Stories

Nagoya: where the start-up era meets innovation and craftsmanship

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, which lies right in the center of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Aichi Prefecture is an economic powerhouse, second only to Tokyo in terms of GDP and per capita income, and is the host to a nascent start-up boom.

Creating a New Economic Zone from Small Business Hubs — The Potential of Community-Based Town Development in Omura, Nagasaki

Naruhiro Nagao works on regional revitalization through the operation of coworking spaces. This article explores the possibilities of a new business model originating from regional Japan, breaking away from the Tokyo-centric development.

From Tsukuba to the World's Premier Science City, Mr. Otsuka, Tsukuba Center Inc.

In Tsukuba, a city of 250,000 residents known as one of the world's leading research and development hubs, 29 national research institutions operate alongside 20,000 researchers.

Kitakyushu: the city of steel

Kitakyushu is the second most populous city in the Kyushu region. Formerly known as the Kitakyushu Industrial Zone, one of four major industrial zones in Japan, Kitakyushu was famous for its steel industry thanks to the Imperial Steel Works, the second steel mill built in Japan and the largest in the country for some time after its construction in 1896.

A New Choice for Weddings - Satoshi Murata, CEO of ParaLux

"Making weddings more free and expressive of who couples are."We spoke with founder Murata about the challenges in the wedding industry, his innovative approach, and his vision for the future.

Kitakyushu: city of iron and steel

The history and culture of Kitakyushu is deeply rooted in the production of iron and steel. In this article, we’ll explore the essential role this city played in the modernization of Japan, its rebirth as a tourist destination, and the beauty of its natural surroundings.

French Food Stall "Remi San Chi": Cherishing Every Encounter - An Interview with Chef Remi

Fukuoka's yatai (food stalls) are iconic symbols of the city's nightlife. Among them, "Chez Remi" stands out amongst the crowd - a French food stall operated by the French owner and chef.

Startup Ecosystem in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is emerging as one of Japan’s top startup cities, offering strong support for foreign entrepreneurs, affordable living, and a vibrant business ecosystem. With startup visas, incubators, and global connectivity, it’s an ideal base for innovation and growth.

Fukuoka: A city connected to the world

Japan is a distinctively shaped nation; a gracefully curving archipelago that is considerably longer than it is wide. As a result, its major cities form a chain along the length of the country, connected by highways and the tracks of the famous shinkansen bullet train. Fukuoka City is the westernmost of these metropolises, located on the island of Kyushu.

Supporting International Startup Expansion - Mr. Ono from Fukuoka Growth Next Global Business Support

At Fukuoka's startup support facility "Fukuoka Growth Next," the Global Business Support (GBS) team works towards attracting international startups and helping local startups expand overseas. We spoke with Mr. Ono, who serves as a startup support concierge while being an entrepreneur himself, about Fukuoka City's startup support ecosystem.

How to: Start a Business in Japan

Whether you are relocating your business or establishing a new company, Japan is an exciting place to develop, and a fantastic market to expand into. With the world's third largest GDP, the Japanese economy boasts stability and high growth potential.

"Revolutionizing Space Access: Building Reusable Rockets for Everyone's Journey to Space - Aron Lentsch, Orbspace"

"The key to making space travel accessible isn't just creating reusable rockets—it's creating rockets that can be reused thousands of times, just like aircraft."

The Greenest City, Sendai

We turn our attention to one of Japan's most historically beautiful cities; Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture.

From Disaster to Future: Sendai City's Startup Challenge - Koji Sakai (City of Sendai)

We spoke with Mr. Sakai from Sendai City about how the region's entrepreneurial support evolved after the earthquake, the growth of their unique startup ecosystem and their vision for the future.

Aiming for a World That Liberates All Businesses from Privacy Risks - Ryosuke Takahashi, Acompany Co., Ltd..

As privacy protection gains global attention, Acompany aims to create a world free from privacy risks through secure computation technology. We interviewed founder Ryosuke Takahashi about his vision for ideal data security and future global trends.

Japanese Sake: how can traditions survive in a modern industry?

The sake industry is in a difficult situation, bound by regulations and tradition. However, since 2021, new movements that pursue innovation have accelerated, and signs of improvement have begun to appear.

Revolutionizing Education with XR! - Toshiyuki Hatama、CEO of BeRISE Inc.

BeRISE develops educational solutions utilizing XR (VR/AR/MR) technology. We interviewed founder Toshiyuki Hatama about his journey since founding the company and his vision for the future.

Aichi: Japan’s manufacturing hub

Deep Dive in Aichi Prefecture - This area, known around the world as the home of Toyota, is a fascinating area where the history of the Warring States period and cutting-edge industry intersect. The fusion of the atmosphere of a traditional castle town and the world-leading automobile and aerospace industries creates a unique vitality.

STATION Ai grand opening!

STATION Ai, Japan’s largest innovation hub, has opened in Nagoya, blending Aichi Prefecture’s manufacturing legacy with global start-up opportunities.

Additional programs announced for DIG SHIBUYA 2025

For four days, DIG SHIBUYA 2025 will ignite a frenzy of art and technology all around Shibuya! Don't miss the multitude of live performances, drone shows, and XR experiences.

Blackbox press event and Regional Government Roundtable

Making Entrepreneurship the New Normal at STATION Ai - Ms. Matsuyama, Aichi Prefecture Startup Promotion Division

Building Japan's Future Through Gaming - Matt Bush, Kakugo Digital

Regional revitalization through blockchain and games in Fukuoka. Using NFTs to link the resolution of real-world issues with the fun of games to create new community experiences.

DIG SHIBUYA returns!

DIG SHIBUYA 2025 is a four-day event blending culture and cutting-edge technology in Shibuya. The entire area transforms into a creative experiment, hosting large-scale exhibitions and performances that spotlight the fusion of art and innovation.