Author
Kazuma Tamura
Smart Cities & Mobility, Healthtech, Startup Ecosystem (Nordics & Japan)
Kazuma has been active in the Finnish and Japanese startup ecosystems since 2017. He's been part of building events that bring together growth-stage entrepreneurs and investors, and a Europe's fastest growing local commerce platforms. He is passionate about creating services and businesses that are convenient, lovable, and inspiring.
Bio
Kazuma has been active in the Finnish and Japanese startup ecosystems since 2017. He's been part of building events that bring together growth-stage entrepreneurs and investors, and a Europe's fastest growing local commerce platforms. He is passionate about creating services and businesses that are convenient, lovable, and inspiring.
Stories by Kazuma Tamura
InsightTravel and tech in Japan: Samurai Era to the Digital Age
Japan’s travel culture has evolved from Edo-period restrictions to today’s seamless, tech-driven experiences while preserving *omotenashi*, the spirit of hospitality. The Meiji era’s railways revolutionized mobility, and the early 1900s saw tourism’s commercialization. Now, travel startups like Tabist, HafH, Relux, and WAmazing are redefining hospitality through digital innovation—connecting tradition with technology. Tabist modernizes ryokans, HafH supports nomadic lifestyles, Relux curates luxury with craftsmanship, and WAmazing empowers international travelers. Together, they showcase how Japan’s travel industry blends cultural heritage with cutting-edge solutions, proving that innovation thrives when it enhances human connection rather than replaces it.
Oct 13, 2025
Insight3 inspiring startups pioneering the future of living
As Japan rethinks work and lifestyle after the pandemic, a new generation of startups is transforming how people live. ADDress, Sanu, and HafH are leading this change through flexible, subscription-based living models that make it easier to explore life beyond big cities. From shared houses and nature-rich cabins to global “home away from home” networks, these companies offer new freedom for remote workers, digital nomads, and anyone seeking balance between work and life. Together, they represent Japan’s growing shift toward sustainable, flexible, and experience-driven living for the post-COVID era.
Oct 6, 2025
InsightJapan’s AI Journey: Past Lessons, Future Potential
Japan’s AI journey spans decades, from early machine translation and the 1980s Fifth Generation Computer Project to today’s generative AI startups. Despite less global visibility, Japan has steadily advanced with a focus on language, logic, and practical applications. Companies like Sakana AI, Preferred Networks, ABEJA, and Jitera are leading efforts in foundation models, robotics, business solutions, and low-code platforms. Challenges include limited Japanese training data, but this also creates opportunities for specialization. Backed by partnerships with corporations, universities, and global investors, Japan’s AI ecosystem is growing and positioning itself as a unique, collaborative force in the global AI landscape.
Sep 12, 2025
InsightMore Than Convenience: Japan's Food Delivery Transformation
Japan’s food delivery culture, rooted in Edo-period demae, has evolved from community-based hospitality to a highly digitalized ecosystem. The rise of platforms like Uber Eats and Demaekan, accelerated by COVID-19, transformed the market. Today, aggregators, logistics firms, and autonomous delivery technologies reshape operations, making Japan a global testbed for delivery innovation.
Aug 6, 2025
InsightFast Casual and SaaS: Reshaping Japan's Restaurant Service
Japan’s restaurant industry is evolving with fast casual dining and restaurant SaaS. Brands like Crisp Salad Works and UMAMI BURGER blend tech and quality meals. Startups such as Dinii, Toreta, and TableCheck offer digital tools for orders, payments, and reservations—reshaping the food service experience with efficiency and personalization.
Jul 30, 2025
InsightJapan's food self-sufficiency and agriculture-related startups
A food self-sufficiency rate shows how much food a country produces compared to what it consumes. It’s an important way to understand a country’s food security and resilience, especially during global crises like wars, pandemics, or climate change. This has become more important in recent years.
Jul 1, 2025
InsightStartup Visas in Japan: what’s new in 2025
At Blackbox, we've previously written about Japan’s Startup Visa, a visa program that smooths the way for foreign entrepreneurs interested in launching a business in Japan. Until recently, this visa was only available in selected cities, and was valid for only an initial six months.
Jun 23, 2025
InsightJapan’s Manga Industry: The Digital Shift and Rise of AI-Powered Localization
The Japanese manga (comics) industry is experiencing a rapid transformation. The shift from print to digital continues to accelerate, while global revenue structures are also evolving. This article explores the current state of Japan’s manga industry, its challenges, and what the future may hold.
May 23, 2025