illphated
As of 2025, Japan’s gaming livestreaming landscape is vibrant and diverse, featuring a mix of global giants and homegrown platforms. Here’s an overview of the most popular streaming platforms for gaming in Japan:
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🎮 Major Gaming-Focused Platforms
1. YouTube Live
YouTube Live has emerged as the leading platform for gaming livestreams in Japan, surpassing Twitch in total viewership hours. Its integration with pre-recorded content and the rise of VTubers have significantly contributed to its dominance.
2. Twitch
Twitch remains a significant player in Japan’s gaming scene, especially among esports enthusiasts and VTuber communities. Its growth has been bolstered by the popularity of games like VALORANT and the increasing presence of Japanese streamers.
3. TwitCasting (ツイキャス)
TwitCasting is a Japanese-born platform that gained popularity through its seamless integration with Twitter. It offers both video and audio-only streams and has a substantial user base among younger audiences.
4. Niconico Live (ニコニコ生放送)
Niconico Live is known for its unique feature where user comments scroll across the screen in real-time. It’s a favorite among anime and retro game fans, fostering a nostalgic and interactive viewing experience.
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📱 Mobile & Variety Streaming Platforms
5. 17LIVE (イチナナ)
Originating from Taiwan, 17LIVE has established a strong presence in Japan. It hosts a diverse range of content, including gaming, music, and lifestyle streams, and is known for its interactive features and talent discovery events.
6. BIGO LIVE
BIGO LIVE, a Singapore-based platform, has gained traction in Japan with its multi-user live rooms and a variety of content genres. It supports gaming streams and allows viewers to interact through virtual gifts.
7. WhoWatch (ふわっち)
WhoWatch is a domestic platform that offers monetization options for streamers and allows anonymous commenting without registration. It’s particularly popular among creators transitioning from other platforms like Niconico.
8. Pococha (ポコチャ)
Developed by DeNA, Pococha is a Japanese live streaming app that emphasizes community building and streamer support. It has seen rapid growth and offers features like livestreaming skill seminars and interactive chat functions.
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❌ Notable Platform Closure
Mildom
Mildom, once a promising gaming-focused platform in Japan, ceased operations after struggling to compete with larger services.
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📊 Summary Table
Platform Origin Primary Focus Key Features
YouTube Live Global Gaming, VTubers High viewership, integrated content ecosystem
Twitch Global Esports, VTubers Strong gaming community, interactive features
TwitCasting Japan Casual, mobile streaming Twitter integration, youth-oriented
Niconico Live Japan Anime, retro gaming Real-time comment overlay
17LIVE Taiwan/Japan Variety, gaming Talent discovery, interactive events
BIGO LIVE Singapore Variety, gaming Multi-user rooms, virtual gifting
WhoWatch Japan Variety, gaming Monetization options, anonymous commenting
Pococha Japan Community-focused Streamer support, interactive chat
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If you’re interested in exploring specific genres, such as VTuber content or esports tournaments, feel free to ask for more detailed recommendations!