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Niraku GC Holdings, Inc. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2025
Jun 5, 2025
49797_rns_2025-06-05_cb198d41-6d5a-47ec-8800-92a2fb6dd1c5.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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- for identification purpose only
5 June 2025
THIS CIRCULAR IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
If you are in doubt as to any aspect of this circular or as to the action to be taken, you should consult your licensed securities dealer or registered institution in securities, bank manager, solicitor, professional accountant or other professional adviser.
If you have sold or transferred all your shares in 株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.* (the "Company"), you should at once hand this circular together with the accompanying form of proxy to the purchaser or the transferee or to the bank, licensed securities dealer or registered institution in securities or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or the transferee.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this circular, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this circular.
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS
株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.*
(Incorporated in Japan with limited liability)
(Stock Code: 1245)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Resolutions will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held at 2-1-24, Hohaccho, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima, 963-8811, Japan on Monday, 30 June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Japan time)/9:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) to approve the matters set out in this circular.
A notice convening the Annual General Meeting together with a form of proxy for use at the Annual General Meeting are enclosed with this circular. Shareholders who are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting in person should complete and return the accompanying form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and set out on pages 9 to 10 of this circular.
CONTENTS
Page
DEFINITIONS ... 1
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ... 6
LETTER FROM THE BOARD ... 11
APPENDIX I – EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE ... 16
APPENDIX II – DETAILS OF DIRECTORS ... 24
APPENDIX III – BUSINESS REPORT ... 31
APPENDIX IV – JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT ... 51
APPENDIX V – AUDIT COMMITTEE’S AUDIT REPORT ... 69
- i -
DEFINITIONS
In this circular, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions shall have the following meanings:
"Annual General Meeting"
the annual general meeting of the Company to be held at 2-1-24, Hohaccho, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima, 963-8811, Japan on Monday, 30 June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Japan time)/9:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time).
"Articles"
the articles of incorporation* (定款) of the Company that were adopted on 28 June 2024 and became effective on 12 July 2024
"associate(s)"
have the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules
"Board"
the board of Directors of the Company
"CCASS"
the Central Clearing and Settlement System established and operated by HKSCC
"CCASS Beneficial Owner(s)"
beneficial owner(s) of the Shares who hold pecuniary interests and voting rights in the Company attached to the Shares deposited into CCASS and held in the name of HKSCC Nominees
"Chief Executive Officer"
the chief executive officer* (代表執行役) of the Company
"close associate(s)"
have the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules
"Company"
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC. (株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス) (formerly known as Niraku Global Community Holdings Inc. (株式会社ニラク・グローバル・コミュニティ・ホールディングス) from 10 January 2013 to 20 October 2014), which is a stock company* (株式会社) incorporated in Japan with limited liability on 10 January 2013 (registration number (3800-01-022352)
"connected person(s)"
have the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules
"core connected person(s)"
have the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules
"Director(s)"
director(s) (取締役) of the Company, who are designated as a Director (取締役) or an external Director* (社外取締役) in accordance with the requirements under the Japan Companies Act, or an Executive Director, a Non-executive Director or an Independent Non-executive Director in accordance with the criteria under the Listing Rules
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DEFINITIONS
"Executive Director(s)" the executive director(s) of the Company
"Group" the Company and its subsidiaries
"HKSCC" Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited
"HKSCC Nominees" HKSCC Nominees Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HKSCC
"Hong Kong" the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
"Hong Kong Dollars" or "HK$" Hong Kong Dollars, the lawful currency of Hong Kong
"Hong Kong Share Registrar" Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited
"IFRS" International Financial Reporting Standards which include standards and interpretations promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)
"Independent Non-executive Director(s)" the independent non-executive director(s) of the Company
"Issuing Mandate" the general unconditional mandate proposed to be renewed and granted to the Board by the Shareholders relating to the issue, allotment and dealings of the Shares, as detailed in paragraph 4 of the Letter from the Board in this circular
"Japan Companies Act" the Companies Act* (会社法) of Japan (Act No. 86 of 2005), as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
"Japanese Yen", "¥" or "Yen" Japanese Yen, the lawful currency of Japan
"JGAAP" Japanese Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
"Latest Practicable Date" 29 May 2025, being the latest practicable date prior to the printing of this circular for the purpose of ascertaining certain information contained in this circular
"Listing Rules" the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
DEFINITIONS
"Merrist"
Niraku Merrist Corporation (株式会社ニラク・メリスト), a stock company (株式会社) incorporated in Japan with limited liability on 24 February 2010 (registration number 3800-01-019392). Merrist is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
"Mr. Taniguchi"
Mr. Hisanori TANIGUCHI (谷口久徳), a controlling Shareholder, an Executive Director, the Chief Executive Officer and the chairman of the Board
"Niraku Corporation"
Niraku Corporation (株式会社ニラク) (formerly known as 二楽商事株式会社 from 27 August 1969 to 9 August 1998), a stock company (株式会社) incorporated in Japan with limited liability on 27 August 1969 (registration number 3800-01-006170). Niraku Corporation is a directly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
"Non-executive Director(s)"
the non-executive director(s) of the Company
"Relevant Period"
the period from the passing of these resolutions until whichever is the earliest of:
(a) the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company unless by ordinary resolution passed at that meeting, the authority is renewed, either unconditionally or subject to conditions;
(b) the expiration of the period within which the next annual general meeting of the Company is required to be held under any applicable Japan law or the Articles; and
(c) when varied, revoked or renewed by a resolution of the Shareholders in a general meeting
"Repurchase Mandate"
the general unconditional mandate proposed to be renewed and granted to the Board by the Shareholders relating to the repurchase of the Shares, as detailed in paragraph 5 of the Letter from the Board in this circular
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DEFINITIONS
"Rights Issue"
means an offer of Shares or issue of options, warrants or other securities giving the right to subscribe the Shares, open for a period fixed by the Board, to holders of Shares whose names appear on the register of members of the Company (and where appropriate, to holders of other securities of the Company entitled to the offer) on a fixed record date in proportion to their then holdings of such Shares (or, where appropriate, such other securities) (subject in all cases to such exclusions or other arrangement as the Board may deem necessary or expedient (but in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Listing Rules) in relation to fractional entitlements or with regard to any restrictions or obligations under the laws of, or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in, any territory applicable to the Company)
"SAR(s)"
share acquisition right(s)* (新株予約権), which entitle the holder(s) to acquire share(s) in a company by exercising such rights against such company under the Japan Companies Act
"Securities and Futures Ordinance"
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong), as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
"SFC"
the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong
"Share(s)"
common share(s)* (普通株式) in the share capital of the Company
"Shareholder(s)"
holder(s) of Share(s) and, for the purpose of this circular, excludes the CCASS Beneficial Owners
"Share Register"
the share register* (株主名簿) of the Company maintained by the Hong Kong Share Registrar in Hong Kong
"Stock Exchange"
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
"subsidiary(ies)"
have the meaning ascribed to it under the Listing Rules
"Takeovers Code"
the Code on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buybacks, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
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DEFINITIONS
“Taniguchi Consortium”
Mr. Taniguchi and a group of (1) natural persons, namely Mr. Tatsuo TANIGUCHI (谷口龍雄), Mr. Masataka TANIGUCHI (谷口晶貴), Mr. Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩), Mr. Mitsuhiro TEI (鄭允碩), Mr. Motohiro TEI (鄭元碩), Ms. Eijun TEI (鄭盈順), Ms. Rika TEI (鄭理香) and Ms. Noriko KANESHIRO (金城徳子), each being a family member of Mr. Taniguchi; and (2) corporate entities, namely JUKKI Limited (有限会社十起), DENSHO Co., Ltd. (株式会社伝承), Echo Limited (有限会社エコー), Daiki Limited (有限会社大喜) and Hokuyo Kanko Limited* (有限会社北陽観光), each being an entity controlled by the family members of Mr. Taniguchi. Each member of the Taniguchi Consortium is an associate (as defined under the Listing Rules) of, and a person acting in concert (as defined under the Takeovers Code) with, Mr. Taniguchi and is a controlling Shareholder under the Listing Rules
“treasury Share(s)”
Share(s)* (自己株式) repurchased and held by the Company in treasury as authorised by the laws of Japan and the Articles including Shares repurchased by the Company and held or deposited in CCASS for sale on the Stock Exchange
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for identification purpose only
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS
株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.*
(Incorporated in Japan with limited liability)
(Stock Code: 1245)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 2-1-24, Hohaccho, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima, 963-8811, Japan on Monday, 30 June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Japan time)/9:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) for the following purposes:
- To report on the business report* (事業報告) and audited financial report (prepared in accordance with JGAAP) of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
- To report on the non-consolidated financial statements (prepared in accordance with JGAAP) of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
- To report on the audited financial statements (prepared in accordance with IFRS) of the Company and the reports of the Directors and the auditor for the year ended 31 March 2025.
- To consider, and if thought fit, pass the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions, with or without amendments:
ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
- To re-elect Mr. Hisanori TANIGUCHI as an Executive Director.
- To re-elect Mr. Masataka WATANABE as an Executive Director.
- To re-elect Mr. Hiroshi BANNAI as a Non-executive Director.
- To re-elect Mr. Michio MINAKATA as an Independent Non-executive Director/external Director* (社外取締役).
- To re-elect Mr. Yoshihiro KOIZUMI as an Independent Non-executive Director/external Director* (社外取締役).
-
To re-elect Mr. Kuraji KUTSUWATA as an Independent Non-executive Director/external Director* (社外取締役).
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
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To re-elect Mr. Akihito TANAKA as an Independent Non-executive Director/external Director* (社外取締役).
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To re-elect Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA as an Independent Non-executive Director/external Director* (社外取締役).
-
To elect Mr. Hidenori MOROTA as a Non-executive Director.
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To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers Japan LLC as the accounting auditor of the Company pursuant to the Japan Companies Act.
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To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers as the auditor of the Company pursuant to the Listing Rules.
12A. THAT:
(a) subject to paragraph (c) below and the requirements under the Articles, the Listing Rules and all applicable laws and regulations in Hong Kong and Japan, the Issuing Mandate, which is a general unconditional mandate be and is hereby given to the Board during the Relevant Period to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot, issue and deal with any Shares, including any sale or transfer of Shares out of treasury that are held as treasury Shares, which would or might require the exercise of such power;
(b) the approval in paragraph (a) above shall authorise the Directors during the Relevant Period to make or grant offers or agreements which would or might require the Shares to be allotted and issued during the Relevant Period;
(c) the aggregate number of the Shares allotted or issued or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be allotted and issued by the Board pursuant to the approval in paragraph (a) above, other than pursuant to (i) a Rights Issue; or (ii) any specific authority granted by the Shareholders in general meeting(s), shall not exceed 20 percent of the total number of Shares issued by the Company (excluding treasury Shares, if any) as at the date of passing of this resolution; and
(d) the allottees under the Issuing Mandate shall pay a minimal per Share subscription price of no less than 90% of the average closing market price for the five preceding trading days on which the Shares were traded on the Stock Exchange prior to the issue and allotments of Shares thereunder.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
12B. THAT:
(a) subject to paragraph (b) below, the Repurchase Mandate, which is a general unconditional mandate be and is hereby given to the Board authorising it to exercise during the Relevant Period all powers for and on behalf of the Company to repurchase Shares on the Stock Exchange or on any other stock exchange on which the Shares may be listed and is recognised by the SFC or the Stock Exchange for this purpose, subject to and in accordance with the Articles, all applicable laws and regulations in Hong Kong and Japan, and the requirements of the Listing Rules and any other stock exchange on which the securities of the Company may be listed, as amended from time to time, be and is hereby unconditionally approved; and
(b) the aggregate number of the Shares that could be repurchased by the Company pursuant to the approval in paragraph (a) above during the Relevant Period shall not exceed 10 percent of the total number of Shares issued by the Company (excluding treasury Shares, if any) as at the date of passing of this resolution, and the authority granted pursuant to paragraph (a) above shall be limited accordingly.
12C. THAT:
conditional upon Resolutions 12A and 12B above being passed, during the Relevant Period the general mandate granted to the Board for the time being in force to exercise the powers of the Company to allot, issue and deal in any unissued Shares (including any sale or transfer of Shares out of treasury that are held as treasury Shares) pursuant to Resolution 12A above be and is hereby extended by the addition of the aggregate number of Shares repurchased by the Company under the authority granted pursuant to Resolution 12B above to the aggregate number of the Shares which may be allotted and issued or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be allotted and issued by the Board under such general mandate.
On behalf of the Board of
株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.*
Hisanori TANIGUCHI
Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Fukushima, Japan, 5 June 2025
- for identification purpose only
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
As at the date of this notice, the Directors are as follows:
Executive Directors:
Mr. Hisanori TANIGUCHI (Chairman)
Mr. Masataka WATANABE
Non-executive Director:
Mr. Hiroshi BANNAI
Independent Non-executive Directors:
Mr. Michio MINAKATA
Mr. Yoshihiro KOIZUMI
Mr. Kuraji KUTSUWATA
Mr. Akihito TANAKA
Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA
Headquarters in Japan and registered office:
1–1–39, Hohaccho
Koriyama-shi
Fukushima, Japan 963–8811
Principal place of business in Hong Kong:
Room 805B, 8th Floor
Tsim Sha Tsui Centre
66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Notes:
- ATTENDANCE IN PERSON
Shareholders who intend to attend the Annual General Meeting in person must bring along an acceptable identification document such as passport, Hong Kong identity card or driver's license. Their signatures will also be verified against the specimen signatures kept by the Hong Kong Share Registrar.
Appointing a proxy
Every Shareholder who is entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting may appoint another person as his/her proxy to attend and vote on his/her behalf. Corporate Shareholders may appoint corporate representatives to attend or vote on its behalf. A Shareholder (including nominee companies) who is the holder of two or more Shares may appoint multiple proxies or corporate representatives to represent him/her and vote on his/her behalf at the Annual General Meeting. A proxy or corporate representative needs not to be a Shareholder and there is no limitation or restriction over the qualification and identity of the proxies and/or corporate representatives appointed. A proxy or corporate representative is entitled to the same powers as if he/she was the Shareholder himself/herself providing that he/she can provide a duly signed form of proxy.
To be valid, the accompanying form of proxy, together with the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed (or a notarially certified copy of that power or authority), must be completed in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and returned to the Hong Kong Share Registrar at 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the Annual General Meeting (i.e. before 10:00 a.m. (Japan time)/9:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on Saturday, 28 June 2025). Completion and return of the form of proxy will not preclude a Shareholder from attending the Annual General Meeting and voting in person if he/she so wishes.
Shareholders may also appoint the chairman of the Annual General Meeting as their proxy. To do so, follow the instructions printed on the accompanying form of proxy.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
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Where there are joint holders of any Share, any one of such persons may vote at the Annual General Meeting, either personally or by proxy, in respect of such Share as if he were solely entitled thereto; but if more than one of such joint holders be present at the Annual General Meeting personally or by proxy, that one of the said persons so present whose name stands first on the Share Register in respect of such Share will alone be entitled to vote in respect thereof.
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All resolutions at the Annual General Meeting will be decided by poll.
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The right to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting will be granted to the Shareholders whose names appear on the Share Register at the close of business on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. In order to be eligible to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting, all properly completed, duly stamped and executed transfer documents accompanied by the relevant share certificates should be lodged with the Hong Kong Share Registrar at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong before 5:30 p.m. (Japan time)/4:30 p.m. (Hong Kong time) on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
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CCASS Beneficial Owners who hold pecuniary interests and voting rights in the Company with respect to the Shares deposited into CCASS and registered in the name of HKSCC Nominees are not recognised as Shareholders under the Japan Companies Act. HKSCC Nominees will exercise the entitled voting rights of the CCASS Beneficial Owners in accordance with the individual arrangements between HKSCC Nominees and the CCASS Beneficial Owners or their respective brokers and the operational rules of CCASS.
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A Shareholder who holds the Shares as a nominee on behalf of others may elect to cast his/her votes in different ways, casting his/her votes partly for and partly against a resolution by completing a notification form in accordance with the instructions printed thereon. Such notification form is available on the Company's website at www.ngch.co.jp and the Stock Exchange's website at www.hkexnews.com and must be returned to the Hong Kong Share Registrar at 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong not less than 72 hours before the time appointed for holding the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders have the option to make a permanent election to cast their votes in different ways at all forthcoming general meetings, which may be withdrawn in by writing to the Hong Kong Share Registrar.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS
株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.*
(Incorporated in Japan with limited liability)
(Stock Code: 1245)
Executive Directors:
Mr. Hisanori TANIGUCHI (Chairman)
Mr. Masataka WATANABE
Non-executive Director:
Mr. Hiroshi BANNAI
Independent Non-executive Directors:
Mr. Michio MINAKATA
Mr. Yoshihiro KOIZUMI
Mr. Kuraji KUTSUWATA
Mr. Akihito TANAKA
Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA
Headquarters in Japan and registered office:
1–1–39, Hohaccho
Koriyama-shi
Fukushima, Japan 963–8811
Principal place of business in Hong Kong:
Room 805B, 8th Floor
Tsim Sha Tsui Centre
66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong
5 June 2025
To the Shareholders
Dear Sir or Madam,
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this circular is to (i) provide you with information in respect of the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting relating to, amongst others, the proposed renewal of the Issuing Mandate and the Repurchase Mandate and the re-election and election of Directors; and (ii) give you the notice of the Annual General Meeting.
2. BUSINESS REPORT* (事業報告) AND AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
The business report* (事業報告) and audited financial report (prepared in accordance with JGAAP) of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which have been prepared pursuant to the Japan Companies Act, are set out in Appendices IV and V to this circular. The audited financial report (prepared in accordance with JGAAP) has been reviewed by the audit committee of the Company.
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
3. THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE REPORTS OF THE DIRECTORS AND THE AUDITOR
The annual report 2024/2025 incorporating the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the reports of the Directors and the auditor for the year ended 31 March 2025 have been sent together with this circular to the Shareholders. The audited consolidated financial statements have been reviewed by the audit committee of the Company.
4. ISSUING MANDATE
In order to ensure flexibility and give discretion to the Directors, in the event that it becomes desirable for the Company to issue any new Shares (including any sale or transfer of treasury Shares out of treasury), a resolution to renew the Issuing Mandate to the Board to allot, issue and deal with additional Shares (including any sale or transfer of treasury Shares out of treasury) not exceeding 20% of the number of issued Shares (excluding treasury Shares, if any) as at the date of passing of the relevant resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, the total number of issued Shares was 1,195,850,460 Shares and the Company does not hold any treasury Shares. If there is no allotment (or transfer out of treasury) or repurchase of Shares between the Latest Practicable Date and the date of the Annual General Meeting, the Issuing Mandate shall not exceed 239,170,092 Shares.
Under the Articles and the Japan Companies Act, the Issuing Mandate is only enforceable when:
i. the total number of issued Shares (including treasury Shares, if any) will not exceed 2,000,000,000 Shares, which is the total number of Shares authorised to be issued by the Company, as a result of the issue and allotment made under the Issuing Mandate; and
ii. the allotments (or transfers out of treasury) under the Issuing Mandate are not made at a price or term especially favourable to the allottees, in which case a special resolution in a general meeting is required.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Issuing Mandate grants power to the Board to issue, allot and deal with Shares (including any sale or transfer of treasury Shares out of treasury) only and does not grant authority to issue SARs. The Directors will not exercise the Issuing Mandate if any of conditions (i) to (ii) set out above has not been fulfilled, in which case they will seek specific approval from the Shareholders in order to issue and allot new Shares.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
As to the term “especially favourable” referred to in (ii) above, the Directors have been advised that there is no clear definition under Japan law as to the circumstances where the terms of an allotment may be deemed as especially favourable to the proposed allottees. Under the internal rules of The Japan Securities Dealers Association, an allotment may be taken as especially favourable to the proposed allottees when less than 90% of the market value of the Shares so allotted is set as consideration from the proposed allottees. The Board may from time to time appoint an independent expert to determine whether an allotment is especially favourable.
5. REPURCHASE MANDATE
A resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to approve the renewal of the Repurchase Mandate to the Board to exercise the powers of the Company to repurchase Shares representing up to 10% of the number of issued Shares (excluding treasury Shares, if any) as at the date of passing of the relevant resolution in relation to the Repurchase Mandate. Subject to the passing of resolution for the relevant resolution in relation to the Repurchase Mandate and on the basis that no further Shares will be issued (or transferred out of treasury) or repurchased before the Annual General Meeting, the Company will be allowed to repurchase a maximum of 119,585,046 Shares under the Repurchase Mandate. The Repurchase Mandate will continue in force until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company or any earlier date as referred to in Resolution 12B of the notice of the Annual General Meeting.
An explanatory statement required under the Listing Rules to be sent to the Shareholders in connection with the proposed Repurchase Mandate is set out in Appendix I to this circular. The explanatory statement contains all information reasonably necessary to enable the Shareholders to make an informed decision on whether to vote for or against the relevant resolution at the Annual General Meeting.
Under the Articles and the Japan Companies Act, repurchases under the Repurchase Mandate must be market transactions etc. (市場取引等) as defined under the Japan Companies Act. There is no judicial precedent or interpretation confirming that a repurchase through the Stock Exchange, which is not a securities exchange in Japan, is a market transaction etc. (市場取引等). Given the lack of judicial precedent, the Directors will not exercise the Repurchase Mandate to repurchase the Shares on the Stock Exchange unless there is clear judicial authority allowing the Company to make repurchases on the Stock Exchange thereunder.
6. EXTENSION OF THE GENERAL MANDATE
A resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting that any Shares repurchased under the Repurchase Mandate (up to a maximum of 10% of the number of issued Shares (excluding treasury Shares, if any) as at the date of passing of the relevant resolution) will be added to the total number of Shares which may be allotted and issued under the Issuing Mandate.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
7. RE-ELECTION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Under the Articles and the Japan Companies Act, the term of office of all Directors will expire at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting. A separate resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting for the re-election or election as the case may be of each of Mr. Hisanori TANIGUCHI, Mr. Masataka WATANABE, Mr. Hiroshi BANNAI, Mr. Michio MINAKATA, Mr. Yoshihiro KOIZUMI, Mr. Kuraji KUTSUWATA, Mr. Akihito TANAKA, Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA and Mr. Hidenori MOROTA as Directors under the recommendation of the nomination committee of the Company.
Details of the above Directors who are subject to re-election and election at the Annual General Meeting are set out in Appendix II to this circular in accordance with the relevant requirements under the Listing Rules.
8. RE-APPOINTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AUDITOR
The Board (which agreed with the recommendation of the audit committee of the Company) recommended that, subject to the approval of the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, PricewaterhouseCoopers Japan LLC be re-appointed as the accounting auditor of the Company for the year ending 31 March 2026 pursuant to the requirements under the Japan Companies Act.
9. RE-APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
The Board (which agreed with the recommendation of the audit committee of the Company) recommended that, subject to the approval of the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, PricewaterhouseCoopers be re-appointed as the auditor of the Company for the year ending 31 March 2026 pursuant to the requirements under the Listing Rules.
10. VOTING BY POLL
All the resolutions set out in the notice of the Annual General Meeting would be decided by poll in accordance with the Listing Rules and the Articles. The chairman of the Annual General Meeting would explain the detailed procedures for conducting a poll at the commencement of the Annual General Meeting.
The poll results will be published on the Company's website at www.ngch.co.jp and the Stock Exchange's website at www.hkexnews.hk after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD
11. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
A notice convening the Annual General Meeting together with a form of proxy for use at the Annual General Meeting are enclosed with this circular. Shareholders who are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting in person should complete and return the accompanying form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and set out on pages 9 to 10 of this circular.
To the best of the Director's knowledge, information and belief, having made all reasonable enquiries, (i) no Shareholder is required to abstain from voting on the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting; and (ii) as at the Latest Practicable Date, there was no voting trust or other agreement or arrangement or understanding (other than an outright sale) entered into by or binding upon any Shareholder and there was no obligation or entitlement of any Shareholder whereby he/she has or may have temporarily or permanently passed control over the exercise of the voting right in respect of his/her Shares to a third party, either generally or on a case-by-case basis.
12. RECOMMENDATION
The Directors believe that the proposed passing of the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Directors recommend the Shareholders to vote in favour of all the resolutions set out in the notice of the Annual General Meeting.
13. GENERAL INFORMATION
Your attention is drawn to the additional information set out in the Appendices to this circular.
This circular, for which the Directors collectively and individually accept full responsibility, includes particulars given in compliance with the Listing Rules for the purpose of giving information with regard to the Company. The Directors, having made all reasonable enquiries, confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief the information contained in this circular is accurate and complete in all material respects and not misleading or deceptive, and there are no other matters the omission of which would make any statement herein or this circular misleading.
On behalf of the Board
株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス
NIRAKU GC HOLDINGS, INC.*
Hisanori TANIGUCHI
Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
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for identification purpose only
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15 -
APPENDIX I EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
The following is the explanatory statement required to be sent to the Shareholders under Listing Rules to enable them to make an informed decision on whether to vote for or against the resolution in relation to the Repurchase Mandate to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
- APPROVAL
All repurchases of Shares by the Company (whether on or outside of the Stock Exchange) must be approved in advance by a resolution of the Company either by way of a general mandate or by a specific approval to the Board.
- SHARE REPURCHASE PROPOSAL
Exercise in full of the Repurchase Mandate, on the basis of 1,195,850,460 Shares issued by the Company as at the Latest Practicable Date, would result in up to 119,585,046 Shares being repurchased by the Company during the period up to the earliest of: (i) the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company; (ii) the expiration of the period within which the next annual general meeting of the Company is required by the Articles or any applicable law of Japan to be held; and (iii) the revocation or variation or renewal of the Repurchase Mandate by a resolution of the Shareholders in a general meeting of the Company, subject to the passing of the Repurchase Mandate resolution and on the basis that no further Shares are issued prior to the Annual General Meeting and ignoring other restrictions.
Under the Listing Rules, Shares proposed to be repurchased by the Company must be fully paid up. The total number of Shares which the Company is authorised to repurchase is Shares representing up to a maximum of 10% of the total number of issued Shares (excluding treasury Shares, if any) as at the date of passing of the Repurchase Mandate. The Company may not issue or announce an issue of new Shares for a period of 30 days immediately following a repurchase of Shares, whether on the Stock Exchange or otherwise (other than an issue of Shares pursuant to an exercise of warrants, share options or similar instruments requiring the Company to issue Shares which were outstanding prior to such repurchase), without the prior approval of the Stock Exchange. In addition, the Company shall not repurchase the Shares if the purchase price is higher by 5% or more than the average closing market price for the five preceding trading days on which the Shares were traded on the Stock Exchange. The Listing Rules also prohibit the Company from making repurchases of its own Shares on the Stock Exchange if the repurchase would result in the number of the listed Shares (after deducting treasury Shares, if any) which are in the hands of the public falling below the relevant prescribed minimum percentage for the Company as required by the Stock Exchange, which is currently 25%.
The Listing Rules further prohibit the Company from purchasing its own Shares on the Stock Exchange for a consideration other than cash or for settlement otherwise than in accordance with the trading rules of the Stock Exchange prevailing from time to time.
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APPENDIX I EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
The Company shall procure that any broker appointed by it to effect the purchase of its Shares shall disclose to the Stock Exchange such information with respect to purchases made on behalf of the Company as the Stock Exchange may request.
3. REASON FOR REPURCHASE
The Directors believe that it is in the best interests of the Company and the Shareholders for the Board to have a general authority from the Shareholders to enable the Company to repurchase Shares in the market. Repurchases of Shares will only be made when the Board believes that such repurchases will benefit the Company and the Shareholders. Such repurchases may, depending on market conditions and funding arrangements at the time, lead to an enhancement of the net asset value of the Company and its assets and/or its earnings per Share.
4. FUNDING OF REPURCHASE
In repurchasing Shares, the Company may only apply funds legally available for such purpose in accordance with the Articles and the applicable laws of Japan. Pursuant to the Repurchase Mandate, repurchases will be made out of funds of the Company legally permitted to be utilised in this connection, including profits of the Company or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of Shares made for the purpose of the repurchase or, subject to the Articles and the applicable laws in Japan.
Taking into account the current working capital position of the Company, the Directors consider that, if the Repurchase Mandate were to be exercised in full, it might have a material adverse effect on the working capital and/or the gearing position of the Company as compared with the position as at 31 March 2025, being the date of its latest published audited financial statements. However, the Directors do not intend to make any repurchases to such an extent as would, in the circumstances, have a material adverse effect on the working capital requirements or the gearing position of the Company which in the opinion of the Directors are from time to time appropriate for the Company.
5. DIRECTORS' INTENTION
None of the Directors nor, to the best of their knowledge, having made all reasonable enquiries, any of their respective close associates (as defined in the Listing Rules), has any present intention, if the Repurchase Mandate is approved by the Shareholders, to sell any Shares to the Company or its subsidiaries.
6. CORE CONNECTED PERSONS
The Listing Rules prohibit the Company from knowingly repurchasing its Shares on the Stock Exchange from a core connected person (as defined under the Listing Rules), that is, a director, chief executive or substantial shareholder of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their respective close associates (as defined in the Listing Rules), and a core connected person (as defined under the Listing Rules) shall not knowingly sell Shares to the Company on the Stock Exchange.
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APPENDIX I
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
Save as disclosed herein, no core connected person (as defined in the Listing Rules) of the Company has notified the Company that he or she or it has a present intention to sell any Shares to the Company, or has undertaken not to do so, if the Repurchase Mandate is exercised.
7. TAKEOVERS CODE
If, as a result of a repurchase of Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Mandate, a Shareholder's proportionate interest in the voting rights of the Company increases, such increase will be treated as an acquisition for the purposes of the Takeovers Code. Accordingly, a Shareholder, or a group of Shareholders acting in concert (within the meaning of the Takeovers Code), depending on the level of increase in the Shareholders' interest, could obtain or consolidate control of the Company and become obliged to make a mandatory offer in accordance with Rule 26 of the Takeovers Code as a result of a repurchase of Shares made immediately after the listing of the Shares on the Stock Exchange.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, according to the register kept by the Company pursuant to section 336 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance and so far as was known to, or could be ascertained after reasonable enquiry by, the Directors, the following persons were interested in 5% or more of the then issued share capital of the Company:
| Name | Capacity/ Nature of interest | Total | Approximate % of shareholding | Approximate % of shareholding after fully exercise the Repurchase Mandate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hisanori TANIGUCHI (谷口久徳) | Beneficial owner | 85,624,184 common shares | 7.16% | 7.96% |
| Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩) | Beneficial owner; interest of controlled corporation; custodian(1) | 98,440,000 common shares | 8.23% | 9.15% |
| Seiai TANIGUCHI (谷口正愛) | Interest of a spouse(2) | 85,624,184 common shares | 7.16% | 7.96% |
| Yurie TANIGUCHI (谷口祐莉恵) | Interest of a spouse(2) | 98,440,000 common shares | 8.23% | 9.15% |
APPENDIX I
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
| Name | Capacity/ Nature of interest | Total | Approximate % of shareholding | Approximate % of shareholding after fully exercise the Repurchase Mandate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okada Holdings Limited | Beneficial owner(4) | 80,500,000 common shares | 6.73% | 7.48% |
| Universal Entertainment Corporation | Beneficial owner(4) | 80,500,000 common shares | 6.73% | 7.48% |
| Tiger Resort Asia Limited | Beneficial owner(4) | 80,500,000 common shares | 6.73% | 7.48% |
| DENSHO Co., Ltd. | Beneficial owner | 226,020,460 common shares | 18.90% | 21.00% |
| JUKKI Limited | Beneficial owner | 181,470,000 common shares | 15.17% | 16.86% |
Notes:
(1) The interests held by Mr. Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩) shown above include: (i) 33,580,000 Shares held in his own name for his own benefit; (ii) 11,500,000 Shares held by Daiki Limited (有限会社大喜), a company collectively wholly-owned by his children, the voting rights of which are exercisable by Mr. Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩); and (iii) 53,360,000 Shares held by the YT Family Trust for the benefit of his children, namely Mr. Akinori TANIGUCHI (谷口晃紀) and Mr. Masahide TANIGUCHI (谷口昌英). SMBC Trust Bank Ltd. (株式会社SMBC信託銀行) is the trustee and assignee* (受託者) of the YT Family Trust and Mr. Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩) is entitled to exercise the voting rights attached to the shares under the YT Family Trust. The interests under the YT Family Trust are equally distributed among the two beneficiaries under the YT Family Trust.
(2) Ms. Seiai TANIGUCHI (谷口正愛) is the spouse of our Chairman and is therefore deemed to be interested in the Shares that our Chairman is interested in under the Securities and Futures Ordinance.
(3) Ms. Yurie TANIGUCHI (谷口祐莉恵) is the spouse of Mr. Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩) and is therefore deemed to be interested in the Shares that Mr. Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (谷口佳浩) is interested in under the Securities and Futures Ordinance.
(4) Okada Holdings Limited indirectly holds 70.28% interest in Universal Entertainment Corporation, which directly holds Tiger Resort Asia Limited. Accordingly, each of Universal Entertainment Corporation and Okada Holdings Limited is deemed to be interested in such 80,500,000 Shares held by Tiger Resort Asia Limited.
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APPENDIX I EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
(5) All interests stated are long positions.
(6) There were 1,195,850,460 Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date.
In the event that the Directors shall exercise in full the Repurchase Mandate, the total interests of the above substantial Shareholders would be increased to approximately the respective percentages shown in the last column above (assuming that the number of Shares then held by each of such Shareholders and the then number of total Shares in issue remain the same), and such increase may give rise to an obligation to make a mandatory offer under Rule 26 of the Takeovers Code. The Directors have no intention to exercise the Repurchase Mandate to an extent as would result in takeover obligations.
Save as aforesaid, the Directors are not aware of any other consequences which may arise under the Takeovers Code as a consequence of any repurchases made pursuant to the Repurchase Mandate immediately after the listing of the Shares.
8. MINIMUM PUBLIC FLOAT
Assuming that there is no issue of Shares between the Latest Practicable Date and the date of a repurchase, an exercise of the Repurchase Mandate whether in whole or in part will not result in less than the relevant prescribed minimum percentage of the Shares (excluding treasury Shares, if any) being held by the public as required by the Stock Exchange. The Directors have no intention to exercise the Repurchase Mandate to an extent as may result in a public shareholding of less than such prescribed minimum percentage.
9. SHARE REPURCHASE MADE BY THE COMPANY
No repurchase of Shares has been made by the Company in the six months prior to the date of this circular (whether on the Stock Exchange or otherwise).
APPENDIX I
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
10. MARKET PRICE
During the 12 months preceding the Latest Practicable Date, the highest and lowest prices at which the Shares were traded on the Stock Exchange are as follows:
| Highest HK$ | Lowest HK$ | |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | 0.260 | 0.226 |
| June 2024 | 0.248 | 0.216 |
| July 2024 | 0.244 | 0.161 |
| August 2024 | 0.207 | 0.080 |
| September 2024 | 0.201 | 0.160 |
| October 2024 | 0.204 | 0.178 |
| November 2024 | 0.236 | 0.180 |
| December 2024 | 0.244 | 0.195 |
| January 2025 | 0.227 | 0.180 |
| February 2025 | 0.234 | 0.180 |
| March 2025 | 0.229 | 0.160 |
| April 2025 | 0.176 | 0.154 |
| May 2025 (up to the Latest Practicable Date) | 0.198 | 0.162 |
11. CONFIRMATION
The Company confirms that this explanatory statement contains the information required under Rule 10.06(1)(b) of the Listing Rules and that neither this explanatory statement nor the Repurchase Mandate has any unusual features.
12. JAPAN LAW IMPLICATION
Shareholders should note that based on the provisions under the Articles and relevant Japan laws repurchases under the Repurchase Mandate must be market transactions etc. (市場取引等) as defined under the Japan Companies Act. There is no judicial precedent or interpretation confirming that a repurchase through the Stock Exchange, which is not a securities exchange in Japan, is a market transaction etc. (市場取引等). Given the lack of judicial precedent, the Directors will not exercise the Repurchase Mandate to repurchase the Shares on the Stock Exchange unless there is clear judicial authority allowing us to make repurchases on the Stock Exchange thereunder. Without prejudice to the aforesaid, the Directors will exercise the Repurchase Mandate in accordance with the Listing Rules and the applicable laws and regulations of Japan and in accordance with the regulations set out in the Articles.
APPENDIX I EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
13. GENERAL
Under the Articles, the Company shall without delay cancel any treasury Shares acquired by the Company through the resolution of the Board or decision of its executive officer(s) (執行役) authorised by the Board, if such cancellation is required under the Listing Rules. With effect from 11 June 2024, Rule 10.06(5) of the Listing Rules has been amended and the requirement to cancel repurchased Shares was removed. In view thereof, the Company may elect to cancel any repurchased Shares or hold them as treasury Shares, and the listing of treasury Shares (if any) shall be maintained. In view of the aforesaid, subject to the approval of the Repurchase Mandate by the Shareholders, the Company may (through the resolution of the Board or decision of its executive officer(s) (執行役) authorised by the Board) decide to cancel any repurchased Shares or hold them as treasury Shares, subject to market conditions and the Group's capital management needs at the relevant time of the repurchases. In case of cancellation, the listing of all repurchased Shares (whether effected on the Stock Exchange or otherwise) will be cancelled without undue delay and the certificates for those securities will be cancelled and destroyed. The total number of Shares issued by the Company shall also be reduced accordingly. In case any treasury Shares are deposited with CCASS pending resale on the Stock Exchange, the Company shall (i) procure its broker not to give any instructions to HKSCC Nominees to vote at general meetings of the Company for the treasury Shares deposited with CCASS; and (ii) in the case of dividends or distributions, withdraw the treasury Shares from CCASS, and either re-register them in its own name as treasury Shares or cancel them, in each case before the record date for the dividends or distributions, or take any other measures to ensure that it will not exercise any Shareholders' rights or receive any entitlements which would otherwise be suspended under the applicable laws if those Shares were registered in its own name as treasury Shares.
The Listing Rules provide that the Company shall not purchase its Shares on the Stock Exchange at any time after a price sensitive development has occurred or has been the subject of a decision until the price sensitive information has been made publicly available. In particular, during the period of one month immediately preceding the earlier of (i) the date of the Board meeting (as such date is first notified to the Stock Exchange in accordance with the Listing Rules) for the approval of the Company's results for any yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or any other interim period (whether or not required under the Listing Rules); and (ii) the deadline for an announcement of the Company's annual or interim results under the Listing Rules, or quarterly or any other interim period (whether or not required under the Listing Rules), and ending on the date of the results announcement, the Company may not purchase its Shares on the Stock Exchange unless the circumstances are exceptional. In addition, the Stock Exchange may prohibit the Company to purchase its Shares on the Stock Exchange if it has breached the Listing Rules.
Under the Listing Rules, certain information on the repurchases of Shares (whether on the Stock Exchange or otherwise) must be submitted for publication on the Stock Exchange through HKEx-EPS (as defined in the Listing Rules) not later than 30 minutes before the earlier of the commencement of the morning trading session or any pre-
APPENDIX I EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ON THE REPURCHASE MANDATE
opening session on the business day following any day on which the Company makes a repurchase of Shares. In addition, the Company shall include in its annual report and accounts details regarding repurchases of Shares made during the financial year under review, including the number of Shares repurchased each month (whether on the Stock Exchange or otherwise), the purchase price per Share or the highest and lowest price paid by the Company for all such repurchases (where relevant) and the aggregate price paid by the Company for such repurchases. The Directors' report is also required to contain reference to the repurchases made during the year and the Directors' reasons for making such repurchases.
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for identification purpose only
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APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
The following are the particulars of the Directors (as required by the Listing Rules) proposed to be re-elected and elected at the Annual General Meeting.
MR. HISANORI TANIGUCHI (谷口久徳)
Mr. Taniguchi, aged 62, is the primary leadership figure of the Group. He was appointed as the Representative Director and President (代表取締役社長) of the Company on 10 January 2013, the date of incorporation of the Company, and was re-designated as an Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer on 25 June 2014 when the Shareholders resolved to convert the Company into a company with three committees (委員会設置会社) under the Japan Companies Act. Apart from his role as an Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Taniguchi was appointed as the chairman of the Board in February 2013 and is responsible for the Group's overall corporate strategies, management and business development. He is also the chairman of the nomination committee of the Company and a member of the remuneration committee of the Company.
Having joined Niraku Corporation in April 1983, Mr. Taniguchi has spent over 40 years in the Group and worked closely with generations of the Taniguchi family in building up the Group from a small-scale operation to the fourth largest pachinko hall operator in Japan in 2013 (based on gross pay-ins), according to Entertainment Business Institute. Between 1987 and 2002, Mr. Taniguchi headed a number of departments across the Group's operations, from human resources to hall development and sales, and acquired extensive knowledge in a wide array of aspects in pachinko and pachislot hall operations.
Mr. Taniguchi first involved in the overall general management of the Group in November 2002, when he was appointed as the managing director (常務取締役) of Niraku Corporation. He was subsequently elected as the vice president (取締役副社長), president (取締役社長) and representative director and president (代表取締役社長) of Niraku Corporation in June 2008, June 2009 and April 2010, respectively. He has been the representative director and chairman of Niraku Corporation since 1 April 2025.
Mr. Taniguchi spent substantially his entire career with the Group and has led the Group in achieving significant milestones through several economic cycles. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Group's centralised management strategy since 1999 and the gradual introduction of low-cost pachinko and pachislot machines in the Group's halls since 2007. Under his leadership, the Group opened its 50th pachinko hall in Koriyama Arai (郡山荒井), Fukushima Prefecture (福島県) in May 2011 and have continued to grow organically beyond this significant accomplishment.
The Directors believe that the success of the Group and Mr. Taniguchi's personal attributes earned him wide recognition as a leading figure in the pachinko industry in Japan. He is currently the director (理事) of Nihon Yugi-kanren Jigyo Kyokai (Japan Amusement Business Association*) (一般社団法人日本遊技関連事業協会) and the head of its Tohoku branch.
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APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Taniguchi was born and brought up in Japan. He is one of the controlling Shareholders (as defined under the Listing Rules) and, together with other members of the Taniguchi Consortium with whom he acts in concert, controlled approximately 69.5% of the voting rights in the Company as at the Latest Practicable Date. As at the Latest Practicable Date, Mr. Taniguchi was interested in 85,624,184 Shares under Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance.
MR. MASATAKA WATANABE (渡辺将敬)
Mr. Watanabe, aged 56, was appointed as an Executive Director in June 2019. He worked at Yamaichi Securities Co., Ltd. (山一證券株式会社) from 1993 to 1994, where he was involved in securities, and from 1995 to 2015, he worked at Hikari Tsushin Inc. (株式会社光通信), where he was involved in business strategy and accounting. He was appointed as a director (取締役) and a member of the audit committee (監査等委員) of Hikari Tsushin Inc. (株式会社光通信) in June 2017, in which capacity he serves to the present. Hikari Tsushin Inc. (株式会社光通信) is an information and telecommunications services company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (stock code: 9435). In December 2018, Mr. Watanabe joined the Group as an adviser* (特別顧問) of the Company.
Mr. Watanabe graduated from The University of Tokyo* (東京大学), Faculty of Economics, in October 1992.
Mr. Watanabe is well versed in the areas of securities trading, accounting and auditing, and he was nominated by the Board to provide advice based on his experience and expertise.
MR. HIROSHI BANNAI (坂内弘)
Mr. Bannai, aged 86, is a Non-executive Director and has held this position since 29 June 2016. He had served as a police officer in Fukushima Prefecture from 1962 to his retirement from the police force in 1999, during which he was mainly responsible for handling matters related to antisocial organisations. Mr. Bannai then served as an executive director (専務理事) for the Fukushima Prefecture Amusement Business Association (福島県遊技業協同組合). Relying on his experience from the police force, Mr. Bannai had also been an advisor for Fukushima Bank (福島銀行) from 2002 to 2009, and an advisor for Xebio Co., Ltd. (株式会社ゼビオ) from 2003 to 2021. He is also a member of the audit committee of the Company.
Mr. Bannai received his education from the Fukushima Prefectural Wakamatsu Commercial High School* (福島県立若松商業高等学校). Mr. Bannai was appointed to the Board to supervise the Group's compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to adult entertainment.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, Mr. Bannai was interested in 216,000 Shares under Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance.
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APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
MR. MICHIO MINAKATA (南方美千雄)
Mr. Minakata, aged 58, is an external Director (社外取締役) of the Company and has held this position since 29 June 2016. He started his career at KPMG Century Audit Corporation (KPMGセンチュリー監査法人). Mr. Minakata then worked for several companies and offices including NASDAQ Japan (ナスダッックジャパン) based on his capability in the accounting field. Mr. Minakata is currently serving as the representative director (代表取締役) of IPO Bank Limited (株式会社IPOバンク) and the partner (代表社員) of Mavrick Tax Corporation* (税理士法人マーヴリック).
Under the Listing Rules, Mr. Minakata is an Independent Non-executive Director. He is also the chairman of the audit committee of the Company and a member of the remuneration committee of the Company.
Mr. Minakata received a bachelor's degree in economics from Keio University* (慶応義塾大学) in March 1990. Mr. Minakata has also been a member of the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants since May 1996. Mr. Minakata was appointed to the Board to provide advice to the Company based on his accounting and management background and expertise. The Directors have confirmed that Mr. Minakata fulfils the independence requirements under Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules.
MR. YOSHIHIRO KOIZUMI (小泉義広)
Mr. Koizumi, aged 70, is an external Director (社外取締役) of the Company and has held this position since 29 June 2016. He worked for several leading Japanese and foreign companies over the years, including Toshiba Co., Ltd. (株式会社東芝) from 1979 to 1986 and Daiwa Securities Co., Ltd. (大和証券株式会社) from 1986 to 1992. Mr. Koizumi also has experience in working for banks and financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank (ドイツ銀行) from 1994 to 1997 and Societe General Bank (ソシエテジェネラル銀行) from 1997 to 2002. Thereafter, Mr. Koizumi also served as the representative director (代表取締役) of Mariner Financial Service Co., Ltd. (株式会社マリナー・フィナンシャル・サービス) from 2002 to 2015 and has been serving as the representative director (代表取締役) of Clear Markets Japan Co., Ltd.* (Clear Markets Japan 株式会社) since 2014. Under the Listing Rules, Mr. Koizumi is an Independent Non-executive Director. He is also the chairman of the remuneration committee of the Company and a member of the audit committee of the Company.
Mr. Koizumi graduated from the Department of Commerce Science at Keio University* (慶応義塾大学商学部). Mr. Koizumi has also obtained his qualification as a certified public accountant in the United States in 1991. Mr. Koizumi was appointed to the Board to provide advice to the Company based on his financial and management background and expertise. The Directors have confirmed that Mr. Koizumi fulfils the independence requirements under Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules.
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APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
MR. KURAJI KUTSUWATA (曺田倉治)
Mr. Kutsuwata, aged 83, was appointed as an Independent Non-executive Director in June 2019. He worked at the Iwase village office (岩瀬村役場) from 1961 to 1975 before joining food vendor "Kutsuwata Shoten" (currently known as Kutsuwata Shoten Co., Ltd. (有限会社くつわた商店)) in 1975. While serving as the Company's representative Director (代表取締役) from 1980 onwards, in 1985, he established Yappu Kogyo Co., Ltd. (有限会社ヤツプ工業), an optical component assembly and processing company, and has served as its representative director* (代表取締役) to this day.
In addition, he served as a member (議員) of the Iwase Village Council (岩瀬村議会) and as chairman (会長) of the Iwase Society of Commerce and Industry (岩瀬村商工会), and in 2004, he became a director (理事) of the Fukushima Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry (福島県商工会連合会), which oversees management support projects and regional economy promotion projects run by societies of commerce and industry in Fukushima Prefecture. From 2012 to 2024, he served as chairman (会長) of the Federation and is currently an advisor. A society of commerce and industry is an economic organization that supports the business activities of small and medium-sized enterprises. He is also a member of the nomination committee of the Company.
Mr. Kutsuwata graduated from Fukushima Prefectural Sukagawa High School* (福島県立須賀川高等学校). Mr. Kutsuwata has contributed to the development of the regional economy, and his perspective is in line with the regional management strategies that our Group is aiming for, so he has been nominated by the Board to provide advice based on his experience. The Directors have confirmed that Mr. Kutsuwata fulfils the independence requirements under Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules.
MR. AKIHITO TANAKA (田中秋人)
Mr. Tanaka, aged 77, was appointed as an Independent Non-executive Director in July 2020. He worked at AEON Co., Ltd. (イオン株式会社) from 1970 to 2013, where he was involved in the founding of AEON Hong Kong, and has been active in overseas business development in China and ASEAN for 30 years. AEON Co., Ltd. is one of the largest companies in Japan with retail store operations listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (8267: JP). After retiring from AEON Co., Ltd., he established Strategic Center of Asia Co., Ltd. (株式会社アジア戦略本部) in September 2013 and are involved in management consulting operations as president and representative director (代表取締役社長). In addition, he served as president (理事長) of General Incorporated Foundation Asian Food Business Association* (財団法人アジアフードビジネス協会) and provided support for restaurant and retail business in Asia until March 2022. He is also a member of the nomination committee of the Company.
Mr. Tanaka graduated from Kansai University* (関西大学), Faculty of Letters, Department of Journalism, in March 1970 in Japan. Mr. Tanaka is well versed in the areas of the development of restaurant and retail businesses in China and the ASEAN region, and he was nominated by the Board to provide advice based on his experience. The Directors have confirmed that Mr. Tanaka fulfils the independence requirements under Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules.
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APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA (蜂須賀禮子)
Ms. Hachisuka, aged 72, was appointed as an Independent Non-executive Director in December 2024. She commenced her floral business in Fukushima Prefecture at the age of 32, and has steadily managed it for many years since then. Her business acumen is highly regarded in the local community, and she has served as the chairman (会長) of the Okuma Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry (福島県大熊町商工会) in Fukushima Prefecture since 2009, and as the chairman (会長) of the Sosu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Liaison Council (相双地区商工会連絡協議会) and the vice chairman (副会長) of the Fukushima Prefecture Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association (福島県商工会連合会) since 2023. Ms. Hachisuka has been actively participating in public positions beyond Fukushima Prefecture, such as being invited as an external expert of the Specific Nuclear Facility Monitoring and Assessment Investigative Commission in 2015. She is also a member of the nomination committee of the Company.
Ms. Hachisuka graduated from Fukushima Prefectural Namie High School* (福島県立浪江高等学校) in March 1971. Her extensive network and deep understanding of the local community is invaluable in improving the quality of service and strengthening cooperation between the Group and the local community, so she has been nominated by the Board to provide advice based on her experience. The Directors have confirmed that Ms. Hachisuka fulfils the independence requirements under Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules.
Mr. Hidenori MOROTA (諸田英模)
Mr. Morota, aged 59, has been appointed as the Executive Officer since November 2014. He graduated from Nihon University Tohoku High School (日本大学東北高等学校) in March 1984 and joined the Group in October 1988. Mr. Morota has been appointed as a director of Niraku Corporation since June 2012 and was the head of sales department and oversees the advertising, marketing, sales, machine selection and general prize offerings functions of the Group. He served as a Director of the Company between January 2013 and June 2014, and was designated as the Executive Officer in November 2014. He has been the representative director and president (代表取締役社長) of Nexia Inc. since September 2020 and has been the director and president of Niraku Corporation since 1 April 2025. Mr. Morota's industry positions include the chief director (理事長) at the Fukushima Prefecture Amusement Business Association (福島県遊技業協同組合連合会) since June 2015, and the chairman (会長) of the Liaison Council of Amusement Business Association in the Tohoku region (東北地区遊技業協同組合連絡協議会) since May 2022.
If elected, Mr. Morota will be designated as a Non-executive Director under the Listing Rules. Mr. Morota has represented to the Company that he has not been involved in any of the events under Rule 13.51(2)(h) to (v) of the Listing Rules.
As at the Latest Practicable Date, Mr. Morota was interested in 1,380,000 Shares under Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance.
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APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
TERM OF OFFICE AND FEES
Under the Articles and the Japan Companies Act, the Directors, upon re-election/ election, will hold office until the close of the next annual general meeting of the Company.
The total amount of the re-elected Directors' emoluments for the year ended 31 March 2025 received by each of those Directors is set out in note 37 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's annual report 2024/2025. The Group offers competitive remuneration packages to the Directors, and the Directors' emoluments are determined by the Company's remuneration committee with reference to Directors' duties, responsibilities and performances and the results of the Group.
SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT
Upon re-election and election, each of the Directors is expected to enter into a service agreement (for Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors) or letter of appointment (for Independent Non-executive Directors) with the Company for a term commencing on the date of passing of the re-election/election resolution and expiring at the close of the next annual general meeting of the Company (subject to termination in certain circumstances as stipulated in the agreements/letters).
The annual remuneration currently expected to be payable to each of the Directors upon re-election/election is as follows:
| Directors | Annual remuneration (In ¥ thousand) |
|---|---|
| Mr. Taniguchi | 60,960 |
| Mr. Watanabe | 14,004 |
| Mr. Morota | 2,700 |
| Mr. Bannai | 3,720 |
| Mr. Minakata | 6,060 |
| Mr. Koizumi | 3,960 |
| Mr. Kutsuwata | 3,660 |
| Mr. Tanaka | 3,660 |
| Ms. Hachisuka | 3,660 |
APPENDIX II
DETAILS OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS' INTERESTS
Save as disclosed in this circular, to the best knowledge of the Company, each of the Directors who stands for re-election and election (i) does not hold other positions in the Company or other members of the Group; (ii) does not hold any directorship in other public companies the securities of which are listed on any securities market in Hong Kong or overseas in the last three years and other major appointments and professional qualifications; (iii) does not have any relationship with any other Director, senior management of the Company, substantial Shareholder or controlling Shareholder; (iv) does not have any interest in the Company's securities within the meaning of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance; and (v) has no information to disclose pursuant to any of the requirements of Rules 13.51(2)(h) to 13.51(2)(v) of the Listing Rules; and there are no other matters that need to be brought to the attention of the Shareholders.
The nomination committee of the Company would assess the candidates or incumbents on criteria such as integrity, experience, skills and ability to commit time and efforts to carry out duties and responsibilities. The recommendations would then be submitted to the Board for decision.
Mr. Michio MINAKATA and Mr. Yoshihiro KOIZUMI have served as Independent Non-executive Directors since 29 June 2016, Mr. Kuraji KUTSUWATA has served as Independent Non-executive Director since 27 June 2019, Mr. Akihito TANAKA has served as Independent Non-executive Director since 29 July 2020 and Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA has served as Independent Non-executive Director since 18 December 2024. The Board is satisfied that, taking into account, inter alia, the valuable independent judgement, advice and objective views contributed by Mr. Minakata, Mr. Koizumi, Mr. Kutsuwata, Mr. Tanaka and Ms. Hachisuka, they are of such character, integrity and experience commensurate with office of Independent Non-executive Directors. The Board is not aware of any circumstance that might influence the independence of Mr. Minakata, Mr. Koizumi, Mr. Kutsuwata, Mr. Tanaka and Ms. Hachisuka, and considers such Directors to be independent based on the independence guidelines set out in Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules.
The Board is of the view that the educational qualifications, background and experiences of Mr. Michio MINAKATA, Mr. Yoshihiro KOIZUMI, Mr. Kuraji KUTSUWATA, Mr. Akihito TANAKA and Ms. Reiko HACHISUKA (if re-elected) can create valuable and relevant visions and hence contribute to the diversity of the Board.
- for identification purpose only
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BUSINESS REPORT
1. MATTERS RELATED TO CURRENT SITUATION OF THE COMPANY
(1) Business Analysis
In the current fiscal year, the domestic economy saw signs of a rebound in personal consumption, supported by improvements in the employment and income environment and an increase in inbound tourists. However, a full-fledged recovery has not been achieved due to factors such as stagnant growth in real wages caused by prolonged inflation due to rising raw material and energy prices and the depreciation of Japanese Yen. The impact of rising prices has limited real purchasing power, and consumer consciousness regarding household defence has heightened further, with a trend towards frugality expected to continue. In addition, in 2025, the outlook for the Japanese economy has become increasingly uncertain due to policy trends represented by U.S. trade policies. Coupled with recruitment difficulties and soaring raw material prices, the business environment remains challenging to predict. Under these circumstances, in our mainstay pachinko business, the Group has continued to efficiently install gaming machines, reaching the largest number of installations since our foundation. As a result, total revenue (gross pay-ins) increased by 10.1% year-on-year to ¥145,091 million and we believe we were able to firmly meet customer demand without failing behind the recovery trend in domestic economic activity. In the overseas business, despite the steady performance of the economies in Vietnam and Cambodia, existing outlets struggled due to a decrease in the allocation of disposable income to leisure activities. Consequently, revenue of Dream Games, which operates amusement arcades in both countries, decreased by 2.3% year-on-year to ¥1,648 million.
In the mainstay pachinko business, we have viewed the favourable performance of smart gaming machines in the external environment as a significant opportunity for business growth and have proactively promoted capital investment. Specifically, to meet the strong demand from customers for the popular Smart Slots in the market, we have made adjustments to outlet layouts and increased the area for gaming machine installations, achieving an increase in the number of machines. As a result, the number of installed gaming machines reached 29,192 units as of the end of March 2025, setting a new record since our foundation and significantly contributing to increased sales.
In current year, we continued to review our hall operations and accumulated a variety of know-how, such as promoting labour saving in hall management while retaining services that provide a high level of customer satisfaction. Since the self-service counters that we introduced two years ago, which made the prize exchange process contactless, we have further increased the number of halls that have introduced self-service counters during the year, and have completed the introduction of self-service POS at 46 halls (94% of the total). In addition, given the competitive environment of existing halls, we have carried out various measures and experiments with the aim of further increasing our sales capabilities, achieving
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BUSINESS REPORT
significant results such as transforming unprofitable halls into the top-performing halls in their regions. We will continue to steadily work toward creating halls which are supported by our customers.
In the domestic food and beverage business, which operates the brands "LIZARRAN", "Komeda" and "Gong Cha", has successfully expanded its business. LIZARRAN is a Spanish bar restaurant under Comess Group De Restauración S.K., which operates over 300 outlets across 14 countries on four continents. In July 2024, we opened the fourth new outlet of the Group in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Additionally, we ventured into a new concept of Japanese-style Spanish cuisine that combines teppanyaki and Spanish dishes, opening a Spanish restaurant under the brand "PLANCHA L" in Yokohama City. As the brand of Spanish restaurants gains traction in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there is a growing cycle of positive inquiries from major developers for new outlet openings. We are carefully working to connect these opportunities to openings in prime properties.
"Komeda" is a brand of Komeda Holdings Co., Ltd., which operates approximately 1,000 coffee shops in Japan. Due to the strong wishes of franchisor, we opened our third outlet in this quarter by acquiring directly managed outlet. We will continue to maintain a good relationship with our franchisees and explore initiatives for new business formats.
The globally renowned tea cafe brand "Gong Cha", originating from Taiwan, has gained popularity in Japan. Since 2021, our Group has been operating two Gong Cha outlets. Both outlets rank among the top group in Gong Cha Japan's customer satisfaction rankings, with one outlet achieving the number one spot out of 176 outlets nationwide, demonstrating successful outlet management with high customer satisfaction.
In the hotel management business, we purchased and began operating two hotel properties in August 2024. One of them is a long-established luxury hot spring inn facility located in the heart of Achi Village, which boasts Japan's best starry sky, and the Group positions this as a foothold for its full-scale entry into the business, aiming to pursue the Group's synergy.
Nexia Inc., a subsidiary that operates a real estate business, acquired a land during the year, which was located in a prime area of Koriyama City. The construction of a rental apartment was completed in March 2025, and occupancy began in the same month. We will continue to consider acquiring prime properties while maintaining our investment standards.
In addition, during the current year, a subsidiary, NBI Holdings Co., Ltd, was established, aiming at stretching the Group's business to real estate sector. We are preparing to obtain administrative permits and licenses to create a structure for future private real estate investment trust ("REIT") operations. We are making preliminary arrangements, including communication with financial institutions and external
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BUSINESS REPORT
investors, to ensure establishment of private REIT operations quickly once the permits and licenses are obtained. We anticipate confirming the initial results of these efforts in the next fiscal year.
In terms of business in Southeast Asia, we are primarily managing arcade games and kids' play areas within AEON malls in both Vietnam and Cambodia at Dream Games, a subsidiary. Vietnam's gross domestic product ("GDP") growth rate increased from 5.1% the previous year to 7.1%, and Cambodia's GDP growth rate increased from 5.0% the previous year to 6.0%, indicating that the economies in both countries remained strong. However, in Vietnam, the consumer price index remained high with a tendency for spending to prioritize essential goods, leading to stagnant customer attraction at existing outlets. In Cambodia, the first half of the fiscal year was affected by the downturn in the Chinese economy, but this impact had almost disappeared by the second half, resulting in sales surpassing last year's figures. As a result, operating revenue at Dream Games decreased by 2.3% year-on-year to ¥1,648 million. During the current year, we opened 1 outlet and closed down 1 unprofitable outlet, as the end of March 2025, we have a total of 12 operating outlets, 9 in Vietnam and 3 in Cambodia.
According to the data from the International Monetary Fund, both Vietnam and Cambodia in 2025 are expected to achieve robust economic growth exceeding 5%. We believe that both countries are still in the process of economic development, and that consumption and the leisure markets will continue to expand. While continuing to observe carefully for changes in the competitive environment and the structural changes in the domestic economies of both countries, we are also planning to work on building a steady earning base by developing multiple types of standard business formats depending on location and area, opening new speciality business formats of arcade prize game and opening small and medium-sized outlets outside AEON Malls.
As a medium-term strategy, the Group's priority is to increase the number of amusement machines installed and to secure sales in pachinko business as the core business, and will actively invest in new hall openings and merger and acquisition with the aim of establishing a structure that can ensure stable earnings. At the same time, investments will be made to refurbish existing halls and to promote digitalisation with the aim of further increasing operational efficiency. Furthermore, from a long-term perspective, we plan to expand into new businesses and build business models domestically based on the premise of an aging, mature society and a declining population.
Outside Japan, we will also seek to grow existing businesses and create new business opportunities while responding to changes in the business environment in each country.
In 2021, the Group resolved the Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Management Declaration, which is the basic concept for conducting sustainable business, "The Group prioritizes the public interest and considers its employees, customers, business partners, local communities, and the entire earth as a whole to
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BUSINESS REPORT
be stakeholders. We aim for management that can achieve sustainable growth together with all". The concept of ESG, which is the benchmark for sustainable growth, is becoming increasingly important in business, as it serves as an index for selecting investment targets worldwide. In addition, Sustainable Development Goals established for the purpose of achieving a sustainable world are having a positive impact on corporate management. The ESG Management Declaration sets out the following three specific points to be focused:
- Properly appropriate the profits generated to employees, customers, local communities, environment, the entire earth, vendors and Shareholders.
- Conduct management that can contribute to society with sustainability from a medium- to long-term perspective, rather than from a short-term perspective.
- Constantly make efforts in new areas boldly and manage our business with entrepreneurial spirit for the sustainable development of the Company.
These three objectives will also be important in shaping a new corporate culture for the next era of the Group.
The history of the Group's pachinko hall business is over 70 years. The reason we have been able to continue our business for more than 70 years is that we always place emphasis on our relationship with the community and have always been aware of harmonious coexistence with the community. Entities cannot continue their businesses on their own, and there is a greater need than ever for them to not only pursue profits for themselves but also develop together with society. Especially in Fukushima Prefecture, which is our key location in Japan, it is still halfway through reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, but as a longer-term issue, increasing the production and labour force population is regarded as a major challenge. If this long-term declining trend continues, we cannot expect the revitalization of the local economy. On the other hand, if the revitalization of the local economy cannot be realized, the production and labour force population will not increase, and we cannot expect to retain or increase customers in the pachinko hall business, which is the core business of the Group. Resolving the local issues in each region where our Group operates, will create new business opportunities and lead to the mitigation of future business risks simultaneously. We regard the pursuit of regional development through our business activities as an important task for future operations.
The Group aims to realize our corporate philosophy of "Providing happy times for people by making the world cheerful, fun and entertaining", and will continue to take on the challenges of constantly responding to social changes, aiming to be a company that will continue for more than 100 years ahead of us. Under the ESG Management Declaration, which is the basic concept for conducting sustainable business, we will continue to strive to become a company that is indispensable to society and can meet the expectations of all stakeholders, considering the development and ideal form of our business.
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BUSINESS REPORT
Following is the financial highlight for the year:
1) Operating revenue
Operating revenue amounted to ¥812,848 thousand (113.4% of the previous year) due to an increase in dividend income from subsidiaries.
2) Operating profit
Operating profit amounted to ¥286,458 thousand (123.1% of the previous year) due to an increase in operating revenue.
3) Ordinary profit
Ordinary profit amounted to ¥411,374 thousand (64.2% of the previous year) due to a decrease in non-operating revenue.
4) Net profit
Despite the decrease in ordinary profit, net profit for the year amounted to ¥70,950 thousand (13.5% of the previous year) due to a decrease in ordinary profit.
The performance of Niraku Corporation, a main subsidiary of the Group, during the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025, recorded sales revenue of ¥26,481 million (104.8% of the previous year) due to the positive effect of the policy of proactive investment in pachislot, which is performing well, continuing from the previous year in the pachinko business, and have implemented measures to increase the number of pachislot machines in the existing halls and to change pachinko islands to slot islands. Operating profit resulted in ¥2,351 million (107.8% of the previous year) despite the increase in expenses related to accommodating new bills and smart gaming machines. In line with the increase in operating profit, ordinary profit amounted to ¥2,385 million (107.8% of the previous year). Note that net profit for the year amounted to ¥3,190 million (96.5% of the previous year) due to the recognition of impairment loss.
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT

Group structure (ownership ratio of voting rights)
- NGC Dining Co., Ltd. (food and beverage business) was established on 19 April 2024.
- NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. (investment holding business) was established on 20 August 2024.
- KUROTAKE Co., Ltd. (onsen inn business) was acquired on 23 August 2024 by Niraku Corporation.
- Kurotake Co., Ltd. (onsen inn business) was acquired on 23 August 2024 by Niraku Corporation.
- NBI Regional Revitalization Investment Co., Ltd. (real estate investment business) was established on 25 February 2025 by NBI Holdings Co., Ltd.
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BUSINESS REPORT
(2) Details of funding etc.
In the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025, we raised funds through long-term borrowings as follows:
| Financial institutes | Amount (In ¥ thousand) | Execution date |
|---|---|---|
| Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation | 576,500 | 28 March 2025 |
| Mizuho Bank, Ltd. | 576,500 | 28 March 2025 |
| The Toho Bank, Ltd. | 172,950 | 28 March 2025 |
| The Akita Bank, Ltd. | 57,650 | 28 March 2025 |
| The Ashikaga Bank, Ltd. | 57,650 | 28 March 2025 |
| The Fukushima Bank, Ltd. | 57,650 | 28 March 2025 |
| The 77 Bank, Ltd. | 57,650 | 28 March 2025 |
| Total | 1,556,550 |
(3) Financial position and Profit and Loss for the latest 3 fiscal years
| Item | 10th Term March 2022 | 11th Term March 2023 | 12th Term March 2024 | 13th Term (the current fiscal year) March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary revenue (¥ thousand) | 1,356,163 | 1,358,098 | 716,547 | 812,848 |
| Ordinary profit (¥ thousand) | 915,537 | 849,857 | 640,600 | 411,374 |
| Net profit/(loss) (¥ thousand) | (2,200,931) | 504,939 | 525,370 | 70,950 |
| Profit/(loss) per share (¥) | (1.84) | 0.42 | 0.44 | 0.06 |
| Total assets (¥ thousand) | 30,348,806 | 28,667,876 | 29,064,194 | 28,289,068 |
| Net assets (¥ thousand) | 22,368,397 | 22,186,649 | 22,476,290 | 22,233,790 |
Notes:
1. The amounts do not include consumption tax and local consumption tax.
2. Profit or loss per share is calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the period.
3. Please refer to the above section “(1) Business Analysis” for the business performance for 13th Term (the current fiscal year) ended 31 March 2025.
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BUSINESS REPORT
(4) Principal business activity
The principal activity of the Company is to control the business activities of the subsidiaries through investment holding.
(5) Principal office and employees
1. Principal office
i. Head office
1-1-39 Hohaccho, Koriyama-shi, Fukushima, Japan
2. Employees
2 people
(6) Material subsidiaries
| Company name | Share capital
(In ¥ thousand) | Ownership ratio of
voting rights
(%) | Major scope of
business |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Niraku Corporation | 100,000 | 100.0 | Pachinko and pachislot hall operator, hotel operations etc. |
| Nexia Inc. | 30,000 | 100.0 | Real estate rental business |
| NGCH Hong Kong Limited | 10,000 | 100.0 | Asset management |
| Dream Games
Singapore Pte. Ltd. | 356,508 | 100.0 | Amusement arcade business |
| NGC Dining Co., Ltd. | 10,000 | 100.0 | Food and beverage business |
| NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. | 50,000 | 100.0 | Investment holding business |
Note: NGC Dining Co., Ltd. and NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. were newly established subsidiaries in the current fiscal year.
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
(7) Major lenders and amount borrowed
| Lenders | Amount borrowed
(In ¥ thousand) |
| --- | --- |
| Mizuho Bank, Ltd. | 1,400,811 |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation | 1,388,365 |
| The Ashikaga Bank, Ltd. | 883,878 |
| The Toho Bank, Ltd. | 847,852 |
| The Fukushima Bank, Ltd. | 534,152 |
| Kiraboshi Bank, Ltd. | 315,887 |
| The Akita Bank, Ltd. | 158,755 |
| The 77 Bank, Ltd. | 155,883 |
| The Daito Bank, Ltd. | 68,823 |
| The Tsukuba Bank, Ltd. | 45,466 |
| The Aozora Bank, Ltd. | 40,209 |
| The Gunma Bank, Ltd. | 7,659 |
(8) Dividend policy and the right to declare distribution of dividends under the Articles of Incorporation (Paragraph 1 of Article 459 of the Japan Companies Act)
The Company has positioned the return of profits to Shareholders in conjunction with the consolidated results as one of the important issues. According to the dividend policy, the Group intended to recommend a payment of dividend at 30% of the consolidated net profit attributable to the shareholders calculated in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
2. MATTERS RELATED TO SHARES
(1) Significant matters related to Shares (As at 31 March 2025)
- Total number of authorised Shares 2,000,000,000 Shares
- The total number of outstanding Shares 1,195,850,460 Shares
- The number of Shareholders as at the end of the current fiscal year 82
- Top ten Shareholders
| Name of shareholders | Number of Shares held | Shareholding ratio |
|---|---|---|
| HKSCC Nominees Limited (Note) | 370,299,700 | 30.97% |
| DENSHO Co., Ltd. | 226,020,460 | 18.90% |
| JUKKI Limited | 181,470,000 | 15.17% |
| SMBC Trust Bank, Ltd. | 53,360,000 | 4.46% |
| Tatsunari Taniguchi | 44,792,500 | 3.75% |
| Takanari Taniguchi | 44,792,500 | 3.75% |
| Toshinari Taniguchi | 44,792,500 | 3.75% |
| Yoshihiro Taniguchi | 33,580,000 | 2.81% |
| Mitsuhiro Tei | 25,000,000 | 2.09% |
| Motohiro Tei | 25,000,000 | 2.09% |
| Eijun Tei | 25,000,000 | 2.09% |
| Rika Tei | 25,000,000 | 2.09% |
Note: The Shares held under the name of HKSCC are deposited into CCASS.
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BUSINESS REPORT
3. MATTERS RELATED TO DIRECTORS
(1) Matters related to Directors (As at 31 March 2025)
| Name | Position and responsibilities | Significant concurrent position |
|---|---|---|
| Hisanori Taniguchi | Chairman | |
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Executive Director | ||
| Member of Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee | Representative Director and Chairman of Niraku Corporation | |
| Director of NGCH Hong Kong Limited | ||
| Director of NPJ Hong Kong Limited | ||
| Representative Director of DENSHO Co., Ltd. | ||
| Representative Director of Niraku Investment Co., Ltd. | ||
| President of Niraku USA Inc. | ||
| Director of NPJ China YOKOCHO Co., Ltd. | ||
| Director of NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. | ||
| Representative Director of NGC Dining Co., Ltd. | ||
| Director of Dream Games Singapore Pte. Ltd. | ||
| Representative Director of Dream Games (Japan) Co., Ltd. | ||
| Hiroshi Bannai | Non-executive Director | |
| Member of Audit Committee | — | |
| Kuraji Kutsuwata | Independent | |
| Non-executive Director | ||
| Member of Nomination Committee | President of Kutsuwata Shoten Co., Ltd. | |
| President of Yatsupu Kogyo Co., Ltd. | ||
| Advisor of Fukushima Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry | ||
| Michio Minakata | Independent | |
| Non-executive Director | ||
| Member of Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee | Representative Director of IPO Bank Limited | |
| Partner of Maverick Tax Corporation |
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
| Name | Position and responsibilities | Significant concurrent position |
|---|---|---|
| Yoshihiro Koizumi | Independent | |
| Non-executive | ||
| Director | ||
| Member of Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee | Representative Director of Clear Markets Japan Limited | |
| Representative Director of Tokyo Curry, Inc. | ||
| Akihito Tanaka | Independent | |
| Non-executive | ||
| Director | ||
| Member of Nomination Committee | President of Strategic Center of Asia Co., Ltd. | |
| Reiko Hachisuka | Independent | |
| Non-executive | ||
| Director | Chairman of Okuma Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry | |
| Chairman of Sosu District Chambers of Commerce and Industry | ||
| Liaison Council | ||
| Vice chairman of Fukushima Prefecture Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association | ||
| Masataka Watanabe | Executive officer | |
| Executive Director | Director and Member of Audit Committee of Hikari Tsushin, Inc. | |
| Company Auditor of NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. | ||
| Director of NPJ Hong Kong Limited | ||
| Hidenori Morota | Executive officer | Director and President of Niraku Corporation |
| Representative Director and President of Nexia Inc. | ||
| Representative Director of Niraku Merrist Corporation |
Notes:
1. Mr. Hisanori Taniguchi was appointed as Representative Director and Chairman of Niraku Corporation on 1 April 2025.
2. Ms. Reiko Hachisuka (Independent Non-executive Director) was newly appointed at the extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on 18 December 2024.
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BUSINESS REPORT
- Mr. Hidenori Morota was appointed as Director and President of Niraku Corporation on 1 April 2025.
- Mr. Akinori Ohishi resigned as Executive Officer and Executive Director on 28 June 2024.
(2) The total remuneration of Directors and executive officers
| Category | Number of people | Amount | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directors | 6 | ¥22,095 thousand | Note 1 |
| Executive officers | 4 | ¥78,899 thousand | Note 1 |
| Total | 10 | ¥100,994 thousand |
Notes:
- Remuneration of Director who is also holding the office of executive officer is included in the category of executive officers.
- The aforementioned number of people and the amount of remuneration include one director concurrently serving as an executive officer who resigned during the current fiscal year.
(3) Matters related to the amount and calculation of remuneration
- Method of policy determination
Remuneration for each of the Director and executive officer shall be individually determined by the Remuneration Committee in accordance with Japan Companies Act.
- General policy
Remuneration shall be commensurate with their required capability and responsibility in each position, taking into account the level of remunerations of other companies.
- Remuneration of Directors
Directors' remuneration is paid on monthly basis, taking into account their offices as Executive Directors and Non-executive Director.
- Remuneration of executive officers
Executive officers' remuneration is paid on a fixed monthly rate according to their positions held.
APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
(4) Major activities of Non-executive Director and Independent Non-executive Directors
| Category | Name | Status on major activities |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Kuraji Kutsuwata | Attended 15 out of 16 Board meetings held during his office in the fiscal year. He had commented and given advice on the manufacturing industry and overall business operation. |
| Director | Michio Minakata | Attended 16 out of 16 Board meetings held during his office in the fiscal year. He had commented and given advice on the accounting, taxation, and audit aspects. |
| Director | Yoshihiro Koizumi | Attended 16 out of 16 Board meetings held during his office in the fiscal year. He had commented and given advice on financing and accounting aspects. |
| Director | Akihito Tanaka | Attended 16 out of 16 Board meetings held during his office in the fiscal year. He had commented and given advice on restaurant and retail business. |
| Director | Reiko Hachisuka | Attended 5 out of 5 Board meetings held during his office in the fiscal year. She had commented and given advice on retail business. |
(5) Total remuneration of Independent Non-executive Directors
| Number of people paid | Amount | Remuneration from the subsidiary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total remuneration of Independent Non-executive Directors | 5 | ¥18,375 thousand | Nil |
APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
4. ACCOUNTING AUDITOR
(1) Name of accounting auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers Japan LLC
(2) Fees
Fee for provision of audit service for the current fiscal year: ¥6,500 thousand
Note: Communication has been made between Audit Committee and the accounting auditor. The fees of statutory audit service were agreed in accordance with Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 399 of the Japan Companies Act.
5. OVERVIEW OF THE RESOLUTION REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE OF THE FRAMEWORK FOR ENSURING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF BUSINESS
(1) Maintenance of the framework ensuring the appropriateness of business
- Framework for data storage and information management related to the execution of the duties of executive officers (Information safeguard management system)
1) Documents and information pertaining to the execution of duties by executive officers shall be properly prepared, managed, stored and disposed according to document management, information property management and other related internal rules and regulations.
2) These documents and information shall be made available for review by Directors at any time.
- Rule for managing risk of loss and other similar framework (Risk management on loss exposure system)
1) Risk management department shall prevent any losses that may affect business activities of the Company and its subsidiaries; and promptly address to all risks that have incurred.
2) The Board shall review and assess the efficiency of risk management system on timely basis.
3) Audit committee shall monitor the risk management system of the Company and its subsidiaries, and report to the Board for any risks identified promptly.
4) Executive officers shall have thorough understanding of the business situation of the Company and its subsidiaries and identify business issues; appropriate measures shall be taken to manage the issues.
APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
- Framework for ensuring the efficient execution of duties by executive officers (Efficiency assurance system)
1) In addition to monthly board meetings, where necessary, the Board shall hold meetings to enhance decision making flexibility.
2) The Board shall review the duty execution of the executive officers and assess their efficiency.
3) The Chairman of the Board and external Directors shall carry out regular exchange of opinions, ensure prompt and appropriate actions could be taken to supervise the execution of duties of executive officers.
4) Organisation regulations shall be formulated, job responsibilities and authorities shall be clearly identified, ensure prompt and efficient execution of duties.
- Framework for ensuring duties executed by executive officers and employees are in compliance with laws and regulations and the Articles of Incorporation (Articles of Incorporation compliance system)
1) Establish compliance framework regarding laws and regulations to be complied by executive officers and employees; and to raise the awareness of compliance in accordance with code of conduct and code of ethics.
2) Audit committee and internal audit department shall ensure executive officers and employee complied with laws and regulations and the Articles when executing their duties; and report to the Board in accordance with internal audit procedures and annual audit plan.
3) Internal reporting system "Niraku Hotline" shall be established, ensure non-compliance of code of conduct and the Articles be detected at an early stage.
4) Where violation of laws and regulations is found, the Board shall response to the situation promptly, and seek assistance from external expertise where necessary.
- Framework for ensuring proper execution of business in the Group consisting of the Company and its subsidiaries (Corporate internal controls)
1) Code of Ethics and guidelines shall be established and apply to the entire Group.
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
2) Timely report on the business situation and duties of the subsidiaries shall be made, ensure business operations are carried out appropriately so as to achieve a sound development of the Group as a whole.
3) In accordance with the risk management regulations, subsidiaries shall report to the risk management department for any identified issues which would affect its business and operation. Risk management department, after receiving report from the subject subsidiary, shall carry out investigation immediately and report it to the Audit Committee.
4) Organisational design and business execution systems of subsidiaries shall be reviewed and revised regularly; assessment of system effectiveness shall be carried out. For decision making at subsidiaries level, the authorities and responsibilities of executive officers shall be defined in accordance with various regulations and necessary guidance and supervision to ensure systematic and efficient execution shall be provided.
5) The Audit Committee shall audit the business activities of subsidiaries and confirm the internal control system of subsidiaries is properly developed and functioning.
6) Transactions between group companies shall be verified by each relevant department, ensure transactions are properly complied with laws and regulations.
- Matters concerning employees of Audit Committee (Audit Committee staff) to assist the duties of the Audit Committee (Audit Committee staff arrangement)
Internal audit department shall be established to assist the Audit Committee's duties and arrange employees (audit committee staff). The structure of the department, number of members to be arranged, etc. shall be decided under the consent of the Audit Committee.
- Matters concerning independence of the Audit Committee staff (Audit Committee staff independence) from executive officers
1) Regarding the assistant work instructed by the Audit Committee to Audit Committee staff, Audit Committee staff shall not execute any orders other than those instructed by Audit Committee.
2) Personnel matters of internal audit department, evaluation, disciplinary action and other important personnel matters of Audit Committee staff, shall only be executed under the consent of Audit Committee.
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
- Matters concerning effective instruction to Audit Committee Staff
Executive officers and employees shall cooperate in the development of audit environment to ensure Audit Committee staff can conduct their duties smoothly.
- Framework for reporting to Audit Committee (Reporting system to Audit Committee)
1) The Audit Committee may request reports from executive officers and departments in the top management meetings.
2) The Audit Committee may request executive officers and departments to make necessary reports based on the audit implementation plan formulated every year.
3) Audit Committee shall regularly hold audit collaboration meetings and receive reports from each department in a timely manner.
4) Executive officers and employees shall promptly response and report to Audit Committee on matters prescribed by laws and regulations; and any matters that seriously affect the Company or its subsidiaries that are required to be reported to Audit Committee.
5) Apart from matters stipulated by laws and regulations, directors and employees of the subsidiaries shall promptly report to internal auditors of the subsidiaries and the Audit Committee of the Company on matters that require reporting as requested by auditors of subsidiaries.
- Framework for protecting whistle blowers from retaliation as a result of reporting of wrongdoings
1) Audit Committee does not have any obligation to report to third parties on information obtained from executive officers or employees.
2) Audit Committee may ask executive officers to disclose reasons for relocation, personnel evaluation and disciplinary action, etc., against employees who reported wrongdoings to Audit Committee.
- Procedures concerning advanced payment and reimbursement of expenses incurred during execution of duties by Audit Committee; and other matters concerning the treatment of expenses or obligations arising from execution of relevant duties
Expenses incurred in the execution of duties by Audit Committee shall be borne by the Company; unless such expenses are proven to be irrelevant to duties execution, promptly settlement of disbursement to Audit Committee shall be made.
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
- Other framework for ensuring Audit Committee effectively execute audits (Effective audit assurance system)
1) Executive officers shall arrange regular meetings with the members of Audit Committee, exchanges opinions on key audit matters, and enhance mutual recognition.
2) Audit Committee shall hold regular meetings with internal audit department, ensure audit policy and key audit matters on audit aspect are conveyed to the staff of internal audit department.
3) Regular meetings shall be arranged with external auditors, share the information related to key audit matters, and enhance the know-how related to audit.
- MATTERS RELATED TO SPECIFIED WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY
| Name | Address | Total carrying value | Total assets value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niraku Corporation | Koriyama-shi, Fukushima | ¥17,480,293 thousand | ¥28,289,068 thousand |
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APPENDIX III
BUSINESS REPORT
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE RELATED TO THE BUSINESS REPORT
- Details of executive officers holding positions in other group companies:
| Title | Name | Name of other group companies | Position held in other group companies | Relationship with other group companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | Hisanori Taniguchi | DENSHO Co., Ltd.* | ||
| (株式会社伝承) | Representative Director | One of the controlling shareholders of the Company | ||
| Niraku Corporation | Representative Director and Chairman | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| Niraku Investment Co., Ltd. | Representative Director | — | ||
| NGCH Hong Kong Limited | Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| NPJ Hong Kong Limited | Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| NPJ China YOKOCHO Co., Ltd. | Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| NIRAKU USA Inc. | President | — | ||
| NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. | Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| NGC Dining Co., Ltd. | Representative Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| Dream Games Singapore Pte. Ltd. | Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| Dream Games (Japan) Co., Ltd. | Representative Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| Executive officer | ||||
| Executive Director | Masataka Watanabe | Hikari Tsushin, Inc. | Director and member of Audit Committee | — |
| NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. | Corporate Auditor | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| NPJ Hong Kong Limited | Director | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| Executive officer | Hidenori Morota | Niraku Corporation | Director and President | Subsidiary of the Company |
| Nexia Inc. | Representative Director and President | Subsidiary of the Company | ||
| Niraku Merrist Corporation | Representative Director | Subsidiary of the Company |
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
The following is the texts of the audited financial reports of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025 prepared pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements under the Japan Companies Act and JGAAP. The audited financial statements of the Group for the same period prepared in accordance with the Listing Rules and IFRS are included in the Company's annual report 2024/2025 being sent to the Shareholders together with this circular.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
26 May 2025
To the Board of Directors of
株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス
Niraku GC Holdings, Inc.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Japan LLC
Tokyo office
Kazuaki Sekine, CPA
Designated Limited Liability Partner
Engagement Partner
Opinion
We have audited, pursuant to Article 436(2)(i) of the Companies Act of Japan, the accompanying financial statements, which comprise the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, statement of changes in net assets and notes to the financial statements, and the supplementary schedules of 株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス Niraku GC Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the "Company") for the 13th fiscal year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
In our opinion, the financial statements and the supplementary schedules referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and its financial performance for the period covered by the financial statements and the supplementary schedules in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Japan. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements and the Supplementary Schedules section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements and the supplementary schedules in Japan, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
Other Information
The other information comprises the business report and the supplementary schedules. Management is responsible for the preparation and disclosure of the other information. In addition, Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the directors' execution of their duties in designing and operating the reporting process over the other information.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or to remain alert for whether there are the indications that the other information appears to be materially misstated beyond such material inconsistencies.
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of Management and Audit Committee for the Financial Statements and the Supplementary Schedules
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and the supplementary schedules in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements and the supplementary schedules that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements and the supplementary schedules, management is responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan. Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the directors' execution of their duties in designing and operating the Company's financial reporting process.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements and the Supplementary Schedules
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the supplementary schedules as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an independent auditor's report that includes our opinion. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements and the supplementary schedules.
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
As part of an audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Japan, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
-
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and the supplementary schedules, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment. In addition, we obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
-
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, while the purpose of the financial statement audit is not to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control.
-
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.
-
Conclude on the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial statements and the supplementary schedules or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
-
Evaluate whether the presentation and disclosures of the financial statements and the supplementary schedules are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan, the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements and the supplementary schedules, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements and the supplementary schedules represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with the Audit Committee regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit and other matters required by auditing standards.
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
Interest required to be disclosed by the Certified Public Accountants Act of Japan
Our firm and its designated engagement partners do not have any interest in the Company which is required to be disclosed pursuant to the provisions of the Certified Public Accountants Act of Japan.
- Notes to the Readers of Independent Auditor's Report
This is an English translation of the Independent Auditor's Report as required by the Companies Act of Japan for the conveniences of the reader. The original was prepared in Japanese. All possible care has been taken to ensure that the translation is an accurate representation of the original, however, in all matters of interpretation of information, views or opinions, the original language version of the report takes precedence over the translated version.
- 54 -
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
BALANCE SHEET
(As at 31 March 2025)
| Account | Amount
(In ¥ thousand) |
| --- | --- |
| ASSETS | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | 4,805,523 |
| Cash and deposits | 2,561,876 |
| Short term loans receivable | 704,647 |
| Current portion of long-term loans receivable | 1,812,777 |
| Other receivables | 151,815 |
| Income tax recoverable | 1,267 |
| Consumption taxes receivable | 2,696 |
| Others | 29,500 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (459,057) |
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 23,483,545 |
| Tangible fixed assets | 83 |
| Buildings | — |
| Equipment and tools | 83 |
| Intangible fixed assets | 975 |
| Software | 975 |
| Investments and other assets | 23,482,486 |
| Investment in stocks of affiliates | 19,652,052 |
| Long-term loans receivable | 6,163,189 |
| Long-term prepaid expense | 167,676 |
| Others | 104,068 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (2,604,500) |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 28,289,068 |
- 55 -
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
| Account | Amount
(In ¥ thousand) |
| --- | --- |
| LIABILITIES | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | 2,624,733 |
| Short term loans payable | 592,500 |
| Current portion of long-term loans payable | 1,875,083 |
| Other payables | 126,610 |
| Tax payable | 12,040 |
| Others | 18,498 |
| NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | 3,430,545 |
| Long term loans payable | 3,380,163 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 50,382 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 6,055,278 |
| NET ASSETS | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 22,234,579 |
| Share capital | 3,000,000 |
| Capital surplus | 17,896,921 |
| Capital reserve | 17,006,848 |
| Other capital surplus | 890,072 |
| Retained earnings | 1,337,658 |
| Other retained earnings | 1,337,658 |
| Retained earnings carried forward | 1,337,658 |
| Valuation and translation adjustment | (789) |
| Valuation difference on available-for-sale securities | (789) |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 22,233,790 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS | 28,289,068 |
(Note) The amounts stated above have been rounded down to the nearest ¥1,000.
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
(From 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025)
| Account | Amount
(In ¥ thousand) |
| --- | --- |
| Operating revenue | 812,848 |
| Operating expenses | (526,389) |
| Operating profit | 286,458 |
| Non-operating income | 317,712 |
| Interest income | 202,957 |
| Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts | 113,550 |
| Other non-operating income | 1,205 |
| Non-operating expenses | (192,796) |
| Interest expenses | (80,985) |
| Handling charge paid | (73,057) |
| Foreign exchange loss | (38,228) |
| Other non-operating expenses | (525) |
| Ordinary profit | 411,374 |
| Extraordinary loss | (421,319) |
| Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts | (421,319) |
| Loss before tax | (9,944) |
| Income tax refund/(expense) | 80,894 |
| Income tax — current | 79,492 |
| Income tax — deferred | 1,402 |
| Net Profit | 70,950 |
(Note) The amounts stated above have been rounded down to the nearest ¥1,000.
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
From 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
(In ¥ thousand)
| Item | Shareholder's equity | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | Capital surplus | Total capital reserve | Retained earnings | |||
| Capital reserve | Other capital reserve | Retained earnings carried forward | Total Shareholder's equity | |||
| Balance at beginning of year | 3,000,000 | 17,006,848 | 890,072 | 17,896,921 | 1,577,629 | 22,474,550 |
| Change during the year | ||||||
| Dividends paid (Note 2) | – | – | – | – | (310,921) | (310,921) |
| Net profit | – | – | – | – | 70,950 | 70,950 |
| Net change other than shareholder's equity | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Total change for the year | – | – | – | – | (239,970) | (239,970) |
| Balance at end of year | 3,000,000 | 17,006,848 | 890,072 | 17,896,921 | 1,337,658 | 22,234,579 |
| Item | Valuation and translation adjustments | Total of valuation and translation adjustments | Total Net Assets | |||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| Valuation on available-for-sale securities | ||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | 1,739 | 1,739 | 22,476,290 | |||
| Change during the year | ||||||
| Dividends paid (Note 2) | (310,921) | |||||
| Net profit | 70,950 | |||||
| Net change other than shareholder's equity | (2,529) | (2,529) | (2,529) | |||
| Total change for the year | (2,529) | (2,529) | 242,499 | |||
| Balance at end of year | (789) | (789) | 22,233,790 |
(Note)
- The amounts stated above have been rounded down to the nearest ¥1,000.
-
Dividends based on the resolution of the Board of Directors meeting held on 27 May 2024 and dividends based on the resolution of the Board of Directors meeting held on 25 November 2024.
-
58 -
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
NOTES TO NON-CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NOTES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(1) Valuation basis and method of assets
- Valuation basis and method of marketable securities
Investments in subsidiaries... moving average cost method
- Valuation basis and method of derivatives financial instruments
Using individual fair value method
(2) Depreciation method of fixed assets
- Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is calculated using declining-balance method.
However, depreciation of buildings (except leasehold improvement) and leasehold improvement which are acquired on or after 1 April 2016 are calculated using straight-line method.
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
| Buildings | 3 to 15 years |
|---|---|
| Equipment and tools | 3 years |
- Intangible fixed assets
Amortisation is calculated using straight-line method.
Software (for internal use) is amortized by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life (5 years).
- Long term prepaid expenses
Amortisation is calculated using straight-line method.
(3) Foreign currency translation for monetary assets and liabilities
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Japanese Yen using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions, foreign exchange differences are recognised as the profit or loss.
(4) Provision for doubtful accounts
In order to prepare for losses due to doubtful accounts, the general receivables are based on the actual bad debt rates, for specific receivables, such as bad debts, we have considered the possibility of individual recovery and have recorded the estimated uncollectible amount.
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
(5) Accounting standard for recognition of revenue and expenses
A subsidiary outsources service to the Company, and the revenue related to the outsourced service has performance obligations to provide the outsourced service based on the Subcontracting Agreement with the subsidiary. The Subcontracting Agreement is a transaction that fulfils performance obligations over a certain period of time, and revenue is recognised according to the progress of fulfilment of performance obligations.
(6) Other significant matters that constitute the basis for the preparation of financial statements
1. Accounting for hedging
(1) Hedge accounting
Deferred hedge accounting is used
For interest rate swaps transactions, where they meet all the specific criteria, they are recognised using specific accounting treatment.
(2) Hedge method and Hedge item
Hedge method ... Derivatives transactions (Interest rate swaps transactions)
Hedge item ... Interest rate of borrowings
(3) Hedge policy
To minimise the adverse effects of interest rate fluctuation, derivative contracts are arranged.
The Company entered into derivative contracts as a means of risk management of its assets and liabilities, and had no intention for speculative or trading purposes. Derivatives contracts will not be arranged if the company considered that may increase the market risk. Credit risk in relation to the derivative contracts will be considered during the selection process, as a result, market risk and credit risk of derivative contracts are insignificant.
2. NOTES RELATING TO ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Valuation of Investment in stocks of affiliates
- Amount recognised in financial statements for the current fiscal year
Investment in stocks of affiliates
¥19,652,052 thousand
- Other information that contributes to the understanding of contents of the accounting estimates
In assessing the Investment in stocks of affiliates, if the actual value shows a significant reduction due to the worsening of the financial condition of the issuing company, except the case that the recoverability is supported by sufficient evidence, it is reduced to the actual value and recognised as loss. The estimate may be affected by unpredictable changes in the business environment in the future. In the event of a change that significantly reduces the actual value of Investment in stocks of affiliates, it may have a significant impact on the amount of Investment in stocks of affiliates in the financial statements for the following fiscal year.
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
3. NOTES RELATING TO BALANCE SHEET
(1) Assets pledged as collateral
Immovable properties owned by Niraku Corporation and Nexia Inc., which are subsidiaries of the Company are provided as collateral.
(Corresponding debts)
Short term loans payable ¥592,500 thousand
Current portion of long-term loans payable ¥1,875,083 thousand
Long-term loans payable ¥3,380,163 thousand
Total ¥5,847,746 thousand
(2) Accumulated depreciation of tangible fixed assets
¥10,064 thousand
(3) Assets and liabilities with related companies
Short-term loans receivable ¥2,670,614 thousand
Long-term loans receivable ¥6,163,189 thousand
Short-term borrowings ¥33,390 thousand
4. NOTES RELATING TO PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
(1) Transactions with related parties
Operating transactions
Dividend income ¥740,250 thousand
Handling charge paid ¥64,814 thousand
Handling charge received ¥72,598 thousand
Non-operating transactions
Interest income ¥193,340 thousand
Rental income ¥1,175 thousand
Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 1) ¥113,550 thousand
Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 2) ¥421,319 thousand
(Note 1) Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts are made on long-term loans receivable and short-term loans receivable from related parties. The amount of loans repaid during the current fiscal year, from the loans for which the allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded, is recognised as the reversal of the allowance for doubtful accounts.
(Note 2) Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts are made on short-term loans receivable and other receivable from related parties.
(2) Extraordinary loss
Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 3) ¥421,319 thousand
(Note 3) Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts are made on short-term loans receivable and other receivable from related parties.
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
5. NOTES RELATING TO STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(1) Class and total number of shares in issue (Number of shares)
| Class of share | Number of shares at beginning of year | Increase in number of shares | Decrease in number of shares | Number of shares at end of year | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary shares | 1,195,850,460 | — | — | 1,195,850,460 |
(2) Types and number of treasury shares
Not applicable
(3) Matters related to dividends
(1) Dividend distribution
Matters relating to dividends by resolution of the Board of Directors on 1 June 2024
Total amount of dividends: ¥203,294 thousand
Dividend per share: ¥0.17
Cut-off date: 12 June 2024
Effective date: 12 July 2024
Matters relating to the dividends by resolution of the Board of Directors on 24 November 2024
Total amount of dividend: ¥107,626 thousand
Dividend per share: ¥0.09
Cue-off date: 9 December 2024
Effective date: 10 January 2025
(2) Dividend distribution in relation to current financial year which will be paid in next fiscal year
The following matters relating to dividends are proposed for the Board of Directors' meeting on 26 May 2025.
Total amount of dividends: ¥143,502 thousand
Dividend per share: ¥0.12
Cut-off date: 13 June 2025
Effective date: 15 July 2025
6. NOTES TO TAX EFFECT ACCOUNTING
(1) The major factors giving rise to deferred tax liabilities are fees paid in relation to syndicated loans.
(2) The Company has applied the Group Tax Sharing System. Accordingly, corporate, local corporate income taxes, and tax-effect accounting are accounted for and disclosed in accordance with "Practical Solution on the Accounting and Disclosure Under the Group Tax Sharing System" (PITF No. 42, 12 August 2021).
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
7. NOTES TO FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
1. Financial instruments
(1) Policy on purchase of financial instruments
The Group maintains sufficient cash flow to finance its capital investment in pachinko business. The Group's funding activities include investing temporary surplus in low-risk financial assets and bank borrowings for short-term working capital. For derivatives, interest rate swap contracts are entered to manage interest rate risk, which are not for the purpose of speculation.
(2) Details of financial instruments and related risk management
The Company is exposed to credit risk in relation to the loans receivable, which are mainly due from related companies. The Company frequently monitor the financial situation of the related companies in order to reduce credit risk.
Operating liabilities are payables and accrued expenses, and the amounts due are mainly within 1 year.
The Group's borrowings are for ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet capital expenditures of the Group. Some of these are in variable interest rates, therefore, they are exposed to the risk of interest rate fluctuation. However, they are hedged by using interest rate swap contracts.
Payables and borrowings under operating liabilities are exposed to liquidity risk. Finance department of the Group monthly prepares and updates the payables and borrowings data as a means of risk management.
(3) Supplementary information on fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of financial instruments is based on quoted market prices; where quoted market prices are not available, reasonable assumptions will be applied in the computation of fair value. Since variable factors are incorporated in the estimation, different assumptions are adopted when determining fair values.
Regarding the contracted price of derivatives transactions as mentioned in below "2. Fair value of financial instruments", the amount itself does not indicate the market risk associated with the derivative transaction.
2. Fair value of financial instruments
The difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of the financial instruments as at 31 March 2025 (closing date for the current year) are as follows.
"Cash and deposits", "Short-term loans receivable", "Other receivables", "Income taxes receivable", "Short-term loans borrowings" and "Income taxes payable" are not stated because their market values approximate to their book values as they are settled in a short period of time.
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
Stocks without market prices (Investment in stocks of affiliates amounted to ¥19,652,052 thousand) is not included in the following table:
| | | Balance sheet amount
(Note)
(In ¥ thousand) | Fair value
(Note)
(In ¥ thousand) | Difference
(In ¥ thousand) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| (1) | Long-term loans receivable
(including current portion of long-term loans receivable) | 7,975,966 | — | — |
| | Allowance for doubtful accounts | (2,951,409) | — | — |
| | | 5,024,556 | 5,024,556 | — |
| (2) | Long term borrowings (including current portion of long-term loans borrowings) | (5,255,246) | (5,252,937) | (2,309) |
| (3) | Derivatives | — | — | — |
(Note) Balances recorded as liabilities or Allowance for doubtful accounts are presented in ( ).
(1) Long-term loans receivable (including current portion of long-term loans receivable)
Loans receivable are arranged under floating rate. The carrying amounts approximate their fair values.
(2) Long term borrowings (including current portion of long-term loans borrowings)
Long term borrowings are arranged under floating rate. The carrying amounts approximate their fair values. However, the fair value of certain interest rate swaps subject to special treatment is the total amount of principal being treated together with the related interest swap, discounted by the reasonably estimated interest rate that would be applied if a similar borrowing were made.
(3) Derivatives
Those items given special treatment as interest rate swaps are treated together with long-term borrowings that are subject to hedging; therefore, their market values are presented together with the market value of the related long-term borrowings (refer to (2) above).
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
8. NOTES TO TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
(1) Subsidiary and related parties
| Category | Name of related party | Percentage of holding (being held) such as voting rights | Relationship with related parties | Description of the transaction | Transaction amount (In ¥ thousand) (Note 2) | Account | Ending balance as at the end of the year (In ¥ thousand) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidiary | Niraku Corporation | Direct ownership 100.0% | Common director Receiving services Financial support | Being the guarantor of bank borrowing of the Company (Note 3) | 4,710,636 | — | — |
| Lending of funds | 1,753,000 | Short term loans receivable | 592,500 | ||||
| Current portion of Long-term loans receivable | 1,465,867 | ||||||
| Interest income | 152,745 | Long-term loans receivable | 3,566,796 | ||||
| Handling charge | 64,814 | Other current assets | 9,481 | ||||
| Handling charge received | 68,400 | Other current liability | 7,033 | ||||
| Other receivables | 133,140 | ||||||
| Subsidiary | Dream Games Singapore Pte. Ltd. | Direct ownership 100.0% | Financial support | Lending of funds | 456,464 | Short term loans receivable (Note 6) | 112,147 |
| Loans recovery (Note 4) | 113,550 | Current portion of Long-term loans receivable (Note 6) | 346,909 | ||||
| Interest income | 40,595 | Long-term loans receivable (Note 6) | 892,694 | ||||
| Subsidiary | NGCH Hong Kong Limited | Direct ownership 100.0% | Financial support | Lending of funds | — | Long-term loans receivable (Note 7) | 394,759 |
| Handling Charge received | 2,758 | ||||||
| Subsidiary | Nexia Inc. | Direct ownership 100.0% | Renting of investment properties to a subsidiary | Being the guarantor of bank borrowing of the Company (Note 5) | 600,000 | — | — |
| Financial support | Being the guarantor of bank borrowing of the Company (Note 6) | 4,388,786 | — Other receivables | 9,161 | |||
| Subsidiary | NPJ Hong Kong Limited | Indirect ownership 51.0% | Common director Financial support | Lending of funds | — | Long-term loans receivable (Note 8) | 1,308,939 |
| Interest income | — | ||||||
| Subsidiary | NBI Holdings Co., Ltd. | Direct ownership 100.0% | Common director | Underwriting of capital increase | 400,000 | — | — |
(Note)
- Regarding the above amounts, the transaction amounts do not include consumption tax, while the year-end balances include consumption tax.
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
- Terms of transactions and policy in determining the terms of transactions.
Terms of transactions in relation to loans receivable are determined taking into account the market interest rate.
Price and other terms of transaction are determined upon price negotiation by presenting the price suggested by the Company considering the actual market conditions.
-
The Company has received the guarantee of liabilities and guarantee of deposit on the bank borrowings from Niraku Corporation, the transaction amount represents the balance of the liabilities of the Company at end of year. The Company has not paid any guarantee fees.
-
A total of ¥113,550 thousand was recorded as a gain on full reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts for loan collections.
-
The Company provides a guarantee for bank loans taken out by Nexia Inc., and the transaction amount indicates the outstanding debt balance of the company as of the end of the fiscal year under review. No guarantee fee is received.
-
The Company has received the guarantee of liabilities and guarantee of deposit on the bank borrowings from Nexia Inc., the transaction amount represents the balance of the liabilities of the Company at end of year. The Company has not paid any guaranteed fees.
-
The Company has recorded allowance for doubtful accounts on full amount of short-term loans receivable and Long-term loans receivable.
In the current fiscal year, a provision of allowance for doubtful accounts amounted ¥421,319 thousand was recorded.
-
The Company has recorded allowance for doubtful accounts on full amount of Long-term loans receivable.
-
The Company has recorded allowance for doubtful accounts on full amount of Long-term loans receivable.
-
The underwriting of the capital increase involved underwriting shares issued through a third-party allotment.
(2) Directors and major individual shareholders
| Category | Name of related party | Location | Capital or investment | Descriptions of business or occupation | Percentage of holding (being held) such as voting rights | Relationship with related parties | Description of the transaction | Transaction amount (In ¥ thousand) (Note 2) | Account | Ending balance as at the end of the year (In ¥ thousand) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company which directors and their close relatives substantially own majority of the voting rights (including subsidiaries of the Company) | NIRAKU USA Inc. | America | 9,000,000 USD | Gaming industry | Nil | Common director | ||||
| Receiving services | Handling charge | 18,782 | Other payables | 1.495 |
(Note)
-
Regarding the above amounts, the transaction amounts do not include consumption tax, while the year-end balances include consumption tax.
-
Terms of transactions and policy in determining the terms of transactions.
APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
Price and other terms of transaction are determined upon price negotiation by presenting the price suggested by the Company considering the actual market conditions.
9. NOTES TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION PER SHARE
Net assets per share
¥18.59
Net profit per share
¥0.06
10. NOTES TO REVENUE RECOGNITION
Basic information to understand revenue
It is as stated in “Accounting standard for recognition of revenue and expenses” under “NOTES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES”.
(1) Details of tangible fixed assets and intangible fixed assets (including investments and other assets which subject to amortisation)
(In ¥ thousand)
| Category | Classification of asset | Net book amount at beginning of year | Additions | Disposals | Depreciation/ amortisation | Net book amount at end of year | Accumulated depreciation/ amortisation | Cost at end of year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible fixed assets | Buildings | – | – | – | – | – | 9,733 | 9,733 |
| Equipment and tools | 167 | – | – | 83 | 83 | 331 | 415 | |
| Total | 167 | – | – | 83 | 83 | 10,064 | 10,148 | |
| Intangible fixed assets | Software | 1,275 | – | – | 300 | 975 | ||
| Investments and other assets | Long term prepaid expenses | 183,166 | 45,000 | – | 60,489 | 167,676 | – | – |
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APPENDIX IV
JGAAP AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
(2) Details of Allowance for doubtful accounts
| Category | Amount at beginning of year | Increase | Decrease Use for purpose | Amount at end of year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | 2,764,983 | 412,123 | — | 113,550 | 3,063,557 |
(Note) Other decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts is due to the reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts in collection of Loans receivable.
(3) Details of administrative and other operating expenses
| Account | Amount (In ¥ thousand) |
|---|---|
| Directors' remuneration | 100,986 |
| Salaries and allowances | 34,648 |
| Legal welfare expense | 7,078 |
| Recruitment expense | 17,850 |
| Rental expense | 16,227 |
| Insurance expense | 2,984 |
| Handling expenses | 267,007 |
| Travelling and transportation | 5,710 |
| Advertising expenses | 42,150 |
| Taxes and public charges | 10,010 |
| Entertainment | 3,858 |
| Membership fees | 3,368 |
| Maintenance fees | 11,457 |
| Others | 3,051 |
| Total | 526,389 |
(Note) The amounts stated above have been rounded down to the nearest ¥1,000.
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APPENDIX V
AUDIT COMMITTEE'S AUDIT REPORT
The following is an English translation of the Audit Committee's report for the year ended 31 March 2025 prepared pursuant to and in accordance with the Japan Companies Act.
CERTIFIED COPY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE'S REPORT
(TRANSLATION)
AUDIT REPORT
The Audit Committee has conducted audits of the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company with regard to their performance of duties during the 13th fiscal year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. A report covering the findings of the audit follows.
1. METHOD AND CONTENTS OF AUDIT
The Company's Audit Committee monitored and examined the content of resolutions of the Board of Directors related to matters set forth in Article 416, Paragraph 1, Item 1(b) and (e) of the Companies Act, as well as the structure and operational status of the Company's internal control system as set forth in the aforementioned resolutions. To this end, the Audit Committee received yearly reports from Directors, Executive Officers and employees regarding the content of the above resolutions, and where necessary, sought explanations and voiced opinions on these matters, as well as performed the audit by the following methods:
(i) In accordance with policies and task allocation established by Audit Committee and in collaboration with the divisions in charge of internal control, the Audit Committee attended important meetings, received reports from Directors and Executive Officers in a relation to their performance of duties, sought explanations where necessary, perused key documents such as financial statements, and conducted appropriate surveys of the status of business operations and assets at the Company's head office and other offices. The Audit Committee received business reports from subsidiaries as necessary, through communication and information sharing with the Directors and Corporate Auditors of the subsidiaries.
(ii) The Audit Committee monitored and verified whether the Accounting Auditors maintained its independence and properly conducted its audit, received a report from the Accounting Auditors on the status of their performance of duties, and requested explanations as necessary. The Audit Committee was notified by the Accounting Auditors that it had established a "system to ensure that the performance of the duties of the Accounting Auditors was properly conducted" (the matters listed in the items of Article 131 of the Ordinance on Company Accounting) in accordance with the "Quality Control Standards for Audits" (Business Accounting Council on 28 October 2005), and requested explanations as necessary.
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APPENDIX V
AUDIT COMMITTEE'S AUDIT REPORT
Based on the above-described methods, the Audit Committee examined the Business Report and its accompanying supplementary schedules, the Financial Statements (balance sheet, statement of income, statement of changes in equity, and notes to financial statements) and their accompanying supplementary schedules for the fiscal year under consideration.
2. RESULTS OF AUDIT
(1) Results of Audit of Business Report
(i) We acknowledge that the Business Report and the accompanying supplementary schedules fairly present the status of the Company in conformity with the applicable laws, regulations, and the Articles of Incorporation.
(ii) We acknowledge that no misconduct or material fact constituting a violation of laws, regulations, or the Articles of Incorporation was found with respect to the Directors and Executive Officers' performance of their duties.
(iii) We acknowledge that the Board of Directors' resolutions with respect to the internal control systems are appropriate. We did not find any matter requiring additional comment in the Business Report or the Directors and Executive Officers' performance of their duties concerning the internal control systems.
(2) Results of Audit of the Financial Statements and the Accompanying Supplementary Schedules
We acknowledge that the methods and results of audit performed by the Accounting Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata LLC are appropriate.
26 May 2025
Audit Committee of Niraku GC Holdings, Inc.*
(株式会社ニラク・ジー・シー・ホールディングス)
Member of Audit Committee
Mr. Michio Minakata (Seal)
Member of Audit Committee
Mr. Hiroshi Bannai (Seal)
Member of Audit Committee
Mr. Yoshihiro Koizumi (Seal)
Note: Mr. Michio Minakata and Mr. Yoshihiro Koizumi of audit committee are outside directors as prescribed under Article 2, Item 15 and Article 400, Paragraph 3 of the Companies Act.