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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Yuki Kobayashi, CEO of MESON, is pioneering a new era of spatial computing. With the advent of the Apple Vision Pro, he is developing "business entertainment experiences" as a new form of corporate presentation while simultaneously advancing a digital interior platform for general consumers as a new business venture.

VTubers are reshaping global entertainment, blending anime, gaming, and idol culture into a rapidly expanding market that transcends borders, with Japan at the forefront of this digital revolution.

In Japan, personality diagnosis based on blood type is believed in. Do you know your blood type?

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. 

BJ Fox, a British who worked for a major videogame publisher before starting Tokyo’s only stand-up comedy club "Tokyo Comedy Bar" in Shibuya, talks about why he started his business, the uniqueness of the Japanese market, tips for startups and more.

KALKUL is a future tech startup trying to integrate technology and human with the love for music and art. Co-founders Bartek Kolacz and Mehdi Hamadi talked about their journey, projects, and findings.

Mary and Elena who lead TOTEMO, a Japan-based NFT auction platform specialized in street art talked about the process of their startup, the challenges they have faced, and the current status of Japanese startup scene.

We interviewed with Blackbox's first Japanese entrepreneur, Mr. Jun Iinuma, co-founder & CEO of alphaspace inc, who has been a leader in SaaS business for 15 years since the establishment of salesforce Japan and co-founded Cogent Labs Inc. He then co-founded alphaspace inc. We asked him about his vision of solving social issues through XR creations and his thoughts on the future of startups in Japan.

NFTs have become a very popular phenomenon across industries, professions, and creators. Today, NFT is bringing new waves to the anime industry and communities.