Link-U Launches External Data Integration for New Business "Mangaful Base" - First Partnership with Hatena's "GigaViewer"

Link-U Technologies (hereinafter "Link-U") is pleased to announce the commencement of a partnership with Hatena Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Hatena") for its manga IP value maximization business, "Link-U Mangaful Base" (hereinafter "Mangaful Base").

This partnership with Hatena marks the first external data integration for Mangaful Base. By combining Link-U's proprietary data analysis expertise with data from Hatena's manga viewer "GigaViewer" (licensed by the subscribing publishers), we aim to expand our service offerings to the many publishers connected through "GigaViewer" and further enhance the value provided by "Mangaful Base."

*About Mangaful Base: Link-U Launches New Business "Mangaful Base" to Maximize Manga IP Value Through Data-Driven Strategies

Significance of This Collaboration - Expanding the Data Layer

Mangaful Base is centered around the data analysis expertise cultivated by Link-U through its operation of large-scale manga services both domestically and internationally, as well as its distribution infrastructure connecting to major platforms worldwide. Data acquired through this integration with "GigaViewer" will be added as a new source for analysis. It is important to note that the analysis for this service will be limited to data obtained through this partnership; data accumulated from manga apps developed and operated by Link-U will not be utilized.

"GigaViewer" is a manga distribution platform adopted by numerous domestic publishers. Hatena will begin accepting applications from publishers using "GigaViewer" starting today. Details of the integration will be tailored for each publisher, and upon contract completion, seamless access to the service's analysis, translation, and distribution support is expected. Through this integration, Mangaful Base will be able to analyze both the "GigaViewer" data licensed by publishers and Mangaful Base's own data. The enrichment of combined data will increase analytical resolution, leading to improved quality of support services, as well as enhanced accuracy and reliability in IP development decisions such as evaluating overseas potential for individual works and making investment judgments. This will enable us to further support the overseas expansion of more publishers with solid data.

Future Developments

Starting with translation and distribution support, Mangaful Base plans to gradually expand its support scope to the entire manga IP licensing domain.

This partnership with Hatena serves as a strong first step in continuously expanding collaborations with external companies for this business. We will continue to actively pursue alliances with various leading domestic and international businesses.

Through the expansion of partnerships and a framework that supports decision-making in each domain with data, we aim to provide value to more publishers and works, contributing to the maximization of the value of Japanese manga IP.

【About Hatena Co., Ltd.】

Hatena's manga viewer "GigaViewer" offers various features for users to comfortably enjoy manga, as well as functions for manga service providers to reduce operational costs, such as manuscript submission, work management, and sales systems. Beyond just providing the viewer, Hatena offers comprehensive support for the development and continuous growth of services, including technology and know-how in service planning, development, design, and advertising operations.

Company Name: Hatena Co., Ltd. Head Office Location: 7F Yomiuri Kyoto Bldg., 630 Nanakannon-cho, Rokkaku-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto Representative: Yoshio Kurisu, President and Representative Director URL: https://hatena.co.jp GigaViewer URL: https://hatena.co.jp/solutions/gigaviewer

【About Link-U Technologies Co., Ltd.】

A technology company specializing in platform development and operation, translation, and data analytics within the manga and entertainment sectors. We operate manga apps with over 20 million MAU (Monthly Active Users) both domestically and internationally, stably processing large volumes of data, including 1 billion monthly viewing data points and 500 million self-distributed ad impression data points.

Company Name: Link-U Technologies Co., Ltd. Head Office Location: Sumitomo Fudosan Ochanomizu Bldg., 2-2-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Representative: Takuya Ogushi, CEO and Representative Director URL: https://technologies.link-u.co.jp/

【Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter】

Link-U Technologies Co., Ltd. New Business Development Department Inquiry Form: https://technologies.link-u.co.jp/contact