Investors

From 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, we held a financial results briefing (online) for H1 of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.
This page provides an overview of the main questions and answers (summaries) at the briefing.

Question & Answer Session (Summary)

Q1: Can you tell us about Ultraman’s status in China and why trading cards were a hit?

A1: In China, Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “TPC”) believes that the early stage of simulcasting and the continued distribution of these in Chinese-dubbed version has had a major impact. In recent years, TPC has strengthened the measures against counterfeits, aggressively rolled out the Japanese-origin merchandise, and expanded the localized range of low-priced toys. One of those is trading cards, which have become a huge hit with the growing popularity of Ultraman and a distribution network that extends throughout China. In addition, various events and trading card competitions are held in various locations, and the fan base is expanding.

Q2: I’d like to ask about the status regarding the international release of the movie SHIN ULTRAMAN.

A2: As TPC plans to release the movie in 37 countries and regions, the movie has already been released in 20 countries, mainly in Asia. In Asia, the movie is particularly popular in Taiwan. In Europe and America, the movie is going to be released in 16 locations mainly at movie festivals.

Q3: I’d like to ask if there are any updates on the strategy, such as TPC’s merchandising development in the North American market.

Q3: In the North American market, TPC will first focus on creating an environment in which people can experience the works in order to raise awareness of Ultraman.

Q4: To what extend do you think the introduction of smart pachislot will revitalize the market?

A4: We can see that pachinko halls’ needs are heating up, as the machines for the dedicated smart pachislot units already available in the market have sold out. We think that smart pachislot will be a very good match for young people, and will have a positive impact from a medium-to-long-term perspective.

Q5: I think the reputation of PS machines sold by FIELDS CORPORATION (hereinafter FIELDS) seems to have increased recently. How do you perceive the reason?

A5: We feel that our branding efforts, including product development and measures to strengthen the sales force, which we have been working on since 2018, are starting to produce results recently.

Q6: Can you tell us about trends in orders received for Pachinko P Godzilla vs EVANGELION -G-cells awakening-?

A6: The pachinko machine NEON GENESIS EVANGELION -Roar for tomorrow- sold in December 2021, has maintained a high popularity at halls for a long time, and we responded to orders for an additional 10,000 units. The next title, P Godzilla vs EVANGELION -G-cells awakening-, has already received high expectations, and FIELDS is responding to robust orders.

Q7: What do you think about the risks of material procurement including semiconductors etc. from the next fiscal year onward?

A7: Although it continues to be difficult to procure materials due to the pandemic, manufacturers seem to be responding firmly, and the outlook is brighter than in the past.

Q8: Please tell us about the timing of FIELDS’ introduction of smart pachislot.

A8: It is scheduled to be around spring 2023.

Q9: Do you intend to update the operating profit for the final year of the medium-term management plan (FY2024)?

A9: We will update and disclose the information again as appropriate while assessing trends in the contents and digital business and PS business.

Q10: Please tell us about the Company’s policy on shareholder returns, including dividend policy, amid future earnings growth.

A10: We aim for shareholder returns that are highly competitive among listed companies.

Q11: Can you tell us about your policy for investing in human resources in the future, and what size workforce you envisage?

A11: First, through the development of existing employees, we are aiming to increase the number of people capable of responding to growth areas of our business, and at the same time, to secure new professional personnel in the holdings company in order to further grow as a group.