Fukuoka City’s Global Business Support Strengthens Japan–ASEAN Ties

Fukuoka, July 2025 – Fukuoka City’s Global Business Support (GBS) team, alongside Koji Umeda of Chiral, recently participated in the Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2025, hosted by Krungsri Bank in Bangkok. As part of Krungsri’s ongoing initiative “New Industries Connecting Japan–ASEAN,” the event aimed to forge deeper collaboration between Japanese startups and Southeast Asian corporates, with a strong emphasis on innovation, ESG, and cross-border partnership.

🌏 Japan–ASEAN Innovation at a Crossroads

The fair gathered government representatives, corporate leaders, and startups from across Japan and Southeast Asia. Key industries highlighted included automation, health tech, sustainable logistics, and AI-driven solutions. Fukuoka City’s delegation emphasized the city’s readiness to serve as a bridge between Japan’s innovation ecosystem and emerging ASEAN markets.

🚀 Fukuoka’s Representation: From Deep-Tech to Startup Gateway

Fukuoka-based Chiral, represented by co-founder Koji Umeda, was among the featured startups. Chiral specializes in molecular-level data analytics with use cases in life sciences, precision agriculture, and advanced materials. The company drew strong interest from ASEAN partners seeking cutting-edge R&D and health tech innovations.

The Global Business Support team actively promoted Fukuoka’s capabilities as a soft landing zone for international startups. With streamlined visa support, incentive programs, and a supportive community, the city is positioning itself as Japan’s most open and accessible innovation hub.

🎤 PANEL HIGHLIGHT: “Entering Japan – Unlocking Opportunities & Incentives”

One of the marquee sessions of the event featured Shun Ono, speaking on behalf of Fukuoka City in a panel titled “Entering Japan: Unlocking Opportunities & Incentives.” The session opened with remarks from the Mayor of Kitakyushu, who provided an overview of Japan’s innovation trends and market potential.

In a dynamic reverse pitch directed at ASEAN entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, Shun showcased what makes Fukuoka an ideal destination for foreign startups. His presentation covered:

1. Trending Industries in Fukuoka – such as AI, robotics, healthtech, and sustainable urban mobility;
2. Startup Support & Incentives – including the Startup Visa, subsidies for PoC projects, coworking access, and introductions to local investors and partners;
3. Next Steps for Interested Startups – encouraging entrepreneurs ready to enter Japan to connect with Global Business Support (GBS) or himself directly for hands-on assistance.

In closing, Shun gave a shoutout to the upcoming RamenTech 2025 — Fukuoka’s flagship startup x culture event — as a unique gateway for foreign startups to network, showcase, and immerse themselves in Japan’s innovation scene. His remarks received enthusiastic response, with several attendees expressing interest in joining the October event.

🤝 Toward Cross-Border Collaboration

The fair produced concrete outcomes, including new partnership discussions, pilot project interest, and ecosystem linkages. For Fukuoka City, it was not only about promotion but about activation—turning conversations into collaborations.

Upcoming initiatives include:
・　Inbound delegations to Fukuoka for startup discovery and PoC discussions;
・　Follow-up 1-on-1 matching supported by Krungsri and Fukuoka GBS;
・　ASEAN–Japan pilot collaboration in healthtech, deep-tech, and industrial solutions.

🏙️ Conclusion

Fukuoka City’s presence at the Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2025 highlighted its growing role as an international innovation hub. Through the leadership of the city government, the energy of startups like Chiral, and a forward-looking message delivered on stage by GBS, Fukuoka has firmly positioned itself as a launchpad for global startups entering Japan.

With events like RamenTech 2025 on the horizon and the city’s doors wide open, the momentum for deeper Japan–ASEAN startup collaboration is stronger than ever.

There is no I in Fukuoka but there is a U!

Feel free to drop by anytime or shoot us a message. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on this exciting and wonderful journey.

Global Business Support

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 (Days closed : Sundays and Holidays)

Location:

Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) 1F, Global Business Support*

2-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0041

Cambridge Innovation Center（CIC）

ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 7F, 1-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0001

Contact Information:

Tel: 070‐8406-7169

Mail: info@global-fgn.com