2 February 2026
On January 20, 2026, Servcorp co-hosted an online seminar titled “Navigating Japan’s Startup Landscape: A Practical Roadmap for Foreign Entrepreneurs – Session 1: Starting a Business in Japan”, in collaboration with the Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC).
This seminar marked the first session of a three-part series designed to support foreign nationals who are considering starting a business in Japan. The event welcomed entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals from diverse backgrounds, all seeking practical insights into Japan’s startup ecosystem and business environment.
The 90-minute seminar followed a structured agenda, allowing participants to gain both institutional insights and practical guidance:
Participants were also invited to complete a post-event questionnaire following the session.
TOSBEC, a public organization jointly operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government, plays a key role in supporting startups by simplifying business establishment procedures in Japan. Through one-stop services available in both Japanese and English, TOSBEC helps entrepreneurs navigate complex administrative processes more efficiently.
During the seminar, participants were introduced to TOSBEC’s services and how foreign entrepreneurs can leverage government-backed support when establishing and growing their businesses in Japan.
Servcorp also introduced its role as a global provider of premium serviced offices, coworking spaces, and virtual office solutions, highlighting how flexible workspace solutions, prestigious business addresses, and bilingual professional support services can help entrepreneurs establish credibility and operate smoothly from day one.
The main lecture was delivered by Mr. Kazuhide Suzuki, a certified Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant with extensive experience in finance, capital markets, and startup advisory. Drawing on both data and real-world examples, Mr. Suzuki offered participants a clear and practical overview of Japan’s startup ecosystem from the perspective of foreign entrepreneurs.
He began by outlining Japan’s current startup environment and government policy trends, explaining how startup promotion has become a key national economic agenda. Participants learned about ongoing initiatives led by the Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to strengthen the startup ecosystem, encourage innovation, and position Tokyo as a competitive global startup hub.
Mr. Suzuki also highlighted emerging growth areas and business opportunities within Japan, including deep tech, AI, biotechnology, and other strategic industries. In addition, he introduced the growing potential of business succession through M&A, noting that Japan’s aging population and shortage of successors are creating new opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs to acquire and grow existing businesses.
Another key theme was investment and funding trends. The seminar examined the increasing presence of corporate venture capital (CVC) and the steady inflow of foreign venture capital into Japan, reflecting a gradually evolving investment landscape and expanding options for startups seeking growth capital.
A significant portion of the session focused on challenges commonly faced by foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, along with practical guidance on how to address them. These challenges included:
Throughout the lecture, Mr. Suzuki emphasized the importance of preparation, local partnerships, and long-term commitment when building a business in Japan.
To conclude, the seminar featured real-world case studies of foreign-founded companies operating in Japan, illustrating both successful strategies and common pitfalls. These examples provided valuable insights into localization, market fit, and sustainable growth, helping participants better understand what it takes to build and maintain a successful business in the Japanese market.
This seminar was the first in a three-part series. Upcoming sessions will cover:
Through initiatives like this, Servcorp remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening collaborations with public organizations such as TOSBEC and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. By combining government-backed resources with Servcorp’s global workspace solutions, we aim to help international entrepreneurs build strong foundations for success in Japan.
