#Ecosystem

OIST: Building a Science and Innovation Hub in Okinawa

JETRO reports on the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), a pioneering graduate university in Japan that brings together researchers from around the world in an interdisciplinary environment designed to advance science and technology. Founded by the Japanese government, OIST was established not only to contribute to science and technology worldwide but also to help catalyze technology transfer, industrial innovation, and economic development in Okinawa.

Foreign Funds' Investment in Japanese Companies Surges 30% in First Half of 2026 as Yen Weakness Increases Valuation Appeal

Health Data Acquisition Competition Intensifies in Digital Health Field

Japan Fintech Week 2026: What FINOPITCH Reveals About Japan’s Fintech Shift

Inside the historic Kanze Noh Theater in Tokyo, FINOPITCH 2026 unfolded in quiet intensity. On a stage known for slow, deliberate movement and layered meaning, startups from Japan and abroad stepped forward one by one, presenting their technologies and services. JETRO guest reports.

Japan Formally Launches Physical AI National Project with Up to 6.1 Billion Yen Investment

FinTech Funding Hits Lowest Level in Q1 2026, Concentrated on Late-Stage Growth Firms

Tokyo Startup Campus Project Costs Exceed Expectations at 97 Billion Yen

IVS2026 event report: Japan is Back

“Japan is Back” was the theme of IVS2026, and in Kyoto, it felt like a signal. Over three days, more than 13,000 founders, investors, students, policymakers, and community builders came together for Japan’s largest startup conference. The size was impressive, but the structure behind it stood out more.

Digital Space Conference 2026: How Technology Operates on Infrastructure That Never Stops Moving

JETRO guest authors an event report for their visit to the Digital Space Conference 2026.

Government Regulatory Council Promotes Physical AI Robot Field Trials

Content Tokyo event report: where art meets tech

This year’s Content Tokyo took place from June 17th to June 19th at Tokyo Big Sight, bringing together the worlds of art & graphic design with a slew of technologies such as AR/VR and blockchain. Read about some of the highlights of our visit!

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Goes Private with 390 Billion Yen MBO

TORYUMON KYUSHU 2026

TORYUMON is a premier startup event dedicated to the U25 generation. It serves as a gathering point for young entrepreneurs, those preparing to launch, and anyone interested in the startup world, providing them with new career and life choices.

Trends in Japanese Company Expansion into India: JETRO Regional Analysis Report

What AI and data startups must know before betting on Japan

Guest writer Masaru Ikeda brings us an overview of the Japanese AI startup ecosystem courtesy of JETRO.

Keidanren Discusses Startup Ecosystem Challenges: Global Talent Development Urgent for Tokyo's International Competitiveness

Tokyo Government to Work with Startups to Tackle Increase in Bear Encounters

Tokyo's Startup Ecosystem International Ranking Stalls

JETRO Survey Shows Record-High Overseas Business Momentum for Japanese Firms

A practical guide to Japanese networking for overseas entrepreneurs

If you plan to build and grow your business in Japan for the mid-long term, learning Japanese will definitely help you work here, as it helps you move faster and build trust. In the startup scene especially, being able to explain your product in Japanese and building friendly relationships are the first steps to diving into the community and earning trust.

Global VCs Invited to Kansai Region to Strengthen Post-Expo Startup Ecosystem

Tokyo Falls to 11th Place in Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings, Globalization Remains Challenge

2026: the year AI agents take over in Japanese corporations

2026 Startup Ecosystem Survey Released by METI