Line

Launched in June 2011 by NHN Japan, LINE Corporation originated as a response to the Tōhoku earthquake, providing a reliable internet-based communication tool. It quickly evolved from a simple messaging app into a comprehensive lifestyle platform. The company's mission is "Closing the Distance," aiming to bring people, information, and services closer together. Its core business is the LINE messaging app, but it has expanded into a vast ecosystem including digital payments (LINE Pay), content delivery (LINE TV, LINE Manga), financial services (LINE Securities), AI development (Clova), and advertising. In 2021, Line Corporation merged with Z Holdings (owner of Yahoo! Japan), and on October 1, 2023, the combined entity was rebranded as LY Corporation, which now operates the LINE service.