Manila: Japanese leisure services firm Koshidaka Holdings Co. Ltd. is set to invest PHP2.5 billion in the Philippines, with its first store scheduled to open this year, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque announced. In a virtual briefing, Roque highlighted Koshidaka's aggressive expansion plans in the country, which include introducing its karaoke business, onsen-style spas, and women-focused fitness studios in Philippine malls.

According to Philippines News Agency, Koshidaka is actively scouting for 30 locations to establish its business before expanding to 100 sites nationwide. The company was among 13 firms and organizations that Roque engaged with during her recent visit to Tokyo, a follow-up to the DTI's investment missions in Japan. Other firms in the discussion included Nidec Corp., Ibiden Co., Ltd., Etoile Kaito and Co., Inc., Adastria Co., Ltd., Sumitomo, Fujifilm Holdings Corp., Chodai Co., Ltd., Taiheiyo Cement Corp., Fast Retailing, JR East, and Keizai Doyukai and Keidanren.

Roque shared insights into the discussions, emphasizing the plans for expansion and growth in the Philippines. Koshidaka had previously announced the establishment of a Philippine subsidiary aimed at offering a new style of karaoke entertainment. The expansion in the Philippines is part of Koshidaka's Southeast Asia growth strategy, leveraging the country's large market and economic development.

Koshidaka aims to introduce entertainment facilities along with gyms focused on women and Japanese onsen in malls or other strategic locations. Roque mentioned that Koshidaka would be exploring different locations in the first quarter of this year. The company, which operates more than 600 outlets in Japan, is known for its karaoke chain Karaoke Manekineko, One Kara for solo singers, and its bathhouse business Maneki no Yu.