Weathernews Bundle
Who Owns Weathernews Inc.?
Understanding Weathernews Inc.'s ownership is key to grasping its market influence. Founded in 1986, it was the first private weather firm to go public on NASDAQ Japan in 2000.
As the world's largest privately-owned weather company, it employs over 400 meteorologists globally. Its market cap was around $568 million in June 2025.
Weathernews Inc. is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among its shareholders. The company's stock is available on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. While specific individual major shareholders are not publicly disclosed in detail, institutional investors often hold significant stakes in publicly listed companies. Understanding the broader market dynamics and the company's performance, as detailed in analyses like Weathernews Porter's Five Forces Analysis, provides insight into the factors influencing its ownership structure and valuation.
Who Founded Weathernews?
Weathernews Inc. was established on June 11, 1986, by Hiroyoshi 'Hiro' Ishibashi. His motivation stemmed from a tragic maritime incident in 1970 that claimed 15 lives due to severe weather. This event fueled his commitment to improving weather information services.
| Founder | Founding Year | Initial Acquisition Cost | Initial Employee Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroyoshi 'Hiro' Ishibashi | 1986 | 10,000 yen | Approximately 40 |
Founding Vision
Hiroyoshi Ishibashi's vision was to create a comprehensive weather service company. This was directly inspired by a personal experience with a fatal maritime accident caused by adverse weather conditions.
Early Ownership Structure
The company's inception involved a management buy-out of Oceanroutes' Japanese divisions. This method, uncommon at the time, placed initial control firmly with the founder.
Acquisition of Oceanroutes
In 1993, Ishibashi expanded the company's capabilities by acquiring Oceanroutes. This strategic move merged their respective expertise, particularly in risk communication services.
Founder's Control
While specific early equity details are not widely publicized, the management buy-out and subsequent acquisition indicate that Hiroyoshi Ishibashi was the primary driving force and majority owner from the outset.
Company Genesis
The company began with approximately 40 employees, all working under Ishibashi's leadership. His dedication to improving weather forecasting and its applications was the core of the business.
Strategic Growth
The acquisition of Oceanroutes in 1993 was a significant step in consolidating the company's market position. It allowed for a more integrated approach to providing weather-related services.
The early ownership of Weathernews Inc. was largely concentrated with its founder, Hiroyoshi Ishibashi. This was established through a management buy-out of Oceanroutes' Japanese divisions for a nominal sum of 10,000 yen. Ishibashi's personal mission to prevent weather-related disasters heavily influenced the company's direction and initial structure.
Key Aspects of Early Ownership
The foundational period of Weathernews Inc. was characterized by the founder's direct control and vision. This period laid the groundwork for the company's future expansion and service offerings.
- Founded by Hiroyoshi 'Hiro' Ishibashi on June 11, 1986.
- Initiated via a management buy-out of Oceanroutes' Japanese divisions.
- Acquired Oceanroutes in 1993 to integrate services.
- Founder's strong personal motivation from a maritime accident.
- Initial employee count was around 40.
- Early ownership was concentrated with the founder, reflecting his commitment.
Weathernews SWOT Analysis
- Complete SWOT Breakdown
- Fully Customizable
- Editable in Excel & Word
- Professional Formatting
- Investor-Ready Format
How Has Weathernews’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The ownership journey of Weathernews Inc. began with its pioneering IPO on NASDAQ Japan in December 2000, marking a significant step as the first private weather information company to go public globally. This was followed by listings on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, culminating in its move to the First Section in November 2003.
| Shareholder | Ownership Percentage (as of Feb 28, 2025) | Value (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| WNI WxBunka Foundation | 15.34% | - |
| WNI Institute Inc. | 15.34% | - |
| The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account) | 8.95% | - |
| Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account) | 4.89% | - |
| Weathernews Employee Supporter Shareholding Association | 4.15% | - |
| Taeko Ishibashi | 3.19% | - |
| Tomohiro Ishibashi (President & CEO) | 1.55% | ¥1.34 billion |
As of July 24, 2025, Weathernews Inc. holds a market capitalization of 96.50 billion JPY, with its stock trading at 4,340.00 JPY. The company's financial performance is further illustrated by its trailing 12-month revenue of $151 million as of February 28, 2025. This robust financial standing underpins its current ownership structure, which is notably anchored by the WNI WxBunka Foundation and WNI Institute Inc., each holding 15.34% of the issued shares. The breakdown of shareholder composition as of February 28, 2025, reveals a diverse mix, with individuals and others comprising 34.3%, other corporations 29.9%, and financial institutions 15.8%. Foreign investors account for 11.9%, with treasury stock at 6.5% and securities companies at 1.6%. Importantly, the company has not experienced significant share dilution over the past year, indicating a stable ownership environment. Understanding these stakeholders is crucial for grasping the company's strategic direction and its Target Market of Weathernews.
Key Ownership Insights
Weathernews Inc.'s ownership is characterized by significant foundation and institute holdings, alongside a broad base of institutional and individual investors.
- The WNI WxBunka Foundation and WNI Institute Inc. are the largest shareholders, each holding 15.34%.
- The company is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
- Tomohiro Ishibashi, the President and CEO, holds a notable stake of 1.55%.
- Shareholder composition shows a substantial portion held by individuals and other corporations.
Weathernews PESTLE Analysis
- Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
- No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
- Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
- Instant Download, Ready to Use
- 100% Editable, Fully Customizable
Who Sits on Weathernews’s Board?
As of July 2025, Weathernews Inc. is guided by a Board of Directors comprising both internal leadership and external expertise. Chihito Kusabiraki holds the position of Representative Director and Chairman, while Tomohiro Ishibashi serves as Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The board also includes Director and Executive Officer Masanori Yoshitake, alongside external directors Shigeru Muraki, Yukihiro Akimoto, and Izumi Hayashi.
| Director Name | Position | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chihito Kusabiraki | Representative Director and Chairman | Internal |
| Tomohiro Ishibashi | Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer | Internal |
| Masanori Yoshitake | Director and Executive Officer | Internal |
| Shigeru Muraki | External Director | External |
| Yukihiro Akimoto | External Director | External |
| Izumi Hayashi | External Director | External |
The company's voting power generally adheres to the one-share-one-vote principle, a standard for entities listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. While specific details regarding dual-class shares or special voting rights are not prominently disclosed, significant stakes held by the WNI WxBunka Foundation and WNI Institute Inc., coupled with the continued involvement of the Ishibashi family, indicate a degree of concentrated influence over Weathernews ownership. As of February 28, 2025, CEO Tomohiro Ishibashi directly held 1.55% of the company's shares. There have been no recent public reports detailing proxy battles, activist investor campaigns, or major governance disputes that have substantially altered the company's decision-making processes.
Board Experience and Voting Power
The board of directors at Weathernews Inc. brings a wealth of experience, with an average tenure of 5.9 years. This suggests a stable and knowledgeable leadership team guiding the company's strategic direction and overseeing Weathernews Inc. corporate structure. The voting power is typically distributed based on share ownership, a common practice for publicly traded companies, which influences who controls Weathernews Inc.
- Average board tenure of 5.9 years
- One-share-one-vote principle is generally followed
- Major foundations and the founding family hold significant influence
- No recent major governance controversies reported
- Tomohiro Ishibashi, CEO, holds 1.55% of shares as of Feb 2025
Understanding the ownership structure is key to grasping the dynamics of Weathernews Inc. investor relations. The presence of foundational entities and the Ishibashi family's continued stake are important factors in the current ownership of Weathernews Inc. For those interested in the company's trajectory, exploring its Brief History of Weathernews can provide further context on its ownership evolution.
Weathernews Business Model Canvas
- Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
- Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
- Investor-Ready BMC Format
- 100% Editable and Customizable
- Clear and Structured Layout
What Recent Changes Have Shaped Weathernews’s Ownership Landscape?
In recent years, the company has experienced significant leadership changes and continued its trajectory of technological innovation. Tomohiro Ishibashi took the helm as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2024, signaling a new strategic direction aimed at solidifying the company's position as an indispensable global entity.
| Fiscal Year End | Parent-Only Sales (JPY) | Operating Profit (JPY) | Net Profit (JPY) | Annual Dividend per Share (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2025 | 23.23 billion | 4.37 billion | 3.03 billion | 120.00 |
The company's strategic focus remains on leveraging weather and climate data to protect lives and contribute to a carbon-neutral society. This mission is supported by ongoing technological advancements and the expansion of its service offerings.
Technological Advancements
The company has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into weather forecasting. A key development includes the co-development of 'Google Nowcast,' an AI-powered weather forecasting technology, with Google in June 2024. Furthermore, a proprietary AI-based high-resolution weather forecast model was launched in Europe in July 2024, underscoring a commitment to cutting-edge solutions.
Business Expansion and SaaS Focus
There has been a concentrated effort to expand Software as a Service (SaaS)-type products, such as WxTech Data and Weathernews for Business. The company has seen increased sales of these services, particularly to electric power companies within Japan, indicating a growing demand for specialized weather data solutions in critical industries.
Leadership and Vision
The appointment of Tomohiro Ishibashi as President and CEO in June 2024 marks a significant leadership transition. His vision is to elevate the company into an indispensable global entity, guiding its future growth and strategic initiatives.
Financial Performance and Outlook
For the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025, the company reported parent-only sales of 23.23 billion JPY, with an operating profit of 4.37 billion JPY and a net profit of 3.03 billion JPY. The dividend guidance for the same period is an annual dividend of 120.00 JPY per share, reflecting a stable financial outlook and commitment to shareholder returns, aligning with its broader Mission, Vision & Core Values of Weathernews.
Weathernews Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
- Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
- 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
- Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
- Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked
- What is Brief History of Weathernews Company?
- What is Competitive Landscape of Weathernews Company?
- What is Growth Strategy and Future Prospects of Weathernews Company?
- How Does Weathernews Company Work?
- What is Sales and Marketing Strategy of Weathernews Company?
- What are Mission Vision & Core Values of Weathernews Company?
- What is Customer Demographics and Target Market of Weathernews Company?
Disclaimer
All information, articles, and product details provided on this website are for general informational and educational purposes only. We do not claim any ownership over, nor do we intend to infringe upon, any trademarks, copyrights, logos, brand names, or other intellectual property mentioned or depicted on this site. Such intellectual property remains the property of its respective owners, and any references here are made solely for identification or informational purposes, without implying any affiliation, endorsement, or partnership.
We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content or products presented. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical, or other professional advice. In addition, no part of this site—including articles or product references—constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any securities, franchises, or other financial instruments, particularly in jurisdictions where such activity would be unlawful.
All content is of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. It is not a substitute for professional advice or services. Any actions you take based on the information provided here are strictly at your own risk. You accept full responsibility for any decisions or outcomes arising from your use of this website and agree to release us from any liability in connection with your use of, or reliance upon, the content or products found herein.