Key Facts
• June 17, 2025: Consultant Masashi Kurotaki, 45, arrested for insider trading.
• Alleged violation of Financial Instruments and Exchange Act by Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office.
• Kurotaki reportedly purchased 50,000 shares of iStyle stock for approximately 14.2 million yen.
• Information obtained mid-July 2022 from an iStyle employee before public announcement.
• August 15, 2022: iStyle announced partnerships with Amazon and Mitsui & Co.
• Stock price of iStyle rose after the announcement.
• Prosecutors have not disclosed Kurotaki’s response to the allegations.
Summary
Masashi Kurotaki, a 45-year-old consultant, was arrested on June 17, 2025, by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office for alleged insider trading involving iStyle, the operator of the beauty platform @cosme. Prosecutors claim Kurotaki acquired confidential information in mid-July 2022 from an iStyle employee about upcoming partnerships with Amazon and Mitsui & Co. He then purchased 50,000 shares of iStyle stock under a friend’s name for approximately 14.2 million yen in early August 2022. The partnerships were publicly announced on August 15, 2022, leading to a rise in iStyle’s stock price. Authorities have not disclosed Kurotaki’s stance on the charges. The case highlights ongoing concerns about insider trading in Japan’s financial markets.
