AirAsia Japan challenges the aviation industry: Launching Oct 29

Rakuten CEO Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani and AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes (who left his suit and tie at home for the event) were on hand for a one-of-a-kind reception at the Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya on October 27th. The event celebrated the launch of the new-look AirAsia Japan, and the start of its first domestic route here, between Nagoya and Sapporo.

“AirAsia Japan is injecting a unique and dynamic corporate culture into transportation in Japan,” Mickey said of the new company, in which Rakuten is an investor.