

Japan Market Entry Strategies
For foreign startups considering Japan market entry, this afternoon offers comprehensive guidance from leading Tokyo-based organizations specializing in business establishment, investment attraction, government support, and local ecosystem integration.
Session 1: Starting a Business in Japan
14:30–15:30
Four experts from Tokyo's primary startup support infrastructure provide practical insights into launching and operating a business in Japan.
Speakers
Kohei Ono — Adecco Ltd, Project manager
TOSBEC is jointly administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japanese government, providing free multilingual support to foreign companies and entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Tokyo. The center consolidates all necessary administrative procedures, including company registration, tax filings, social insurance, and immigration, into a single location, eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices across the city.
Aoi Kuze — Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
JETRO is a Japanese government-related organization that promotes mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between Japan and other nations. The organization provides comprehensive market intelligence, business development support, and information on laws and regulations to assist foreign companies entering and expanding in the Japanese market.
Satoshi Terao — Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, through its Office for Startup and Global Financial City Strategy, leads initiatives including the ambitious "10×10×10 Innovation Vision" aiming to expand Tokyo's startup base, unicorn count, and public-private partnerships tenfold within five years. TMG operates programs such as Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), which has welcomed over 100,000 visitors in its first year, and provides direct support through Access to Tokyo consultation desks in five global cities.
Miu Goto & Yaroslava Bloyet — Shibuya City & Shibuya Startup Support
Shibuya Startup Support is an initiative led by Shibuya City Office to support international founders launching businesses in Japan. The program provides comprehensive assistance, including startup visa support, office space at Shibuya Bridge, business matching with investors, proof-of-concept development, and hands-on guidance from community managers
Session 2: Navigating Japan: Strategy and Execution for Deep-Tech Startups
15:30–16:30
Presented by REIMEI
REIMEI serves as a strategic entry point and business development partner for international companies expanding to Japan. They provide comprehensive market entry support, including market insights, regulatory advice, tailored go-to-market strategies, lead development, and access to trusted networks of companies, institutions, and key decision-makers across sectors, acting as a local extension for foreign businesses without the overhead of establishing a full local office.
This session explores strategic frameworks and execution pathways specifically designed for deep-tech startups entering or scaling within the Japanese market, covering market positioning, partnership development, and navigating Japan's unique business ecosystem.
Session 3: Startup Accounting Practices in Japan
16:30–17:00
Shinya Tominaga, CPA
Essential accounting and financial compliance guidance for startups operating in Japan, covering corporate tax obligations, bookkeeping requirements, and financial reporting standards specific to the Japanese regulatory environment.
Closing Remarks
17:00–17:15
Italian Trade Agency & Tokyo AI
Closing reflections on Italy-Japan innovation collaboration and pathways forward for continued ecosystem engagement.