Japan flocking to Ustream for 15 minutes of online video fame

Ever since the supremely savvy Japanese cellphone operator Softbank invested US$20 million in Ustream in February, the video-sharing website has been going from strength to strength, popping up across Japan like sakura in springtime.

Plus, it’s even managed to pull off the impressive feat of projecting an image way cooler than rival YouTube. A glance at our wacky webcam story shows it’s true across Asia as well.

Naturally, Softbank now broadcasts all its press events live on Ustream (as well as a company party or two), but it’s the bullet-train acceleration into the mainstream that’s drawing attention. 

You're on

From TV stations to individual users, Ustream is fast becoming the go-to spot if you’re in Japan and want to broadcast yourself. Sorry, that’s the other guys -- Ustream’s tagline is the subtler “You’re On.”

Just hit up a Ustream search for live shows or videos in Japanese and you’ll see what we mean. Everything from broadcasts of the iPad line outside Apple stores last weekend to recorded shows featuring beauty tips -- it’s all there.

And gadget makers are getting in on the act too. In spite of every Japanese cellphone having a multi-megapixel camera these days, companies like Cerevo are branding tiny camcorders as "Made for Ustream." 

The ¥20,000 (US$216) Cerevo Cam live! brings nine megapixels of video goodness to the mix, and there’s an option to get broadcasting right away with a portable WiFi hotspot dongle. Perfect for sharing those nomikai drinking nights with the world.

As for the future, Softbank has teamed up with entertainment specialist Shidax to fit out its karaoke boxes with Ustream broadcast gear. Nice idea, but we just wonder how long that cooler-than-thou image will survive under an onslaught of late-night mic-wrecking sessions beamed across the nation.