How to Choose Between Blogspot and Hatena Blog?

 

Blogspot (commonly known as Blogger) and Hatena Blog are two distinct blogging platforms, each with its own strengths and target audiences. Here's a comparison based on key aspects:

Overview

• Blogspot (Blogger): A free blog-publishing service owned by Google, launched in 1999. It’s designed for simplicity and integrates seamlessly with Google services. Your blog gets a subdomain like yourname.blogspot.com unless you opt for a custom domain.
• Hatena Blog: A popular Japanese blogging platform launched by Hatena Co., Ltd. It’s widely used in Japan and caters to a community-oriented audience, offering both free and paid plans.

Ease of Use

• Blogspot: Extremely beginner-friendly. You only need a Google account to start, and the interface is straightforward, letting you publish posts within minutes. Customization is limited but sufficient for basic blogging.
• Hatena Blog: Also user-friendly, with an intuitive dashboard, but it’s primarily in Japanese, which may be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers. It offers simple setup and post creation, with some unique formatting options like Hatena’s markdown-like syntax.

Customization

• Blogspot: Offers a small set of free templates with basic customization (colors, layouts). Advanced users can edit HTML/CSS, but options are limited compared to modern platforms. Third-party themes exist but may require extra effort to implement.
• Hatena Blog: Provides a variety of free and premium themes, with moderate customization options. It’s less flexible than platforms like WordPress but more versatile than Blogspot for design tweaks, especially for Japanese users familiar with its ecosystem.

Features

• Blogspot: Includes basic features like Google AdSense integration for monetization, unlimited posts, and Google Drive storage for media (up to 15GB free). It supports multiple authors and has a simple gadget system for adding widgets, but lacks advanced tools like e-commerce or popups.
• Hatena Blog: Offers community features like Hatena Bookmarks (a social bookmarking tool) and integration with other Hatena services. It supports markdown-style writing, private blogs, and has a built-in analytics tool. Paid plans unlock additional features like custom domains without ads.

Cost

• Blogspot: Completely free, including hosting and a .blogspot.com subdomain. Custom domains cost $10–$20/year from registrars like Google Domains or others.
• Hatena Blog: Free tier available with a .hatenablog.com subdomain and ads. Paid plans (starting around ¥600/month, roughly $4 USD) remove ads, allow custom domains, and increase storage.

Audience and Reach

• Blogspot: Global reach due to Google’s infrastructure, but it’s often seen as less professional due to its basic design and .blogspot branding (unless using a custom domain). SEO benefits from Google integration are a plus.
• Hatena Blog: Primarily targets Japanese users, with strong indexing in Japanese search engines and a built-in audience via Hatena’s community. Less known internationally, which may limit its appeal outside Japan.

Monetization

• Blogspot: Easy to monetize with Google AdSense, especially for beginners. No restrictions on affiliate links, but advanced monetization options are limited.
• Hatena Blog: Monetization is trickier—ads are controlled by Hatena on the free tier, and direct ad networks like AdSense require a paid plan with a custom domain. Affiliate links are allowed.

Ownership and Control

• Blogspot: Hosted by Google, so you don’t fully own your content, though you can export it. Google could theoretically shut it down or delete blogs (rare but possible).
• Hatena Blog: Hosted by Hatena, with similar risks of platform dependency. Exports are possible, but it’s tied to Hatena’s ecosystem.

Mobile Experience

Blogspot:

• Responsive themes.
• App support is lacking (Google has deprecated some Blogger apps).

Hatena Blog:

• Mobile-friendly interface.
• Good mobile browsing and editing.

Best For

• Blogspot: Casual bloggers, hobbyists, or anyone wanting a free, no-frills platform with minimal setup. Ideal for English-speaking or global audiences.
• Hatena Blog: Japanese bloggers or those targeting a Japanese audience, especially if they value community features and a polished, localized experience.

Why do Japanese people use Hatena Blog?

Japanese people use Hatena Blog for several reasons, rooted in its features, cultural fit, and strong presence in the Japanese online ecosystem. It’s a popular platform because it offers a simple yet powerful way to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences, appealing to a wide range of users from casual writers to professionals.

One key reason is its ease of use. Hatena Blog provides an intuitive interface that lets users start blogging quickly, even without advanced technical skills. It supports both free and premium versions, making it accessible to hobbyists while offering extra features—like custom domains—for those who want more control. The platform’s seamless integration with smartphones also suits Japan’s mobile-savvy population.

Another factor is its community and networking tools. Features like ID Trackback, which automatically notifies users when someone links to their content, foster interaction and engagement. This aligns with Japan’s online culture, where building connections and sharing knowledge are valued. Hatena Bookmark, a widely used social bookmarking service in Japan, further boosts visibility by driving traffic to blog posts, making it attractive for those who want their content seen.

The platform’s strength in search engine optimization (SEO) is a big draw too. Hatena Blog posts often rank well on Google in Japan, which appeals to writers aiming to reach a broader audience—whether they’re sharing personal stories, reviewing products, or discussing niche topics like tech or pop culture. This is especially useful for users with specific interests, as the platform attracts a literate, curious audience, often over 30 and with relatively high internet fluency.

Culturally, Hatena Blog fits Japan’s blogging tradition, evolving from its predecessor, Hatena Diary, launched in 2003. It supports UTF-8 encoding, allowing rich Japanese text expression, and its keyword system helps users categorize and discover content easily—a practical feature for a language with complex nuances. Plus, the ability to embed photos, videos, or product links with one click caters to Japan’s visually oriented digital habits.

Finally, Hatena’s reputation as a hub for intellectual and creative exchange resonates with Japanese users who enjoy documenting daily life, exploring ideas, or contributing to niche communities. Whether it’s a salaryman reflecting on work, a fan reviewing idol concerts, or a researcher sharing insights, Hatena Blog offers a versatile space that feels both personal and connected. Its longstanding presence and adaptability keep it relevant in Japan’s crowded blogging landscape.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dead-simple, free platform with global reach and don’t mind limited customization, Blogspot is a solid choice. If you’re in Japan or targeting Japanese readers and want a community-driven platform with a bit more flair, Hatena Blog edges out. Your choice depends on your language, audience, and how much control you want over your blog’s look and feel.

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