We would like to announce that a merger has occurred between D1, Inc., bringing over its 20 years of accumulated experience, with MetaLab, Inc., known for managing the ME Campus e-learning platform, into a new entity: D1-Lab, Inc. with a renewed corporate structure.

Background

Founded in August 2001 and joining Brave group in November 2023, D1 has established itself as a comprehensive production company specializing in 3D CGI content creation, video shooting and editing, studio management, and system planning and development.

With a dedicated in-house team managing everything from planning and development to production and operational support, D1 delivers both high-quality content and solutions. The company has produced numerous games and XR content, including interactive experiences for Shiseido stores and CG production for the game Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.

Established in April 2022, MetaLab operates the e-learning platform ME Campus and the metaverse service “FAVii,” designed to promote fan engagement. Additionally, MetaLab operates the Brave Engine, a service development engine providing support to businesses by utilizing cutting-edge technologies.

With the two companies having previously collaborated on various initiatives, this merger aims to promote the creation of new businesses and drive group-wide growth.

Consolidated Corporate Structure

As a result of this merger, D1-Lab will launch with a new management structure. Yuichi Kita, CEO of MetaLab, and Tsuyoshi Hanzawa, CEO of D1, will both serve as co-CEOs of D1-Lab. Additionally, Kenta Takubo, Director of MetaLab, along with Yuji Koga and Yasuhiro Horiguchi from D1, will also join the board of directors. To maximize synergy within the group, Shohei Miura, Deputy VP of Corporate Affairs at Brave Group, will also join as a new director.

D1-Lab will leverage the production and development strengths of D1 Corporation alongside the planning and operational expertise of MetaLab to drive business success.

Leadership

Yuichi Kita, CEO

After graduating from university, Yuichi Kita held various positions at a digital marketing company before being appointed a director, building a career in management. He then held key positions in business development at several startups. In October 2021, he joined Brave group Inc., and became director at MetaLab Inc. in April 2022. In October 2023, he assumed the role of CEO of MetaLab. He is actively supporting the growth of metaverse and is engaged in the development of the metaverse school ME CAMPUS, the FanTech platform FAVii and provides consulting services related to metaverses businesses.

Tsuyoshi Hanzawa, CEO

In 1998, Tsuyoshi Hanzawa engaged in game production for PlayStation at Sony Computer Entertainment. Subsequently, he served as a 3DCG director for the anime “Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”
In 2001, he founded D1 Co.,Ltd., where he has been involved in various ventures, including 3DCG for games and anime, establishment of a motion capture studio, expansion of overseas business in Southeast Asia, and planning and development of applications.
Particularly strong in the XR and digital domains, he took charge of developing digital fixtures for SHISEIDO GLOBAL FLAGSHIP STORE in 2020.
In November 2023, Tsuyoshi Hanzawa assumed the position of Director at MetaLab.

Words From the Representatives

Tsuyoshi Hanzawa & Yuichi Kita

Yuichi Kita, CEO, D1-Lab
I am thrilled to unite with D1, with whom we have collaborated since MetaLab’s founding, as we embark on new challenges together. With this new entity, D1-Lab, and the establishment of a new management structure, we have also revised our vision to: Creating inspiring experiences that surpass imagination—Ushering a society for creators to resonate with.

We will continue to work as a team to deliver exciting user experiences and services that contribute positively to society.

Tsuyoshi Hanzawa, CEO, D1-Lab
I am very pleased to announce our merger with MetaLab. We have collaborated closely on various projects and our relationship actually dates back to the development of their Brave Engine.

By combining MetaLab’s strengths in service planning and operations with D1’s expertise in development and production, we have created a unified structure that will allow us to leverage our strengths to deliver faster and better offerings.
As D1-Lab, we look forward to creating new experiences in entertainment.