Takashi Shimokawa, 56, is a staunch believer in digital technology and the potential of multimedia.

So when Nikko Cordial Securities Inc. approached him in early 2004 about a company called Livin' on the Edge Inc., which was issuing new shares and changing its name to Livedoor Co., he saw an opportunity.

"I like using computers. I saw the limitations of conventional media in drawing out the full potential of digital graphics, and I saw how IT stocks tended to rise after new issues," the food services firm owner said.