Medirom Healthcare Surges 79% in Pre-Market Trading After Partnership with Sam Altman-Backed World ID

Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc. (MRM) surged 79.17% in pre-market trading after announcing a strategic collaboration with Hakuhodo Inc. to participate in "World," a "proof of human" protocol co-founded by OpenAI's Sam Altman. Medirom will install World ID verification devices called "Orbs" across 100 of its relaxation salons, aiming to issue 500,000 new World IDs annually. This collaboration positions Medirom at the forefront of AI-era identity verification technology, addressing growing concerns about distinguishing humans from AI-generated content. Investor interest spiked following the announcement, reflecting market enthusiasm for Medirom's strategic pivot into cutting-edge authentication technology.

Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc. (MRM) experienced a significant surge in pre-market trading, rising by 79.17% after announcing a strategic collaboration with Hakuhodo Inc. to participate in "World," a "proof of human" protocol co-founded by OpenAI's Sam Altman. The collaboration involves installing World ID verification devices, known as "Orbs," across approximately 100 of Medirom's Re.Ra.Ku relaxation salons by December 2025. The initiative aims to issue 500,000 new World IDs annually through this deployment.

The World ID system, developed by Tools for Humanity (TFH), uses advanced camera technology to verify human authenticity without compromising privacy. This technology is crucial in addressing growing concerns about distinguishing humans from AI-generated content. Medirom's extensive network of over 300 relaxation salons provides an ideal physical touchpoint for the World ID verification process, leveraging their existing customer base for technology adoption.

The partnership positions Medirom at the forefront of AI-era identity verification technology. By integrating this technology across its Re.Ra.Ku locations, Medirom is creating a physical infrastructure for digital human verification—a growing necessity in an AI-dominated landscape. The commitment to issue 500,000 new World IDs annually suggests substantial customer engagement potential.

Investor interest spiked following the announcement, reflecting market enthusiasm for Medirom's strategic pivot into cutting-edge authentication technology. The stock's pre-market performance indicates strong investor confidence in the company's ability to monetize its extensive retail footprint through innovative AI-related services.

Medirom's collaboration with Hakuhodo Inc. to join Sam Altman's "World" protocol represents a strategic positioning in next-generation digital identity verification. This move aligns with Medirom's existing HealthTech initiatives, including their on-demand training apps and battery-free smart trackers, suggesting a cohesive strategy to blend physical wellness services with digital technology solutions.

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/08/46992846/medirom-healthcare-surges-over-79-in-pre-market-after-deal-to-deploy-sam-altman-backed-world-id
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/MRM/medirom-joins-the-world-network-embracing-next-generation-proof-of-ubkua3lgafjd.html