MEDIROM launches cryptocurrency strategy with next-generation proof of human technology, "World"

Rhea-AI Summary

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (NASDAQ:MRM) has announced its strategic entry into cryptocurrency and blockchain technology through participation in the "World" protocol, a proof-of-human authentication system. The company plans to install "Orb" authentication devices across approximately 100 Re.Ra.Ku relaxation salons, potentially reaching up to 500,000 individuals.

The initiative includes offering customers who verify their World ID approximately 8,000 Japanese yen worth of Worldcoin tokens (WLD). MEDIROM will accept WLD for Re.Ra.Ku Tickets and plans to convert up to 50% of acquired WLD into Ethereum (ETH) as part of its financial strategy. The company operates over 300 relaxation salons across Japan under various brands including Re.Ra.Ku, Spa Re.Ra.Ku, Re.Ra.Ku PRO, Bell Epoc, and Ruam Ruam.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into digital infrastructure and cryptocurrency markets
• Potential to reach 500,000 individuals through World ID verification
• Diversification of financial assets through ETH holdings
• New revenue stream through WLD token acceptance for services

Negative

• Exposure to volatile cryptocurrency market risks
• Significant balance sheet risk from holding digital assets
• Potential regulatory uncertainties in cryptocurrency operations
• Implementation costs for Orb device installation across 100 locations

Insights

Fintech and Cryptocurrency Strategist

MEDIROM's crypto initiative with World ID creates potential new revenue streams but introduces significant volatility and regulatory risks.

MEDIROM's strategic move into cryptocurrency represents a significant pivot for the healthcare company. They're integrating with World, a proof-of-human protocol co-founded by Sam Altman, by installing verification devices in approximately 100 of their relaxation salons. This creates a pathway to reach up to 500,000 individuals for World ID verification.

The financial strategy has multiple components: customers can claim Worldcoin tokens (WLD) worth about ¥8,000 after verification, use these tokens to purchase Re.Ra.Ku gift certificates, and MEDIROM plans to convert up to 50% of acquired WLD into Ethereum (ETH) as a balance sheet asset.

This move exposes MEDIROM to substantial cryptocurrency market risks. While Ethereum has stronger established utility than Worldcoin, both assets feature extreme price volatility. The company's acknowledgment of "liquidity and balance sheet risks" is appropriate but understated given crypto's historical volatility.

The integration creates potential new revenue streams through increased salon traffic driven by the WLD token incentives, but risks diluting the company's healthcare focus. Investors should carefully evaluate management's cryptocurrency expertise and risk management capabilities, as this represents a material departure from their core business model that introduces regulatory uncertainties and potential balance sheet vulnerabilities.

Acquires ETH as part of financial strategy

TOKYO, Aug. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kouji Eguchi; NASDAQ: MRM) (the “Company”, “we” or “us”), which operates a diversified healthcare business, announced its participation in “World,” a “proof of human” protocol co-founded by Sam Altman and Alex Blania.

The purpose of this project is to build a new digital infrastructure that will enable "proof of humanness" in the age of AI. As part of this project, we intend to install the World ID authentication device, the "Orb", in approximately 100 of our Re.Ra.Ku, relaxation salons. Our goal is to provide access to a verified World ID to a network of up to 500,000 individuals.

In addition, those who verify their World ID can choose to claim the equivalent of approximately 8,000 Japanese yen in Worldcoin tokens (“WLD”) (based on current WLD prices). Soon, customers will be able to use WLD to purchase gift certificates ("Re.Ra.Ku Tickets") that can be redeemed at Re.Ra.Ku relaxation salons.

Once this program has launched, when customers purchase Re.Ra.Ku Tickets, the Company plans to acquire WLD. However, while considering the liquidity and balance sheet risks that the Company can tolerate on a case-by-case basis, the Company plans to exchange up to 50% of the acquired WLD for the cryptocurrency Ethereum (ETH) and hold it, while analyzing and managing the trends in the cryptocurrency market. Our goal is for these assets to enhance our future financial strategy and drive business expansion.

Our Company aims to create new value and achieve sustainable growth by going beyond the scope of the healthcare business and integrating with next-generation digital infrastructure.

About Re.Ra.Ku Group

The Re.Ra.Ku Group operates over 300 relaxation salons across Japan, centered around the "Re.Ra.Ku" brand. In addition to "Re.Ra.Ku," which is located in commercial facilities and street-front shops, the group operates five other brands: "Spa Re.Ra.Ku," which operates hot spring facilities; "Re.Ra.Ku PRO," which operates multi-purpose running stations; "Bell Epoc," which offers a wide range of services including reflexology and aroma body care, mainly in rural areas; and "Ruam Ruam," which offers Asian-style therapy at luxury relaxation salons.

A list of locations at which the Orb device has been installed: https://reraku.jp/studio/search?q=%7B%22prefectureId%22%3Anull%2C%22cityIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22railroadLineIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22railroadStationIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22courseGenreIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22particularConditionIds%22%3A%5B21%5D%2C%22q%22%3A%22%22%2C%22isLocationSearch%22%3Afalse%7D

About the MEDIROM Group

MEDIROM provides specific health guidance and physical improvement programs using the healthcare app "Lav," centered around its relaxation salon brand "Re.Ra.Ku" that aims to provide health management services. Furthermore, in 2020, the company entered the device business, releasing the "MOTHER Bracelet," an activity tracker that operates continuously without charging. Going forward, the Company intends to expand its business domain into data analysis based on lifestyle data accumulated since its founding.

Overview of MEDIROM
Company name: MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc.
Market: NASDAQ
Ticker (US stock code): MRM (Nasdaq CM)
Head office location: Trade Pier Odaiba 16F, 2-3-1 Odaiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Representative Director Koji Eguchi
Established: July 2000

Contact Information
MEDIROM Co., Ltd. Email: press@medirom.co.jp

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about the Company’s possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “design,” “target,” “aim,” “hope,” “expect,” “could,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “goal,” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to the Company’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release include:

• the Company’s ability to achieve its development goals for its business and execute and evolve its growth strategies, priorities and initiatives;
• the Company’s ability to achieve and sustain profitability in its Digital Preventative Healthcare Segment;
• the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates, which affects the Company’s expenses and liabilities payable in foreign currencies;
• changes in demographic, unemployment, economic, regulatory or weather conditions affecting the Tokyo region of Japan, where the Company’s relaxation salon base is geographically concentrated;
• the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance the value of its brands and to enforce and maintain its trademarks and protect its other intellectual property;
• the Company’s ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms or at all;
• the Company’s level of indebtedness and potential restrictions on the Company under the Company’s debt instruments;
• the Company’s ability to respond to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and to global pandemics, such as COVID-19; and
• the regulatory environment in which the Company operates.
  
  

More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect the Company’s business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the “Risk Factors” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” sections of the Company’s most recently filed periodic report on Form 20-F and subsequent filings, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d908900f-e237-4d87-a073-b03de8606b88
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/856ca15e-8507-4c65-a6d9-4c46eb9a92e1
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d894c976-144e-4569-8a72-1e0242787e89

FAQ

What is MEDIROM's (MRM) new cryptocurrency strategy announced on August 22, 2025?

MEDIROM will participate in the 'World' protocol by installing Orb authentication devices in 100 Re.Ra.Ku salons, accepting Worldcoin (WLD) tokens for services, and converting up to 50% of acquired WLD to Ethereum (ETH).

How many customers could potentially benefit from MEDIROM's World ID verification system?

MEDIROM aims to provide World ID verification access to a network of up to 500,000 individuals through their Re.Ra.Ku salon locations.

What is the value of WLD tokens that customers can claim after World ID verification at MEDIROM locations?

Customers who verify their World ID can claim approximately 8,000 Japanese yen worth of Worldcoin (WLD) tokens.

How many relaxation salons does MEDIROM operate across Japan?

MEDIROM operates over 300 relaxation salons across Japan under various brands including Re.Ra.Ku, Spa Re.Ra.Ku, Re.Ra.Ku PRO, Bell Epoc, and Ruam Ruam.

What is MEDIROM's plan for managing acquired WLD tokens?

MEDIROM plans to convert up to 50% of acquired WLD tokens into Ethereum (ETH) while analyzing and managing cryptocurrency market trends, with the remaining WLD held based on liquidity and balance sheet risk considerations.