Archive — 2022
About
In December 2022, the inaugural Startup Ecosystem Summit was held at Toranomon Hills Forum. The event opened with remarks from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
57 supporting companies, organizations, and government agencies participated, with three Talk Sessions — featuring VC investors, the three major Japanese megabanks, and HR leaders — alongside a Lightning Talk stage where 73 speakers took the floor. A total of 182 participants gathered, marking what was likely the largest assembly of startup ecosystem players in Japan at the time.
| Date & Time | December 5, 2022 (Mon) 13:00 – 17:00 Networking until 18:30 (hosted by the Association) |
| Venue | Toranomon Hills Forum, Tokyo |
| Organizers | Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Startup Ecosystem Association of Japan (Secretariat) |
| Supported by | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry / Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology |
| Cooperation | Startup Ecosystem Summit Executive Committee |
| Attendees | Ecosystem organizations, government stakeholders |
| Format | Panel sessions / Lightning Talks (select sessions open to media) |
Schedule
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 13:00 – 13:25 | Opening Remarks Tokyo Metropolitan Government · Cabinet Office · METI · MEXT |
| 13:25 – 14:01 | Lightning Talk #1 |
| 14:15 – 14:35 | Talk Session #1｜VC Panel |
| 14:35 – 15:11 | Lightning Talk #2 |
| 15:25 – 15:45 | Talk Session #2｜Mega Bank Panel |
| 15:45 – 16:21 | Lightning Talk #3 |
| 16:35 – 16:55 | Talk Session #3｜HR Panel |
| 17:00 – | Networking |
Sessions
Key players from the VC, megabank, and HR sectors joined us to discuss the future of Japan's startup ecosystem.
Paul from Incubate Fund, Kikuchi from eCrowd, and Kawashima from the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners discussed the full picture of startup funding in Japan.
A historic first — all three Japanese megabanks on one stage. Seki from MUFG Bank, Nishio from SMBC, and Hori from Mizuho Bank shared their perspectives on startup support.
Iwasaki from YOUTRUST, Nakajima from Deel, and Shimizu from forStartups spoke passionately about how startups can attract talent and build strong organizations.
Gallery
Participants
About the Lightning Talks
73 ecosystem players — spanning accelerators, co-working spaces, HR & recruitment firms, accounting & fundraising specialists, and more — each took the stage for a 2-minute pitch to share how they support startups. An assembly of this scale was likely a first in Japan. All 182 attendees listened with great attention.
Networking
The event closed with 90 minutes of networking, where lively conversations flowed between attendees and ecosystem players. The summit concluded on a vibrant and successful note.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all who attended and everyone who took the stage.
Organizers
Founded in March 2022, the Association brings together key players in Japan's startup support landscape to consolidate information, promote domestic and international outreach, and foster collaboration among supporters — ensuring startups can access the right support at the right time. Acting as a neutral, private-sector-led voice, it also provides policy recommendations to government agencies and supports educational institutions that nurture entrepreneurs.
startupecosystem.orgA nonprofit organization founded by and for startups. With a mission to make Japan the world's best environment for startups through mutual support, the association limits its membership to startups themselves — conducting fact-finding, information sharing, and policy advocacy directly on behalf of the startup community.
startup-kyokai.orgFounded to expand the base of startup challengers in Japan, where the entrepreneurship rate is nearly half that of other major economies. The association works with municipalities and startup studio operators across Japan to lower the barriers to entrepreneurship and grow the number of people willing to take the leap.
startup-studio.jpPurpose: To pursue a sustainable society by treating the resolution of social challenges as an engine for growth. The association works alongside executive members and regular member companies to advance the visibility of impact, build a thriving ecosystem, and create opportunities for co-creation with government and public bodies.
note.com/impact_startup