What is “ITAMAE”?

I-nnovative T-echnology A-cademic MAE-stro

ITAMAE ITAMAE Project is a student-driven initiative for those with a strong passion to take on new challenges by leveraging their experiences and strengths.
Centered at Tokyo Innovation Base, participants will collaborate and refine their ideas while organizing global projects utilizing SusHi Tech Tokyo.
The project consists of two main roles: members who plan and execute these global initiatives and volunteers who support the on-site operations of SusHi Tech Tokyo.

The name "ITAMAE" (meaning "sushi chef") is inspired by the idea of crafting sushi, symbolizing SusHi Tech Tokyo. It is also an acronym for "I-nnovative T-echnology A-cademic MAE-stro," reflecting the project's vision.

At SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, the project will focus on the "Student Pavilion," where students will take the lead in organizing sessions, pitches, and workshops, contributing to the overall excitement of the event.
See details

Student Pavilion Timetable

  • Time Contents
    11:20-12:10 Session:Changing Food Norms – New Challenges in the Food Business
    12:45-13:45 Go Around SusHi Tech Tokyo – Startup Interview Journey
    14:00-14:45 Session:Entering the Age of AI – What Will the Future of Work Look Like?
    15:00-16:45 Ideation All Around SusHi Tech Tokyo!
    17:00-18:00 Session:The Challenging Spirit of Youth Changing the World – We Are the Ones Who Create the Future
  • Time Contents
    11:00-12:15 Meet Your Startup – Researching to Find the Right Fit for You
    12:30-13:15 Session:A Trillion Yen or Eternal Youth? – Time, Money, and the Pursuit of Happiness
    13:30-14:30 Go Around SusHi Tech Tokyo – Startup Interview Journey
    14:45-17:30 Shusseuo Pitch
  • Time Contents
    11:00-11:50 Session:Study Abroad × Startups – New Possibilities for Global Challenges
    12:00-13:00 Discover SusHi Tech Tokyo with ITAMAE
    12:45-13:45 Go Around SusHi Tech Tokyo – Startup Interview Journey
    13:45-14:15 Discover SusHi Tech Tokyo with ITAMAE
    14:15-16:00 Session:Career Decision-Making in an Era of Endless Options
    16:15-16:45 Discover SusHi Tech Tokyo with ITAMAE
    17:00-17:45 Session:The Present and Future of Startups Through the Eyes of Students — What Comes Next?

Session

5/08(Thu) 11:20-12:10

Changing Food Norms – New Challenges in the Food Business

Food has always been an inseparable part of our lives.
In today’s world, where we face a wide range of challenges—from health and the environment to sustainability—it is more important than ever to rethink the future of food from diverse perspectives, including cooking, production, and emerging food cultures.

In this session, we’ll explore the global potential of the food business alongside companies tackling these pressing issues. Through real-world examples of innovative business models and breakthrough technologies, we’ll uncover insights into how the next generation of food culture can take shape.
Join us in discovering the future of food.

  • Udagawa Hirokazu

    Udagawa Hirokazu

    Gaiax Co., Ltd.
    Startup Studio Division Community Manager

  • Kotake Takako

    Kotake Takako

    Cookpad Inc.
    Director General of the Public Relations Department
    Expert Member of the Food Education Promotion Council, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan

  • Kawarada Miyuki

    Kawarada Miyuki

    Ricecurry Inc.
    CEO

  • Yuka Maruyama

    Yuka Maruyama

    Matilda, Inc
    CEO

5/08(Thu) 12:45-13:45
5/09(Fri) 13:30-14:30
5/10(Sat) 12:45-13:45



Go Around SusHi Tech Tokyo – Startup Interview Journey

In the first half, you’ll form teams and interview startups from around the world. In the second half, engage in group discussions to reflect on your insights and deepen your understanding.

By interacting with global ecosystem players you may never have spoken with before, this workshop offers a unique chance to broaden your perspective on the future. Take your first step toward shaping your own path—through new encounters and meaningful dialogue!

5/08(Thu) 14:00-14:45

Entering the Age of AI – What Will the Future of Work Look Like?

As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace around the world, how will it transform the way we work?
From business to everyday life, AI is becoming deeply embedded in every aspect of society, creating a new era where fresh skills and mindsets are essential.

In this session, we’ll explore the possibilities of the future of work with leaders in the field of AI. Together, we’ll examine the value—and the challenges—that emerge when humans and AI collaborate. By looking at the impact of technology from a global perspective, we aim to envision a future where people and AI thrive together.

  • Shiho Takai

    Shiho Takai

    QXLV
    Associate

  • Chaen Mashairo

    Chaen Mashairo

    Digirise Inc
    CEO

  • Aoi Kobayashi

    Aoi Kobayashi

    TRICKLE.inc
    CEO

  • Maiko Kojima

    Maiko Kojima

    CraFTER CO. LTD.
    CEO

5/08(Thu) 15:00-16:45

Ideation All Around SusHi Tech Tokyo!

Would you like to team up with fellow participants from the Student Pavilion and interview startups gathering at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025?

In this workshop, you’ll explore the businesses of globally active companies through interviews, then use those insights to develop your own innovative business ideas. Let’s spark the seeds of future-changing ideas—starting right here at the Student Pavilion!

5/08(Thu) 17:00-18:00
@Tokyo Stage



The Challenging Spirit of Youth Changing the World – We Are the Ones Who Create the Future

Today, the driving force energizing the world is the "spirit of challenge" that young people possess.
Armed with abundant energy, curiosity, and the flexibility to bounce back from failure, all it takes is a little bit of courage to turn new ideas into reality.
In this session, we’ll explore diverse forms of challenge—from solopreneurs to student-led startups—while discovering insights with globally active entrepreneurs on how to unlock your full potential.

  • Tiffany Wang

    Leadership & Global Venture Capitalist Expert
    Advisor, Inception Studio, former MS&AD Ventures, Singtel Innov8

  • Takahashi Chloe

    Takahashi Chloe

    Cosme Hunt)Founder
    Techstars Tokyo )Program maneger

  • Kuniyama Hasen

    Kuniyama Hasen

    FOXUNION.inc
    CEO

  • Clement Aglietta

    Clement Aglietta

    Edda
    Co-founder and CEO

  • Satoru Naito

    Satoru Naito

    Co-founder & CEO of
    Anyplace

5/09(Fri) 11:00-12:15

Meet Your Startup – Researching to Find the Right Fit for You

Why not create a chance to discover startups you’ve never encountered before?
At SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, you’ll meet a wide range of exciting companies from around the world—many of which you’ve probably never heard of. These unexpected encounters can offer fresh perspectives, new insights, and even shape the course of your future.

Find your own favorite startup and dive into a world of discovery. Embrace the unknown, and let it inspire your next big challenge!

5/09(Fri) 12:30-13:15

A Trillion Yen or Eternal Youth? – Time, Money, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Time is the source of all value in life—whether it's money, health, or happiness.
But if you could choose only one, what would it be: 1 trillion yen or youth?

In this session, we’ll explore the true value of time with professionals in finance and economics. Together, we’ll unpack how to make the most of our limited time and reflect on how youth and time intertwine with our pursuit of happiness.
Let’s rediscover what truly matters in life.

  • Kuno Kento

    Kuno Kento

    ITAMAE
    Core Member

  • Tauch Manabu

    Tauch Manabu

    Social financial educator, The author of "Who Is Your Money For?"

  • Nakamuro Makiko

    Nakamuro Makiko

    Keio University
    Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management

  • Tanaka Kei

    Tanaka Kei

    Investor, Author of 'Those Who Make Their First 100 Million

5/10(Sat) 11:00-11:50

Study Abroad × Startups – New Possibilities for Global Challenges

As globalization accelerates, international universities are evolving from being simply places to learn languages into platforms for creating new value and fostering entrepreneurial ambition.
In particular, campuses that attract aspiring startup founders serve as incubators for diverse ideas and drivers of innovation that tackle pressing social challenges.

In this session, we’ll hear real stories of entrepreneurial journeys from students at overseas universities and explore the potential of the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Japanese society.

  • Yoshimi Imada

    Yoshimi Imada

    Takeoff Tokyo
    PR / Marketing

  • Igarashi Mitsuru

    Igarashi Mitsuru

    Simplex Holdings
    Co-founder

  • Kento Hatase

    MEMORY LAB, Inc
    CEO

  • Fujimura Tetsu

    Aalto Entrepreneurship Society (Aaltoes)
    Vice President / Head of Brand

  • Shuhei Koike

    Shuhei Koike

    Beyond Japan
    Founder & CEO

5/10(Sat) 12:00-12:30
5/10(Sat) 13:45-14:15
5/10(Sat) 16:15-16:45



Discover SusHi Tech Tokyo with ITAMAE

On the third day of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025—Public Day—we’re hosting a special guided tour with student members known as “ITAMAE”!Explore the venue together as they introduce cutting-edge startup technologies, unique pavilion exhibits, and Public Day–exclusive content—all through the lens of a student.
It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about the technologies shaping our future.
Come and enjoy SusHi Tech Tokyo with ITAMAE as your guide!

5/10(Sat) 14:15-16:00

Career Decision-Making in an Era of Endless Options

Entrepreneurship, side jobs, international career moves, remote work—
As restrictions on where and when we work continue to fade, our career choices are becoming more diverse than ever. But with that freedom comes a new challenge: deciding how you want to work.

In this session, we’ll welcome entrepreneurs, career experts, and other diverse guests to explore how to make intentional career decisions without simply following the crowd. Together, we’ll uncover practical insights for finding your personal direction—and building a future on your own terms.

  • Arai Tomoko

    Arai Tomoko

    Gaiax Co., Ltd.
    Corporate culture Promotion Office Manager

  • Kubo Shunki

    Kubo Shunki

    ABABA Co., Ltd.
    CEO

  • Yazawa Mariko

    Yazawa Mariko

    Yazawa Ventures
    Founder and CEO

  • Kazuya Kurihara

    Kazuya Kurihara

    General Incorporated Association Protean Career Association /
    4designs Inc., Chief Growth Officer (CGO)

5/10(Sat) 17:00-17:45

The Present and Future of Startups Through the Eyes of Students — What Comes Next?

On the final day of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, students who are actively taking on real-world challenges will take the stage for a special 45-minute closing session.
They will reflect on the insights and inspiration they gained through the event, and discuss what lies ahead—what the next steps are, what “challenge” means to students, and what actions they believe they should take.

This session aims to bring together all students and the ecosystem players who support them, to spark new momentum for the challenges yet to come.
Join us for this powerful closing moment and take the first step toward the future—together.

Pitch

5/09(Fri) 14:45-17:30

SHUSSEUO PITCH

After a month of mentoring with key ecosystem players, five finalists have refined their globally-oriented business ideas. On the opening day of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, they will receive final feedback from VCs on site and prepare for the Grand Pitch Final on May 9.

Don’t miss this moment as they strive to “rise up the ranks” like a shusseuo—successively evolving and stepping onto the global stage under the spotlight of startup ecosystem players from Japan and abroad.

  • 井上 加奈子

    Inoue Kanako

    NEXTBLUE General Partner

  • ジョン・ウェィリー

    John Whaley

    Founder Inception Studio,Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford

  • 安藤 奨馬

    Ando Shoma

    RENATUS ROBOTICS Inc. COO

  • 出世魚ピッチ

Student Partner

Student organizations supporting ITAMAE’s PR activities
The Next Action Program will have a booth at the Student Pavilion 'ITAMAE'.

Exhibitor University

A university-based startup platform aimed at fostering university-launched startups will be exhibiting at the booth.

ITAMAE Student Volunteer

We are recruiting student volunteers to support the event operations of SusHi Tech Tokyo on the day of the event. Sushi Tech TOKYO 2025 Student volunteer recruitment
See details

WASABI
~SusHi Tech Tokyo
The Official Event~

In March and April, the official event "WASABI" will be held at Tokyo Innovation Base.
See details