Mixi Opening API for Developers

The dominant Japanese SNS by subscribers has been under the gun since it’s recent results are off and several newcomers are sniping at their heels. The Japan Times was on-hand recently to hear CEO Kenji Kasahara speak, at a workshop organized for the Geeks on a Plane delegation, and filed this report. In essence the company has announced several upcoming initiatives including an open API for 3rd party developers to create and deploy apps and they will lift the invitation only requirement later this year.

This is a watershed moment for Mixi, one of Japan’s most successful “Web 2.0″ darlings. But lately its profit has been flat, while its growth in the number of page views and members is slowing. Acknowledging the need for new sources of revenue, Kasahara recently unveiled a landmark plan, calling it “Mixi’s biggest change since its launch.” The company is now opening its PC and mobile platform to third-party developers, and new applications created by them are expected to become available this summer on its site. It will also lift its invitation-only system later this year.

All things considered Mixi is still the elephant in the room.. these moves will be well-worth watching!