Last week, a friend invited me to speak at an online AI research panel. During the Q&A, many founders asked about Japan’s current startup ecosystem—especially how foreign companies and cross-border teams can get their foot in the door.
If you’re looking to enter the Japanese market or plug into local networks, here are two government-backed hubs I’ve personally visited and tested out.
1. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
📍 Location: Roppongi First Building, Minato City, Tokyo (Roppongi-itchome Station)
JETRO is a government-related agency dedicated to promoting trade and foreign investment. They regularly host trade shows, networking events, and industry seminars.
Best suited for: Established businesses, cross-border commerce, import/export, and traditional enterprise projects.
My takeaway: Don’t let the “government entity” label scare you off. Their response times are surprisingly sharp. If you book an appointment in advance, they provide free, multilingual advisory support (including English). They also have offices worldwide, making it easy to start conversations before you even step foot in Japan.
2. TIB (Tokyo Innovation Base)
📍 Location: Yurakucho / Ginza Area, Tokyo
If you’re running a early-stage startup or a micro-business, JETRO’s corporate scale might feel a bit broad. That’s where Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) comes in.
Initiated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, TIB is a newly launched, all-in-one startup support hub designed to connect founders with top accelerators, VCs, universities, and municipal authorities.
Best suited for: Early-stage startups, tech entrepreneurs, and founders looking for end-to-end operational guidance.
My takeaway: TIB offers free, hands-on support across every stage of growth—from refining your idea to registering a company, finding office space, hiring tax accountants (Zeirishi) or administrative scriveners (Gyouseishoshi), applying for grants, and pitching to local clients.
When I visited, the vibe was lively and creative. They frequently run international pitch competitions and workshops. There’s even an interactive exhibition space displaying products from local startups—ranging from craft tea blends to cutting-edge smart materials. It’s the kind of spot where you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring.
Note: Mentors must be booked in advance. Compared to JETRO, multilingual support is slightly more limited here—consultations are conducted mainly in Japanese and English.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a new business landscape in Japan can feel daunting, but you don’t have to start from scratch. Whether you need formal trade support or vibrant startup networking, JETRO and TIB offer solid landing pads in Tokyo.
Disclaimer: Program details, advisory services, and grant availabilities at JETRO and TIB are subject to change. Please check their official websites for the latest booking guidelines.
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