Whether you’re a startup, investor, ecosystem builder, or global executive, expanding into new markets means opening doors in unfamiliar places.
Let’s face it, when you land in a new city, it’s hard to know who to meet, what events matter, and how to make your business trip count.
I recently spent extended time in Tokyo, and I discovered that Japan’s capital is full of untapped opportunities for international founders…if you know where to look and who to connect with.
If Japan is on your radar (whether for business development, market exploration, or scouting partnerships) here’s my personal starter guide to help you navigate Tokyo’s startup ecosystem.
This is not exhaustive of course, just 100% based on my personal experience.
Places to visit for innovation & inspiration
Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB)
TIB is a flagship space backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to promote the global startup scene. It’s a 100% free space, open to foreign founders and hosting many ecosystem events.
It’s one of the best places to meet local players and explore Tokyo’s innovation landscape, or go for a quick coworking session on your own and set up your business meetings: https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en.
Shibuya Startup Support
Nestled in the heart of Shibuya, this initiative from Shibuya City offers practical help to global entrepreneurs, from visa guidance to business introductions.
If you’re an international founder looking to soft-land in Japan, start here, especially check their startup visa: https://shibuya-startup-support.jp/startup-visa.
Meetups that matter
Tokyo Venture Café weekly Thursday’s gathering
Held weekly, this is one of the most international-friendly gathering spots for Tokyo’s innovation scene. Expect pitches, workshops, and free sake (sometimes): https://venturecafetokyo.org/programs/thursday-gathering/
Shibuya Startup Support Events
Their event page frequently features networking nights, founder meetups, and pitching sessions. I’ve personally connected with great local entrepreneurs here.
The best way to be up to date is to follow their Linkedin Page where they post all future events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shibuya-startup-support/
Tokyo Fail Club
One of the most refreshing and honest meetup formats in the city. Founders and ecosystem players share real stories of failure: what went wrong, what they learned, and how they bounced back. A must-attend for founders who value transparency and growth.
Their Luma page is right here: https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-sISbnRxoIJoPABx
Luma
The one-stop event platform to discover niche meetups happening across Tokyo. Search for AI, Web3, or deep tech to find thematic events that match your industry: https://lu.ma/tokyo
Major Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Takeoff Tokyo
Previous dates: March 25–26, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 6
Website: takeoff-tokyo.com
A dynamic two-day event bringing together top founders, investors, and companies run by the former organizers of Slush Tokyo. I loved the neon vibe and not too crowded, so you really have time to connect rather than rushing to the next booth or side event.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025
Previous dates: May 8–10, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 4–6
Website: https://sushitech-startup.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/
This one is the “official” big startup event of the year, organized by Toyko Metropolitan Government. You can explore innovations and meet actors from all over Japan’s regions.
IVS 2025 (Infinity Ventures Summit)
Dates: July 2–4, 2025
Venue: Kyoto Miyako Messe
Website: ivs.events
An event famous for its startup-investor connection focus and its 400+ nonstop side events in every corner of the whole Kyoto city.
Last year wrap-up video: IVS2024 KYOTO After Movie
GRIC 2025 (Growth Industry Conference)
Dates: November 11–13, 2025
Venue: To be announced
Website: gric.forstartups.com
A hybrid conference bringing together domestic and international startups and ecosystem builders to support global-minded challengers.
People You Should Connect With
Tetsuya “Ted” Tazaki
Ted organizes one super nice underground gem: the Izakaya Entrepreneur Gathering. It’s where founders drop the pitch decks and share stories over beer, fried chicken and sake.
Ted also announced recently he will now be holding the “TiB Global Meetup” weekly to connect international and local talents and founders together.
His Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tetsuya-ted-tazaki-845a64153/
Kaori Rei
Founder of the AI Founder Podcast, Kaori is a must-follow if you’re navigating Japan’s tech-meets-media space. She’s incredibly well-connected and passionate about helping global founders gain visibility.
Kaori offered to interview me right after I landed in Japan and has already connected me with amazing people! Super grateful.
Her Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaori-rei-1021a6177/ and Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Aifoundersmindset
My interview with Kaori on startup ecosystem culture and mindset:
Tyson Batino
With years of experience building businesses in Japan, Tyson is a seasoned market veteran. He combines deep local insight with strong digital marketing expertise and regularly shares actionable advice on everything from company setup and visa processes to accounting.
His Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonbatino/
Final Thoughts
I know it’s common to praise an ecosystem, say it’s “vibrant” etc. the kind of the usual Linkedin Post caption you’ll find. I won’t give you that but just my simple and honest feedback.
What I like the most here is the intense activity. Many meetups are fully packed and it’s not rare to find they already have a waitlist.
Also, (maybe?) because entrepreneurship is still a bit of a niche, it’s super easy to connect with people, in a much more friendly vibe than other countries.
This reminds me of the Paris ecosystem when I started my journey years ago. I find the same level of openness where everything is possible, if you are creative, adopt a “give first” and “win-win” mindset, and are able to quickly jump on opportunities to create value for others.
