Stellar Works, the Shanghai-based furniture brand, has just announced up to 36.2 million USD (approximately 4 billion Japanese yen) investment into the company by the Cool Japan Fund

Cool Japan Fund is funded by Japanese government and Japanese private enterprises with a capital of 101.3 billion Japanese yen, and invests to / supports target enterprises with the financial resource by providing risk capital for businesses across a variety of areas, including media & content, food & services, fashion & lifestyle and inbound.

Founded by CEO Yuichiro Hori, Stellar Works is the first leading global contemporary furniture design brand from Asia. Stellar Works was established in 2012 as a partnership between Hori and luxury French manufacturers Laval to create a brand that celebrated Asian design sensibilities and traditional crafts on the international stage.

One of Stellar Works’s greatest strengths is their network of collaborators among whom can be found some of the world’s most respected designers. Recently, Stellar Works collaborated with globally renowned Japanese design studio Nendo on three distinctive collections - Blend, Frame and Kite. The three collections harness Nendo’s design-expertise and meticulous process together with Stellar Works’s unrivalled ability in craftsmanship.

The Stellar Works factory incorporates a specialised furniture design atelier where traditional craft techniques, including some uniquely Japanese methods, are preserved within the manufacturing process. This includes Aizome (indigo dyed) leather and Tochigi leather for their elegantly designed furniture and Arita ceramics designed by Stellar Works Creative Directors Neri & Hu.

Stellar Works is based in Shanghai with a global distribution network and offices worldwide including China, the UK, France, Australia, Japan, USA and a hospitality-focused arm in Dubai. Since its launch, Stellar Works has established an extensive network with high-end clients including luxury hotels from around the world–such as The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, Shangri-La, The Peninsula, Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, and Rosewood.

The investment will enable Stellar Works to expand its Shanghai manufacturing facility with the aim of tripling its production capability to better service the ever-increasing demand for its products internationally.