Author
Bio
Hikaru is Tokyo-based start-up writer.
Covers the international start-up scene, especially healthcare, deep tech and AI.
Experienced through customer contacts in new business creation support services for Japanese enterprises.
Stories by Hikaru Nagashima
InterviewHe Screamed a Founder's Name on a San Francisco Street. Here's Why That Matters for Japan's Startup Scene.
We sit down with Antti and Kensuske of Takeoff Tokyo to talk about their event, its goals, and the health & future of the Japanese startup scene.
Mar 17, 2026
InsightThe most ecological garment you've never worn
If a Silicon Valley startup pitched a modular, century-lasting, fully recyclable, luxury piece of clothing, VCs would be throwing money at it. But what if it already existed?
Feb 25, 2026
InsightHololive’s IPO: why a virtual talent agency became a real‐world market darling
On March 27, 2023, Cover Corporation, the operator of Hololive, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth Market with a market capitalization of 70 billion yen. This marked the world's first IPO for a company specializing in virtual talent. The company's vertically integrated “content × tech” model, which includes owning avatar IP and in-house development of motion capture and streaming infrastructure, was recognized by the capital market.
Jul 3, 2025
InsightUnboxing Japan _ Zen
Zen or Zazen refers to the teachings and philosophy of the Zen sect of Buddhism. It expresses a free mind that is not bound by anything, especially attachments to material things.
Jun 20, 2025
InsightShisha is booming in Japan. But why?
In the Japanese capital of Tokyo, the number of shisha shops has surpassed the number of Starbucks and McDonalds in the past few years. How has this rapid trend come about?
May 1, 2025
InsightJapanese Sake: how can traditions survive in a modern industry?
The sake industry is in a difficult situation, bound by regulations and tradition. However, since 2021, new movements that pursue innovation have accelerated, and signs of improvement have begun to appear.
Mar 3, 2025
InsightAdditional programs announced for DIG SHIBUYA 2025
For four days, DIG SHIBUYA 2025 will ignite a frenzy of art and technology all around Shibuya! Don't miss the multitude of live performances, drone shows, and XR experiences.
Feb 3, 2025
InsightDIG SHIBUYA returns!
DIG SHIBUYA 2025 is a four-day event blending culture and cutting-edge technology in Shibuya. The entire area transforms into a creative experiment, hosting large-scale exhibitions and performances that spotlight the fusion of art and innovation.
Jan 27, 2025
InsightHiroshima Unicorn 10 Tokyo Pitch @ TiB
Check out the 11 Hiroshima Unicorn 10 adopted startups
Dec 6, 2024
InsightUnboxing Japan - Blood Types
In Japan, personality diagnosis based on blood type is believed in. Do you know your blood type?
Dec 2, 2024
InsightJapanese government actively seeking overseas talent to promote “internal internationalization”
What is the 'internal internationalization' being promoted by the Japanese government? Let's take a closer look at the new opportunities and appeal for overseas human resources.
Nov 27, 2024
InsightUnboxing: new series begins!
Want to know more about Japanese culture? Then let's open the black box together.
Nov 26, 2024
InsightCannabis in Japan: Reviving Tradition
Historically, the Japanese have a close relationship with Cannabis. There is a sacred and lofty connection that transcends religion.
Nov 19, 2024
InsightEvent Report : Takeoff Tokyo 2024
“Takeoff Tokyo” Event was held for the second time on Aprle 10-11, 2024, with the aim of fostering a generation of startups that aspire to be the best in the world, not just in Japan. Blackbox was a media partner of the event and reports on the venue and the pitch contest in this article.
Apr 22, 2024
InsightIVS 2023 KYOTO Event Report
IVS is one of the largest startup events in Japan, with a lifetime total of over 20,000 participants. This year from June 28 to 30 saw IVS2023 KYOTO open the doors of its new location at two venues: the main event in Miyako Messe, and the pitch event in Rohm Theater Kyoto.
Aug 15, 2023
InsightTakeoff Tokyo 2023 Event Report
"Takeoff Tokyo" Event was held for the first time on June 8-9, 2023, with the aim of fostering a generation of startups that aspire to be the best in the world, not just in Japan. Blackbox was a media partner of the event and reports on the venue and the pitch contest in this article.
Jul 14, 2023
InsightEvent Report:Bright Moments Tokyo
Bright Moments, a community that is expanding the potential of NFT by creating galleries around the world to facilitate IRL Minting (IRL = In Real Life) of digital art and NFT art, held events at Shibuya PARCO Building (Shibuya, Tokyo) and Kyu Asakura House (an important cultural asset constructed in 1919) from May 5th to 10th.
May 25, 2023
InsightCity_Tech. Tokyo 2023 Day2
This report continues from Day 1, introducing the latest technology exhibits at the venue, the Startup Demo Day on Day 2, and the Pitch Contest.
Apr 12, 2023
InsightCity_Tech. Tokyo 2023 Day1
City-Tech.Tokyo 2023, Tokyo's first and largest startup event in Japan, was held at the Tokyo International Forum on February 27 and 28, 2023.
Apr 12, 2023