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Diground: A Decade of Digital Time Capsules

In February 2026, Diground Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is set to celebrate an impressive milestone: the 10th anniversary of its innovative app, Diground, which has successfully registered over 1.4 million digital time capsules. This app, which allows users to easily create digital time capsules by simply long-pressing on a map, has captured the hearts and memories of many since its launch in 2016.

A New Way to Create Memories

Diground offers a fresh take on memory-making with a digital twist. Users can embed photos and messages as time capsules in specific locations on a map, accessible only after a designated time or distance, making it a unique way to capture significant moments. From graduation ceremonies to family trips, the app has become a popular platform for preserving memories. Its distinctiveness was recognized when it won the Tokyo Innovation Service Special Award in 2017.

With the rise in popularity, especially during graduation seasons, the app recorded over 100,000 users by 2024 and continues to grow, reaching 1.4 million registered capsules by March 2026. This remarkable achievement highlights Diground’s role as a significant player in modern memory preservation.

The Origin of Diground

The name 'Diground' is a playful abbreviation of 'DIG INTO THE GROUND,' representing the app's essence. It aims to solve practical problems associated with traditional time capsules, particularly the challenges of finding a suitable place to bury one. Modern society's decline in available open spaces for children to play—coupled with the increasing pressures of extracurricular activities and a declining sense of community—led to the inspiration behind the app. Diground seeks to rekindle those lost opportunities for adventure and creativity through its digital platform, encouraging users to explore and interact with their surroundings.

The Development Journey

Initially launched in February 2016, Diground has evolved from a simple time capsule app to an expansive platform that supports various user needs, both personal and professional. This adaptability has led to the introduction of two new services: Diground EVENT, focusing on tourism and community events, and Diground BIZ, designed for businesses to manage customer relations through interactive mapping.

As part of its growth, the company has partnered with local governments, hosting numerous scavenger hunts and location-based events, further establishing itself as a pivotal resource for both individuals and organizations.

A Special 10th Anniversary Campaign

To commemorate its decade of success, Diground will launch a 'No Initial Cost Campaign' for businesses starting March 1, 2026. This initiative aims to promote solutions for regional revitalization and operational efficiency, reflecting the company's commitment to helping communities thrive. Individual users can continue to enjoy the app free of charge.

Exploring Diground’s Features

Diground showcases several features that set it apart:
1. Capsule Design Choices: Users can choose from template designs or even use their own photos for capsule pins, adding a personal touch to their time capsules.
2. Versatile Usage: It allows the creation of capsules without time or distance restrictions, making it useful for various occasions beyond traditional time capsules.
3. Custom Map Creations: Users can create and share customized maps displaying their registered capsules, with over 1,800 unique map projects already featured in the app's gallery.
4. Integration with Japan’s Largest Map Aggregator: Created maps can also be published on diground.com, allowing for broader sharing and enjoyment among the community, exceeding just app users.

Looking ahead, Diground is committed to evolving and offering unparalleled services and functionalities to its users.

Conclusion

In the words of the company's CEO, Hiromichi Abe, “If there are no vacant lots, let’s bury things on the map.” This simple yet profound idea has transformed into a platform that has safeguarded over 1.4 million memories within a decade. As Diground moves into the future, it continues to redefine the definitions of 'time, space, and companions' in the modern world, promising to bring joy and adventure with each ‘dig’ into the ground.