Michael stated that Starlink is perfect for livestreaming during hiking in Japan’s rural areas

Michael, a resident of Japan, informed Elon Musk and Starlink that he has completed the first version of his Starlink Mini backpack, which is perfect for livestreaming while hiking in Japan’s rural areas. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is designed to deliver high-speed internet to rural and remote regions.

In Japan, where urban areas enjoy excellent internet connectivity but rural areas often lack reliable traditional broadband, Starlink provides download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps sufficient for livestreaming and real-time data sharing. In regions like Hokkaido or Tohoku, where internet infrastructure is limited, local residents can now stay connected thanks to this technology.

Starlink is also proving to be a valuable asset in emergency situations in rural Japan. During natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, communication systems are frequently disrupted, but Starlink terminals offer rapid connectivity. In 2023, it contributed to establishing communication 50% faster during disaster relief efforts.

Additionally, around 20% of Japan’s rural population approximately 25 million people who previously lacked broadband access are now using Starlink for online education, telemedicine, and business purposes.

By 2024, Starlink had over 50,000 users in Japan, with 60% of them from rural areas. For hiking and tourism, it’s a game-changer; addressing the lack of signal on trails like Mount Fuji or Kumano Kodo, the 1.3-kilogram Starlink Mini enhances safety and experience for hikers. A 2024 survey found that 70% of hikers considered it useful.

As of March 2025, Starlink’s more than 6,000 satellites cover 98% of Japan’s territory, offering a latency of 20-40 milliseconds ideal for livestreaming.

Its user base in Japan grew from 10,000 in 2023 to 50,000 in 2024, reflecting its rising popularity. Priced at around 50,000 yen (approximately $330 USD) with a monthly fee of 6,000 yen ($40 USD), it remains accessible to rural users. Overall, Starlink Mini is not only boosting hiking and tourism but also revolutionizing education, emergency services, and connectivity, opening new possibilities for rural Japan.