# GREE

> Japanese social networking service

**Wikidata**: [Q1007089](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1007089)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gree_(social_network))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gree

## Summary  
GREE is a Japanese social networking service launched in February 2004 by GREE, Inc. It operates primarily in Japan, offering a platform for social interaction and applications, distinct from global networks like Facebook.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: February 2004.  
- **Operator**: GREE, Inc.  
- **Headquarters**: Japan.  
- **Website**: https://gree.jp (Japanese language).  
- **Named After**: The "six degrees of separation" concept.  
- **Instance Of**: Website and social networking service.  
- **Aliases**: GREE.JP, GREEアプリ (GREE App).  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was GREE founded?  
A: GREE was launched in February 2004.  

### Q: Who operates GREE?  
A: The platform is owned and operated by GREE, Inc., a Japanese company.  

### Q: What inspired the name "GREE"?  
A: The name references the "six degrees of separation" theory, a foundational concept in social network design.  

## Why It Matters  
GREE played a notable role in Japan's social media landscape, emerging during the early 2000s wave of social networking services. Unlike global platforms, it catered specifically to Japanese users, fostering localized connections and applications. Its longevity and focused operation highlight its adaptability to cultural preferences, contributing to its sustained presence despite competition from larger international networks.  

## Notable For  
- **Localized Focus**: Tailored to Japanese users, with services and content in Japanese.  
- **Early Adoption**: Launched in 2004, part of the first generation of social networks.  
- **Corporate Structure**: Operated and owned by a single entity, GREE, Inc.  
- **Conceptual Naming**: Direct reference to the "six degrees of separation" theory.  

## Body  
### Founding and History  
GREE was established in February 2004 by GREE, Inc., as documented on the company’s official corporate history page. The name draws inspiration from the "six degrees of separation" concept, reflecting its purpose as a social connectivity platform.  

### Operations  
The service is headquartered in Japan and operates via the domain https://gree.jp, exclusively in Japanese. Both the operator and owner are listed as GREE, Inc., indicating a unified corporate structure.  

### Features and Identity  
GREE distinguishes itself through aliases like GREEアプリ (GREE App), emphasizing its application-based services. It is classified as both a website and a social networking service, with a dedicated Wikipedia presence in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and Korean.  

### Online Presence  
The platform maintains a modest but consistent online footprint, with a freebase ID (/m/0b6hlbt) and references across Quora and Zhihu. Its inception and operational details are verified through Japanese-language corporate disclosures.  

### Cultural Context  
As a Japan-centric platform, GREE’s design and growth reflect localized social networking trends, prioritizing features and interactions relevant to its domestic user base. This focus has allowed it to maintain relevance alongside globally dominant platforms.

## References

1. [グリー株式会社 (GREE, Inc.) - 会社情報 - 沿革](https://gree.co.jp/jp/ja/corporate/origin/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora