Ginza · a social network that feels like 2004 again
Ginza is a nostalgic, friend-first social network built by Kraftwire. It revives the feeling of the 2004 Orkut era · scraps on your profile, small topical communities, handwritten testimonials, a buddy list · with none of the algorithmic feed, advertising, or engagement traps that turned later platforms into noise.
If you arrived here searching for "Ginza" because someone shared a profile or a community link, this page is the short answer: yes, it is a real social network, it is free, and you can sign up in under a minute.
What Ginza is
Ginza is a centrally moderated, single-community social network. Your profile is the center of the experience · friends leave scraps, you write testimonials about each other, and small communities gather around very specific topics in the spirit of the original Orkut.
There is no algorithm picking what you see. Posts and scraps appear in chronological order. The product is the product, not your attention.
- Scraps · short, personal notes left on a friend's profile
- Communities · small, topical groups in the spirit of 2004 Orkut
- Testimonials · written about you by people who actually know you
- A bichinho · a virtual pet you raise over days, and your friends help keep alive
- Buddy list and instant messaging with retro sounds
- Achievements, streaks, and other small joys
Who makes Ginza
Ginza is built by Kraftwire, an independent studio. It is not affiliated with Google, with Orkut Büyükkökten, or with any larger platform. It is a long-running project, not a startup chasing investors.
The canonical site lives at ginza.com.br. Brazilian users will find a full Portuguese experience at ginza.com.br/pt, and the network itself is bilingual.
How Ginza is different from Facebook, Instagram, and X
Most modern platforms reward reach. Ginza rewards closeness. There is no public broadcasting by default · your scraps and testimonials are written for specific friends, not for strangers. There is no infinite scroll · pages have an end so you can close the tab and go live your day.
Is Ginza safe to sign up for
Yes. Sign-up uses email or Google. There is no data resale, no tracking pixels off-site, and no advertising. Privacy controls are friends-only by default, and you decide what is visible on your profile.
FAQ
Is Ginza a real social network?
Yes. Ginza is a live, working social network built by Kraftwire, inspired by the 2004 Orkut era. You can sign up for free at ginza.com.br.
Is Ginza related to Orkut or Google?
No. Ginza is independent. It is inspired by Orkut, but has no official relationship with Google or with Orkut Büyükkökten.
Is Ginza free?
Yes. There are no paid tiers, no ads, and no upsells.
Where is Ginza based?
Ginza is built by Kraftwire and has a strong Brazilian community, but the network is open to anyone in the world and is bilingual (English and Portuguese).
What does "Ginza" mean?
The name is a homage to Tokyo · Kraftwire's founder chose it out of a love for Japan and the Ginza neighborhood. The network itself is independent and not affiliated with the district.
Can I contact support?
Yes. Email support@ginza.com.br.
Try Ginza · it takes about a minute to sign up.
Bring a friend or two and you will have a working social network by tonight.
See how Ginza compares to Facebook