Author
Blackbox Contributor
Stories by Blackbox Contributor
InsightAgrivoltaics: a billion-euro market has been created, but start-ups are struggling
Two gigawatts funded by the PNRR, 650 projects in the first concession agreement: developers, funds and energy companies stand to benefit. Find out more in this guest article from Startupbusiness.it
Oct 15, 2026
InsightInside Japan's Agritech Boom: The Startups Transforming Farming
From crop-spraying robots to AI-run pig farms and vertical strawberry farms, Japan's agritech startups are reshaping farming. Here are the success stories, the opportunities and the challenges.
Sep 17, 2026
InsightCES 2026: humanoid robots, AI agents, and deep tech
Media partner Startupbusiness.it brings us their report from CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where JETRO also arranged a significant Japanese presence.
Sep 10, 2026
InsightJapan is moving into Southeast Asia faster than the West, and most brands haven’t noticed yet
Japanese brands are expanding across Southeast Asia as rising consumer demand shifts investment beyond manufacturing and into local markets.
Sep 3, 2026
InsightPitchbook: the mid-2026 ranking of VC startup ecosystems
The United States continues to top the global rankings, but China is closing in rapidly and Europe is making its mark with a few surprises.
Aug 18, 2026
InsightWhat foreign founders must know about Japan’s data privacy rules
In this guest article from JETRO, our guest authors explain why foreign startups aiming to enter Japan must understand Japan's legal requirements before offering products or services in the Japanese market. This article focuses on APPI, an area of particular relevance to overseas startups such as SaaS providers, and highlights key differences between APPI and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).
Aug 4, 2026
InsightOIST: Building a Science and Innovation Hub in Okinawa
JETRO reports on the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), a pioneering graduate university in Japan that brings together researchers from around the world in an interdisciplinary environment designed to advance science and technology. Founded by the Japanese government, OIST was established not only to contribute to science and technology worldwide but also to help catalyze technology transfer, industrial innovation, and economic development in Okinawa.
Jul 21, 2026
InsightJapan Fintech Week 2026: What FINOPITCH Reveals About Japan’s Fintech Shift
Inside the historic Kanze Noh Theater in Tokyo, FINOPITCH 2026 unfolded in quiet intensity. On a stage known for slow, deliberate movement and layered meaning, startups from Japan and abroad stepped forward one by one, presenting their technologies and services. JETRO guest reports.
Jul 16, 2026
InsightDigital Space Conference 2026: How Technology Operates on Infrastructure That Never Stops Moving
JETRO guest authors an event report for their visit to the Digital Space Conference 2026.
Jul 7, 2026
InsightWhat AI and data startups must know before betting on Japan
Guest writer Masaru Ikeda brings us an overview of the Japanese AI startup ecosystem courtesy of JETRO.
Jun 25, 2026
InterviewBuilding Bridges Between Culture and Technology: Sara Doolotbekova of BeART World JAPAN
JETRO interviews Sara Doolotbekova, co-founder of BeART World JAPAN, on her founder's journey via the Startup Visa program in Hokkaido.
Jun 11, 2026
InterviewSebastien Hebert on Building in Japan: What Slows You Down—and What Moves You Forward
Four years ago, Sebastien Hebert decided to build his company in rural Japan. That decision has meant going back to language school at 40, navigating regional startup visa rules, searching for office space in a small coastal town, and restarting operations after an earthquake. JETRO sat down with him to go over the hows and whys.
May 21, 2026
InsightiCONM: Where the Future Biotech Takes Shape
Guest authors Hiroshi Atsumi & Miho Kiyokawa tell us about the vision and purpose of the Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), a medical deeptech research hub in Kawasaki.
Apr 6, 2026
InsightVenture Capital in Japan: Roles, Realities, and Strategic Considerations
Guest Author Ryo Taneichi, Managing Partner at Partners Fund, gives us an overview of the in and outs of the Japanese Venture Capital climate. From early IPOs to the granularity of the planning involved, Japanese VCs often present hurdles to those unprepared for them.
Apr 3, 2026
InsightNavigating Japan’s fintech landscape: a practical guide for global entrepreneurs
Japan’s fintech sector is entering a new phase. Backed by government growth strategies, regulatory reform, and structural macroeconomic shifts, the country offers a distinctive opportunity for international startups and investors. This article provides an overview of what global entrepreneurs should know.
Mar 24, 2026
InterviewInterview with Manish Biyani, Founder & CEO of BioSeeds
Building global deeptech from regional Japan
Mar 6, 2026
InsightExperience the Future of Health: Inside Osaka’s Nest for Reborn Pavilion at Expo 2025
We went to Osaka Expo 2025 to check out Osaka’s Nest for Reborn Pavilion and try the 'Reborn Experience Route,’ where visitors embark on a journey to rediscover their own health and imagine the future of well-being.
Nov 17, 2025
InterviewYuko Mishio: CEO of Impact HUB Tokyo
Yuko Mishio, CEO of Impact HUB Tokyo, shares her journey from studying and working across Europe to leading one of Japan’s most vibrant coworking and incubation spaces. Rooted in an old print factory, Impact HUB Tokyo fosters entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers through co-working, a community café, and an upcoming artist-in-residence program. Mishio highlights Japan’s structured yet slow-moving business culture, the growing opportunities for startups, and the importance of resilience in times of change. Her vision is to create a supportive space where creativity and entrepreneurship intersect, encouraging young generations to embrace risk and shape society.
Sep 15, 2025
InterviewKomei Sasaki, CEO of Redcliff Inc: Realizing Japan's Largest Drone Show
Redcliff Inc., led by CEO Sasaki, achieved Japan’s largest drone show with 2,200 drones. Inspired by global travels and work at DJI, Sasaki founded the company in 2019. Despite strict Japanese regulations, Redcliff innovates by integrating drones with fireworks and aims to expand internationally as an aerial advertising media leader.
Sep 1, 2025
InterviewModernizing banking for foreigners in Japan: Raul Allikivi, CEO of GIG-A
Estonian entrepreneur Raul Allikivi founded GIG-A to modernize banking for foreigners in Japan. He shares his insights on Japan's startup ecosystem, cultural challenges, and the need for trust-based digital services. His vision is to make Japan—and eventually all of Asia—more accessible for migrants through multilingual fintech solutions.
Aug 26, 2025
InsightKyoto: a haven for creative inspiration and mindful living
Kyoto’s hidden paths, Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and traditional crafts all inspire creativity, fostering mindfulness and fueling entrepreneurial growth.
Apr 25, 2025
InsightHamamatsu: where innovation and quality living come together
Hamamatsu is the birthplace of globally recognized companies like Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, Suzuki, and Hamamatsu Photonics, the city has left an impressive mark on industries ranging from musical instruments to optics and automobiles.
Apr 9, 2025
InsightHamamatsu: a global hub for musical instruments and sound technology
Despite its relatively modest size, Hamamatsu is home to several globally leading companies. Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Hamamatsu Photonics were all founded here and have grown into internationally recognized brands.
Apr 8, 2025
InsightCoL part 2: expenses
Is the cost of living in Tokyo really that high? As a matter of fact, there are ways to live in Tokyo on a budget with a little ingenuity.
Nov 22, 2024
InsightCoL Tokyo Part 1: Housing
How much does it actually cost to live in Tokyo, the capital of Japan?
Nov 20, 2024
InsightHow to!? Connect with Japanese Startups and Community
Over the past few years, the Japanese startup scene has grown by leaps and bounds. Despite the pandemic, Japanese startups have attracted a strong flow of investment capital from both the federal and local governments. Please read on for a summary of how to connect with Japanese startups, entrepreneurs, and jobs!
Oct 22, 2024
InsightIVS 2024 KYOTO / IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO
IVS 2024 KYOTO / IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO, Japan's largest startup conference for entrepreneurs and investors, was held for three days from July 4 to 6, 2024, at Kyoto Pulse Plaza.
Jul 17, 2024
InsightTAKEOFF TOKYO Builders Weekend 2024
Takeoff Tokyo is not just a single conference, but an ecosystem of related events happening over the course of several weeks. One of these is the Builders Weekend, a 48-hour hackathon. This year it hosted over 70 participants at the Golden Egg in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Apr 9, 2024
Insight"Venture-Based Business Succession" to Save Japan's Small to Medium Enterprises
Japanese startups tend to focus on new technologies and services, but in fact, the world is paying more attention to "dead technologies" that are common in Japan.
Nov 29, 2023
InsightEvent Report: CEATEC 2023
CEATEC 2023, an exhibition of digital innovation sponsored by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), was held at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo from October 17th to 20th.
Nov 8, 2023
InsightEvent Report: DCENTRAL
DCENTRAL is the largest web3 conference in the United States, held regularly in Miami, Florida. The inaugural Japanese version of the event, DCENTRAL Tokyo, was held at Shibuya Stream in Shibuya over September 19th and 20th.
Oct 19, 2023
InsightThe Japanese government's massive startup support begins in earnest in 2023.
The Kishida Cabinet's centerpiece policy, the "Five-Year Startup Development Plan," is in full swing, and the budget proposal approved in December 2022 included an additional budget of about 1 trillion yen for startup support.
Feb 7, 2023
InsightWhat's great about Japan SaaS firms?
Japanese SaaS firms are growing, what is the secret behind their steady growth?
Jan 17, 2023
InsightUnboxing Japan’s Startup Ecosystem
Blackbox was launched in December 2022 with one goal: to build an open and fair online platform to demystify the Japanese startup ecosystem.
Dec 12, 2022