Shibuya: Building a Global Startup Hub in the Heart of Tokyo

When you think of Shibuya, images of the famous Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue might come to mind. Yet beneath its reputation as a youth culture mecca and tourist destination, Shibuya is rapidly emerging as one of Japan's most dynamic startup ecosystems, with a distinct focus on diversity and global scope.

Under the banner "Turning Differences into Strength," Shibuya City has established itself as one of Japan's most proactive municipalities in startup support, through initiatives like the Shibuya Startup Support and Shibuya Startups organizations, dedicated to nurturing an international startup ecosystem.

The city's transformation into a tech hub dates back to the late 90s, when it earned the nickname "Bit Valley”—wordplay combining the direct translation of Shibuya’s kanji, "bitter valley," and echoing ‘Silicon Valley.’ Today, this legacy continues with major tech companies like Google, CyberAgent, and DeNA choosing to maintain their headquarters in the area. The concentration of startup events and communities makes Shibuya an essential destination for anyone looking to understand Japan's evolving startup landscape.

Shibuya Startup Support

Shibuya Startup Support stands at the forefront of this movement, serving as a gateway for international entrepreneurs while supporting Japanese startups with global ambitions. SSS has already supported over 80 startup visa holders, handling approximately 500 inquiries annually. Their comprehensive support system addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by international entrepreneurs: establishing a business foundation in Japan.

International Startup Support

For entrepreneurs coming from outside Japan, the support extends far beyond mere visa assistance. Shibuya Startup Visa holders receive access to free co-working space for a year, along with crucial administrative support. Banking services, often a significant hurdle for international businesses, receive particular attention. As one visa holder shares, "SSS helped us open an account with Mizuho Bank, one of Japan's three major banks. Their support throughout the process, including accompanying us to the bank, made what would have been a nearly impossible task manageable." (You can view interviews with actual Shibuya startup visa holders about their experiences here. : https://shibuya-startup-support.jp/topics/)

The Shibuya Startup Visa has grown to receive about 500 inquiries a year; we have already helped over 80 visa holders this year so far!

For more information about applying for the Shibuya Startup Visa, please click here for more details!  https://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/jigyosha/shoko-rodo-sodan/startup/visa.html

Local Startup Support

Japanese entrepreneurs haven't been left behind. The S-Startups program supports Shibuya-certified startups aiming for global markets with PR assistance, networking opportunities both domestically and internationally, and access to major startup conferences. These startups can make use of Shibuya Bridge, a co-working and event space that facilitates natural interaction between local and international entrepreneurs.

The program maintains a strategic focus on seed to early-stage startups that either address global challenges or contribute to solving issues faced by Shibuya City and its residents. This practical approach ensures that supported startups contribute meaningful value to both local and global communities.

For those interested in experiencing Shibuya's startup ecosystem firsthand, the weekly "Snack & Connect" meetup offers an easy entry point. Held every Wednesday from 4-6 PM, these casual gatherings bring together startups, investors, and ecosystem builders from both Japan and abroad. The events occasionally feature guest pitches and workshops, providing valuable insights into the local startup scene. You can check the event information from the Shibuya Startup Support’s social media.

As Japan continues to open its doors to global innovation, Shibuya stands as a testament to how traditional business districts can transform into vibrant startup ecosystems. Through its comprehensive support systems and commitment to diversity, Shibuya is not just participating in Japan's startup revolution—it's helping to lead it.

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