#Investor Support

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

JETRO Launches US<>Japan VC Playbook

Shizuoka begins selection of investment funds for startup support grants

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.

Japan’s Bold Startup Gamble: 100 Unicorns in 5 Years

The Japanese government announced its ‘Startup Development Five-year Plan’ in November 2022. Now-former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented the Five-Year Startup Plan as part of his grand design for a new form of capitalism in Japan. While Abenomics led to higher stock prices and corporate profits, it did not translate into higher wages.

Tokyo Unicorn Summit 2025

Tokyo Unicorn Summit is an unprecedented international Unicorn conference.

Tokyo, the heart of Japan

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

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.

Osaka International Business Meetup

An international business networking event designed to connect foreign companies and entrepreneurs with key stakeholders and business in Osaka and Kansai!

JAPAN INNOVATION WEEK

“JAPAN INNOVATION WEEK” where investors and startup ecosystem builders from around the world gather

Investment in unlisted stocks shows new movement to support startups in Japan

University of Tokyo opens another community base for university-related start-ups

IVS KYOTO is coming again!

Japanese Government introduces measures to attract foreign angel investors

Japan leads world in CVC investments

R&D startup event held in Kyoto

Japan introduces new business growth strategy

Hamamatsu City implements investment matching program for startups

Creating a Thriving Startup Ecosystem in Japan

Is there a secret formula for startup success? Join our next seminar on March 16th to find out! Take your seat asap!