The SaaS Source: January 2026

This month’s roundup covers the latest innovations and developments from Japan’s SaaS industry including strong financial results from a market leader, a new Patient Success platform for the pharmaceutical industry and the entry of a global maritime SaaS provider into the Japanese market.

Oishi Kenko Launches Patient Success Program SaaS

PR Times reported (in Japanese) that Oishi Kenko Inc., a healthcare startup known for its AI-powered nutrition app, launched a new SaaS offering on January 15: the Patient Success Program (PSP). This platform is designed specifically for pharmaceutical and medical device companies to support patients during their treatment journeys.

The PSP allows pharmaceutical clients to offer a customized digital companion to patients, helping them manage diet, medication adherence and vital records via a smartphone app. By adopting a SaaS model, Oishi Kenko provides a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional patient support programs, enabling pharmaceutical companies to gather real-world data and improve treatment outcomes for chronic and rare diseases.

Supwat Raise ¥200 Million for Manufacturing DX

The SaaS News reported that Supwat, a Tokyo-based startup focused on manufacturing digital transformation, raised approximately ¥200 million in a Pre-Series A funding round on January 12. The investment was led by the Inspire Mutualistic Symbiosis Fund 1.

Supwat developed Wall, a SaaS platform that streamlines the research and development process for manufacturers. By utilizing AI to retain and analyze experimental data, Wall helps engineers reduce repetitive testing and accelerate product innovation. The new funds will be used to enhance the platform’s functionality and strengthen the company’s organizational structure as it aims to modernize Japan’s industrial sector.

Sansan Reports Q2 Growth and Maintains Market Leadership

PR Times reported (in Japanese) that Sansan, Inc. released its financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending May 2026 on January 14. The company posted strong revenue numbers of ¥13.1 billion for the quarter, reflecting the continued adoption of its digital transformation solutions.

Just a day prior, on January 13, Sansan announced that it had secured the top share in the corporate business card management service market for the 13th consecutive year, holding an 85.8% market share according to a survey by Seed Planning. This dominance underscores the company’s successful transition from simple contact management to a comprehensive business database essential for corporate DX in Japan.

OrbitMI Expands to Japan with New Leadership

Marine Link reported that OrbitMI, a global provider of maritime software, announced its official expansion into the Japanese market on January 13. To spearhead this growth, the company appointed Kazuo Yamashita as its Business Development Partner for Japan.

OrbitMI offers a cloud-based voyage optimization platform that helps shipowners and operators improve performance, reduce emissions and ensure regulatory compliance. With Japan controlling one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, the company aims to support local operators in navigating complex new environmental regulations, such as the EU ETS (European Union Emissions Trading System) and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator), through its unified data dashboard and machine learning capabilities.