and here the end of this:

i found the company that called itself

Atsuko Ventures
2-18, Nakanoshima 3-chome
Kita-ku, Osaka
ZIP 530-8252

in the "non-registered and/or non authorized entities in japan" list of the japanese SEC as a cold caller, and the "conduct commission" in the category "non existing governmental bodies".

They had answers for all my questions and were not too pushy. That said, there is always the 'recertification fee' i'd have to pay upfront.
Can't afford it, don't want to do it either .... end of story.

Careful out there ....