Top 7 Annual Startup Events/Expos in Japan

Japan’s startup ecosystem has gained serious momentum over the past few years, fueled by government support, corporate investment, and an expanding network of innovation-driven events. For global businesses, VCs, and founders, attending Japan’s top startup expos isn’t just about visibility—it’s about real opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow in a rapidly evolving market.

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From global pitch competitions and tech showcases to energy innovation summits and youth entrepreneurship forums, these annual events attract a vibrant mix of startups, investors, corporations, and public sector leaders. Whether you're looking to discover Japan’s next unicorn, explore partnership opportunities, or gain market insights, these seven events offer direct access to the heart of Japan’s innovation movement.

Annual Startup Events/Expos in Japan

1. SusHi Tech Tokyo
2. Startup JAPAN Expo
3. Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition
4. IVS (Innovation Venture Summit)
5. ILS (Innovation Leaders Summit)
6. GROWTH INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
7. Takeoff Tokyo

1. SusHi Tech Tokyo

Image Source: SusHi Tech Tokyo

Date: May 8–9, 2025 (Business Days), May 10, 2025 (Public Day)

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake, Tokyo

SusHi Tech Tokyo is a flagship innovation event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, aiming to shape the future of cities through cutting-edge technology and sustainable urban solutions. The name is a play on words, transforming “sushi” into “Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo,” and symbolizes Tokyo’s ambition to address global urban challenges through tech-driven innovation.

Key Features:

• SusHi Tech Challenge: A global pitch competition where startups compete to solve urban sustainability issues. The winner receives ¥10 million and corporate prizes.
• Booth Exhibitions: Over 500 startups, major corporations, and international cities showcase products and ideas that enable open innovation.
• Business Matching: A dedicated platform and enhanced app enable seamless networking between startups, VCs, corporations, and overseas partners.
• Special Content – “Focus on” Series: Highlights innovation in AI, quantum computing, food tech, and more through sessions, exhibits, and live demos.

SusHi Tech Tokyo offers international businesses a front-row seat to Japan’s urban tech revolution. It's an ideal entry point for companies targeting sustainability, smart cities, or open innovation in Japan.

2. Startup JAPAN Expo

Image Source: Startup JAPAN Expo

Date: May 8–9, 2025

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (South Hall)

Startup JAPAN Expo is one of the largest startup-focused exhibitions in Japan, organized by Eight (Sansan Inc.). It gathers over 380 exhibiting startups and more than 10,000 attendees, offering a dynamic space for service discovery, product trials, and business development.

Key Features:

• Exhibitor Diversity: Covers sectors like SaaS, AI, Web3.0, biotech, smart cities, education, and HR tech.
• Dream Pitch Grand Prix: A competitive stage where six finalists pitch for top honors, judged by a panel of experts and the audience.
• AI-Powered Matching: A digital guidebook recommends startups based on visitors' business needs, helping streamline partner discovery.
• Theme-Based Booth Tours: Guided tours help attendees navigate startups by focus areas such as DX promotion, overseas expansion, and marketing support.

Startup JAPAN Expo is a go-to event for companies looking to collaborate with high-potential Japanese startups. With strong B2B elements, it's particularly valuable for businesses exploring new technologies or partners in Japan.

3. Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition

Image Source: Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition

Date: June 18–20, 2025

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (East Hall 7)

Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition is a key event for companies involved in energy transition, cleantech, and sustainable innovation. Held shortly after the release of Japan’s updated Strategic Energy Plan, it acts as a launchpad for new policies, technologies, and international cooperation.

Key Features:

• Startup Zone: A dedicated space where energy tech startups showcase innovations in hydrogen, LNG, renewables, and climate tech.
• Leadership Panels: Features speakers from Japan’s government, global energy companies, and policymakers discussing energy transition strategies.
• International Collaboration: Connects global stakeholders, including startups and large corporations, to foster cross-border joint ventures.
• Tech Showcase: Highlights game-changing technologies aimed at decarbonization and energy security.

With its focus on energy and climate innovation, this summit is a crucial event for startups and businesses looking to tap into Japan’s clean energy ecosystem. It offers high-level access to decision-makers and a global stage for emerging tech.

4. IVS (Innovation Venture Summit)

Image Source: IVS (Innovation Venture Summit)

Date: July 2–4, 2025 (IVS Youth: July 5)

Venue: Miyako Messe & ROHM Theatre, Kyoto

IVS2025 is Japan’s largest startup conference, designed to accelerate meaningful connections between startups, investors, and corporations. Originally an invitation-only event, IVS has evolved into an open platform welcoming challengers from diverse fields to spark innovation through purposeful interactions.

Key Features:

• Action-Oriented Networking: Pre-booked meetings, Funding Lounge consultations, and themed zones designed to foster concrete business outcomes.
• Global Vision: The 2025 theme, “Reshape Japan with Global Minds,” reflects IVS’s commitment to international collaboration.
• Youth Engagement: IVS Youth, a dedicated program for the next generation of entrepreneurs, follows the main event.
• High-Impact Participation: With 12,000 expected attendees (40% startups, 15% investors), IVS2025 is poised to be a catalyst for Japan’s startup ecosystem.
• IVS2025 is not just about gathering people—it’s about connecting the right people for real results.

5. ILS (Innovation Leaders Summit)

Image Source: ILS (Innovation Leaders Summit)

Date: TBA (Last held: December 2–5, 2024)

Venue: TBA

Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS) is Asia’s largest open innovation event, backed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The summit connects over 100 major corporations with hundreds of promising startups to accelerate collaboration and the creation of cutting-edge technologies.

Key Features:

• Power Matching Program: High-precision business matchmaking with a one-in-three success rate for follow-up negotiations.
• Global Tech Focus: Startups in AI, robotics, and decarbonization from 20+ countries.
• Startup Pitches & Networking: Live pitch sessions and open networking help forge innovation partnerships.
• Institutional Support: Strong backing from Japanese government agencies like NEDO and JETRO facilitates the entry of foreign startups into Japan.

With thousands of meetings and a growing international presence, ILS is a gateway to Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem.

6. GROWTH INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Image Source: GROWTH INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Date: November 11–13, 2025

Venue: Online (EventHub) + Offline (Shibuya Hikarie Hall, Tokyo)

GRIC2025 is Japan’s largest hybrid conference dedicated to growth industries, bringing together top-tier innovators and ecosystem builders from Japan and around the world. The conference serves as both a platform for global insights and a community space for challengers shaping the future.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Format: Online sessions for global reach, offline meetings for hands-on networking.
• Bilingual Access: All sessions delivered in Japanese and English.
• Global Dialogue: Participants from 49 countries and top ecosystem leaders discuss innovation and scaling.
• Strategic Partnerships: GRIC partners with events like Takeoff Tokyo to broaden its startup support framework.

GRIC is more than a conference—it’s a community advancing Japan’s innovation ecosystem to global standards.

7. Takeoff Tokyo

Image Source: Takeoff Tokyo

Date: March 25–26, 2025

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (East 6 Hall)

Takeoff Tokyo is a fast-rising international startup conference focused on launching Japanese founders into the global spotlight. With a mission to nurture Ambition, Talent, and Funding, it acts as Japan’s “international terminal” for startups ready to take off.

Key Features:

• Startup Pitches & Panels: High-energy pitch contests and panels featuring global founders and VCs.
• Speed Dating for Startups: Curated matching between investors and entrepreneurs.
• Mixer Lounge: Informal networking spaces for deeper engagement.
• International Reach: Delegations from Asia and Europe bring global perspectives to the Japanese startup scene.

Takeoff Tokyo is where global ambition meets Japanese innovation, providing a launchpad for the next generation of world-class companies.

Conclusion

Japan’s startup events go far beyond exhibitions—they’re carefully curated ecosystems designed to ignite collaboration, investment, and new ventures. With platforms like SusHi Tech Tokyo promoting smart cities, IVS accelerating cross-border partnerships, and GRIC pushing for global innovation standards, each event offers a unique gateway into Japan’s business future.

For international companies seeking to gain traction in Japan, participating in these expos is more than just a market entry tactic—it’s a strategic move to embed themselves within one of Asia’s most promising innovation hubs. Mark your calendar, pack your pitch decks, and get ready to tap into Japan’s startup surge.