According to sources, LINE, the Tokyo-based software company that makes the free communication smartphone app of the same name, plans to erect a building in Fukuoka by the fall of 2015. The Fukuoka building would be the company’s second after their Tokyo headquarters, and it would be in charge of strategies focusing on the growth markets of Asia. The new building will be located on the site of the former Chisan Hotel near Hakata Station. At present, plans call for group companies to use the entire 11-story, 1,500-m2 building. LINE is a subsidiary of Korean internet giant NHN, which operates the Naver portal. NHN’s Japanese affiliate, NHN Japan, was spun-off this April, and one of its online game subsidiaries already has an office in Fukuoka. LINE has 190 million registered users, most of whom are in Asia. The company appears to be entering Fukuoka to take advantage of the city’s proximity to Asia and skilled workforce as well as to hedge against disaster risk. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, July 12
