#InternationalExchange

Komatsu Expands African Business Through Côte d'Ivoire Training Center

SMBC enters startup business development

Overseas funds and VCs in Japan surge after Osaka Expo

Japanese universities push to attract international students

Innovating Translation Technology from a Global Perspective: Interview with Suguru Sakanishi, CEO of Yaraku, Inc.

Yaraku, Inc. is supporting multilingual corporate communication with its unique CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tool that combines machine translation with human expertise. We spoke with CEO Suguru Sakanishi about his entrepreneurial experience in America, his current business and his vision for the future. From a business that began on a drunken impulse to building a diverse global team

Connecting with the World through Japanese Craftsmanship - Monozukuri Ventures Founder Shares His Entrepreneurial Journey

Monozukuri Ventures has built an innovative ecosystem connecting Silicon Valley startups with Japanese small and medium manufacturing enterprises. We spoke with the founder about his journey that began with a passion for regional revitalization, the strengths and potential of Japanese manufacturing, and how Japanese companies can compete in the global arena.

Startup Visas in Japan: what’s new in 2025

At Blackbox, we've previously written about Japan’s Startup Visa, a visa program that smooths the way for foreign entrepreneurs interested in launching a business in Japan. Until recently, this visa was only available in selected cities, and was valid for only an initial six months.

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.

Japan’s Manga Industry: The Digital Shift and Rise of AI-Powered Localization

The Japanese manga (comics) industry is experiencing a rapid transformation. The shift from print to digital continues to accelerate, while global revenue structures are also evolving. This article explores the current state of Japan’s manga industry, its challenges, and what the future may hold.

Tokyo, the heart of Japan

An explanation of the innovation ecosystem that is spreading in Tokyo, the premier destination for start-ups.

Shisha is booming in Japan. But why?

In the Japanese capital of Tokyo, the number of shisha shops has surpassed the number of Starbucks and McDonalds in the past few years. How has this rapid trend come about?

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: a haven for creative inspiration and mindful living

Kyoto’s hidden paths, Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and traditional crafts all inspire creativity, fostering mindfulness and fueling entrepreneurial growth.

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.

Expanding the Potential of International Talent - Emunitas Inc.

We spoke with Masubuchi and Luan, Co-Founders and COOs of Emunitas, a company building a platform connecting global talent with Japanese businesses. They shared with us their founding story, business development, and the potential of startups based in Beppu.

Hamamatsu: a global hub for musical instruments and sound technology

Despite its relatively modest size, Hamamatsu is home to several globally leading companies. Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Hamamatsu Photonics were all founded here and have grown into internationally recognized brands.

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's Vision for a Manufacturing-led Startup Future - Toshio Sumi (City of Nagoya)

Nagoya, Japan's manufacturing heartland, is building a new startup ecosystem. We interviewed Toshio Sumi, the first director of the Startup Support Division established five years ago, about initiatives to foster regional innovation.

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.

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.