#Japan #AI Services #Shibuya #Coconala #Skill Market

Coconala Skill Market Hits a Major Milestone

Coconala, a leading skill marketplace in Japan, has announced a remarkable achievement in its service history. The platform has surpassed one million listed services since its inception roughly 13 years ago. Founded in 2012, Coconala aims to empower individuals by allowing them to buy and sell knowledge, skills, and experiences in a manner akin to online shopping. Initially, the marketplace allowed users to list services for as little as 500 yen, ranging from portraits and illustrations to travel and outing advice. As it adapted to changing environments, including the implementation of a mobile app, TV commercials, and the rise of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of listed services has steadily increased.

Growth in Popular Categories

A detailed analysis comparing service listings between 2020 and 2025 revealed that offerings related to AI are experiencing rapid growth. The rise of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT has led to an increase in services focused on effectively utilizing AI, including constructing effective prompts. This trend aligns with the high demand observed from both businesses and individual entrepreneurs, as depicted in the “Coconala Usage Trends in Business” survey released in March 2025, which showcased AI services ranking first in transaction growth.

The handmade goods category has also seen substantial expansion, with practical offerings like sewing services for school and nursery sets reflecting the demands of busy families. Individuals with sewing skills are finding market opportunities to meet these needs, contributing to the overall growth of the platform.

Diverse Categories Fueling Business Growth

Starting from 19 categories, Coconala has evolved to feature over 740 service categories today. This evolution has involved flexibly reorganizing and introducing new categories to keep pace with societal shifts and changes in work styles. The categorization structure consists of three tiers—major categories, subcategories, and category types—allowing for responsive changes to trends.

In 2018, the introduction of a mobile app, coupled with government guidelines promoting side jobs and dual employment, prompted the establishment of the “Business Consultation” category. This strategic move was aimed at addressing the rising needs of individual entrepreneurs and professionals in business settings.

In response to the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 saw a surge in demand for non-face-to-face services, leading to the creation of the “Online Lessons” category. This category has now grown to include nearly 30,000 listings, making it one of the platform's main offerings.

Looking towards 2024, the proliferation of generative AI and the normalization of freelance and side job lifestyles have led to the establishment of five new categories, including “AI” and “Consulting,” catering to the latest business trends. Additionally, recognizing the revival of in-person demand post-pandemic, Coconala launched its first in-person service category, “On-Site Photography and Services.” This diversification positions Coconala as a comprehensive platform that supports both remote and in-person workstyles.

Coconala is dedicated to continuing its expansion of categories and service delivery methods, aiming to create a marketplace where all types of services are available. As Takumi Hozaki, the business manager of the Coconala Skill Market, states, “We aspire to be a comprehensive marketplace for services.”

Through the collective efforts of its users and attention to evolving needs, Coconala has emerged as Japan's largest skill marketplace, with a rich array of one million listed services. The platform has consistently evolved alongside societal transformations, ensuring it meets a wide range of requirements for personal and business needs. The future vision is clear: to expand categories and improve service delivery mechanisms in the pursuit of supporting a society where everyone can shine in their unique ways.