Before diving into sectors, understand these concepts:
Showa & Heisei Aesthetics: Young Japanese Gen Z and Alpha are flocking to Showa-era cafes and using disposable cameras. These "Heisei pop" aesthetics (1989–2019) are seen as "comfort culture" in an era of economic uncertainty. Yet, the culture remains resilient
Yet, the culture remains resilient. As AI-generated art threatens Western creative industries, Japan still values the "wabi-sabi" (imperfect authenticity) of the human hand—the sketched manga panel, the live stage actor's sweat, the seiyuu (voice actor) crying in the recording booth. the live stage actor's sweat