What is “ITAMAE”?
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I-nnovative T-echnology A-cademic MAE-stro
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

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.
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Udagawa Hirokazu
Gaiax Co., Ltd.
Startup Studio Division Community Manager -
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
Ricecurry Inc.
CEO -
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.
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Shiho Takai
QXLV
Associate -
Chaen Mashairo
Digirise Inc
CEO -
Aoi Kobayashi
TRICKLE.inc
CEO -
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.
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Tiffany Wang
Leadership & Global Venture Capitalist Expert
Advisor, Inception Studio, former MS&AD Ventures, Singtel Innov8 -
Takahashi Chloe
Cosme Hunt)Founder
Techstars Tokyo )Program maneger -
Kuniyama Hasen
FOXUNION.inc
CEO -
Clement Aglietta
Edda
Co-founder and CEO -
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.
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Kuno Kento
ITAMAE
Core Member -
Tauch Manabu
Social financial educator, The author of "Who Is Your Money For?"
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Nakamuro Makiko
Keio University
Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management -
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.
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Yoshimi Imada
Takeoff Tokyo
PR / Marketing -
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
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.
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Arai Tomoko
Gaiax Co., Ltd.
Corporate culture Promotion Office Manager -
Kubo Shunki
ABABA Co., Ltd.
CEO -
Yazawa Mariko
Yazawa Ventures
Founder and CEO -
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.
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Inoue Kanako
NEXTBLUE General Partner
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John Whaley
Founder Inception Studio,Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford
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Ando Shoma
RENATUS ROBOTICS Inc. COO
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Student Partner
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ITAMAE Student Volunteer
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We are recruiting student volunteers to support the
event operations of SusHi Tech Tokyo on the day of
the event.
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WASABI
~SusHi Tech Tokyo
The Official Event~ - In March and April, the official event "WASABI" will be held at Tokyo Innovation Base. See details