#Incubation

Coworking Spaces: Tokyo, Part 2

In part two of our deep dive into Tokyo’s coworking scene we review three more coworking spaces—positive and negative—to help you find the perfect place for you.

Yamanashi Prefecture opens startup support hub CINOVA

Coworking Spaces: Tokyo, Part 1

Tokyo’s coworking scene is rapidly evolving, reflecting global entrepreneurship and flexible work trends. Spaces like Impact Hub Tokyo, Fabbit Kyobashi, Blink Smart Workspace, and pao pao Gotanda each offer unique atmospheres—from international networking hubs to quiet professional environments and cozy community spaces. Facilities range from 24-hour private offices to cafes, event areas, and even pet-friendly options. While Impact Hub and Blink attract global entrepreneurs, Fabbit and pao pao cater more to Japanese professionals. Together, they showcase how Tokyo is redefining collaboration, creativity, and comfort for the new generation of mobile, cross-border workers.

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank to establish incubation center in Osaka

Yuko Mishio: CEO of Impact HUB Tokyo

Yuko Mishio, CEO of Impact HUB Tokyo, shares her journey from studying and working across Europe to leading one of Japan’s most vibrant coworking and incubation spaces. Rooted in an old print factory, Impact HUB Tokyo fosters entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers through co-working, a community café, and an upcoming artist-in-residence program. Mishio highlights Japan’s structured yet slow-moving business culture, the growing opportunities for startups, and the importance of resilience in times of change. Her vision is to create a supportive space where creativity and entrepreneurship intersect, encouraging young generations to embrace risk and shape society.

Sumitomo Mitsui Bank establishes startup incubator in Osaka

Building a Future Startup Ecosystem from Kitakyushu - The Challenge of COMPASS Kokura

Located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, the coworking space "COMPASS" functions not only as a workspace but as an incubation facility nurturing the next generation of startups. We spoke with Mr. Fukuoka, the operations manager who is striving to create a new wave of innovation in Kitakyushu, a city known for manufacturing, about the reality of startup support and the potential for regional business creation.

Shibuya: The Gateway to Tokyo's Startup Success

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.

TUAT to support new businesses in food and agriculture

Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB): Creating Value Through Connections

In Japan, where population decline is a pressing issue, startups are seen as the key to the country's economic growth. In 2023, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government established "Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB)," Japan's largest startup support hub.

Startup Ecosystem in Yokohama City

Yokohama City has built a diverse ecosystem that provides support to both domestic and international entrepreneurs and startups, making it an attractive city, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.

Kyoto: the heart of Japanese culture

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is renowned for its millennia-long cultural and political significance. The city is home to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Ryoan-ji, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, all of which serve as stunning examples of Japan’s architectural and spiritual heritage. However, Kyoto’s appeal extends far beyond its historic temples and shrines.

Creating a New Model for Regional Revitalization: An Interview with Hiroki Suezaki of B-biz LINK on Beppu City's Startup Ecosystem

A unique startup support initiative is underway in Beppu City, the hot spring town with a population of 110,000. B-biz Link, established in 2017 as the operational arm for the "Tourism Valley Initiative," leading in this effort.

Hamamatsu: where innovation and quality living come together

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.

Building a Startup Ecosystem Through Proof-of-Concept Experiments and Business Matching - Mr. Iida (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka)

As Hamamatsu City takes on the challenge of creating an innovative ecosystem connecting local government, startups and regional businesses, unique initiatives like "HamaHub!" are leading the way in promoting proof-of-concept experiments and business matching.

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.

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.

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.

Japan's largest startup hub STATION Ai opens

iiba wins Incubate Fund pitch contest

Hokkaido startup growth drives regional economy

Kyoto Research Park to strengthen startup efforts

Techstars launches Japan startup support program

Kaga City establishes Kaga Future Salon

University of Aizu establishes new center for industry-academia collaboration

Kinki University aims to grow 30 new startups a year

Microsoft AI Center opens in Kobe amidst startup growth

Outcrop opens multi-functional complex in Akita

CIC Fukuoka set to open in spring 2025