#Japan #Tokyo #circular economy #Mizuho Innovation #CLAS

CLAS Wins Mizuho Innovation Award

Company Overview
CLAS Inc., based in Meguro, Tokyo, is a startup focused on building a circular economy in the interior goods sector. Under the leadership of President Hirotake Kubo, they aim to provide innovative services in the world of furniture and appliances.

Award Recognition
In its recent announcement, CLAS has been honored with the Mizuho Innovation Award 2025.2Q, presented by Mizuho Bank. This quarterly award recognizes promising innovation companies, evaluating their business model advantages, team strength, and growth potential. The Mizuho Innovation Award was established on October 30, 2017, to support the growth of startups with innovative business practices.

Since its inception, the award has recognized numerous growing companies including BizReach, Soracom, Timee, and SmartHR.

Why CLAS Was Awarded
According to Mizuho Bank, CLAS has established a robust business model in the field of durable consumer goods within a circular economy framework. The bank praised CLAS for its commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and sustainability principles, as well as its ability to meet diverse customer needs, leading to their recognition as a noteworthy startup.

They hope that this award will increase awareness of CLAS's innovative projects and contribute to the development of a circular society.

About CLAS Services

CLAS provides a range of services aimed at promoting the circular economy, focusing on the subscription-based rental of durable consumer goods such as furniture and appliances. Key offerings include:

• - CLAS: Rental and subscription services for sustainable furniture and home appliances.
• - CLAS Biz: Office construction and relocation services for businesses.
• - Private Phone Booths: Ideal for web meetings and one-on-ones.
• - Home Staging Services: Supporting quick real estate contract commitments.
• - Furnished Rental Services: Offering trendy furniture and appliances as a comprehensive package.

The company has successfully implemented a repair and cleaning process for returned items. This approach significantly reduces waste and promotes re-utilization. According to data from the Ministry of the Environment, CLAS's practices have proven to reduce CO2 emissions by 36% and waste discharge by 38% when compared to traditional sales models as of February 2023.

By contributing to waste reduction and a decarbonized society, CLAS plays a vital role in realizing a circular economy. They envision a society where everyone can live freely and lightly, embodying their guiding principle of 'Living freely and lightly'.

Future Prospects

CLAS is currently serving regions including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo, with expansion plans in progress. Notably, CLAS aims to ensure nationwide coverage for business clients across Japan (with specific exclusions for certain remote islands).

Company Details

• - Company Name: CLAS Inc.
• - Headquarters: Aobadai Studio, 4-6-6 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo
• - Kyoto Office: KRP BIZ NEXT, 93 Nakadoji Kurita-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
• - Founder & CEO: Hirotake Kubo
• - Established: April 24, 2018
• - Corporate Website: CLAS Official Site
• - Latest News: CLAS News
• - Service Introduction Video: CLAS Services

CLAS is continually striving to innovate and expand its offerings while remaining committed to sustainability and customer satisfaction. The recognition from Mizuho Bank only reinforces their mission and vision.