TOKYO & BEYOND. Why Japan. Why now.
Something important is changing between the U.S. and Japan.
Japan is opening new pathways for outside technology, entrepreneurs, capital, and partnerships – just as AI and new cross-border tools are making it dramatically easier to overcome the language, information, and communication barriers that have traditionally made Japan difficult to approach.
Tokyo and Beyond: Why Japan. Why Now. brings together Colorado founders, investors, business leaders, and visiting Japanese innovation leaders to explore where Japan can create real value – through capital, pilots, partnerships, and market entry.
The program will explore why Japan matters now, where the opportunities are, and how Colorado companies and investors can engage. The evening includes a concise Why Japan. Why Now. briefing, three snapshots of Japanese companies looking outward, a practical discussion on Japan: From Entry to Market Success, and facilitated networking designed to create useful introductions and next steps.
Light Japanese food and refreshments from Tokio will be served during the networking portions of the evening.
FEATURED SPEAKER
Shigeru Sumitomo is the founder of CONSELUX, a Tokyo-based business co-creation firm focused on cross-border business development, startup collaboration, and corporate innovation.
OTHER SPEAKERS
Dr. Kazuo Yano, CEO of Happiness Planet; Dr. Miwako Ishido, CEO of AutophagyGO; and Tadafumi Sugawara, CEO of Archipelago; and Charlie McDaniel, Managing Director at GSSG Solar.
Who should attend: Founders, investors, corporate leaders, universities, accelerators, and ecosystem builders interested in Japan, international growth, and cross-border collaboration.
September 16, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM
The Alliance Center | near Union Station | 1536 Wynkoop St.
If you found this event through Colorado Startup Week, please complete your RSVP here on Luma so we can manage capacity, communications, and curated introductions.
For more information, visit our official Colorado Startup Week event page: https://hub.catalyzerapp.com/public/events/tokyo-and-beyond-why-japan-why-now-4037-353
PRESENTED BY: Velocify
CO-HOSTED BY:
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Japan America Society of Colorado
QXLV (Quantum Leaps Ventures)