Cool Japan Fund Inc.

Overview / Policy implications

Cool Japan Fund (CJF) invests in JumpStart, which installs vending machines equipped with cashless and AI functionality to sell Japanese beverages, confectionery and snacks in Indonesia. JumpStart is the largest vending machine operator in Indonesia, with over 1,700 coffee, beverage and snack vending machines now installed and in operation in the country. In Indonesia, the vending machine business was once considered to be a very difficult business model. Despite this, JumpStart has established itself as a market leader by solving challenges through the introduction of technologies such as QR-code payment and the identification of suitable target areas for installation.

CJF hopes to expand sales of such items, including beverages, confectionery, and snacks, by Japanese food and beverage manufacturers utilizing vending machines through this investment. It is also hoped that this will create a platform for these manufacturers to expand into Indonesia. CJF will also support efforts to further communicate the appeal of Japanese food and drink products in collaboration with related companies.