The business integration between Yahoo Japan and Line has made the combination of "search engine, social media and smartphone payments miraculously complete," said Kentaro Kawabe, president of Yahoo Japan operator Z Holdings Corp., during a recent interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun.
He showed enthusiasm for the realization of a "super-app," which will offer services for every area of life.
In October 2020, Kawabe will become the president of an integrated company that will operate Yahoo Japan and Line.
"Our contact with users can be compared with a batter's 'time at bat.' The frequent and sheer volume of contact can lead to data-driven advertising revenue," Kawabe said, noting that the company's strength lies within Line's high usage.
Meanwhile, Kawabe pointed out video distribution and financial services as weak areas, while services targeting business operators are insufficient.
As for overseas expansion, Line has already launched its free messaging app in Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand. Kawabe said, "It's a natural progression [to expand our business with the Line brand]."
As for business brands that have spread domestically, such as Yahoo Japan's smartphone payment app PayPay, Kawabe seemed reluctant to unify them, saying, "We should do business when it fits well under a brand that is already appreciated."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
