Why How Do Company Wins Legal Battle Against Shareholder Yamaguchi

In a significant legal development, THE WHY HOW DO COMPANY (also known as WHDC), based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, achieved a crucial victory concerning its shareholder, Mitsukuni Yamaguchi. On August 28, 2025, the Tokyo High Court ruled that statements made by Yamaguchi on his blog constituted defamation against the company’s honor and credibility. The court unequivocally determined these expressions to be unlawful and stated that there were no justifiable reasons for Yamaguchi to evade responsibility for his actions.

As a result of this ruling, the court ordered Yamaguchi to pay WHDC ¥500,000 in damages, along with additional delayed compensation amounting to a 3% interest rate from September 28, 2020, until payment completion. However, it has been confirmed that Yamaguchi intends to appeal the decision, which keeps the legal battle ongoing.

WHDC remains firm in its stance against defamatory remarks and is committed to robustly addressing any unfair communication regarding the company. The firm has signaled its intention to take strict measures, possibly involving legal action against comments made on online forums and blogs, ensuring that their reputation is relentlessly protected.

Founded in July 2004, WHDC aims to support the establishment of new ventures, provide guidance on mergers and acquisitions, and contribute to investment strategies. The company has been publicly traded since October 2006 and operates under the Tokyo Stock Exchange standard with the stock number 3823. CEO Katsumi Tanabe has led the company with a clear vision of maintaining corporate integrity and addressing potential threats proactively, particularly in the digital landscape.

This legal victory underscores WHDC’s commitment to uphold its name against any form of defamation. The rulings serve not only as a safeguard for the company but also send a stark message to those who consider targeting businesses with slanderous statements.

As the appeal process commences, industry observers will be watching closely how both sides navigate this legal complexity. In a time when shareholder voices are increasingly influential, the dynamics of corporate governance are continually evolving, and cases like this reinforce the importance of responsible communication in the digital age.

WHDC's future actions in terms of protecting its brand reputation and legal strategies will be critical to observe. As the company charts its path forward, it is clear that this lawsuit will be a pivotal point in their ongoing efforts to safeguard their standing within the industry and among stakeholders.

Topics Business Technology)

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