Entrepreneur Stories Japan

For Japan, as an island nation, maritime business constitutes an extremely vital industry. The Blue Economy series (Part 1 - Part 4) covers shipbuilding, aquaculture, wild fisheries and marine pollution, and future potential. By weaving together historical context with recent industry developments and trends, the series is structured to enable readers less familiar with this field to grasp the overall picture of Japan's maritime business.

December 24, 2025

TIB CATAPULT is an initiative that brings all of Tokyo's railway systems together to co-create with startups, corporations, and municipalities to foster innovation. Multiple clusters span fields such as railways, healthcare, and tourism.

December 19, 2025

This series explores Japan's modern energy history while introducing Japanese GX companies and nuclear fusion start-ups. Here in part 2, we outline the energy transitions Japan has undertaken from the post-war period to the present day, bridging the discussion to subsequent sections covering GX initiatives and nuclear fusion start-ups.

December 15, 2025

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the rise of fitness studios in Japan in recent years, whilst also highlighting some startups within the health supplement industry.

December 10, 2025

In Japan’s Kansai region (which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Shiga, and Nara), a quiet transformation is underway. Once defined by its manufacturing and trade, the region is now becoming a serious contender on the global deeptech stage—a shift driven in no small part by initiatives like the Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC).

December 5, 2025

We sit down with Jill, co-founder of Tattoo Studio 18CLUB in Kobe, to hear about his journey opening a business in Japan in a famously stigmatized industry.

December 3, 2025

Focusing on climate change and energy, this series explores Japan's modern energy history while introducing Japanese GX companies and nuclear fusion start-ups. Part 1 covers Japan's modern energy history, detailing developments from the Meiji Restoration to the world wars.

November 26, 2025

Interview with Tatsuya Yoshida, Representative of the Kansai Startup Academia Coalition (KSAC).

November 21, 2025

We went to Osaka Expo 2025 to check out Osaka’s Nest for Reborn Pavilion and try the 'Reborn Experience Route,’ where visitors embark on a journey to rediscover their own health and imagine the future of well-being.

November 17, 2025

We attended the three major pitch events of Umeda Innovation Week over Sept 16-19 2025. They indicate a tipping point in the Japanese startup ecosystem being reached, with Kansai at the forefront.

November 14, 2025

From Columbia to Mexico to the USA to Germany and then finally to Japan, Alvaro Rios sits down with Blackbox to talk about his company and why Japan makes sense for medtech and robotics startups... and some pitfalls to watch out for.

November 10, 2025

SKS JAPAN 2025 showcased how Japanese agritech startups are addressing issues such as food waste, resource circulation, and declining domestic demand while exploring opportunities for global expansion.

November 5, 2025