Leifras Set to Enhance Trading Accessibility with Nasdaq's 23-Hour Weekday Trading Schedule

Overview of Leifras and the Trading Accessibility Expansion

LEIFRAS Co., Ltd., a prominent player in the youth sports and community engagement sector in Japan, is poised to gain significant advantages from Nasdaq's new trading framework. Scheduled to start December 6, 2026, Nasdaq is set to implement a remarkable 23-hour trading schedule on weekdays, a shift that the company believes will lead to greater investor accessibility.

As one of Japan's leading operators of children's sports schools, Leifras has consistently focused on fostering youth engagement through sports. This upcoming extension of trading hours comes at a time when Japanese online brokerages are also enhancing access to extended-hours trading in U.S. equities, thereby allowing investors to trade Leifras's listed American Depositary Shares (ADSs) more flexibly, especially during daytime hours in Japan.

Nasdaq's 23-Hour Trading Initiative

In a groundbreaking move, Nasdaq has received authorization from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to extend its trading hours, which is expected to significantly impact equity trading, particularly for international investors including those in Japan. This decision facilitates real-time trading during a larger portion of Japan's daytime, which is a crucial advantage for Leifras shareholders.

Increased Flexibility for Investors

The new trading schedule will afford Japanese investors the opportunity to engage more actively in the U.S. equity market. Online brokerages like Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities are stepping up to provide enhanced trading services. Rakuten Securities has already started offering pre-market and after-hours trading, significantly increasing the availability of trading hours. This includes a pre-market window from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM JST during U.S. Daylight Saving Time and another trading period from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM JST. SBI Securities is also gearing up for the anticipated expansion by planning to offer similar extended trading options.

Long-Term Benefits for Leifras

Leifras firmly welcomes these improvements in accessibility to their Nasdaq-listed ADSs. The company is eager to engage with a wider and more diverse investor base, underlining its commitment to sustained corporate value growth. The anticipated changes in the financial market infrastructure are expected to enhance the trading experience for investors, promoting a more vibrant market atmosphere.

A greater focus on expanded trading reflects not only improved market accessibility but also a shift towards accommodating diverse trading preferences within the global investing community. Leifras' strategy aligns well with these advancements, as it continuously seeks innovative avenues to bolster its growth and reach:

- By actively participating in the extended hours trading, the number of investors directly engaging with Leifras is likely to increase.
- Such engagement is pivotal in strengthening Leifras’ position in the competitive sports and social business landscape.

Conclusion

As the launch of Nasdaq's 23-hour trading approach approaches, Leifras is ideally positioned to capitalize on these transformations. With a growing focus on youth sports and community connection, the company anticipates that enhanced trading access will help further its mission of promoting physical health and social inclusion. In a landscape that's rapidly shifting towards greater accessibility and engagement, Leifras is committed to not only expanding its market presence but also enhancing its corporate value through a robust trading framework.

For those interested in following Leifras’s journey in this evolving environment, please stay tuned for further updates on how these advancements influence market dynamics. Visit Leifras's Investor Relations for more insights into their future directions and ongoing initiatives.