#Market Insight

Why Japan's Gacha Machines Keep Selling: A Marketing Breakdown of a ¥196 Billion Market

Capsule toys costing a few hundred yen have become one of the fastest-growing consumer categories in Japan. At a time when inflation has made shoppers cautious, why do toys whose contents you can't even see keep selling, even as prices rise?

Animals 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.

Animals 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.

Animals 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.

Why global investors are looking to Kyoto's deeptech rise

Tokyo remains, without question, Japan's largest startup city. But in tech fields that require years, sometimes decades, of sustained research and development, Kyoto has developed a distinct and increasingly visible edge. Add in a creative industry built on gaming and traditional performing arts, and a city long associated with names like Nintendo and Omron starts to look less like a historical curiosity and more like a serious technology hub.

Tokyo'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.

Wearable 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.

J-AGRI TOKYO 2025

Japan’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.

BLACKBOX -Discover Japan's Startup Potential-

One fast‑paced session at SusHi Tech Tokyo where municipal leaders and global founders swap stories and pitches—offering a 360° view of Japan’s startup opportunities in under an hour.

Startup JAPAN EXPO 2025

Japan's largest exhibition dedicated to startups

Tokyo: 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.

Nagoya’s culture and cuisine

Located right at the heart of Japan, between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya bridges East and West Japan both geographically and culturally. This central positioning has created a blend of traditions and influences, resulting in a unique and harmonious cultural identity. While Nagoya may not be as popular a tourist destination as Kyoto or Tokyo, those who visit quickly discover its charm—particularly through its vibrant food scene.

Japanese Sake: how can traditions survive in a modern industry?

The sake industry is in a difficult situation, bound by regulations and tradition. However, since 2021, new movements that pursue innovation have accelerated, and signs of improvement have begun to appear.

Sparkling sake “re-imported”

Blackbox press event and Regional Government Roundtable

Aichi: lack of human resources barrier to growth

Ride-Sharing in Japan

Using smartphone apps to match private car owners with passengers ushered in the gig economy, changing not just how people think about taxis and transportation but a slew of other industries as well. Major platform providers like Uber and Lyft from the U.S. and Didi from China are poster children of the tech unicorn — but how have they fared in Japan?

Kyushu University to strengthen startup support with new funding cycle

Business opportunities with the amendment of the Cannabis Control Law

VTubers are changing the otaku market in Japan

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.

Prominent US VCs gather in Osaka

Japanese government actively seeking overseas talent to promote “internal internationalization”

What is the 'internal internationalization' being promoted by the Japanese government? Let's take a closer look at the new opportunities and appeal for overseas human resources.

Unboxing: new series begins!

Want to know more about Japanese culture? Then let's open the black box together.