The demand for shared streaming studios is rapidly increasing alongside the expansion of the video streaming market in Japan. Studios offering professional-quality streaming environments on an hourly basis are rapidly expanding, primarily in urban areas, serving everyone from individual creators to businesses.
This article analyzes the growth factors of the shared streaming studio market in Japan, pricing trends, utilization rate data by city, and market forecasts for 2025 and beyond, based on the latest data.
Why is the Shared Streaming Studio Market Growing Rapidly?#
The shared streaming studio market has maintained an annual growth rate of 15-20% since 2020. This rapid growth is driven by four main factors.
Expansion of Video and Live Streaming Market#
The overall expansion of the video streaming market is driving demand for shared studios. According to a survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan, the Japanese video streaming market reached approximately 2.5 trillion yen (approximately $17 billion USD) in 2024, recording growth of over 15% compared to the previous year.
Content creation demand on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch is increasing, and the number of individual creators is rapidly growing. As of 2024, creators with over 10,000 YouTube channel subscribers in Japan reached approximately 150,000.
Increase in Corporate Online Events and Webinar Demand#
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, corporate online events and webinar demand have become established. As of 2024, approximately 75% of companies with 100 or more employees regularly hold online events.
Cases of companies using external studios for new product launches, corporate events, and online briefings are increasing. Particularly for corporate events requiring professional-quality streaming environments, shared studios have become mainstream.
Increase in Individual Creators (YouTubers, VTubers, TikTok Creators)#
The expansion of individual creator segments has become a major source of demand for shared studios.
YouTubers
- As of 2024, creators with over 100,000 YouTube channel subscribers in Japan number approximately 3,000
- Creators seeking high-quality filming environments are increasing
VTubers
- The VTuber market grew to approximately 20 billion yen (approximately $135 million USD) in 2024
- High-quality studio environments are essential for 3D model streaming
TikTok Creators
- The number of TikTok creators in the Japanese market reached approximately 5 million as of 2024
- Demand for filming in studios with “Instagram-worthy” backgrounds is rapidly increasing
High Cost of Dedicated Studios → Rapid Growth in “Hourly Rental” Demand#
The high construction and maintenance costs of dedicated studios are driving demand for shared studios.
Initial investment for dedicated studios, including soundproofing construction and equipment investment, costs 5 million to 20 million yen or more (approximately $34,000 to $135,000 USD). On the other hand, shared studios can be used for approximately 3,000 to 10,000 yen per hour (approximately $20 to $68 USD), making them a cost-effective option for individual creators and small-to-medium enterprises.
Background of Shared Studios Concentrating in Urban Areas#
Shared studios are rapidly expanding, primarily in urban areas. As of 2024, there are over 200 shared streaming studios within Tokyo’s 23 wards.
Reasons for demand concentration in urban areas are as follows:
- Good Transportation Access: Easy access for creators and corporate staff
- Concentration of Equipment and Service Providers: Equipment vendors and technical staff needed for studio operations are concentrated
- Concentration of Demand: Creators and companies are concentrated in urban areas
What are Shared Streaming Studios? | Features and Mechanisms#
Shared streaming studios are streaming environment services with a “hourly rental × professional equipment” style. Users can utilize professional-quality streaming equipment for only the time they need.
“Hourly Rental × Professional Equipment” Style#
The basic model of shared studios is hourly rental. Users can rent studios from one hour to several hours and use professional-quality streaming equipment.
Typical usage times are 2-4 hours for individual creators and 4-8 hours for corporate events. Discount plans are available for long-term use or regular use.
Soundproofing/Sound Insulation Design / High-Speed Internet / Lighting, Camera, Audio Equipment#
Shared studios are equipped with everything needed for professional-quality streaming.
Soundproofing/Sound Insulation Design
- Sound insulation performance D-50 or higher (for general streaming purposes)
- D-60 or higher for premium studios
- Achieves both external sound blocking and internal sound leakage prevention
High-Speed Internet
- Upload speed of 100 Mbps or higher (4K streaming compatible)
- Wired LAN connection is standard
- Provides stable streaming environment
Lighting, Camera, Audio Equipment
- Professional LED lighting (3-point lighting set)
- 4K-compatible cameras (multiple units installed)
- High-quality microphones (condenser microphones, wireless microphones)
- Mixers and audio interfaces
Professional Equipment such as Green Screens, White Cyc, Switchers#
Premium studios are equipped with more advanced equipment.
Green Screens and White Cyc
- Green screens for chroma key compositing
- White cyc sets for white background filming
- Easy background changes
Switchers and Streaming Equipment
- Video switchers (multiple camera switching)
- Streaming encoders (OBS, vMix compatible)
- Real-time streaming environment
Other Professional Equipment
- Teleprompters (script display devices)
- Monitors (multiple units)
- Audio equipment (effects processors, compressors)
Types of Operating Models: Hands-Free Use, Staff-Included, etc.#
Shared studios have multiple operating models.
Basic Model (Self-Service)
- Users operate equipment themselves
- Relatively affordable pricing (3,000 to 8,000 yen per hour, approximately $20 to $54 USD)
- Equipment operation knowledge required
Hands-Free Use Model
- Studio side handles equipment setup
- Users can start streaming immediately upon arrival
- Pricing higher than basic model (5,000 to 12,000 yen per hour, approximately $34 to $81 USD)
Staff-Included Model
- Technical staff support streaming
- Camera work, audio adjustment, and streaming operations handled by staff
- High pricing (15,000 to 30,000 yen per hour, or 50,000 to 200,000 yen per slot, approximately $101 to $203 USD per hour, or $338 to $1,352 USD per slot)
Pricing Trends | Differences Between Individuals and Businesses#
Pricing for shared streaming studios differs significantly between individual and corporate users. Pricing also varies by location, equipment level, and usage time.
Pricing Range for Individual Creators#
Pricing for individual creators ranges from 3,000 to 18,000 yen per hour (approximately $20 to $122 USD).
Basic Pricing Range (3,000 to 10,000 yen per hour)
- Self-service type studios
- Basic streaming equipment (cameras, microphones, lighting)
- Outside city centers, or simplified studios in city centers
Premium City Center Range (10,000 to 18,000 yen per hour)
- City center areas such as Shibuya, Roppongi, and Shinjuku
- High-quality equipment (4K cameras, professional lighting, green screens)
- Hands-free use plans
Late-Night Pricing and Long-Term Rental Discounts
- 20-30% discount for late-night hours (10 PM to 6 AM)
- 10-20% discount for 4 hours or more usage
- Member discounts based on monthly usage frequency (10-15% discount)
Pricing Range for Corporate/Event Studios#
Pricing for corporate and event use is higher than for individuals.
Basic Pricing (15,000 to 30,000 yen per hour)
- Corporate-oriented studios
- High-quality equipment and spacious areas
- Multiple cameras and advanced audio equipment
Full-Set Plans (50,000 to 200,000 yen per slot)
- Includes technical staff and switching
- Streaming agency services
- Full event operation support
Additional Costs for Background Set Changes and Streaming Agency Services
- Background set changes: 5,000 to 15,000 yen (approximately $34 to $101 USD)
- Streaming agency (technical staff): 10,000 to 20,000 yen per hour (approximately $68 to $135 USD)
- Additional equipment rental: 5,000 to 20,000 yen per item (approximately $34 to $135 USD)
Cost Structure (Reference)#
Pricing for shared studios is based on the following cost structure.
Location Costs (Higher Near Stations)
- City center properties near stations: Monthly rent of 500,000 to 1,500,000 yen (approximately $3,380 to $10,140 USD)
- Regional cities: Monthly rent of 200,000 to 500,000 yen (approximately $1,352 to $3,380 USD)
- Location costs are reflected in pricing
Soundproofing Construction, Fiber Internet, Equipment Investment
- Soundproofing construction: 1 million to 5 million yen (approximately $6,760 to $33,800 USD, depending on scale)
- Fiber internet: 50,000 to 150,000 yen per month (approximately $338 to $1,014 USD, high-speed lines)
- Equipment investment: 2 million to 10 million yen (approximately $13,520 to $67,600 USD, depending on equipment level)
Securing Technical Staff
- Technical staff labor costs: 3,000 to 5,000 yen per hour (approximately $20 to $34 USD)
- Labor costs are reflected in pricing for staff-included plans
Latest Utilization Rate Data | Trends by City#
Utilization rates for shared streaming studios vary significantly by city and area. We analyze utilization rates by city based on the latest 2024 data.
Tokyo: Utilization Rates in Shibuya, Roppongi, and Shinjuku Areas#
Shared studios within Tokyo’s 23 wards maintain high utilization rates.
Weekday Utilization Rate: 50-70%
- Corporate webinars and online events are the main demand
- Daytime weekday usage is common
- City center studios maintain high utilization even on weekdays
Weekend/Holiday Utilization Rate: 80-95%
- Individual creator usage is concentrated
- TikTok and YouTube filming demand is rapidly increasing
- Popular studios are often fully booked on weekends and holidays
Rapid Increase in TikTok and YouTube Filming Demand
- TikTok filming demand increased approximately 2-fold compared to 2023
- YouTube filming demand increased 30% year-over-year
- Studios with “Instagram-worthy” backgrounds are particularly popular
Osaka: Umeda and Shinsaibashi Areas#
Shared studios in the Osaka area maintain steady demand, though utilization rates are lower than Tokyo.
Weekday Utilization Rate: 40-60%
- Corporate event demand is the main focus
- Weekday utilization is lower than Tokyo
Strong Event and Game Streaming Demand
- High demand for game streaming
- eSports event streaming demand
- Corporate event usage is also increasing
Other Regional Cities (Nagoya, Fukuoka)#
Shared studios in regional cities maintain steady demand, though weekday utilization rates tend to be lower than Tokyo.
Weekday Utilization Rate: 30-50%
- Lower weekday utilization than Tokyo
- Corporate webinar demand is the main focus
Steady Demand
- Individual creator usage is increasing
- Corporate event demand is also expanding
- Awareness of shared studios is increasing even in regional cities
Factors Driving Utilization Rates#
Factors driving utilization rates for shared studios are as follows.
Popularity of Studios with “Instagram-Worthy” Backgrounds
- “Instagram-worthy” backgrounds are sought on social media
- Studios with carefully designed interiors are popular
- Studios with many background variations are chosen
Increase in Hands-Free Use and Staff-Included Plans
- Can be used without equipment operation knowledge
- Lower barriers to use expand demand
- Corporate event usage is increasing
Word-of-Mouth Spread on Social Media
- Studio introduction videos on TikTok and Instagram spread
- Word-of-mouth increases awareness
- Popular studios are difficult to book
Analysis of Main User Segments#
Users of shared streaming studios are broadly divided into individual creator segments and corporate/business uses. We analyze usage trends for each.
Individual Creator Segments (Main Segment)#
Individual creator segments are the main users of shared studios.
Game Streamers and VTubers
- High demand for game streaming
- High-quality studio environments are essential for VTuber 3D streaming
- Typical usage is 1-2 times per week
YouTubers and TikTokers
- YouTube filming demand is increasing
- TikTok filming demand is rapidly increasing
- Typical usage is 2-4 times per month
ASMR and Cover Song Creators
- High-quality recording environments are needed for ASMR production
- Cover song video filming demand
- Typical usage is 1-2 times per month
Corporate/Business Uses#
Corporate and business usage is also increasing.
New Product Launches
- Online streaming for new product launch events
- Professional-quality streaming environments are needed
- Usage several times per year
Corporate Events
- Online streaming for corporate events
- Corporate communication in remote work environments
- Usage approximately once per month
Webinars and Online Briefings
- Hosting customer webinars
- Streaming online briefings
- Usage 2-4 times per month
eSports Tournament Streaming
- Streaming eSports tournaments
- Multiple cameras and advanced audio equipment are needed
- Usage several times per year
Reasons for Increased Studio Usage#
Reasons for increased studio usage are as follows.
Insufficient Soundproofing and Lighting at Home
- Home streaming environments are insufficient
- Low soundproofing performance requires consideration for neighbors
- No professional-quality lighting environment
Volume Restrictions in Rental Housing
- Rental housing has volume restrictions
- Difficult to stream with instruments or loud voices
- Cannot stream 24 hours
“Professional Quality Hands-Free” is Convenient
- No need to purchase equipment
- Can easily use professional-quality streaming environments
- Cost-effective
Studio Distribution and Market Size Trends by City#
Shared streaming studios are distributed primarily in urban areas. We analyze studio distribution and market size trends by city.
Tokyo’s 23 Wards: Highest Studio Density#
There are over 200 shared streaming studios within Tokyo’s 23 wards. This area has the highest studio density and intense competition.
Main Areas
- Shibuya and Roppongi areas: Approximately 50 studios
- Shinjuku area: Approximately 40 studios
- Ikebukuro and Ueno areas: Approximately 30 studios
- Other areas: Approximately 80 studios
Market Size
- Shared studio market size within Tokyo’s 23 wards: Approximately 5 billion yen in 2024 (approximately $33.8 million USD)
- Approximately 20% growth year-over-year
Osaka: Growth of Streaming-Focused and Game-Oriented Studios#
In the Osaka area, growth of streaming-focused and game-oriented studios is notable.
Main Areas
- Umeda and Shinsaibashi areas: Approximately 30 studios
- Other areas: Approximately 20 studios
Market Size
- Shared studio market size in Osaka area: Approximately 1.5 billion yen in 2024 (approximately $10.1 million USD)
- Approximately 25% growth year-over-year
Nagoya and Fukuoka: Increase in Corporate Webinar Demand#
In Nagoya and Fukuoka areas, corporate webinar demand is increasing.
Main Areas
- Nagoya: Approximately 15 studios
- Fukuoka: Approximately 10 studios
Market Size
- Market size in Nagoya and Fukuoka areas: Approximately 800 million yen in 2024 (approximately $5.4 million USD)
- Approximately 30% growth year-over-year
Regional Cities: Increase in Spin-Offs from Photo Studios#
In regional cities, spin-offs from photo studios are also increasing. Existing photo studios are increasingly being utilized as streaming studios.
Future Market Forecasts | Outlook for 2025-2030#
The shared streaming studio market is predicted to continue growing. We analyze market forecasts for 2025 and beyond.
Annual Growth Forecast of 10-20% (Linked to Streaming Market)#
The shared streaming studio market is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 10-20% from 2025 to 2030. Demand for shared studios will expand in tandem with overall video streaming market growth.
Market Size Forecasts
- 2025: Approximately 8 billion yen (approximately $54 million USD)
- 2030: Approximately 15 billion to 20 billion yen (approximately $101 million to $135 million USD)
Emergence of Shared Studios × Subscription Models#
Services combining shared studios with subscription models are predicted to emerge.
Subscription Model Features
- Monthly fixed fee secures usage time
- Priority booking rights granted
- Discounted pricing applied
Expansion of AI Streaming and Virtual Filming Demand#
New demand is predicted to emerge with the evolution of AI streaming technology and virtual filming technology.
AI Streaming Technology
- Automatic camera work by AI
- Audio adjustment by AI
- Automatic optimization of streaming quality
Virtual Filming
- Utilization of virtual backgrounds
- Streaming in 3D spaces
- Demand for metaverse streaming
Possibility of External Usage Becoming Mainstream as Companies Avoid Permanent Studios#
Cases of companies using external shared studios instead of maintaining permanent studios may become mainstream.
Benefits of External Usage
- No initial investment required
- No maintenance costs required
- Flexible usage possible
Increased Entry Due to Evolution of Soundproofing Materials and Energy-Saving Equipment#
New entries are predicted to increase with the evolution of soundproofing materials and energy-saving equipment.
Impact of Technological Evolution
- Reduction in soundproofing construction costs
- Operational cost reduction through energy-saving equipment
- Lower barriers to new entry
Summary | Shared Streaming Studios Becoming “Urban Infrastructure”#
The shared streaming studio market continues rapid growth, driven by demand from a wide range of segments, from individual creators to businesses.
Acceleration of “Externalization of Recording Locations” for Both Individuals and Businesses#
Both individual creators and businesses are increasingly using external shared studios without maintaining dedicated studios. Cost efficiency and high flexibility are driving this trend.
Pricing Accepted as “Investment in Professional Quality”#
Pricing for shared studios is accepted by both individuals and businesses as an investment in professional-quality streaming environments. Pricing of 3,000 to 30,000 yen per hour (approximately $20 to $203 USD) is a cost-effective option compared to construction and maintenance costs of dedicated studios.
High Utilization Rate Areas Will Continue to Expand#
Shared studios maintaining high utilization rates, centered on Tokyo’s 23 wards, are predicted to see continued demand expansion. Demand expansion is also expected in regional cities.
Shared Studios Will Become Established Alongside Video Market Expansion#
Alongside the expansion of the video streaming market, shared streaming studios will become established as urban infrastructure. Annual growth of 10-20% is predicted to continue beyond 2025.