#Japan #Shibuya, Tokyo #Murder Mystery #Sally #UZU

Sally's Funding Journey

Sally, a company specializing in immersive murder mystery entertainment, has recently announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round. This funding was backed by notable investors including JFR MIRAI CREATORS Fund, Chiba Dojo Fund, and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital. With these financial resources, Sally aims to enhance its flagship product, the murder mystery app 'UZU', and further develop a rich writer and IP ecosystem. The company is set to accelerate its ventures into themed events in real-world settings, such as commercial facilities, public spaces, and tourist attractions, while also exploring opportunities in international markets.

About the Funding Partners

• - JFR MIRAI CREATORS Fund:

This corporate venture capital fund is managed by Ignition Point Venture Partners in partnership with J. Front Retailing Co., which owns popular department stores like Daimaru and Matsuzakaya.

• - Chiba Dojo Fund:

Tied to the entrepreneurial community of Chiba, this fund supports innovative startups.

• - Mitsubishi UFJ Capital:

Following their initial investment, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital continues to back Sally through additional funding.

The infusion of capital is not just meant for product enhancement but is also geared towards creating new experiential content tailored for the next generation of consumers. Sally is entering what it calls a growth phase, with potential plans for an IPO in the future.

A New Era in Entertainment

The murder mystery genre, or Madami, is swiftly gaining traction in Japan, particularly among Gen Z. Its popularity is fueled by social media buzz and collaborations with physical retail spaces and tourist locations. As the market rapidly evolves, Sally is at the forefront with its multiple offerings. The 'UZU' app, alongside the comprehensive portal 'madamis.jp', and tailored tools for writers form the foundation of their online ecosystem.

In-person, Sally operates two permanent theaters: 'UZU TOKYO' and 'Madami Theater MyMy', providing immersive experiences in collaboration with major commercial venues and public transportation systems. From April to May 2025, original experiential events will be staged throughout various municipalities, further solidifying Sally's reputation for innovative entertainment. The events include productions such as 'Thieves of Pharmacy' at Ikebukuro Parco and 'Cursed Scenery' at GiGO.

Collaboration with Publishing Giants

Sally is also collaborating with major publishers and media outlets to release original murder mystery works through the 'UZU' app. Their partnerships with renowned names like Shogakukan are paving the way for a new wave of adaptation, further intertwining literature and immersive experiences. Their promotion of original works, including those derived from popular manga series, appeals not only to existing fans but also to new audiences.

Going Global

By 2025, Sally plans to establish a branch in South Korea and launch a localized version of 'UZU'. This represents a significant milestone in their strategy to expand the murder mystery genre across Asia, recognizing the global interest in immersive narrative experiences. Moreover, the firm aims to enhance its audience offering through optimizing the existing app features and bolstering creator support.

Vision for the Future

Sally’s CEO, Eitaro Hiraishi, reflects on the journey from the initial online experiences in 2020 to their current position. He acknowledges that in a world where AI improves efficiency, the value of human interaction and narrative immersion will only rise. Looking ahead, Sally seeks to revolutionize entertainment by offering a multi-faceted platform that blends online and real-world experiences, including theaters and collaborative events.

They aspire to position murder mysteries alongside manga and anime as significant cultural expressions. With the support from their investors, Sally plans to create a new genre within the entertainment industry, integrating storytelling that engages audiences like never before.

Call for Talent

To strengthen their progression, Sally is actively recruiting across various positions, particularly in production and product management roles. The company looks to expand its talented team to realize its ambitious objectives. Learn more about available positions on their recruitment portal.

Conclusion

With a robust funding plan and strategic partnerships, Sally is set to reshape the landscape of immersive entertainment, creating a lasting impact in both the digital and real worlds. Through 'UZU' and its array of original theatrical productions, Sally will continue to innovate and engage audiences around the globe.