pixiv
Pixiv is a Japanese online artist community and social networking service for illustrations, manga, and novels.[^c9] Launched in September 2007 by programmer Takahiro Kamitani, it has grown into one of the largest creative platforms worldwide.[^c1] The platform surpassed 84 million registered users by September 2022, and as of August 2025 reported over 119 million registered users and more than 160 million total posted works.[^c2][^c11]
As of August 2025, the service is used in over 240 countries and territories, with nearly half of active users coming from outside Japan and approximately one-third of all submissions originating from international creators.[^c3][^c4] The platform is available in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Malay, and Thai.[^c13] In Chinese-speaking regions it is commonly referred to as "P站".[^c1]
Pixiv operates a broad ecosystem of creator-focused services beyond its core illustration platform, including the [[BOOTH]] e-commerce marketplace, the [[pixiv FANBOX]] fan subscription service, the [[pixiv Novels]] writing platform, and the [[VRoid Studio]] 3D character creation tool. The company, [[Pixiv Inc.]], has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Animate Group since 2015.[^c5] In describing the platform's philosophy, former CEO Shingo Kunieda characterized pixiv as a "giant online park" that enhances creative fun worldwide.[^c7] An economic study using pixiv data found that generative AI negatively impacted human creators through both direct competition for attention and reduced viewership, with illustrators more affected than comic artists.[^c12]
The platform permits adult content, including pornography, with genitalia censored in accordance with Japanese law, and applies age-restricted filters by default.[^c8] In January 2025, pixiv unveiled its first logo redesign in 16 years, incorporating binary motifs with intentional imperfections to symbolize human creativity.[^c6] The company has also expanded into physical spaces, hosting exhibitions such as the "Create, Connect, pixiv" event at Expo 2025 Osaka, and previously operated the [[WAEN GALLERY]] physical exhibition space in Tokyo from 2019 to 2024.[^c10]