COLOPL creates immersive content that enriches daily life, delivering real-world joy through digital entertainment.
The Japanese entertainment and gaming industry has a rich and storied history. When people think of Japanese gaming companies, they often associate the industry with giants like Nintendo, Sony, and Sega—companies that have shaped and dominated the global gaming landscape for decades. From your perspective, how would you define the uniqueness of Japan’s entertainment and gaming industry today?
Gaming is a key part of the broader entertainment industry, and Japanese entertainment, in general, is known for its distinctiveness and attention to detail. Looking back at traditional forms of entertainment like Noh and Kabuki, Japan, as an island nation, has nurtured its own unique culture and preferences. This deep-rooted creativity has driven the evolution of Japanese entertainment, leading to the innovative gaming landscape we see today. Companies like Nintendo and Sony are natural extensions of this cultural evolution.
A defining trait of Japanese entertainment is its ability to start from scratch and create something entirely new. This methodology is evident in Nintendo’s history—time and again, they have introduced consoles with never-before-seen features that redefine gaming experiences for audiences worldwide. Sony has also embraced this philosophy, continuously innovating with each PlayStation generation. In fact, some individuals who contributed to early Nintendo consoles later played a role in the development of PlayStation, further illustrating this lineage of innovation.
When comparing global gaming markets, Korean games have their own unique qualities, but they entered the industry later and have been heavily influenced by legacy Western titles like the Ultima series. In contrast, China has leaned heavily into smartphone-based gameplay and refining existing game mechanics, often drawing inspiration from Japanese game development. As a result, Japan stands apart as a nation that continues to produce some of the most original and widely admired entertainment.
This level of originality extends beyond gaming and can also be seen in Japan’s music industry. While K-pop is highly successful, it is largely an amalgamation of various global influences—its melodies draw from American pop, fused with elements of English and Korean rap and hip-hop. Japanese artists, on the other hand, have carved out distinctly unique styles. Take Mrs. GREEN APPLE, for example, or Ado, whose music was central to an entire One Piece film. With Ado’s rights now held by Sony and Crunchyroll, the artist is positioned in a strong and strategic place within the entertainment industry.
Japan’s entertainment sector exports have surpassed the JPY 5 trillion mark, and the government has now set an ambitious goal of increasing this to JPY 20 trillion. Do you believe this target is achievable? What opportunities do you see emerging as a result of the government's push to expand Japan’s entertainment exports?
Since this is a future target, I can’t make a definitive prediction, but I am optimistic about its feasibility. One of Japan’s greatest strengths in the entertainment industry lies in its ability to create compelling intellectual property (IP) and the creativity behind it. In the post-COVID era, anime has experienced a significant surge in global popularity, largely due to its increased accessibility through platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. At the same time, Japan’s declining domestic population has made overseas expansion a necessity for many companies.
Rather than the government driving this initiative, I believe it is private companies, in pursuit of growth opportunities abroad, that are fueling this rise in exports. While government support is important, it is ultimately the actions of private firms that will determine whether Japan reaches the JPY 20 trillion target.
The business environment has evolved significantly in ways that benefit gaming and entertainment companies. A prime example is Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll, which has enabled anime and music to be distributed worldwide simultaneously. This immediacy preserves the freshness of Japanese entertainment, whereas in the past, it could take months or even years for anime to reach Western audiences.
In our case, although we have been accumulating knowledge and expertise for the global market in various ways, the global launch of Neko Golf was our first experience with a simultaneous worldwide game release. That experience paved the way for us to develop Brilliantcrypto, which in turn opened a new chapter in our company’s evolution. This mindset of actively challenging global markets will be key for Japanese companies like ours to explore new opportunities and expand into new regions. I believe this kind of proactive international engagement will ultimately help Japan achieve its JPY 20 trillion export target.
Japan remains a global leader in IP and creativity, but the country is facing significant challenges due to its aging and shrinking population. As the talent pool declines, there is growing concern about the availability of skilled individuals to develop the original IPs that Japan has been known for over the past few decades. How is your company addressing these challenges? And to what extent do you believe Japanese companies will need to look overseas to import talent for IP creation in the future?
AI will play a crucial role in strengthening both Japanese society and the economy. While creativity remains fundamentally human, the Japanese approach of preserving traditions while drawing inspiration for original ideas is a key part of the IP creation process. The challenge moving forward will be striking a balance—enhancing human creativity while reducing the workload through AI. Efficiently allocating human resources to the right fields, alongside integrating AI technologies, will be essential for sustaining innovation.
That said, uniquely Japanese content is not something that can only originate from within Japan. As Japanese culture has expanded globally, more non-Japanese creators have come to understand and appreciate the concept of Japaneseness. At the same time, many Japanese individuals are moving abroad and being influenced by other cultures, which can lead to the creation of entirely new forms of entertainment. I believe we will see the emergence of content that retains the essence of Japanese creativity while incorporating a more international perspective, allowing Japan’s influence on global IP to evolve in new and exciting ways.
For fiscal year 2025, COLOPL has announced the upcoming launch of several new games across both mobile and console platforms. Could you share some details about these titles and whether you have a specific timeline in place for their releases?
Among the new titles we have planned, our subsidiary MAGES, which specializes in console games, is preparing to release a new entry in the Steins;Gate series. As for COLOPL, our expertise lies more in online gaming. While I can’t share too many details about our next title just yet, we are set to reveal more information in April 2025.
What I can say is that we will be incorporating integrated AI as part of the gaming experience. However, gamers aren’t drawn to our titles because of the technology itself—it’s the appeal of the game that matters most. Technology is simply a tool that allows us to expand creative possibilities and enhance the overall experience, but the core attraction will always be the game itself.
One of your games that caught our attention is Brilliantcrypto, which leverages blockchain technology in an innovative way. Not only are players rewarded for completing tasks, but the value of gemstones is directly influenced by player activity. Could you elaborate on the core features of Brilliantcrypto and what sets it apart from other blockchain-based games? Additionally, how do you see blockchain gaming technology evolving in the future?
The foundation of Brilliantcrypto is built on addressing a key challenge in blockchain gaming—bridging the gap between the game itself and token issuance. While blockchain technology is well-established, past blockchain games often operated as rug pulls, where developers launched games quickly, profited from token sales, and then discontinued services. Our approach is fundamentally different. We are focused on providing a continuous, secure, and engaging gaming environment, centered around a Play-to-Earn model.
Through this model, we distribute NFTs represented as gemstones within the game. These NFTs can be traded and sold on the blockchain, creating real value for players. Recently, we introduced a feature where gemstones can be combined to craft jewelry which can then be sold as higher-value NFTs. We collaborated with jewelry designers to create ten unique jewelry designs, and five have already been sold. Features like this not only enhance earnings for players but also deepen engagement within the game’s ecosystem.
Looking ahead, our goal is to integrate these rewards into the Metaverse, allowing players to showcase their earned jewelry to other users in virtual spaces. This social and interactive aspect adds another layer of value beyond just financial incentives.
What sets Brilliantcrypto apart from other blockchain games is that it is not solely focused on cryptocurrency conversion. Instead, we prioritize creating a meaningful experience for players by adding intrinsic value to their achievements. By providing tangible rewards and an engaging gameplay structure, we ensure sustained user interest and long-term participation in the game’s ecosystem.
Brilliantcrypto Reveal Trailer| The Birth of Digital Gemstones
With Brilliantcrypto now listed on exchanges and available in over 60 countries worldwide, and its October 2024 listing on the Epic Games Store, these milestones have significantly expanded its global reach. How have these achievements helped attract a broader international audience to Brilliantcrypto? Are there specific markets you are particularly focused on for future growth?
Our ultimate goal is to make Brilliantcrypto a fully borderless game, accessible worldwide. However, our current presence in more than 60 countries is still limited by legal and regulatory restrictions, including those in the U.S. With the re-election of President Donald Trump, there has been a movement towards the deregulation of cryptocurrency, which is expected to bring new opportunities. As a public listed company, we take compliance very seriously and invest in research and implementation to adhere to the regulations of each region. However, if deregulated, that would ease the burden and enable us to expand into more countries.
On the distribution side, we have been expanding through platforms like Google Play Store and the Epic Games Store. However, we have yet to list on the Apple App Store due to their regulatory policies. A major challenge in reaching new platforms stems from past negative experiences users have had with cryptocurrency-based games, which have led to skepticism around the technology. To overcome this, our focus is on ensuring security and maintaining a fair, rewarding system for players. Building trust in blockchain gaming is essential for further expansion, and we are committed to reinforcing the credibility of Brilliantcrypto as we continue to grow.
Is overcoming this misperception on cryptocurrencies a challenge for your company? How are you distancing yourselves from meme coins and rug pulls?
Fortunately, meme coins are gradually fading, and in 2025, they are becoming less prominent. One key reason for this decline is that many of them lacked clear structures or well-defined white papers. In contrast, Brilliantcrypto has been built on a structured, ongoing Play-to-Earn model that ensures long-term engagement and sustainability.
One of our strongest assurances to users is that we are a publicly listed company on Japan’s Prime Market. As a responsible Japanese entity, our mission is to prioritize safety, transparency, and integrity in everything we develop. This level of accountability sets us apart from many other blockchain-based gaming projects.
A major differentiator for us is that we handle all aspects of our business internally—game development, operations, and cryptocurrency issuance—within our own group. Many gaming companies separate these functions, often conducting their initial coin offerings (ICOs) in places like Singapore. This setup carries the risk of turning a cryptocurrency into a meme coin, allowing it to become a short-term financial play rather than a stable in-game economy.
To ensure greater security and credibility, we chose to conduct an Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) rather than an ICO, listing our token within Japan’s regulatory framework. This approach provides a higher level of safety for users and reinforces our commitment to a sustainable blockchain gaming ecosystem.
COLOPL’s mid-term management policy outlines key objectives, including overseas expansion and diversifying beyond your core business of smartphone and console games. What are some of the core strategies you are implementing to achieve these goals?
Our mid-term plan is primarily focused on strengthening business diversity by acquiring the necessary expertise, technologies, and companies that align with our long-term vision. One of the good examples of this is our acquisition of MAGES, which enhances our ability to produce narrative-driven games.
With Japan’s shrinking population, expanding overseas has become more critical than ever. However, we face strong competition from major companies in the U.S. and China. To better position in the global market, we are solidifying our capabilities through strategic acquisitions while maintaining our distinctiveness. At the same time, we are committed to embracing new technologies and pioneering new gaming experiences.
For example, we were among the first companies to introduce GPS-based gaming with our Colony Life Plus, even before Pokémon GO. Brilliantcrypto is another example of how we are positioning ourselves as an industry forerunner by leveraging blockchain technology in gaming.
Of course, we have faced challenges along the way. Shironeko Golf did not initially meet expectations, but the lessons learned from that project helped us refine our approach and ultimately contribute to the success of Brilliantcrypto. Looking ahead, we remain committed to innovation, continuously seeking ways to create new value through technology.
Our strength lies in our ability to merge cutting-edge technology with valuable Japanese IPs, a combination that sets us apart in the global market. While other developers may excel in either IP or technology, few have the ability to integrate these elements synergistically. To illustrate this, back in 2003, we were the first company to launch a GPS-based game—long before Niantic’s Pokémon GO. In fact, the foundation of our company traces back to Colony Life Plus, which was often referred to as COLOPL. At the time, Mr. Naruatsu Baba was the sole developer of the game before he formally established COLOPL in 2008.
In summary, our mission is to drive innovation by combining advanced technology with Japanese IPs and seamlessly delivering them to the global market, where demand for Japanese entertainment continues to grow.
Our research shows that COLOPL has actively pursued partnerships with global companies, a notable example being your collaboration with PSG Football Club on Brilliantcrypto. Looking ahead, do you have plans to establish more partnerships of this nature? How do international collaborations strengthen your business and help bring your products to a wider global audience?
We are actively seeking partnerships to strengthen our presence in different markets. For example, our collaboration with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club was primarily aimed at promoting Brilliantcrypto. Interestingly, we’ve observed a correlation between countries with strong soccer cultures and higher cryptocurrency adoption rates, making this partnership particularly strategic.
In the past, we attempted to establish our own base in the U.S. when the Shironeko project was performing well. We tried to introduce the game under a different title, COLOPL Rune Story, but it struggled to gain traction due to cultural and marketing differences. This experience highlighted the importance of working with local partners when expanding into new markets. By leveraging partnerships with established global brands and regional experts, we can more effectively localize our products, improve market penetration, and ensure long-term success in international markets.
Brilliantcrypto x Paris Saint-Germain FC: Mine Together
Imagine that we return on the final day of your presidency for another interview. What goals or aspirations would you hope to have accomplished by that time?
Ten years ago, before I became president, I actually approached COLOPL for licensing opportunities related to Shironeko and several other titles to help expand their presence in the Taiwanese market. At the time, I was working for a Taiwanese company under the Sony Group, and as a fan of COLOPL’s IPs, I wanted to bring them to a wider audience. If you had told me back then that one day I would be leading this company, it would have been hard to believe.
What truly inspired me was the passion of Chairman Baba and the incredibly talented creators at COLOPL. Their creativity and dedication left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to help harness that creativity and extend its reach globally.
I remain deeply grateful to COLOPL, which merged with the company I was part of during that time. Even as president, I continue to hold a deep sense of awe and appreciation for this company. My mission is clear—to ensure that COLOPL’s existence and creativity are recognized and celebrated worldwide. The day I feel I have fully repaid the company and done justice to its potential, that will be the moment I pass the baton to the next generation.
For more information, please visit their website at: https://colopl.co.jp/en/
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