Author
Tatsuya Yajima
Blockchain, Culture, Economics, Entertainment
As a content creator, he has extensive experience in music production, video production, website design, article writing, and more. At Blackbox, he covers the latest topics and trends in Japanese entertainment, blockchain, and the startup ecosystem.
Bio
As a content creator, Tatsuya has extensive experience in music production, video production, website design, article writing, and much more. At Blackbox, he covers the latest topics and trends in Japanese entertainment, blockchain, and the startup ecosystem.
Stories by Tatsuya Yajima
InsightAnimals and Japan part 3: breeders and horses in Japan
A series exploring domestic animals in Japan, covering everything from Japan’s unique pet culture and market to the latest technology. In part 1 we had an overview of the laws regarding pets, and part 2 explored the pet-tech landscape. No, in the final installment, we will look at breeders and how Japanese horse racing is quietly becoming a cultural export.
Aug 20, 2026
InsightAnimals and Japan part 2: pet-tech
A series exploring domestic animals in Japan, covering everything from Japan’s unique pet culture and market to the latest technology. In part 1 we have an overview of the laws regarding pets. Part 2 explores the trends, technologies, and companies shaping Japan’s evolving pet-tech landscape.
Aug 13, 2026
InsightAnimals and Japan part 1: pets
A series exploring domestic animals in Japan, covering everything from Japan’s unique pet culture and market to the latest technology. In part 1 we have an overview of the laws regarding pets.
Aug 6, 2026
InsightA practical guide to Japanese networking for overseas entrepreneurs
If you plan to build and grow your business in Japan for the mid-long term, learning Japanese will definitely help you work here, as it helps you move faster and build trust. In the startup scene especially, being able to explain your product in Japanese and building friendly relationships are the first steps to diving into the community and earning trust.
Jun 9, 2026
InsightWearable tech and Japan
This article explores the evolution of Japan's wearable technology market from this perspective and develops the idea that conceptual fashion is a core requirement for the next stage of growth.
Jun 4, 2026
InsightCreative Tech Shibuya 2026: residency program & visa support for entrepreneurs
An event report of Creative Tech Shibuya 2026, from one of its organizers. With this year marking the launch of the five-day residency program, we take a look a how events like this can survive in Japan's changing legislative environment.
Mar 10, 2026
InsightVideo Games part 3: Japanese market and trends
In our third and final installment on Japan's game industry, we dig into the different companies, organizations, and publishers moving to take advantage of the changing business landscape of the game industry.
Mar 3, 2026
InsightVideo games part 2: indie games and ecosystem support
In part 2 of our video game series of articles, we take a look at Japanese indie games and some of the support systems and accelerators helping them make their dreams into reality.
Feb 13, 2026
InsightWhat traditional games tell us about Japan
Traditional Japanese games remain an important part of Japan’s cultural background, with many still played today—especially at traditional events. But what can they teach us about the Japanese psyche?
Feb 10, 2026
InsightJapan’s Blue Economy part 4: potential
This article marks the final part of a four-part series exploring Japan’s blue economy from different topics. As global attention turns toward sustainable ocean industries, Japan is working to revitalize its blue economy — a key sector that links the nation’s tradition, technology, and future growth.
Feb 6, 2026
InsightVideo games part 1: toward a personalized gaming experience
We have a look at how Japan has historically led the world in video games since the introduction of the Famicom in 1983, and how modern Japanese companies are keeping up with global trends and technology.
Feb 2, 2026
InsightJapan's blue economy part 3: fishing
In part 3 of our es on Japan's blue economy we turn to the fishing industry: its ups and downs over the years, and how Japanese startups are tackling the region's unique challenges.
Jan 27, 2026
InsightCreative Tech Shibuya 2026 coming in February
Shibuya Startup Support, in collaboration with urban art and technology event DIG SHIBUYA, will host Creative Tech Shibuya 2026: a five-day program for overseas creative tech startups considering entering the Japanese market.
Jan 20, 2026
InsightKabuki in modern Japan: stage, screen, and city
With the recent surprise success of a movie about Kabuki, this centuries-old theater form is back in the public eye. But what exactly is Kabuki?
Jan 19, 2026
InsightClimate change, energy, and Japan’s GX & fusion startups, part 4
In this final article of this “Climate Change and Energy” series, we turn our attention to Japan’s current nuclear power landscape and the progress of fusion energy research and development.
Jan 15, 2026
InsightJapan’s blue economy part 2 : Aquaculture
In part 1, we looked at the history of Japan’s shipbuilding, from its early stages to the latest developments such as AI-powered autonomous ships. In part 2, we turn our focus to aquaculture: an area where Asia has become the global leader… and by a lot.
Jan 5, 2026
InsightClimate change, energy, and Japan’s GX & fusion startups, part 3: decarbonization
In part three of this series, we look at how Japan has responded to the global call for Carbon Neutrality by 2050, reviewing Japan's initiatives, and highlighting emerging Green Transformation (GX) companies.
Dec 31, 2025
InsightJapan’s blue economy part 1: Shipbuilding
For Japan, as an island nation, maritime business constitutes an extremely vital industry. The Blue Economy series (Part 1 - Part 4) covers shipbuilding, aquaculture, wild fisheries and marine pollution, and future potential. By weaving together historical context with recent industry developments and trends, the series is structured to enable readers less familiar with this field to grasp the overall picture of Japan's maritime business.
Dec 24, 2025
InsightClimate change, energy, and Japan’s GX & fusion startups, part 2: the modern era
This series explores Japan's modern energy history while introducing Japanese GX companies and nuclear fusion start-ups. Here in part 2, we outline the energy transitions Japan has undertaken from the post-war period to the present day, bridging the discussion to subsequent sections covering GX initiatives and nuclear fusion start-ups.
Dec 15, 2025
InsightFitness startups in Japan
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the rise of fitness studios in Japan in recent years, whilst also highlighting some startups within the health supplement industry.
Dec 10, 2025
InsightClimate change, energy, and Japan’s GX & fusion startups, part 1: History
Focusing on climate change and energy, this series explores Japan's modern energy history while introducing Japanese GX companies and nuclear fusion start-ups. Part 1 covers Japan's modern energy history, detailing developments from the Meiji Restoration to the world wars.
Nov 26, 2025
InsightJapan’s Stablecoin Landscape: Regulation, Innovation, and the Road Ahead (part 2/2)
This article explores the growing significance of stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar or Japanese yen—in both the United States and Japan. While adoption in the U.S. has surged, with new legislation like the GENIUS Act supporting the ecosystem, Japan has taken a regulatory leadership role, having first defined crypto assets in 2017. The article reviews Japan’s legal framework under the Payment Services Act (PSA) and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), recent amendments, and the emergence of local stablecoin initiatives. It also highlights future prospects for stablecoin-based payments.
Oct 29, 2025
InsightJapan’s idols and the fan economy—history and now
Ryo Asai’s new novel *In the Mega-Church* explores Japan’s fan economy and idol culture, tracing its evolution from Johnny’s boy bands and AKB48’s participatory model to globalized, tech-driven fandoms. Today, digital platforms, audition documentaries, and virtual performances reshape how fans connect with idols. Startups are innovating in fan engagement, live interaction, and merchandise using data and blockchain, though issues like scandals and over-commercialization remain. Japan’s idol industry highlights the power of community-driven content. The article also announces a February 2026 Shibuya program for creative tech startups, featuring exhibitions, networking, and collaboration with DIG SHIBUYA.
Oct 24, 2025
InsightJapan’s Stablecoin Landscape: Regulation, Innovation, and the Road Ahead (part 1/2)
Japan has played a pioneering role in regulating cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. While stablecoins like USDT and USDC reach over $235 billion globally, Japan is still in early adoption stages. The country first legally defined crypto assets in 2017 under the Payment Services Act (PSA). A 2023 amendment introduced the first stablecoin regulations, marking a key milestone. Alongside, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) governs security tokens and blockchain-based financial products. With cashless payments now at 42.8%, experts see stablecoins as the next step in Japan’s digital payment evolution, supported by progressive legal and technological frameworks.
Oct 20, 2025
InsightGenerative AI and music production
Generative AI is transforming music creation, allowing anyone to compose songs without technical skills. Platforms like Suno, AIVA, and Udio automate composition through text prompts, attracting millions worldwide. However, this rapid innovation raises ethical and legal challenges. Artists and organizations like the RIAA and ARA are pushing back against unlicensed use of copyrighted works, while AI detection tools emerge to counter abuse. As the AI music market is projected to grow from €3 billion to €64 billion by 2028, musicians face declining income and an uncertain future. The industry now stands at a crucial crossroads between creativity and technology.
Oct 10, 2025
InsightShort-form video and the rise of the “Short Drama”
Short dramas—bite-sized episodes lasting seconds to minutes—are rapidly gaining global traction, fueled by the rise of short-form videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Originating in China’s online fiction culture, the market reached about $5 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $14 billion by 2027. Japan is now seeing similar momentum, with over half of users aged 15–49 regularly watching short videos. New apps like Fany:D, BUMP, POPCORN, and UniReel are emerging, signaling a transformation in storytelling, advertising, and media consumption as short-form narratives become a defining force in global entertainment.
Sep 29, 2025
InsightLocal Stories Go Global: The Rising Reach of Japanese TV Dramas
Japanese TV dramas have historically struggled overseas, with anime making up 90% of broadcast content exports. Short formats and domestic sponsor focus limited global appeal. However, streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have boosted visibility, with hits like House of Ninjas, Alice in Borderland, and SHOGUN. Remakes and international co-productions are increasing, while complex rights management remains a challenge. Japanese viewers now access dramas via diverse VOD services. Broadcasters are adapting by expanding distribution and collaborating with global partners. With continued innovation, Japan’s drama industry is poised to grow as a global entertainment force.
Aug 29, 2025
InsightNFTs with Real World Assets in Japan’s art & culture scene
With the release of the ERC-721 standard on Ethereum in 2017, NFT art projects like CryptoKitties and CryptoPunks quickly captured global attention, and celebrities, artists, and companies worldwide started generating their own NFTs at an enormous rate. This led to the NFT boom of the early 2020s, of which you are undoubtedly familiar.
Jun 18, 2025