Reaching 300,000 Subscribers in Just 3 Months: The Rise of Kodansha's Business Video Media 'THINKpod'

Kodansha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter 'Kodansha') is pleased to announce that THINKpod (Shinkupod), its business video media launched in June 2026, has surpassed 300,000 subscribers on its official YouTube channel.

THINKpod / Shinkupod: https://www.youtube.com/@THINKpod_by_KODANSHA

Reasons Behind Rapid Growth: Offering Deep Insight in an Era of Efficiency

THINKpod is a horizontal (cross-domain) business media platform that leverages Kodansha’s century-long expertise in creating content that is both 'interesting and useful.' Through video, it delivers intellectual stimulation to business professionals.

In today’s world, where efficiency and speed are prioritized and AI provides instant access to 'established answers,' THINKpod deliberately takes the opposite approach. It was founded on the concept that 'knowledge does not exist solely to be immediately applicable.'

For complex phenomena in modern society, THINKpod offers dialogic content that combines multiple perspectives over time, helping viewers cultivate original insights (epiphanies) and the motivation to 'want to try'—elements that cannot be replaced by AI.

This unique stance—'deep yet not overwhelming'—has garnered passionate support from young U35 leaders seeking transformation within traditional large corporations (JTC), as well as from startup innovators who value creativity. As a result, the channel has reached 300,000 subscribers just three months after launch.

Popular Playlists and Featured Guests

At THINKpod, editors from various fields serve as planning producers, delivering daily free videos that decode complex topics in an accessible way.

Recommended Video Exploring the true essence of 'freedom of time and money' faced by modern business professionals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqmXkRqYIiE&t=4s

[The World’s Elites Are Often Idle] How Working People Can Create 'Time' / What Protects You Isn’t Your Income, But Your 'Assets'

What does 'assets' mean to Kotaro Tamura, who teaches globally while actively investing? We also explore his 'best investment in oneself.'

Creative Work Philosophy Insights from professionals on how to do original, creative work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IPq575J1q4&t=237s

[Blue Lock] Creator Muneyoshi Kinjo Appears! From the Origins of the Work to Work Techniques

Muneyoshi Kinjo, the original creator of the soccer manga 'Blue Lock,' appears in a video! He shares the background behind the creation of this masterpiece featuring compelling characters like Seiichi Kiyokawa, Gora Kagaribi, and Rin Isshiki, as well as the works that influenced him, his idea generation process, and work techniques.

MONEY BLUEPRINT A series that goes beyond mere investment methods to deeply reconsider the value of money in life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGPBYVoYgJQ

[Choruko’s Way to Becoming a Billionaire Working Mom] Achieving 400 Million Yen in Assets Despite a Busy Schedule

Choruko, a mom investor who achieved 100 million yen in assets during maternity leave using just her smartphone. What did she do to become a 'billionaire mom'? We dive deep into her investment techniques, frugal living tips, major failures, and recent purchases.

Influence Hack A popular series uncovering the secrets behind trending phenomena and viral content

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuLwbMtBZGo&t=2074s

[Hasegawa Akari’s All-Time Favorites] 10 Chain Restaurant Menu Picks

Popular chef Hasegawa Akari shares her favorite chain restaurant dishes. From the unique cake developer at Ueshima Coffee, the integrity of Soup Stock Tokyo, to Royal Host’s perfect balance—you’ll want to visit these places immediately after hearing her stories.

THINKpod SESSION Conversations with guests from diverse fields!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwR9byZoVTk&t=655s

[Koyu Wakabayashi] Rising from Rock Bottom: A 12-Year Journey / Survival Tactics for 30 Years in the Entertainment Industry

Koyu Wakabayashi, celebrating 30 years in the entertainment industry, candidly shares his childhood roots, anecdotes from his breakout as an actor, and his 12-year journey of recovery after a fall accident.

Comment from Soichiro Maruo, Editor-in-Chief of THINKpod

THINKpod aims to be a catalyst that uncovers and sparks the small, hidden 'want to try' feeling in everyone’s heart.

Our strength isn’t simply inviting experts to deliver difficult lectures. It lies in the 'editorial power' of Kodansha’s editors acting as hubs—horizontally connecting diverse knowledge to deliver unprecedented perspectives and deep satisfaction.

We deeply appreciate connecting with 300,000 viewers and will continue to provide the best intellectual workout—a space that is intellectually enriching yet 'not overwhelming'—that resonates with your daily work and journey, stirring your heart and soul.

[Profile: Soichiro Maruo] Born in Oita Prefecture in 1990. Graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo. Joined Kodansha in 2012.

After working at Friday, Shukan Gendai, and Gendai Business, he now contributes to the video business (THINKpod).

[Introducing Collaboration Projects] Driving Viewer Action

THINKpod excels not only in awareness expansion (increasing views) but also in cultivating viewers’ 'deep understanding and trust,' thereby driving strong attitudinal shifts toward corporate visions and stories.

Case Example (1): Olive Consulting Inc.

[New Era Asset Management] Introducing Olive’s new asset management service / Free consultations on financial concerns / Expert financial advice / Collaboration with SMBC Group and SBI Group

Case Example (2): Suntory Holdings Limited

[Changes in the Beer Industry] Economist Takashi Kadokura explains why 'Kinmugi' is chosen in an era of rising prices / Inventing the 'Daily Beer' category by maintaining price points to support consumers

Moving forward, we will expand diverse collaboration offerings, such as the 'Gendai Business Linked Plan' and 'Limited Booklet Packages,' fully leveraging Kodansha’s assets.

Collaboration Advertising Menu Guide

[Inquiries] Kodansha Co., Ltd. Rights & Media Business Headquarters, Communication Business Division 1 Attn: Responsible Person

112-8001 Bunkyo-ku, Oto 2-12-21, Tokyo

TEL: 03-5395-3642 Email: cm1-toiawase@kodansha.co.jp