Is mixi still the largest community in Japan?

Answer is yes. mixi, most popular Japanese casual social networking service still ranks No.1 among other social networking services in Japan.

However, Gree, the second largest SNS in Japan has been increasing user numbers with their improved mobile site. Mostly the users are female age between 20 to 30.

(Below 18 can’t use social networking services, although there are plenty of them just like MySpace, Facebook, etc.)

openPNE, most popular open source SNS software

Aside from these major services, Japanese web venture Tejimaya provides a mixi like open source SNS software called, openPNE. This program is used widely from corporations to groups, or personnels wishing to keep their self brand SNS.

Is there any LinkedIn in Japan?

Well, LinkedIn announced that they start service in Japan early this year, however it hasn’t been started yet just like my friend at XING told me before. Entrepreneurs and business owners still use mixi/gree as ways to expand their business connections.

But of course some users aren’t satisfied with the features, as they are never designed to meet business needs.

Wizli, a openPNE based business networking service is probably being used widely among Japanese professionals. This site is just like mixi turned into business networking site.

CareerConnection, another business SNS (probably written from scratch) is another popular service. Its design is somewhat similar to LinkedIn, and they’ve got a company reviewing function by members. This is what makes it unique from others.

Nifty, one of Japanese ISPs has Nifty Business Space, business SNS for Nifty users. They lately partnered with a non profit to encourage political and social discussions within their site. (Have they learned from Barak Obama on LinkedIn?)

Recruit, is closing its business SNS (jinmyaku bank) next month. It didn’t even last a year.

NICe, is a new business SNS aims to link entrepreneurs and entrepreneur supporters (such as lawyers, accountants, venture capitalists, etc). It’s operated by Venture Enterprise Center, which also operates Dream Gate, a government initiative to increase entrepreneurs.

UPDATE 2008-06-21

PowerLink, is another business SNS similar, or aiming to be a LinkedIn clone. But this requires you to be a paid member to even access the site.