Investors

From 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, we held a financial results briefing (online) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
This page provides an overview of the main questions and answers (summaries) at the briefing.

Question & Answer Session (Summary)

[Content and digital business]

Q1: With the establishment of a US subsidiary, we believe that the expansion in Europe and the US will be in full swing, but I would like to ask about the investment and measures in North America through the subsidiary.

A1: Since the US market is highly competitive, our policy is not to take risks as much as possible with respect to management resources, etc. We will prepare a structure that will enable us to make a profit from the distribution of the large-scale video production of Netflix, which is scheduled for release in 2024.

Q2: What is the expected potential of Ultraman in ASEAN regions compared to China? In terms of countries, we would like to ask which countries have the highest potential.

A2: Looking at the viewing history of the works distributed, there are many viewers, especially in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, which are the three major countries. From this year, we will translate TV series in local languages, and start simultaneous distribution at the same timing as in Japan. The Netflix’s CG anime movie in 2024 will also be distributed to ASEAN. We expect this to lead to greater recognition and strengthen the brand in the three major countries and further increase its potential. In addition, by increasing the profitability of other ASEAN regions and other regions as a whole, in the future we would first like to increase the size to nearly half that of the Chinese market.

Q3: I would like to hear about the current status of next IP following “Ultraman.”

A3: We have several IP other than Ultraman, and we would like to combine IP such as KAIJU.

Q4: I think that the stock market’s expectations for Tsuburaya Productions are higher than the figures formulated in the new medium-term management plan, but I would like to ask if there are any targets for Tsuburaya Productions considered by the top management.

A4: We intend to firmly achieve the new medium-term management plan announced this time and steadily increase results. It will establish the Tsuburaya brand by raising awareness through the development of visual works, expanding contact opportunities through the development of theme parks, and expanding merchandise development in line with the cultures of each country. We intend to steadily advance measures in each country and aim for results that are appropriate for a global content business company.

Q5: Is the understanding that the Chinese market is the key driver of sales and profit growth in the content and digital business segment in the 3-year medium-term management plan?

A5: In addition to the Chinese market, we expect to expand in ASEAN. There is still room for growth and profitability can be improved in the domestic market. During the period of the medium-term management plan, we do not anticipate any significant contribution to earnings in North America, but as the work being produced by Netflix has the potential to attract, we are committed to developing it.

Q6: I would like to hear about the specific strategies for the digital services development of Tsuburaya Productions in the future.

A6: While it is not possible to specifically disclose this at this time, we are advancing initiatives on a group-wide basis in cooperation with game companies and platforms.

[PS business]

Q7: In terms of pachinko sales, I would like to ask you whether you will focus on “smart pachinko” or “P-machine (pachinko machine that passed the certification test after February 2018)” in the future.

A7: In the present marketplace, there is demand for both smart pachinko and P-machine. We may sell both titles to meet this need.

Q8: Regarding PS sales lineup for the current fiscal year, I would like to hear the status of the tests of leading titles and the timing of their launch.

A8: Progress is being made as planned. We are also preparing well so that these titles will be introduced at the appropriate timing required by halls.

Q9: Although you hold a large number of shares of Daikoku Denki Co., Ltd., I would like to ask you about the purpose of holding the shares and your future policy.

A9: Daikoku Denki is a great company and we have been investing in the company's shares for some time, and in the course of this investment, we heard the intention of the founder's family to sell the company's shares, and we acquired them, which resulted in the filling of a large shareholding report.
FIELDS is the only nationwide distributor and trading company in the PS industry. The market-in based on big data gathered through all offices and sales divisions enables manufacturers to develop the best merchandise. We also believe that PS sector will develop soundly by providing pachinko halls with a variety of information based on big data and creating halls that are welcomed by fans. In pursuing our vision as a distributor, we have a high degree of affinity with Daikoku Denki Co., Ltd., which possesses the largest big data in the industry, and if we can cooperate with each other, it would be beneficial to each other.

[Overall management]

Q10: I would like to ask you about your dividend policy again.

A10: The Chinese market, which is the center of global expansion, is overwhelmingly large compared to Japan, such as population and national land, and it is considered that it has the potential to grow by more than 10 times. If we can achieve the best results in these markets, we believe we can pay the best dividends.

Q11: Are there possibilities for personnel expense increases due to incentives for employees as a result of rapid growth in business performance?

A11: We believe it is important to reward the right person in the right job with the right compensation.