Happycars Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Chiharu Shimbutsu), a mobile used car buying chain operating approximately 150 locations nationwide, announces today that it has been officially recognized as a participant in the '100 Billion Yen Declaration' initiative promoted by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency (SMEA).
The company has set a goal to achieve ¥10 billion in sales and 10,000 annual vehicle transactions by 2030. For the fiscal year ending December 2025, sales reached ¥6.35542 billion, demonstrating continuous growth since its founding.
The '100 Billion Yen Declaration' is a growth support program by SMEA targeting small and medium-sized enterprises aiming for the ambitious goal of ¥10 billion in sales. This announcement signifies that Happycars is committed to long-term business growth and enhancing corporate value.
A New Category: 'Mobile-Only, Store-Free' Business Model
Happycars operates nationwide with a unique 'mobile-only, store-free' business model, distinct from traditional large-store used car buying chains.
As an early pioneer in the used car industry, Happycars has promoted a mobile-only model—visiting customers directly without physical stores—on a national scale, leading the establishment of a new market category.
The 'mobile-only, store-free' business category pioneered by Happycars continues to grow as a new entrepreneurial model that enables independence with minimal store investment and inventory burden.
Traditionally, entering the used car buying industry required high costs for stores, labor, and inventory risks. In contrast, Happycars' model enables business operations with minimized fixed costs by focusing on localized mobile buying services.
This business model has gained strong support from aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, with franchise owners operating across Japan. In recent years, it has also attracted attention as a viable option for corporate employees seeking independence or a second career, offering diverse work-life pathways.
Nationwide Network: 150 Locations, Handling Approximately 7,000 Vehicles Annually
Happycars currently operates a franchise network of approximately 150 locations nationwide, handling around 7,000 used vehicles annually.
Sales for the fiscal year ending December 2025 reached ¥6.35542 billion, and the company continues steady growth in partnership with franchisees across Japan.
As a '100 Billion Yen Declaration' company recognized by SMEA, Happycars aims to achieve ¥10 billion in sales and 10,000 annual transactions by 2030.
These goals are not mere future projections but represent a growth strategy built upon the company's proven track record. For potential franchisees, these figures serve as objective indicators of the headquarters' scale and future potential.
Ongoing Aggressive Brand Investment, Including Terrestrial TV Commercials
To support franchisees' sales activities, Happycars actively conducts brand investment led by the headquarters.
In recent years, the company has aired terrestrial TV commercials nationwide, including during prime-time programming. In a TV advertising market dominated by major players in the used car industry, Happycars continues sustained advertising investment to enhance the value of its entire franchise network.
Additionally, the company collaborates with Dentsu, ADK, and AOI Pro. Inc.—an Asia-leading video production company—to produce high-quality creative content, strengthening brand building through premium advertising.
In 2026, Happycars' TV commercial 'Barber' was selected as a finalist at the Cairns Crocodiles Awards, one of the largest advertising and marketing festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting recognition for creative excellence beyond the company's size.
These initiatives are not solely aimed at increasing brand awareness. The company places strong emphasis on enhancing brand value so that franchisees are recognized locally as 'a company I've seen on TV' or 'a trustworthy company' when conducting business.
The Vision Behind the '100 Billion Yen Declaration'
The goals of ¥10 billion in sales and 10,000 annual transactions are not merely about expanding business scale.
They represent a management vision to create a more stable operating environment for franchisees nationwide and to further expand services valued by local communities.
By expanding the current annual volume of approximately 7,000 transactions to 10,000 in collaboration with franchisees, the company aims to become a brand chosen by even more customers.
Participation in the '100 Billion Yen Declaration' also serves as a declaration of intent to franchisees, customers, and business partners, affirming Happycars as a company committed to long-term, sustained growth.
Message to Prospective Franchisees
Happycars is currently recruiting new franchise owners nationwide.
With a solid foundation of approximately 150 locations, handling around 7,000 vehicles annually, and achieving ¥6.35542 billion in sales in 2025, the company is in a growth phase aiming for ¥10 billion in sales and 10,000 annual transactions by 2030.
Furthermore, the company continues brand investments uncommon for SMEs, including headquarters-led terrestrial TV commercials, prime-time advertising, creative production with Dentsu, ADK, and AOI Pro., and participation in domestic and international advertising awards.
As a '100 Billion Yen Declaration' company publicly recognized by SMEA, Happycars offers a clear growth vision and proven results while growing together with its franchisees. The company is seeking new partners nationwide—individuals aiming for independence or entrepreneurship, and business owners exploring synergies with existing operations.
【Company Overview】 Company Name: Happycars Co., Ltd. Representative: Representative Director Chiharu Shimbutsu Headquarters: Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture Business: Mobile used car buying services, franchise network operation Number of Franchise Stores: Approximately 150 (as of 2025) Annual Vehicle Transactions: Approximately 7,000 units Sales in 2025: ¥6.35542 billion 2030 Target: ¥10 billion in sales, 10,000 annual transactions
About Happycars
Happycars Co., Ltd. (https://happycars.jp/) is seeking business owners (franchisees) to join its 'Mobile Car Buying Happycars®' network, which aims to expand to around 160 locations nationwide.
Happycars aims to maximize brand value by transitioning from a traditional franchise model to a unique voluntary chain model—an evolved form of franchising.
The Potential of Used Car Buying
'Car Buying Happycars®' is not just another used car buying chain; fundamentally
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News
- Organizations: ADK / AOI Pro.