Hatena to Release New Forum Service in Summer 2026; Closed Beta Starts Today

Hatena Inc. will release a new forum service for individual users in the summer of 2026. Starting today, May 26, 2026, the company has begun providing a closed beta to pre-registered users.

Why Hatena is Building a Forum Service Hatena’s mission is to enrich people's lives by providing new experiences through "Knowing," "Connecting," and "Expressing." Since the launch of "Hatena Diary" in 2003 and "Hatena Bookmark" in 2005, the company has provided features to connect users, but believes there is still room for improvement. In its 25th year, the company is returning to its roots as a UGC service provider to develop a new forum service that realizes these "connections."

AI-Powered Service Development and Operation The forum service provides a space for users to connect and exchange opinions safely based on topics. Accumulated discussions become assets that grow in value as the service expands through searchability. The company uses AI in development and operations, contributing to efficient planning, implementation, summarization of communication, and detection of inappropriate posts.

About the Closed Beta Starting today, the closed beta has begun, primarily for users of services such as "Hatena Blog" and "Hatena Bookmark." The company will use feedback to make improvements ahead of the official release in summer 2026.