Global Business Support News #2

2024/10/23

Global Business Support News #2

May Momentum: Spring Event in Tokyo.

SushiTech 2024 Report : Aiming for a More Sustainable Society through Startups and Innovation

SushiTech 2024, with its theme “Sustainable High City Tech for the Future,” spotlighted the creation of sustainable urban environments through cutting-edge innovation and technology. The event, held from May 14th to 16th, brought together over 40,000 attendees, showcased 434 startups and welcomed 224 ambassadors and international dignitaries from 82 countries and 321 cities. This year’s event not only surpassed previous accomplishments but also exceeded expectations. Together with Fukuoka City’s Global Startup Team, we seized the opportunity to attend and engage with key stakeholders, MoU partner institutions, and next-generation startups, driving forward our own mission for urban sustainability, and innovation and making Fukuoka City, the startup city of Japan.

After rendezvousing with the A-team at Haneda Airport, we were off to our first adventure! Our initial stop was the “Nordics x Tokyo: Fast Track to Future Innovations and Collaborations” event at SusHi Tech Square, 2F. Organized by Helsinki Partners, this vibrant side event zeroed in on the investment landscape, collaborative opportunities, and successful partnerships between the Nordic countries and Japan. Helsinki, a valued MoU partner for Fukuoka City for over 5 years, is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation across various fields. With inspiring speeches and dynamic panel discussions, the event provided a thrilling opportunity to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and strategize for upcoming keystone events in our respective cities.

(from the left: Ryo Matsukawa-san, Shun Ono, Fumiyasu Ishinaga, Nanako Fukada and Soto Mizuno)

The first day was all about immersing ourselves in side events, including the standout gala at the French Embassy of Japan. But the real excitement began on the second and third days at the heart of SushiTech: the Global Startup Program at Tokyo BigSight. We divided into two dynamic teams—the Europe Team and the Asia Team—to connect with key partners and emerging startups.

Over these two days, we engaged in numerous productive discussions and generated significant interest in Fukuoka City. We also built buzz for the upcoming global event in Fukuoka on October 9th and 10th, setting the stage for an exciting future!

To our delight, the Mayor of Fukuoka City made a surprise appearance, and we had the pleasure of exploring the event alongside him. Many startups based in Fukuoka were also present and showcasing their innovations, making it a fantastic opportunity to highlight Fukuoka as a vibrant hub of creativity and enterprise.

Introducing …(Drum-roll)… GBS Ambassador Hiroshi Onaka

Hiroshi Onaka （尾中泰）

With 20 years of business experience in the US, Hiroshi is focusing on three main business domains; e.g. (1) Business matching and development for startups, (2) Mentoring/Coaching for entrepreneurs and (3) Introducing the unique Japanese culture and crafts to overseas.

Hiroshi, with extensive experience in both Japan and the US, has played a pivotal role in establishing several companies. His impressive track record includes managing the International Procurement Office (IPO), overseeing product merchandising for OEM manufacturing in Japan and the APAC region. Additionally, Hiroshi has collaborated on new Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives, working closely with R&D and product marketing teams. In the US, he started the software development company so that his expertise spans both hardware and software B2B business development.

After returning to Japan in 2019, Hiroshi is now based in Fukuoka. As the Fukuoka Ambassador at Global Business Support, he assists startups aiming to enter the Japanese market.

Hirosh’s Advice:

“Fukuoka is one of the best gateways to establish your business footprint for the Japanese market. Feel free to contact me and I am more than happy to support your business developments for your business success.”

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.