#Startup Support

Japan's food self-sufficiency and agriculture-related startups

A food self-sufficiency rate shows how much food a country produces compared to what it consumes. It’s an important way to understand a country’s food security and resilience, especially during global crises like wars, pandemics, or climate change. This has become more important in recent years.

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.

CIC Fukuoka preview – a new hub for startups

MUIC makes its first investment in OUGI, an tourist business for high-net-worth individuals

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.

Hokkaido F Village X launched

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.

Utsunomiya promotes space industry through version of Furusato Tax

Naruto offers three levels of support for entrepreneurs

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.

BLACKBOX -Discover Japan's Startup Potential-

One fast‑paced session at SusHi Tech Tokyo where municipal leaders and global founders swap stories and pitches—offering a 360° view of Japan’s startup opportunities in under an hour.

Tokyo, the heart of Japan

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

Nagoya announces its budget for FY2025: largest ever

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.

Development Bank of Japan analyzes startups in Tohoku

Tsukuba: city of research

we learned Tsukuba’s claim to fame: having more researchers per capita than any other city in Japan. But how did the city come to be a thriving center of research and technology?

Tsukuba: city of science and technology

Located about 50 km from Tokyo, Tsukuba City is not exactly famous among tourists. However, it does have a reputation among scientists and researchers, being home to one of Japan's leading universities, the University of Tsukuba, as well as many national and corporate research institutes.

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.

Local problems, local solutions

One of the great advantages of startups, with their scrappy, disruptor attitude and grassroots beginnings (often getting started in a living room or garage), is their ability to approach local problems from an innovative angle.

Empowering Rural Agriculture: Making AI-Powered Farm Robots the Future Standard

"The key to innovation is finding practical applications for advanced technology in unexpected places."

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.

Naruto offers three levels of support for entrepreneurs

Hiroshima: supporting future business in the shadow of the atomic bomb

Hiroshima Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region on the western side of Honshu, the main island of Japan, and has prospered as a checkpoint connecting the north and south of the country. Hiroshima City, which is the location of the prefectural government, has a unique history.