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Hamamatsu is the birthplace of globally recognized companies like Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, Suzuki, and Hamamatsu Photonics, the city has left an impressive mark on industries ranging from musical instruments to optics and automobiles.
In recent years, Hamamatsu has strategically positioned itself as a hub for business. Through initiatives like the Hamamatsu Valley Scheme, robust start-up support programs, and an international community, the city offers an attractive proposition for international entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the city has established the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium along with entities such as the Chubu Economic Federation, Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya University, and Nagoya City to advance the development of a start-up ecosystem.
This article explores the resources, events, and support systems that make Hamamatsu an attractive destination for innovation and business.
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"Yaramaika spirit," an ethos of boldness and innovation, underlies Hamamatsu’s transformation into an international business hub. It is this spirit that has historically driven the success of local industries, and which more recently inspired the launch of the Hamamatsu Valley Scheme in 2016. This initiative aims to position the city as a global innovation center by fostering collaboration between local manufacturers, start-ups, and research institutions. Furthermore, Hamamatsu, in partnership with Aichi and Nagoya, was designated a Start-up Ecosystem Global Hub City by Japan’s Cabinet Office in 2020. This recognition underscores the city’s commitment to creating an environment that blends traditional manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge innovation.
Hamamatsu's start-up support initiatives are structured around five core areas: People and Technology, Facilities, Funding, Information, and Comprehensive Services. These pillars aim to address the evolving challenges posed by a declining birthrate, aging population, and shifts in traditional industries like manufacturing. The city has successfully adapted to these changes by focusing on creating an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.
Since the launch of the Hamamatsu Valley initiative, the city has seen a significant increase in start-up activity. The number of start-ups establishing a presence in Hamamatsu grew from just one or two per year to over 15 annually. Capital raised by local start-ups has also soared, reaching ¥5 billion ($45 million) in 2020.
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Hamamatsu’s designation as a Start-up Ecosystem Global Hub City underscores its efforts to attract and support entrepreneurs. The city has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that includes funding opportunities, industry connections, and coworking spaces tailored to start-ups. In this section, we will explore a variety of available resources for bringing a business to fruition.
The Hamamatsu Agency for Innovation (HAI) acts as a central resource for start-ups, facilitating collaborations with corporations and research institutions. HAI organizes events such as workshops on intellectual property management and industry-specific networking sessions. Additionally, the agency assists start-ups in securing pilot projects with manufacturers in fields like photonics and robotics, helping scale their innovations.
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The Hamamatsu Startup Visa streamlines residency applications for internationals, granting an initial six-month visa to develop business plans. Extensions are granted to those who meet program milestones, such as securing funding or launching operations. This visa program reduces administrative hurdles, making it easier to establish a business.
https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hamact/support/startup-visa.html
To reduce the barriers for new residents unfamiliar with Hamamatsu, the city has established satellite offices at three strategic locations: central Hamamatsu, Maisaka, and Tenryu Futamata. These spaces are designed to serve as entry points, offering co-working environments where newcomers can engage with local businesses and explore potential collaborations. The central office even allows for extended occupancy, making it a viable base for new start-ups. Utilization of these facilities has steadily increased, reflecting their value as networking hubs.
In addition to these three offices, there are a variety of public and private facilities available for affordable fees. For details, see this page.
Hamamatsu Innovation Cube (HI-Cube) is a premier incubation facility that supports entrepreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. Tailored toward start-ups in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and sound innovation, HI-Cube provides a nurturing environment with resources designed to accelerate growth.
The facility offers subsidized office spaces equipped with essential amenities, including high-speed internet and meeting rooms, making it accessible for start-ups in their early stages. A core focus of HI-Cube is incubation, achieved through mentorship programs that connect entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals who offer guidance on strategy, product development, and market positioning.
HI-Cube emphasizes collaboration by fostering partnerships among start-ups, local companies, and research institutions. Regular networking events and workshops enhance these connections, creating an ecosystem in which innovation and industry expertise converge.
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Hamamatsu's Fund Support Program stands out as one of its most impactful initiatives. In collaboration with 54 certified venture capital firms, the city offers additional funding to start-ups that receive VC investments. Grants can go up to ¥40 million (approximately $360,000), with specific categories for seed and R&D-focused projects (up to ¥10 million) and collaborations with local businesses (up to ¥20 million). This program has attracted start-ups nationwide, with the number of new ventures entering the city growing exponentially since its launch in 2019.
https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hamact/support/fund-support.html
For start-ups interested in testing their innovations, Hamamatsu offers a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Full Support Program. This initiative invites start-ups from across Japan to conduct one-year PoC experiments in the city, supported by grants of up to ¥2 million ($18,000). Hamamatsu facilitates these experiments by identifying test fields, recruiting monitors, and providing comprehensive logistical support.
This program often serves as a gateway for start-ups to experience Hamamatsu’s ecosystem firsthand, with many choosing to establish a permanent presence after successful trials. The PoC program complements the Fund Support Program, creating a seamless pathway for start-ups to transition from testing to scaling their operations. You can find the details here.
TECH BEAT Shizuoka is a leading technology conference that highlights cutting-edge advancements in AI, robotics, and sound technology. Participants benefit from pitch contests judged by venture capitalists, panel discussions with industry leaders, and networking sessions tailored for cross-sector collaboration.
In 2024, the event featured over 130 exhibitors and attracted 7,600 attendees, including corporate executives and angel investors. Start-ups have used TECH BEAT Shizuoka as a launchpad to secure funding and form strategic partnerships, particularly in fields like autonomous systems and smart agriculture.
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Hamamatsu is not just a hub for business—it also offers an outstanding quality of life. From affordability to cultural inclusivity, the city empowers residents to achieve the work-life balance that best suits them.
Hamamatsu’s Brazilian community has significantly influenced the city’s identity, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The Hamamatsu Intercultural Center provides essential resources such as Japanese language classes, cultural orientation programs, and day-to-day support services. These initiatives ensure that international residents can integrate smoothly while feeling welcome and supported in their new community. The annual Brazilian Day Japan festival celebrates this diversity with vibrant music performances, samba dancing, authentic Brazilian cuisine, and cultural exhibitions.
Compared to major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, Hamamatsu offers significantly lower living costs. For instance, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Hamamatsu is around ¥60,000–¥70,000, whereas a similar apartment in Tokyo could easily cost twice as much.
Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also more affordable. For example, a monthly pass for public transportation in Hamamatsu costs around ¥10,000, and essential groceries like rice, fresh vegetables, and fish are available at lower prices due to the city's proximity to agricultural and fishing areas. One entrepreneur shared how Hamamatsu’s affordability helped him manage his start-up’s expenses. He noted that with the reduced stress of lower living costs, he was able to focus more on innovation and less on financial pressures.
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Hamamatsu’s natural surroundings are stunning. The city is known for its long coastline, which attracts surfers and water sports enthusiasts, while the Nakatajima Sand Dunes provide an excellent spot for relaxation, photography, and seasonal kite flying. Lake Hamana, meanwhile, is a treasure trove of opportunities. Popular activities include fishing for unagi (eel), boating, and relaxing at lakeside hot springs like Kanzanji Onsen.
Moving inland, the nearby Tenryu and Akaishi mountain ranges are a paradise for hikers, with trails like the one running through the Tenryu Gorge offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and forests. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at resorts in the region, such as Ontake Resort, located about a two-hour drive from the city. In addition, the region basks in some of the highest levels of sunshine in Japan and an average annual temperature of 16.8°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
One local businessman told me that his daily routine included an early morning surf session before hopping onto the train to work, and this is exactly the kind of lifestyle that epitomizes Hamamatsu.
Hamamatsu’s location on the Tokaido Shinkansen line makes it easily accessible to and from the major cities of Japan. The city is only 90 minutes away from Tokyo, 60 minutes from Nagoya, and about two hours from Osaka by train. For international travel, Hamamatsu has good access to two airports—Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya and Shizuoka Airport. This level of accessibility ensures that entrepreneurs can efficiently manage both domestic and international partnerships without the need to be based in a larger city.
Hamamatsu is also family-friendly, with a range of high-quality educational institutions, including Hamamatsu International School, which offers an English curriculum. Public schools in the city provide programs to support bilingual students, helping children from international backgrounds adapt and excel.
Of course, children can appreciate the natural surroundings of Hamamatsu as much as adults, and parents who choose to settle down here can tailor their lifestyles to provide their children with enriching experiences. From cultural education to outdoor adventures, Hamamatsu’s environment fosters a well-rounded upbringing while allowing families to enjoy quality time together.
Celebrations like the Hamamatsu Festival are exciting traditions that bring families together. This particular festival includes kite battles in which over 170 towns participate, and a stunning procession of more than 80 elaborately decorated floats known as goten yatai. Hamamatsu also hosts numerous other local festivals, each with its own unique cultural significance.
Known as the City of Music, as explained in our first article, Hamamatsu fosters a love for music through its rich cultural initiatives. For example, the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, a prestigious event, serves as a platform to discover and nurture young talent from around the globe. Similarly, the Hamamatsu Jazz Week attracts both professional and amateur musicians, offering jazz-lovers an exciting week of performances and collaborations.
The Hamamatsu area leads the nation in terms of the number of farmers per municipality as of 2020, and it produces over 170 types of agricultural products. The city emphasizes farm-to-table food education, teaching children about the importance of local produce from a young age.
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Hamamatsu is a city that truly has it all for international entrepreneurs. Known for big names like Yamaha and Suzuki, it has built a reputation as an innovation hub while remaining one of the most livable places in Japan. The Hamamatsu Valley Scheme and its Start-up Ecosystem Global Hub City status show that it is serious about supporting new businesses. Programs like the Startup Visa make it easier to get settled, and the grants and other funding options on offer can give start-ups a solid boost. Spaces like HI-Cube are designed to help entrepreneurs turn big ideas into reality, and events like TECH BEAT Shizuoka are great opportunities for making connections.
But what really stands out is the Hamamatsu lifestyle. Rent is considerably more affordable than in Tokyo, and yet the capital is only 90 minutes away by bullet train. The international vibe, with festivals like Brazilian Day, makes it welcoming, and the beautiful natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for leisure and relaxation. If you’re looking for the perfect work-life balance, there’s nowhere better than Hamamatsu.
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