Timetable

What’s the startup scene in Japan today *actually* like? Find out in this session organized by BLACKBOX, a startup media platform bringing the Japanese ecosystem to a global audience.

Hear directly from foreign entrepreneurs headquartered all over Japan talk about the appeal of starting a business here, and what they would have done differently if they’d have known what they know now. We will also feature a discussion panel of government representatives talking about startup support in their regions.

If you’re considering starting a business in Japan then this event is not to be missed!

Fukuoka City has been at the forefront of Japan's startup scene for over a decade. Now, the city is evolving from being merely a "gateway to Asia" into a dynamic intersection of global communities and innovation. This session will explore Fukuoka's transition from startup support to international collaboration, the community structures supporting long-term residents, and how upcoming events like Colive Fukuoka and Ramen Tech in October symbolize the city's future vision. Five speakers with diverse backgrounds will share insights on how Fukuoka continues to lead in building a globally connected urban ecosystem.

The space industry, which is expected to grow dramatically worldwide in the future, is not only expected to play a part in promoting industry in local areas, but also to contribute to solving social issues such as responding to large-scale disasters. In this session, we will talk passionately about why space-related startups and universities with ties to Utsunomiya City and Tochigi Prefecture are starting up and collaborating in regions, and how local governments, which are part of the startup ecosystem, should contribute to innovating the space industry.

A national network initiative has been launched to connect nine university-based startup ecosystem hubs across Japan. This initiative aims to promote connections within each hub, among hubs, and with international partners. It leverages data and digital tools, as well as face-to-face engagement, to create a visible and interconnected ecosystem.

This nationwide network has now entered into a partnership agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which plays a leading role in supporting startup ecosystems both domestically and internationally.

In this session, we will introduce Tokyo’s startup strategy and the initiatives of the nationwide network. We will also discuss collaborative strategies for fostering startup ecosystems that bridge local and global spheres.

The Bureau of Waterworks and the Bureau of Sewerage in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government serve as vital lifelines supporting the lives of citizens and social activities in Tokyo, Japan's capital, providing a stable supply of safe, pure, high-quality tap water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and treating approximately 4.3 million ㎥ of sewage per day.
We will introduce the strengths of Tokyo Waterworks, such as its high level of water purification and leakage prevention technology, as well as measures for Tokyo's sewerage system, such as maintenance and flood prevention measures.

Africa has seen rapid startup growth despite challenges like limited infrastructure and financial exits. These regions leverage IT-driven innovations to expand market access and address socio-economic needs.

While Japan has strongly focused on Deeptech Startups, engagement with African startups has remained limited. However, for Japanese companies, these startups provide new entry points into previously difficult markets. Political and economic instability has often made these regions hard to access without local networks, but startups are now easing market entry.
With Africa’s population set to grow significantly, these markets hold immense potential.

Additionally, this year presents significant momentum with key events such as Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai and TICAD 9, catalyzing Japan’s engagement with African countries. Furthermore, Kobe is set to enhance global engagement with the opening of international flights at Kobe Airport and hosting the Africa Business Contest in August 2025.

This event aims (1) to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships between Japan and startups from Africa, and (2) to promote Kobe’s startup ecosystem and initiatives to support African startups.

Introduction to JETRO's support programs for overseas expansion of Japanese startups, foreign direct investment into Japan (Invest Japan), and creating open innovation through collaboration between Japanese companies and overseas companies (J-Bridge).