Kumamoto
Kumamoto
TSMC's arrival supercharged the semiconductor cluster — Kumamoto is using the moment to build a startup-driven "third industry" in life sciences, AgriTech, and healthcare, with the UX Project as an open PoC testbed for founders inside and outside Japan.
- Support for founders
TSMC's arrival reshaped Kyushu's industrial map and reinforced Kumamoto's role as the core of "Silicon Island." But the prefecture's ambition extends beyond semiconductors and automotive — it's building startups as the drivers of a diversified "third industry" spanning pharmaceuticals, healthcare tech, agricultural biotech, food innovation, and wellness. The UX Project runs annual open calls for PoC funding + mentoring + testing environments, and (crucially) is open to startups from outside Kumamoto — including from overseas — provided the demonstration happens in the prefecture. The Pre-UX Innovation Hub anchors day-to-day interaction between researchers, founders, and industry partners. XOSS POINT provides end-to-end incubation. The Next-Generation Venture Creation Support Consortium (since 2016) walks university researchers from seed idea through VC introductions. For international founders, a one-stop support center handles registration, tax, and social insurance — with English and Chinese support built in.
Strengths
A global hub for semiconductors and digital industries
Kumamoto is emerging rapidly as one of Japan's key semiconductor and digital-industry hubs. TSMC's arrival brought major investment, talent, and supply-chain companies — plus new opportunities in downstream sectors like AI, mobility, DX, and energy that build on top of the chip cluster.
A hub for life sciences and agri-food industries
Kumamoto combines Kumamoto University's pharmaceutical and biomedical research base with one of Japan's leading agricultural and fisheries sectors. Rich natural resources plus active research create real potential for startups across food, health, drug discovery, and broader life sciences — the sectors at the heart of the prefecture's "third industry" strategy.
A core city in Kyushu with close access to Asia
Located in central Kyushu, Kumamoto benefits from proximity to East Asia and strong regional connectivity. Easy access to Fukuoka and links to international airports and ports make it a practical hub for founders thinking about both Japan-market entry and pan-Asian business.
Things to see
Aso
Home to one of the world's largest calderas, Aso is an area of dramatic volcanic landscapes and vast grasslands. Even a simple drive through the region gives a sense of escape from everyday life — a place to experience Kumamoto's raw natural power up close.
Amakusa
A coastal region where numerous islands create a beautiful seascape and where the history of the Hidden Christians is preserved today. Quiet yet memorable — stunning ocean views and deep cultural heritage coexisting.
Suizenji Jōjuen Garden
An Edo-period garden created around abundant natural spring water. In the heart of the city, it's a quiet oasis and the clearest expression of why Kumamoto is known as the "City of Water."
Kurokawa Onsen
A hot-spring village nestled in the mountains of Aso. Traditional inns and open-air baths with beautiful views are scattered throughout the area, ideal for hot-spring-hopping. A place to step away from everyday life and spend quiet, restorative moments.