Author
Rob Chapman
Interviews, Cross-cultural Ecosystems, Events
Rob is the Head Editor of Blackbox, leading the newsroom with a focus on originality, impact, and a deep aversion to puff pieces.
Bio
Rob is the Head Editor of Blackbox, leading the newsroom with a focus on originality, impact, and a deep aversion to puff pieces. He balances big-picture vision with hands-on editing, ensuring every story meets Blackbox's standards of rigor and style.
Rob works closely with writers to develop distinctive voices while maintaining a consistent editorial identity that cuts through noise, challenges assumptions, and engages readers with fresh perspectives.
Occasionally he even gets to write something.
Stories by Rob Chapman
InsightIVS2026 event report: Japan is Back
“Japan is Back” was the theme of IVS2026, and in Kyoto, it felt like a signal. Over three days, more than 13,000 founders, investors, students, policymakers, and community builders came together for Japan’s largest startup conference. The size was impressive, but the structure behind it stood out more.
Jul 9, 2026
InsightTIB CATAPULT Spotlight: How MoRo Is Accelerating Real-World Adoption of Mobility and Robotics Technologies
MoRo is an industry cluster focused on next-generation mobility and robotics, operating under Tokyo's TIB CATAPULT startup support program. Led by DMM and supported by a diverse network of corporate and institutional partners including Haneda Future Development, MoRo is designed to support startups throughout the entire commercialization journey, from technology development and field testing to initial deployment and international expansion.
Jun 18, 2026
InsightTokyo's 5G frontier: how the Japanese capital is building the infrastructure for next-gen tech
5G rarely gets the attention of AI or climate tech, but it may be the most consequential infrastructure investment of the decade. This article explores Tokyo's strategy for the sector and introduces the startups turning high-speed, low-latency connectivity into real businesses.
Jun 16, 2026
InterviewInterview with Nick Hafner, Refined Robotics
Today we sit down with Nick Hafner, CEO and co-founder of Refined Robotics, to talk about his startup journey in Japan—from academia in Osaka to boots on the ground in Tokyo.
Feb 18, 2026
InsightDIG SHIBUYA 2026: Shibuya Becomes a Living Lab for Art × Technology
We dig into DIG Shibuya 2026 to see what they have in store for us in this year's Shibuya street art/tech takeover!
Jan 30, 2026
InterviewInterview with Jordan Fisher: co-founder and chairman of Zehitomo, venture partner at Antler Japan, mad genius of the Japan startup ecosystem
OK OK, he’s not actually mad. But he is a man beset by visions. Today Blackbox sits down with Jordan Fisher, a New-York–born engineer, longtime Japan resident, co-founder of Zehitomo, and a prominent voice in Japan’s evolving startup ecosystem.
Jan 23, 2026
InsightKansai deeptech steps onto the global stage with KSAC
In Japan’s Kansai region (which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Shiga, and Nara), a quiet transformation is underway. Once defined by its manufacturing and trade, the region is now becoming a serious contender on the global deeptech stage—a shift driven in no small part by initiatives like the Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC).
Dec 5, 2025
InterviewJillian Chaplin: co-founder of 18CLUB tattoo studio
We sit down with Jill, co-founder of Tattoo Studio 18CLUB in Kobe, to hear about his journey opening a business in Japan in a famously stigmatized industry.
Dec 3, 2025
InterviewKSAC: how Kansai universities are powering Japan’s deeptech future
Interview with Tatsuya Yoshida, Representative of the Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC).
Nov 21, 2025
InsightPitch events at Umeda Innovation Week: the Japanese startup ecosystem grows up
We attended the three major pitch events of Umeda Innovation Week over Sept 16-19 2025. They indicate a tipping point in the Japanese startup ecosystem being reached, with Kansai at the forefront.
Nov 14, 2025
InterviewInterview with Alvaro Rios of Kawatek: building the future of bionics in Japan
From Columbia to Mexico to the USA to Germany and then finally to Japan, Alvaro Rios sits down with Blackbox to talk about his company and why Japan makes sense for medtech and robotics startups... and some pitfalls to watch out for.
Nov 10, 2025
InterviewDaniel Brown, Founder of Meidansha
Daniel Brown, founder and CEO of **Meidansha**, shares his entrepreneurial journey in Japan. Originally from Australia, he came to Japan in 2003, worked in finance, and later co-founded a 3D virtual tour company in Osaka. After his partner’s passing, he continued running the business alone. Daniel reflects on cultural and professional lessons—how being a foreigner can be both a challenge and an advantage in Japan’s business world. His key advice: focus on purpose, not just profit. Genuine passion earns trust and lasting connections, especially in Japan’s relationship-driven business culture.
Oct 17, 2025
InterviewAndy from Hungry Osaka Tours
Andy Watanabe, owner of Hungry Osaka Tours, shares his journey from teaching in Japan to running his own tour company. Originally from Europe, he moved to Japan “for a year” but stayed 25. After teaching and opening an English school, he shifted to tour guiding in Osaka, focusing on high-quality, bilingual experiences. Andy notes challenges with bureaucracy and banks as a foreign entrepreneur but highlights his wife’s support and the importance of learning Japanese. His advice: respect local customs, make the effort, and people will support you—success in Japan comes from hard work and gratitude.
Sep 8, 2025