AltStack.jp Growing Strong: 95 Services Across 14 Categories

Since launching AltStack.jp earlier this year, we’ve been steadily building out our directory of Japanese digital alternatives. It’s time for a proper recap of where we stand: 95 services across 14 distinct categories, each carefully selected for their local roots.

What’s In the Directory?

Let’s take a tour through what we’ve catalogued so far:

Infrastructure

VPS Providers offer 8 virtual server solutions with dedicated resources, giving developers full control over their hosting environment: from basic development servers to enterprise-grade infrastructure with custom OS installs and root access.

Shared Hosting features 11 traditional web hosting services perfect for websites that don’t require dedicated resources, offering managed environments with pre-configured software stacks and user-friendly control panels.

WordPress Hosting features 14 specialized services optimized specifically for WordPress sites, featuring automatic updates, enhanced security, and performance tuning tailored to Japan’s most popular CMS.

CDN Providers showcase 6 content delivery networks that accelerate websites by caching content on edge servers across Japan, reducing load times for local users.

Object Storage presents 3 scalable cloud storage solutions for backing up data, hosting static files, and managing large-scale media assets with S3-compatible APIs.

Managed DNS offers 3 reliable domain name system providers ensuring fast, secure domain resolution with advanced features like load balancing and failover protection.

Domain Registrars provide 11 services for purchasing and managing .jp domains and international extensions, with local customer support and Japan-specific domain expertise.

Public DNS features 1 high-performance recursive DNS resolver offering an alternative to international providers for faster, more private domain lookups within Japan.

Business Tools

Electronic Signature Software features 11 platforms helping companies transition to paperless workflows while meeting Japan’s legal standards: from simple click-to-sign solutions to government-grade qualified signatures using MyNumber cards for maximum legal enforceability.

Maps & Navigation

Map APIs offer 12 comprehensive mapping services providing everything from basic location data to advanced routing algorithms, designed specifically for Japan’s complex address system and detailed points of interest.

Car Navigation offers 6 automotive GPS solutions tailored to Japan’s road network, featuring real-time traffic data, parking information, and integration with local traffic management systems.

Bicycle Navigation provides 3 specialized cycling route planners that understand Japan’s unique cycling infrastructure, bike parking facilities, and elevation changes crucial for urban cycling.

Developer Tools

Form Services round out our coverage with 4 contact form and data collection tools that integrate seamlessly with static sites, offering spam protection and submission handling without requiring backend infrastructure.

Email Providers feature 2 business-focused email hosting solutions with Japanese customer support and data residency options for organizations prioritizing local communication infrastructure.

What’s Next?

Many more services are coming! Japan’s digital ecosystem has much more to offer, and we’re just getting started.

Every service in our directory represents a team of people building something meaningful for the Japanese market. By highlighting their work, we hope to make the path to digital independence a little clearer for everyone.