#Japan #Tokyo #Konnect-linK #CLEAR INNOVATION #99 Support

New Partnership for Economic Growth in Japan

On September 5, 2025, in Tokyo, Konnect-linK Co., Ltd. announced a strategic business partnership with CLEAR INNOVATION Co., Ltd. This collaboration aims to address core issues of employment and economic revitalization in Japan. The partnership has resulted in Konnect-linK's CEO, Yoshihito Komata, assuming a role as an external director at CLEAR INNOVATION, effective from September 1, 2025. This strategic alliance marks Konnect-linK's entry into the capital participation at the pre-seed stage, with funding aimed at achieving shared objectives.

Background of the Partnership

As a company that has faced the challenges of a highly competitive market since its inception, Konnect-linK has dedicated itself to helping those who take risks and work hard. The company’s approach is centered on returning gains to society by supporting regional entrepreneurs who contribute to Japan's economy. They aim to create a sustainable business model where profits flow back into local economies across all 47 prefectures in Japan.

Konnect-linK has consistently sought to implement new business models that prioritize local employment and economic stability. By leveraging resources from profitable ventures, they are committed to supporting businesses on the brink of revitalization in various regions. At the same time, the integration of innovative practices, like the employment-sharing platform '99 Support', allows for increased flexibility in workforce management without resorting to layoffs.

What is 99 Support?

'99 Support' is a unique platform designed to facilitate the temporary sharing of employees among businesses. By enabling talent exchanges without altering existing employment contracts, it helps businesses manage labor costs effectively while allowing employees to gain diverse experiences. This solution aims to address the challenges of labor shortages, rising fixed costs, and employee development faced by many small and medium-sized enterprises.

Practical Applications of 99 Support

1. Onboarding Back-to-Work Strategies: Employees experiencing low workload can participate in projects externally while retaining their jobs.
2. Cost Optimization: Companies can minimize fixed expenses during off-peak periods by outsourcing non-essential operations.
3. Crisis Management: This model offers companies a 'third option' to layoffs, allowing them to share staff temporarily with other organizations instead.

Supporting Local Businesses

In a rapidly evolving economy, Konnect-linK recognizes the increasing disconnect between companies that are thriving and those that are struggling. Through the 99 Support platform, the company aims to embed operational improvements and co-create business opportunities that support local economies, ensuring that businesses are empowered without sacrificing workforce stability.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Through this partnership, both companies reaffirm their commitment to creating an ecosystem where job security and business growth coexist. Achieving this involves shifting from traditional employment paradigms to flexible, innovative workforce solutions. The future vision centers on utilizing surplus human resources temporarily while maintaining core staff, thus allowing businesses to focus on strategic growth areas. By enabling this fluidity in the workforce, they aim to foster resilience across Japan's economy.

Leadership Perspectives

Konnect-linK’s CEO, Yoshihito Komata, expressed that the partnership represents an empowering step toward building a society that rewards hard work and risk-taking. He emphasized the importance of pioneers like CLEAR INNOVATION in sharing this vision of a supportive community for business owners.

On the other hand, CLEAR INNOVATION's CEO, Ryoichi Yamamoto, echoed the sentiment of being deeply connected in their mission to create a sustainable framework for SMEs. Their collaboration will play an essential role in reshaping how local businesses capitalize on human resources effectively.

The Future of Work in Japan

This partnership poses a compelling alternative to layoffs and stagnant employment practices by creating a proactive approach that leverages shared talent. As they move forward, Konnect-linK and CLEAR INNOVATION aim to implement this innovative model across all prefectures, fostering continuous growth and transformation in Japan’s economy. By adeptly addressing the pressing employment challenges, they strive to build a dynamic market where employment and innovation flourish together.