Showing 73–96 of 218
Stories
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.
·Blackbox Contributor#Innovation.#Technology
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.
·Tatsuya Yajima#Culture.#History.#Media
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.
·Blackbox Contributor#Entrepreneurship.#Founder Story.#Startup Support
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.
·Kazuma Tamura#DX.#Food.#Technology
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.
·Kazuma Tamura#DX.#Food.#SaaS
InterviewBuilding a Future Startup Ecosystem from Kitakyushu - The Challenge of COMPASS Kokura
Located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, the coworking space "COMPASS" functions not only as a workspace but as an incubation facility nurturing the next generation of startups. We spoke with Mr. Fukuoka, the operations manager who is striving to create a new wave of innovation in Kitakyushu, a city known for manufacturing, about the reality of startup support and the potential for regional business creation.
#Entrepreneurship.#co-working.#Incubation.#Startup Support
InterviewInnovating Translation Technology from a Global Perspective: Interview with Suguru Sakanishi, CEO of Yaraku, Inc.
Yaraku, Inc. is supporting multilingual corporate communication with its unique CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tool that combines machine translation with human expertise. We spoke with CEO Suguru Sakanishi about his entrepreneurial experience in America, his current business and his vision for the future. From a business that began on a drunken impulse to building a diverse global team
#AI.#SaaS.#Entrepreneurship.#Founder Story
InterviewConnecting with the World through Japanese Craftsmanship - Monozukuri Ventures Founder Shares His Entrepreneurial Journey
Monozukuri Ventures has built an innovative ecosystem connecting Silicon Valley startups with Japanese small and medium manufacturing enterprises. We spoke with the founder about his journey that began with a passion for regional revitalization, the strengths and potential of Japanese manufacturing, and how Japanese companies can compete in the global arena.
#Entrepreneurship.#Interview.#InternationalExchange.#Investor Support
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.
·Hikaru Nagashima#Entertainment.#Finance.#Funding.#XR
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.
·Kazuma Tamura#Agriculture.#Food.#Sustainability.#Innovation
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.
·Kazuma Tamura#Entrepreneurship.#Startup Support.#WorkVisa.#ForeignerSupportServices
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.
·Hikaru Nagashima#Culture.#Unboxing Japan.#Wellbeing
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.
·Tatsuya Yajima#NFT.#Blockchain.#Web3.#Art
InsightShibuya: The Gateway to Tokyo's Startup Success
When you think of Shibuya, images of the famous Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue might come to mind. Yet beneath its reputation as a youth culture mecca and tourist destination, Shibuya is rapidly emerging as one of Japan's most dynamic startup ecosystems, with a distinct focus on diversity and global scope.
·Yoshimi Imada#Entrepreneurship.#Startup Support.#InternationalExchange.#co-working
InsightJapan’s Bold Startup Gamble: 100 Unicorns in 5 Years
The Japanese government announced its ‘Startup Development Five-year Plan’ in November 2022. Now-former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented the Five-Year Startup Plan as part of his grand design for a new form of capitalism in Japan. While Abenomics led to higher stock prices and corporate profits, it did not translate into higher wages.
·Arata Ida#Entrepreneurship.#Startup Support.#Investor Support.#Funding
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.
·Kazuma Tamura#Art.#AI.#Technology.#InternationalExchange
InterviewThe Frozen Food Revolution: Preserving the Value of Food
The Challenge of Next-Generation Freezing Technology to Protect "Deliciousness" - Masayuki Kinoshita, CEO of Daybreak Inc.
#Food.#Sustainability.#Founder Story.#Designing
InterviewTokyo Innovation Base (TIB): Creating Value Through Connections
In Japan, where population decline is a pressing issue, startups are seen as the key to the country's economic growth. In 2023, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government established "Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB)," Japan's largest startup support hub.
#Startup Support.#Incubation.#Networking.#CommunityEngagement
InsightTokyo: a world-leading city
Tokyo was named the world's best trending destination in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations 2024. The number of foreign tourists visiting Tokyo has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with the city ranking 4th in the “Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023” published by Euromonitor International. Tokyo is attracting increasing attention.
·Arata Ida#Mobility.#Food.#Market Insight.#Tourism
InsightTokyo, the heart of Japan
An explanation of the innovation ecosystem that is spreading in Tokyo, the premier destination for start-ups.
·Arata Ida#Entrepreneurship.#Startup Support.#Investor Support.#InternationalExchange
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?
·Hikaru Nagashima#Unboxing Japan.#InternationalExchange.#CommunityEngagement.#Entertainment
InsightStartup Ecosystem in Yokohama City
Yokohama City has built a diverse ecosystem that provides support to both domestic and international entrepreneurs and startups, making it an attractive city, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.
·Sayaka Kito#Entrepreneurship.#InternationalExchange.#Foreigner Support.#Incubation
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.
·Blackbox Contributor#Entrepreneurship.#Art.#Education.#InternationalExchange
InsightKyoto: the heart of Japanese culture
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is renowned for its millennia-long cultural and political significance. The city is home to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Ryoan-ji, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, all of which serve as stunning examples of Japan’s architectural and spiritual heritage. However, Kyoto’s appeal extends far beyond its historic temples and shrines.
#Entrepreneurship.#InternationalExchange.#Startup Support.#Foreigner Support