Niwango

Niwango is a Japanese software company known primarily for its development and operation of the video-sharing website Niconico, also known as Niconico Douga. Founded in 2000, Niwango initially focused on mobile content and internet services before launching Niconico in 2007. The website quickly gained popularity in Japan for its unique user-generated video platform, which allows viewers to post comments that scroll across the video in real-time. This feature, known as "comment overlay," has become a distinctive characteristic of Niconico.

Niwango's services extend beyond Niconico. The company has also been involved in developing various other internet-based services and applications. In 2010, Niwango became a subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, a major Japanese media conglomerate. This acquisition integrated Niwango's digital platform with Kadokawa's extensive content offerings in areas such as publishing, anime, and games. Niconico continues to be a significant platform for Japanese internet culture, hosting a wide range of content from user-created videos to live broadcasts and events. Niwango's ongoing development efforts aim to enhance user experience and expand the functionalities of its platforms.