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Starting from 2018, Forbes Japan has been recognizing young innovators and disruptors under 30 every year in Forbes Japan 30 UNDER 30. Out of the 120 people recognized in 2023, Arata Nakatsuji (a fourth year student in the School of Political Science and Economics), the driving force behind the art and social media startup titled “artics,” where you can express yourself through your interests, was selected for the section named “BUSINESS&FINANCE&IMPACT”

About the Award Winners from Forbes Japan 30 UNDER 30 2023 GROUP3 ”BUSINESS&FINANCE&IMPACT”

The same award was received by alumni of Waseda University in 2019. Seiya Ashikari, the spearhead behind the company ecologgie Inc., who is currently working on various developments towards finding solutions for food shortage. Riku Tazumi also received the award in 2020 for his company, ANYCOLOR, Inc. is a VTuber platform titled “Nijisanji Project” that became listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.

artics works to support various artists and creators by aiming improve inefficient distribution of contents, allows fans to search for ‘the things they like’ and creates a world that allows artists to connect to “fans that deeply sympathize with the artist.”

Arata Nakatsuji was a finalist in 2020 at Waseda University’s Business Plan Contest, as well as receiving Keita Suzuki’s scholarship for entrepreneurship in 2021. Since February of this year, he has been participating in Waseda University’s Israel Business Training Program “No Venture, No Victory” in order to further develop his business plan. He has also received support from the well-known accelerator program in the United States titled Techstars, which enabled him to participate in IVS, held in Kyoto in June, as a contents partner.

Arata Nakatsuji will continue to receive support from the Center for Entrepreneurship and will work with underclassmen in order to achieve his goal of “21^st century renaissance where anyone can find the things that they like, connect to people who let you express yourself, and even be an artist.”

A Comment from Arata Nakatsuji

“I am deeply honored to be selected for the Forbes JAPAN 30 Under 30. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who have supported me in earning this accolade.”
“I believe that the contents industry will continue to become an integral part of society. However, due to systemic inefficiencies and missed opportunities, many artists find their livelihoods compromised, also making it challenging for fans to discover their true favorites.”
“artics aims to solve these issues drastically on a global scale by introducing new discovery channels that connect artists and fans more effectively.”

Note

The Center for Entrepreneurship is a department that offers support to students that say `I want to start a company based on an original idea or research results.` There are workshops and various programs about starting businesses offered. Specialty consulting, places to operate your business, and many other things are offered as part of the support system.
artics, ecologgie Inc. are currently active members of this community. ANYCOLOR Inc. was also at one time a member of this community when the company was known as Ichikara inc.