnership with clients.

‍

‍

Company Overview

Company Name: GESHER, Inc.
Representative: Yohei Harada, CEO
Business Description: Global Engagement business (support for overseas expansion, M&A and alliances with overseas startups, and global marketing)
Established: January 2020
Capital: 89.29 million yen (including capital reserve)
Address: Metro City Kamiyacho 5F, 5-1-5 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Corporate Website: https://gesher.co.jp/