Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent A-round financing of Japanese cross-border e-commerce company "CAGUUU" (Kagu E-commerce), highlighting the notable investors involved, including prominent figures like Zhu Xiaohu and Japanese football star Keisuke Honda. The focus is on the potential of leveraging Chinese supply chains to penetrate the Japanese furniture market, while also addressing the challenges that come with it. Group 1: Financing and Investment - CAGUUU recently completed A-round financing amounting to 650 million yen (approximately 30 million RMB), with Zhu Xiaohu and Honda's X&KSK fund as lead investors [1][2]. - The company has raised a total of 950 million yen (approximately 44 million RMB) across two rounds of financing since its inception [6]. Group 2: Market Strategy and Challenges - CAGUUU aims to integrate Chinese supply chain resources to sell high-cost performance furniture products in Japan, but faces significant challenges due to the established presence of competitors like NITORI and IKEA [6][7]. - The furniture industry has higher logistical and after-sales service demands compared to fast-moving consumer goods, necessitating a shift in market strategy for CAGUUU [2][6]. Group 3: Role of Investors - Keisuke Honda's involvement is expected to enhance the brand's visibility and credibility in Japan, as he will serve as a brand ambassador for CAGUUU [11][12]. - Honda's X&KSK fund has raised approximately 15.5 billion yen, targeting investments in around 30 Japanese startups, indicating a strategic focus on fostering local entrepreneurship [10][11]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The Japanese market is described as closed and challenging for foreign companies, with a need for products that resonate with local culture and consumer preferences [3][4]. - CAGUUU's strategy includes offering a wide range of products, with over 2,500 items listed on its platform, aiming to establish a competitive edge through product variety and cost efficiency [7].

Core Viewpoint - The investment logic of Chinese VC in Japan is fundamentally an investment in China, leveraging the potential of Chinese supply chains to penetrate the Japanese market [12]. Group 1: Investment Highlights - The recent A-round financing of Japanese furniture cross-border e-commerce platform "CAGUUU" (卡谷电商) raised 650 million yen (approximately 30 million RMB), with notable investors including Zhu Xiaohu and Japanese football star Keisuke Honda [2][7]. - CAGUUU aims to integrate Chinese supply chain resources with Japanese branding to tap into the Japanese furniture market, a strategy led by founder Liu Sanyong, who previously expanded SHEIN in Japan [2][6]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The furniture industry presents higher barriers compared to the fashion sector, including logistics, after-sales service, and brand trust, necessitating a strategic adjustment for CAGUUU [3][7]. - Established competitors like NITORI and IKEA dominate the Japanese market, requiring CAGUUU to find a precise market positioning to succeed [3][7]. Group 3: Operational Strategy - CAGUUU's business model focuses on selling high-cost performance furniture products through cross-border e-commerce, with over 2,500 products listed and nearly 30,000 SKUs covering various furniture categories [8]. - The company plans to utilize the recent funding for service upgrades, recognizing the importance of establishing an efficient local warehousing and after-sales network in Japan [8]. Group 4: Celebrity Influence - Keisuke Honda's involvement as a brand ambassador for CAGUUU is expected to enhance brand visibility, although the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in the Japanese market remains uncertain [12]. - Honda's X&KSK fund, which raised approximately 15.5 billion yen, aims to support Japanese startups, indicating a growing interest in fostering local entrepreneurial ventures [11].