Global Connection

What Global Connection does

Global Connection is a privately held Japanese company founded in 2009 and headquartered in Wako, Saitama, operating a diversified portfolio across three principal segments: vending-machine retail technology, communication services, and sports goods retail. In vending-machine retail technology the company builds and deploys Filmlabo, Japan's first fully automated AI-assisted iPhone screen protector applicator (90-second operation, launched August 2024), and MyCaseLabo, a UV-print custom iPhone case kiosk using EPSON i1600U1 print heads with AI-driven background removal and illustration-style conversion (launched June 2025). Both units accept cashless payment and operate in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, and are placed at partner commercial facilities such as shopping malls, electronics retailers, airports, and tourist sites.

The communication services segment includes Shigoto no WiFi, a B2B rental WiFi service running on the Rakuten Mobile network with three tiered data plans (¥1,800-¥2,600/month excluding tax), a 24-month minimum contract, and GPS-based location tracking and speed management add-ons; soranome, a NTT docomo 4G/LTE GPS child-monitoring service developed with Fuji Soft; DR SIM, a dedicated 4G LTE SIM for JVCKENWOOD dashcams; and the AJC prepaid SIM brand for inbound tourists. Revenue mechanics span subscription (WiFi rental, GPS), transaction fees (vending machines), and hardware sales (BEST SPORTS retail).

The sports retail segment operates the BEST SPORTS brand across a Kanda Akihabara physical store, the bestsports.jp e-commerce site, and Amazon/Rakuten/Yahoo marketplace listings. Proprietary product lines include Kronos kick scooters, TOMBEE laser golf rangefinders (launched April 2025), AIRLOOP SNAP 3-in-1 wireless earbuds (patent-protected PCT/CN2018/121783), and the synaps mobile-accessory brand; the company also distributes Korean snow/surf apparel brand KELLAN and folding-bicycle brands DAHON and Tern in Japan. The O₃PREMIUM low-concentration ozone generator, deployed in roughly 1,000+ Japanese emergency vehicles with a TAIS welfare-equipment code (01923-000001), is sold, financed, or rented to commercial facilities. As of company-profile disclosure, the company has 24 employees (including part-time and side-job staff).

Name

Global Connection

Legal name

株式会社グローバルコネクション

Website

https://globalconnexion.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Global Connection (株式会社グローバルコネクション) is a Japanese private company operating AI-powered vending machines (Filmlabo, MyCaseLabo), B2B/tourist communication services (Shigoto no WiFi, DR SIM, soranome, AJC), and the BEST SPORTS multi-brand sports retail platform, serving enterprise, government, and consumer customers across Japan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diversified Consumer Technology, Telecom Services, and Vending Machine Solutions

NAICS

Telecommunications Resellers (517121)

SIC

Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065)

akta.pro primary industry

Fitness Equipment & Performance Accessories Retail (CRAMABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outdoor Navigation, Safety & Survival Gear Retail (CRAMAAAE), Wearables & Personal Electronics Distribution (CRAOACAI), Spare Parts & Replacement Components Retail (Batteries, Screens, Chargers) (CRACAJAG), Fitness Trackers (CRACAIAB)

Keywords

• Automated vending machines
• Rental wifi services
• Sports goods retail
• Mobile telecommunications
• Ozone air purification

Headquarters

HQ city

Wako

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vending Machine Products and Placement: Operates and places automated vending machines for iPhone screen protector application (Filmlabo) and personalized iPhone case printing (MyCaseLabo). Revenue from film/case sales per transaction. Placement partners provide location; Global Connection handles all restocking and consumables.
2. Corporate WiFi Rental (シゴトのWiFi): Monthly rental of WiFi routers with bundled data plans for corporate employees. Three tiers (30GB/50GB/100GB) at ¥1,800-2,600/month plus registration fee and optional GPS/location tracking add-ons. 24-month minimum contract. Recurring subscription model with enterprise billing.
3. SIM Card Services: Provides prepaid SIM for visitors to Japan (AJC brand), dashcam SIM service (DR SIM), and GPS SIM services. One-time prepaid and monthly subscription options.
4. Sports Goods Retail: Operates BEST SPORTS retail stores and online stores (BESTSPORTS e-commerce). Sells folding bicycles (DAHON, Tern, FUJI, BRUNO), snowboarding wear (KELLAN), golf gear, kick scooters (Kronos), wireless earbuds (AIRLOOP), golf rangefinders (TOMBEE), and accessories. Revenue from product sales through physical retail, own e-commerce, and marketplace platforms (Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo).
5. Digital Marketing Services: Provides web development, UI/UX design, platform construction, content production, and digital marketing execution support as an integrated solution for clients.
6. Smart Accessories and OEM Products: Imports and sells smartphone accessories (cases, cables, batteries, etc.) and OEM mobile accessories through e-commerce in Japan. Revenue from product sales.
7. Ozone Generator Sales and Rental: Sells or rents O₃PREMIUM ozone air purifiers to commercial facilities (hotels, hospitals, stations, nurseries) and consumers. One-time purchase (¥204,600), installment (12 months ¥17,050/mo), or rental (¥11,000/mo, 24-month minimum).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Global Connection operates a diversified portfolio of AI-powered automated retail vending machines (Filmlabo for iPhone screen protectors and MyCaseLabo for custom UV-printed iPhone cases), corporate and consumer telecommunications services including business WiFi rental and GPS tracking, sports goods retail under the BEST SPORTS brand, proprietary consumer electronics (AIRLOOP SNAP earbuds, TOMBEE golf rangefinders, Kronos scooters), OEM mobile accessory distribution, the O3PREMIUM ozone air sterilization system, and digital marketing services. The company develops and places its own vending machine hardware, runs a registered telecommunications carrier business, and imports/exports consumer products to and from Asian markets.

Product overview

Global Connection (株式会社グローバルコネクション) operates a diversified portfolio of products and services across three main segments: (1) vending machines and retail technology — most notably フィルラボ (automated iPhone screen protector vending machines) and MyCaseLabo (custom iPhone case UV-printing vending machines), both using AI-powered image processing; (2) communication services — including シゴトのWiFi (business rental WiFi via Rakuten Mobile), soranome (NTT docomo-based GPS child monitoring), DR SIM (dashcam SIM for JVCKENWOOD), AJC prepaid SIM for inbound tourists, and Bee-Fi (domestic/overseas WiFi rental); and (3) sports goods retail via BEST SPORTS, encompassing imported brands (KELLAN snowboard/surf apparel, DAHON/Tern/FUJI folding bikes), proprietary brands (Kronos kick scooters, TOMBEE golf laser rangefinders, AIRLOOP wireless earbuds, synaps mobile accessories), and OEM mobile accessory importing. The company also provides digital marketing and communication network services, and distributes the O₃PREMIUM ozone air purification device. Founded in 2009, headquartered in Wako, Saitama, with 24 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Shigoto no WiFi (シゴトのWiFi) Business-focused rental WiFi service using Rakuten Mobile's network, offering three monthly data plans (30GB/50GB/100GB) with optional GPS location tracking and speed management features. Minimum 24-month contract, invoice billing, and dedicated sales support. Designed for Japanese corporations needing employee device provision for remote work, business trips, and fleet management.
• soranome (ソラノメ) GPS-based child and family monitoring service using a dedicated Pocket GPS terminal with NTT docomo 4G/LTE connectivity. Features school arrival notifications, SOS button, 168-hour (1-week) battery life, and IP55 waterproof/dustproof rating. Allows guardians to track location of children, elderly, and pets via mobile app.
• DR SIM service (ドライブレコーダーSIMサービス) Dedicated 4G LTE SIM card service providing data connectivity for JVCKENWOOD dashcameras (DJ6 series) to support the parking monitoring feature via the connectDR smartphone app. Plans: 1GB/month (¥470/month, ¥5,808/year) and 2GB/month (¥670/month, ¥7,680/year) with data top-up options.
• MyCaseLabo (マイケースラボ) Fully automated custom iPhone case vending machine that accepts image uploads via QR code, applies AI-powered background removal and illustration-style conversion, and produces a UV-printed custom TPU case in approximately 3 minutes. Multi-language (Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean) interface and cashless payment support. Targets tourist sites, shopping malls, live venues, and pet shops. On-board inventory supports up to 770 cases.
• Filmlabo (フィルラボ) Japan's first fully automatic iPhone screen protector application machine. Uses AI to clean the iPhone display and apply a glass protector film (high-transparent, privacy/anti-peek, or anti-glare) in approximately 90 seconds with zero bubbles and zero alignment errors. Supports iPhone X series and later (excluding SE and mini). Cashless payment (credit cards, PayPay) supported.
• AJC (全日本通信) prepaid SIM card Prepaid data-only SIM card for visitors to Japan, available in 1GB/8-day, 2GB/8-day, and 215MB/day × 7-day plans. Operates on 4G/LTE networks. No contract, cancellation, or SIM return required. Popular with inbound tourists. Brand also known as All Japan Communications.
• Bee-Fi (ビーファイ) Mobile WiFi rental service for use within Japan and overseas. Targets travelers, business trips, hospitalized patients, and training seminars. Available for short-term rental periods.
• O3PREMIUM ozone generator Low-concentration plasma ozone generator for space sterilization and deodorization. Covers 6-30 tatami rooms (approx. 10-50 sqm). Features human motion sensor for auto shut-off, 12W power consumption (~¥5.7/day electricity), 10-50mg/h ozone output, washable ozone element, and 24-hour continuous operation. Adopted by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs Fire Agency for approximately 1,000+ emergency vehicles. Available for purchase (¥204,600), 12-month installment (¥17,050/month), or 24-month rental (¥11,000/month). Holds TAIS code 01923-000001.
• Kronos (クロノス) kick scooters and kids mobility products Original kick scooter brand targeting children and adults. Product line includes Premium Scooter (foldable with adjustable handlebars, shoulder strap, ¥5,940), Comfort Scooter (large wheels with rear suspension, ¥8,910), Kids Skateboard 28-inch (¥5,480), Kids Helmet (¥4,400), and Protector Set (¥1,650). CE, EN1078, CPSC, 16FR1203 certified.
• TOMBEE (トンビ) golf laser rangefinders Golf gear brand with TOMBEE mini (compact ~120g, 6x magnification, 5-1,000 yard range, pin finder with vibration alert, slope correction, built-in magnet) and TOMBEE master (OLED display, IPX4 waterproof, competition mode). Sold through BEST SPORTS online store, Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, and Amazon.
• AIRLOOP SNAP 3-in-1 wireless earbuds 3-in-1 waterproof wireless earphone system with three wearing modes (fully wireless, sports band, neckband) using patented AIRLOOP Link/Hook magnetic technology (PCT/CN2018/121783). Up to 102 hours total battery life (10h earbuds + 80h case), IPX7 waterproof, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX/AAC/SBC codec support, 6mm graphene drivers. Retails at ¥18,000 (tax excluded).
• BEST SPORTS sports goods retail platform Multi-channel sports goods retail platform operated by Global Connection. Includes an e-commerce flagship store (bestsports.jp), physical retail stores (Kanda Akihabara as of 2021), and presence on Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo Shopping. Product categories include folding bikes (DAHON, Tern, FUJI, BRUNO), winter sportswear (KELLAN), golf gear, kick scooters, and wireless earbuds.
• KELLAN (ケラン) snowboard and surf apparel Korean-origin snowboard and lifestyle sports apparel brand distributed in Japan exclusively through Global Connection. Product lines include winter snowboard wear (jackets, pants), summer surf wear (rash guards, board shorts, leggings), and streetwear. Uses waterproof/breathable ATT material (20,000mm water resistance, 10,000g/m² breathability).
• synaps mobile accessories Mobile accessories brand operated by Global Connection since 2011 in partnership with US-based ETC. Product line includes smartphone batteries, USB cables, and the synaps SMART POWER portable battery (2,200mAh, triple USB cable, 220g). Global Connection holds exclusive import and sales rights for Japan. Distributed through electronics retailers, airports, and e-commerce.
• OEM Products / mobile accessory importing Original equipment manufacturing and product importing services for smartphone accessories including cases, mobile batteries, and USB cables. Global Connection acts as an intermediary, importing unique mobile accessories from manufacturers and distributing through Japanese internet shops and retail channels.
• Digital Marketing Services Digital marketing services including platform development and implementation, web solution services (planning, content creation, site construction, SEO/visitor acquisition), and UI/UX design. Offered as a one-stop solution covering the full digital marketing workflow from planning through execution support.
• Communication Network Services Communication network services umbrella covering WiFi rental, GPS-based child monitoring, and prepaid SIM cards for international visitors to Japan. Includes domestic and international WiFi hotspots, GPS devices for child/elderly/pet tracking, and prepaid SIM solutions for tourists and short-term visitors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Filmlabo completes iPhone screen protector application in 90 seconds with zero bubbles and zero alignment errors
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Yodobashi Camera (ヨドバシカメラ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBEST SPORTS products distributed through Yodobashi Camera retail locations. Nature of partnership appears as brand partner/logo display on company partnership page.
• Bic Camera (ビックカメラ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBEST SPORTS products distributed through Bic Camera retail locations.
• Daimaru Matsuzakiya (大丸松坂屋)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBEST SPORTS operated within Daimaru Matsuzakiya department stores (大丸梅田店, previously operated).
• Konami Sports Club (コナミスポーツクラブ)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company website partnership page.
• Megalos (メガロス)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company website partnership page.
• JVCKENWOOD (株式会社JVCケンウッド)coreTechnology or IntegrationDR SIM service provided in partnership with JVCKENWOOD for DJ6 series dashcam 'connectDR' app parking monitoring service. Global Connection provides 4G LTE SIM enabling the service.
• DAHONcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDAHON authorized dealer and key brand partner for folding bicycles. BEST SPORTS Kanda Akihabara operates as DAHON authorized dealer. Multiple years of partnership.
• TerncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTern premium dealer and key brand partner. BEST SPORTS operates as Tern premium dealer for folding bicycles.
• FUJIminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapanese sports bicycle brand carried at BEST SPORTS retail locations.
• BRUNOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMinivelo bicycle brand carried at BEST SPORTS.
• adidasminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• le coq sportifminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• DESCENTE GOLFminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• MunsingwearminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• TitleistminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• TaylorMademinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• Callaway GolfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• ShimanominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• Under ArmourminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• GoldwinminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• Mont-bellminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as brand partner on company partnership page.
• Rakuten Mobile (楽天モバイル)coreTechnology or IntegrationシゴトのWiFi uses Rakuten Mobile network for corporate WiFi rental service. Key network infrastructure partner for telecom services division.
• Sony Network Communications Smart Platform (ソニーネットワークコミュニケーションズスマートプラットフォーム)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides SIM service for soranome GPS child monitoring service. NTT DOCOMO 4G/LTE network used.
• Sagawa Global Logistics (佐川グローバルロジスティクス)minorOthersOperates Yashio Logistics Center (八潮物流センター) for e-commerce fulfillment and logistics operations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sanwa Supply: Japanese computer peripherals and accessories company (cables, adapters, smartphone accessories). Comparable to Global Connection's synaps mobile accessories brand and OEM import business — both distribute Asian-manufactured consumer electronics accessories through Japanese e-commerce and retail channels.
• Elecom: Japanese consumer electronics accessories company (computer peripherals, cables, chargers, mobile accessories) with similar OEM import and distribution model. Comparable to Global Connection's synaps mobile accessories business and OEM product division. Elecom is significantly larger but operates in the same product categories.
• Alpen Group: Japan's largest sporting goods retailer (Sports Depo, Alpen, Golf5). Directly comparable to Global Connection's BEST SPORTS business — multi-channel sporting goods retail including folding bicycles, golf gear, and winter sports apparel with both physical retail and e-commerce presence.
• Biglobe: Japanese internet service provider and MVNO offering consumer and business connectivity services including WiFi rental and mobile data plans. Directly comparable to Global Connection's Shigoto no WiFi, AJC prepaid SIM, and DR SIM business model of reselling carrier network capacity to end customers.
• AnyMind Group: Japan/Asia-headquartered digital marketing and technology company offering platform development, content production, and marketing execution. Comparable to Global Connection's digital marketing services division which provides web development, UI/UX design, and platform construction.
• Fuji Soft: Japanese SMB technology conglomerate with diversified IT services, embedded systems, and consumer products. Direct partner for soranome GPS terminal/app development. Comparable in business model diversification, founder-controlled profile, and Japan SMB tech focus.
• Buffalo (Logitec): Japanese consumer electronics brand and distributor (network products, peripherals, accessories). Comparable to Global Connection's electronics distribution operations including WiFi routers, mobile accessories, and OEM products. Both serve Japanese retail and e-commerce channels.
• Xebio: Japanese sporting goods retail chain with physical stores and online presence selling sporting goods, golf equipment, and outdoor products. Comparable to BEST SPORTS' retail model across multiple sports categories including golf (where TOMBEE competes) and outdoor recreation.

Regional players

• JR East Mechatronics: Japanese vending machine operator (JR East Group subsidiary) running unattended retail in train stations and commercial facilities. Comparable to Global Connection's Filmlabo and MyCaseLabo vending machine business in operational model, though focused on beverages/snacks in stations rather than consumer electronics services.

Broad incumbents

• Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ): Major Japanese internet and network services provider with MVNO, IoT connectivity, and enterprise network offerings. Operates at much larger scale than Global Connection but shares the underlying business of reselling mobile connectivity for enterprise and IoT use cases like DR SIM and soranome GPS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/kellanjapan
• Facebookfacebook.com/kellanjapan
• Instagraminstagram.com/kellan_japan

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Connection