Osaka, Osaka City
AtoJ is a tech company aiming to realize Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). Its core product, “OneNegotiation,” provides a system for quickly and cost-effectively resolving everyday disputes online, such as unpaid small claims. As a Ministry of Justice-certified alternative dispute resolution organization, we leverage technology and design to embed fair and accessible resolution platforms throughout society.
AtoJ conducts research and development on structured databases for receivables information to enhance efficiency and ensure transparency in receivables management within organizations. Furthermore, we advance research on system infrastructure supporting smooth online dispute resolution (ODR), aiming to optimize the design of intuitive and user-friendly interfaces (UI/UX) for attorneys, creditors, and debtors when attorneys participate as mediators.
| Representative |
Nobuo TomitaAs a restructuring attorney, I have supported the rehabilitation of numerous debtors in dire straits, whether corporate or individual. Through pro bono work at public hospitals and other institutions, I have also gained experience handling over 20,000 unpaid cases from the creditor's perspective. Having deeply engaged with debtors' psychology and circumstances, I have come to understand the critical importance of “effective communication design” that enables both parties to reach agreements without undue strain. Resonating with the ODR vision championed by co-founder and CEO Mori, I became convinced that technology truly shines in addressing high-volume, low-value issues. Co-founding AtoJ, I served as COO to create “OneNegotiation,” centered on choice-based UI/UX. Achieving an average resolution rate exceeding 50%, we aim to “put legal peace of mind in the palm of hands worldwide” through both law and design. |
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| Main Achievements | 2024: Selected for the “ICT Startup League” 2023: Selected for “Start Next Innovator 2023” hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and JETRO 2022: Development of the “ODR Demonstration Project ‘ONE’” hosted by the Ministry of Justice and implemented by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations |
| Childhood Dream | My childhood dream was to become a “maker.” My grandfather designed ships and buildings, and my father, who took over the family business, produced numerous inventions in the field of automated navigation. From a young age, I harbored an admiration for creating things. Meeting a mentor during my student years changed how I viewed creation, shifting my interest toward designing the “mechanisms of society”—organizations, systems, and standards. I see OneNegotiation, the world's first ODR system centered around choice-based UI/UX that I'm building right now, as an extension of that dream. |
| Influential People, Things, and Events | The family who dedicated their lives to craftsmanship had the greatest influence on me. My paternal grandfather designed specialized rudders for large ships, while my maternal grandfather worked in architectural design; both founded their own businesses. My father also took over the family business, making numerous inventions and expanding operations globally. From their example, I learned the way of life centered on “design” and “building businesses.” My mentor during my student days led international standards in the telecommunications industry, teaching me the essence of “social design.” Later, working as a lawyer in corporate restructuring, I keenly felt how a lack of “communication skills” creates problems. My experience collaborating with various creators to design effective communication systems directly informs the product development of our current ODR platform, OneNegotiation. |
| Motivation, Goals, and Ideal World | Having been involved in handling over 20,000 unpaid cases, I've seen countless frontline staff members grow increasingly pale day by day. As a rehabilitation attorney, I've often stood in the debtors' shoes, continuously listening to understand how to guide them toward realistic solutions without undue hardship when addressing unpaid debts. This experience of engaging with both creditors and debtors from different perspectives is the foundation for tackling this challenge head-on. During this time, I encountered co-founder Mori's vision to realize ODR in Japan, and ideas for a neutral, fair, and supportive design, along with a choice-centric UI/UX, flooded my mind. I became convinced that ODR should be realized precisely in industries where large volumes of small-value unpaid claims occur. I persuaded four founding members, and together we co-founded AtoJ. Our product development, specialized for industries with high volumes of low-value claims and centered around choice-driven UI/UX, was a world-first endeavor. Together with designers, we crafted mechanisms that truly communicate. ODR still holds immense untapped potential. Together with co-founder Mori and every member supporting AtoJ, we will deliver “legal peace of mind to the palm of hands worldwide.” |
| Company Name | AtoJ,Inc. |
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| Representative Name | Nobuo Tomita |
| Address | Hankyu Grand Building, 26F 8-47 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka |
| Official Site and Social Media |
Official Website |
| Founding Date | June 17, 2020 |
| Awards | 2023 Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) / Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) “Start Next Innovator 2023” Silicon Valley Selection - Excellence Award |
