Promoting the New Normal and the Implementation of the Circular Economy Globally
quantum Inc. (a Hakuhodo Group company, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kazuhiko Kawashita;hereinafter “quantum”) and hide kasuga 1896 Co., Ltd. (a hide kasuga Group company, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideyuki Kasuga; hereinafter “hide kasuga 1896”) entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement on October 1, 2025, to promote new lifestyles that support a circular society and spread the circular economy worldwide.
In conjunction with the signing of this agreement, Kazuhiko Kawashita, Representative Director of quantum Inc., has joined "hide kasuga & PARTNERS," the creative firm led by Hideyuki Kasuga, as a partner. This move will further accelerate our efforts to combine the creative and marketing strengths of both companies.
Background and Purpose of the Agreement
The hide kasuga Group markets the eco-friendly material "TRANSWOOD®" and the lifestyle brand "hide k1896®," and is actively working toward the realization of a circular economy. The group also advocates for a new lifestyle concept called "Reiwa Modernism®" and is dedicated to promoting culture and customs rooted in a circular society.
quantum is a startup studio that leverages its creativity-driven incubation capabilities to support new business development, venture creation, and growth. By combining the diverse talent gathered at the studio with the Hakuhodo Group’s expertise in marketing and communications and its global network, we have driven business creation and marketing initiatives across a wide range of industries, regardless of sector.
The purpose of this comprehensive partnership agreement is for both companies to pool their respective strengths to create systems and a culture that support a circular society, and to accelerate the societal implementation of a "circular economy centered on environmentally harmonious brands."
Reiwa Modernism®
“Reiwa Modernism®” is a new lifestyle rooted in Japan that blends the old with the new.
We believe it is essential for Japan to strive toward a society where a rich culture is nurtured and diverse talent thrives, based on a circular economy. To achieve this, we are advocating for a new lifestyle unique to Japan by fusing the wisdom and systems of the traditional circular economy with Japan’s engineering and chemical materials technologies, traditional culture, aesthetic sensibilities, and innovative talent development systems.
This philosophy is also outlined in the academic article by Hideyuki Kasuga, “The Dawn of Reiwa Modernism: A ‘Circular Economy’ Incorporating Sensibility” (Sensory Engineering, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2021). https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kansei/19/1/19_23/_article/-char/ja
Key Areas of Collaboration
1. Brand portfolio operated by hide kasuga 1896
Development and operational enhancement of "hide k 1896®" and "TRANSWOOD®"
2. Product and Content Development
Creating products and experiential value by combining the creativity of both companies
3. Branding and Marketing Activities
Brand strategies and market expansion leveraging the combined global networks of both companies
4. PR & Digital Marketing
Comprehensive communication strategies leveraging quantum’s expertise in marketing and communications
Comments from the Representatives of Both Companies
Kazuhiko Kawashita, Representative Director, Quantum Co., Ltd.
"It is said that the world's population, which stood at around 1.6 billion until the early 20th century, surpassed 8.2 billion this year (2025).Amid global concerns over resource depletion and massive waste disposal, we at quantum—a startup studio that has been dedicated to creating and promoting new businesses—resonate deeply with the philosophy and activities of the hide kasuga group. Leveraging the Hakuhodo Group’s creativity and extensive domestic and international networks, we will work together to realize a circular society.”
hide kasuga 1896 Co., Ltd. Representative Director: Hideyuki Kasuga
"To accelerate the implementation of the circular economy, the hide kasuga Group will leverage the global creativity and marketing capabilities of the Hakuhodo Group—including quantum—to enhance the value of our products while expanding their reach. Together, we will shape a new circular lifestyle, 'Reiwa Modernism®,' and rebuild Japan as a culturally rich and creative nation."
Future Outlook
Through this agreement, the two companies will comprehensively advance initiatives ranging from product development and brand strategy to PR and marketing activities, as well as policy advocacy and educational initiatives. In doing so, they will expand a Japanese-originated circular economy model globally and build a new foundation for realizing a sustainable society.
About Us
Quantum, Inc.
Address: Akasaka Biz Tower, 23F, 5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Kazuhiko Kawashita, Representative Director
Business Activities: Support for new business development, startup formation and hands-on growth investment,
Design & engineering support, and more
URL: https://quantum.ne.jp/
Hide Kasuga Co., Ltd. 1896
Address: 2F Terasawa Building, 1-7-17 Motoakasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Hideyuki Kasuga, Representative Director
Business Activities: Operation of the eco-friendly brands "hide k 1896" and "TRANSWOOD®," the creative firm "hide kasuga & PARTNERS," as well as development of eco-friendly materials and marketing support
URL: https://hk1896.com/
Contact Information
- Quantum, Inc.
Public Relations: Kimura, Ogata, Hayashi
TEL: 03-6441-7203
Email: info@quantum.ne.jp
- Hide Kasuga Co., Ltd. 1896
Public Relations Officer: Kaneko
TEL: 03-6432-9024
Email: contact@hk1896.com
