TryHard Holdings makes history as first Japanese entertainment company to list on NASDAQ

TryHard Holdings Limited has officially gone public on NASDAQ, marking a historic milestone for Japan’s entertainment industry.

As the first Japanese entertainment company to be listed on the U.S. exchange, the move represents a defining moment not only for TryHard itself, but also for the growing international recognition of Japan’s nightlife and cultural scene.

Founded in Osaka in 2013, TryHard Holdings has grown into one of Japan’s most influential entertainment groups.

Currently, the company operates 22 nightclubs nationwide and produces some of the country’s most recognizable festivals and cultural events, including MUSIC CIRCUS and the Senshu Dream Fireworks Festival.

The NASDAQ listing signals TryHard’s ambition to expand beyond domestic success and position Japanese entertainment on a global stage.

Choosing to go public in the United States reflects a core belief that entertainment transcends borders. By listing on NASDAQ, TryHard aims to strengthen its global brand, attract international partners, and accelerate plans to export its event formats worldwide.

At the heart of TryHard’s journey is a deeply personal story. The company’s founder, Rakuyo Otsuki, moved to Japan from Sichuan, China, at just 19 years old to pursue his studies, supporting himself through multiple part-time jobs after the loss of his father.

From working in ramen shops and construction sites, Otsuki went on to open Giraffe Osaka in 2010, a venue that helped reshape Japan’s nightclub culture through innovation, scale, and a strong focus on hospitality.

Innovation has remained a constant throughout the company’s growth.

In 2014, TryHard launched MUSIC CIRCUS, which quickly became one of Japan’s most prominent dance music festivals, drawing over 10,000 attendees in its first year. The brand later reached new heights through its partnership with the SoftBank Hawks, hosting MUSIC CIRCUS FUKUOKA at Fukuoka PayPay Dome, which was Japan’s first all-night dome festival.

Beyond nightlife, TryHard has expanded into regional revitalization, using entertainment as a bridge between local communities and global audiences. Its collaboration with SBI Holdings transformed the Senshu Dream Fireworks Festival into SBI Mai Fireworks, a traveling entertainment brand that blends traditional Japanese artistry with contemporary show production.

Additional partnerships with JTB, NEXYZ.Group, and Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd. have further positioned TryHard as a key player in shaping Japan’s cultural tourism landscape.

Through initiatives like the DJ-1 Project, the company has also invested in the next generation of talent, providing young DJs across Japan with platforms and support to pursue international careers.

After 12 years of growth, resilience, and belief in the power of entertainment, the NASDAQ listing marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning as TryHard sets its sights on the world while staying rooted in its mission to create moments of joy, inspiration, and connection through entertainment.