A New Season in Fukuoka, and A Truly Global Event

Photo provided by Fukuoka City

This time of year brings a different rhythm to life in Japan. For businesses, it is often a season of sustained effort. Now, a time to build on plans made earlier in the year, navigate established working customs, and keep things moving through the demands of the traditional Japanese business calendar.

For those launching or expanding a business in Japan, adapting to this environment can be just as challenging as navigating the language and culture themselves. From understanding workplace customs and building relationships to finding the right local networks and resources, establishing a presence here takes more than simply having a good idea.

But in Fukuoka, you don’t have to navigate that process alone. Global Business Support (GBS) is here to help international entrepreneurs and businesses understand the local landscape, connect with the right people, and turn their ideas into practical opportunities. As we move through the heart of summer and into the fall, we’re continuing to build our team and strengthen our role within Fukuoka’s growing startup ecosystem.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at a recent event and introduce readers to some of the support that GBS can provide.

Looking Back: Global Mission Meetup

Photo provided by GBS

The Global Mission Meetup was held on July 8^th. Organized by Fukuoka City and Global Business Support, and it truly showcased the vibrant and thriving energy unique to Fukuoka’s start-up scene. Click here for more info!

The event opened with a brief introduction to the Global Mission Meet-Up 2026 and its central theme: exploring what support is available to businesses seeking to expand overseas from Fukuoka, and what the experience of going global is actually like. Following opening remarks from Fukuoka City, the Global Business Support (GBS) team was introduced, along with an overview of its role in supporting international business and startup activity in Fukuoka.

Spring brings a surge of positive energy, inspiring us all to “start something new.” It is the perfect time to refine your strategies and put those new business plans into action.

Photo provided by GBS

The first part of the program then introduced several of Fukuoka City’s global support initiatives, including an announcement concerning the upcoming RAMEN TECH 2026 and presentations on programs available to companies considering overseas expansion. This was followed by the first panel discussion, which brought together representatives from JETRO, JICA, and the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SMRJ). Moderated from a younger perspective by Fukuoka Growth Next member Hikaru Morimura and GBS’s Shun Ono, the discussion focused on the respective roles of these organizations, the types of support they provide, and how businesses can make use of them when pursuing international expansion.

Photo provided by GBS

The second panel shifted the focus from support organizations to the experiences of companies that had undertaken overseas expansion. Representatives from Eletus Inc., HMS Inc., and Capsule Japan Inc. discussed their experiences of using Fukuoka City’s overseas expansion programs, providing a more practical perspective on the challenges and realities involved in taking a business into international markets. The session was again moderated from a younger perspective, with the aim of drawing out candid experiences and lessons from the participating companies

Photo provided by GBS

Following the panel discussions, the event moved into a networking session, giving participants the opportunity to speak directly with the startup representatives, support organizations, GBS staff, and one another.

GBS is ready, willing, and able to help you with your startup related needs!

Photo provided by GBS

Whether you’re looking to establish a business in Japan, expand your existing operations, connect with local partners, or simply find your footing in Fukuoka’s startup ecosystem, GBS is here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you and your business.

Global Business Support

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

Location:

Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN)

Fukuoka Growth Next 1F, 2 Chome-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka 810-0041

As there is no on-site parking or bicycle parking available, we kindly ask that you utilize nearby parking facilities or bicycle parking areas.

Cambridge Innovation Center（CIC）

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

Please use the contact form on our website to make an inquiry.