J. Front Retailing's CVC Invests in Murder Mystery Operator Sally
J. Front Retailing has invested in Sally, a startup operating the murder mystery platform 'UZU', via its 'JFR MIRAI CREATORS Fund'. In partnership with Parco, the company will co-develop immersive entertainment experiences set within commercial facilities.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 15:31
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J. Front Retailing, which owns department store chains including Daimaru Matsuzakaya and Parco, has invested in Sally through the 'JFR MIRAI CREATORS Fund', managed jointly with Ignition Point Venture Partners.
■ Background of Investment
Under its group vision, 'Inventing New Happiness for Life,' the group aims to realize well-being for all stakeholders. As part of this, it is promoting the development of content and enhancing customer touchpoints for the next generation.
Sally’s immersive mystery games, or 'Murder Mystery' (Madames), have gained significant popularity among Gen Z as a new form of entertainment. Sally operates 'UZU,' a platform connecting players and creators. With this investment, J. Front Retailing, in collaboration with Parco's game development division (PARCO GAMES), will begin co-developing new IP content with Sally.
Moving forward, the group plans to create vibrant urban environments by offering immersive entertainment where participants can enjoy experiences as characters within stories, utilizing the commercial facilities and their surrounding areas.
■ Comment from Eitaro Hiraishi, CEO of Sally
'The "Toyaku Jiraku" event held at Ikebukuro Parco in April-May 2025 was a sell-out success and received high praise. We are convinced that this approach of implementing stories using the city as a stage has immense potential. We look forward to creating new experiential entertainment together with the J. Front Retailing Group and PARCO GAMES.'
■ About Sally
- Company Name: Sally, Inc.
- Location: 6F, Kurashima Shibuya Building, 2-3-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Established: August 27, 2018
- Business: Specializing in Murder Mystery entertainment and the development/operation of the 'UZU' platform.
■ Background of Investment
Under its group vision, 'Inventing New Happiness for Life,' the group aims to realize well-being for all stakeholders. As part of this, it is promoting the development of content and enhancing customer touchpoints for the next generation.
Sally’s immersive mystery games, or 'Murder Mystery' (Madames), have gained significant popularity among Gen Z as a new form of entertainment. Sally operates 'UZU,' a platform connecting players and creators. With this investment, J. Front Retailing, in collaboration with Parco's game development division (PARCO GAMES), will begin co-developing new IP content with Sally.
Moving forward, the group plans to create vibrant urban environments by offering immersive entertainment where participants can enjoy experiences as characters within stories, utilizing the commercial facilities and their surrounding areas.
■ Comment from Eitaro Hiraishi, CEO of Sally
'The "Toyaku Jiraku" event held at Ikebukuro Parco in April-May 2025 was a sell-out success and received high praise. We are convinced that this approach of implementing stories using the city as a stage has immense potential. We look forward to creating new experiential entertainment together with the J. Front Retailing Group and PARCO GAMES.'
■ About Sally
- Company Name: Sally, Inc.
- Location: 6F, Kurashima Shibuya Building, 2-3-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Established: August 27, 2018
- Business: Specializing in Murder Mystery entertainment and the development/operation of the 'UZU' platform.
FAQ
What is the main point of this news?
J. Front Retailing has invested in Sally to co-develop immersive entertainment where customers can experience stories within retail facilities.
Which target audience is this aimed at?
It targets the next generation of customers, including Gen Z, who are already fans of the 'Murder Mystery' genre.
What kind of experiences can be expected?
Immersive events where participants can take on roles within stories set in Parco and other commercial areas are planned to be launched.