Explore how inclusive design, sustainable energy, and women-led social innovation are shaping the future of cities and communities. From startup and social impact pitches to a Hitachi-led discussion on mobility infrastructure, Thursday Gathering #59 brings together changemakers from industry, academia, and civil society for an evening of ideas, dialogue, and connection.
Date and Time: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Event website (Japanese)
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00 – 20:00
Networking
Thursday Gathering’s signature networking runs throughout the event, offering a relaxed environment for business, collaboration, and community building. Participants can enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks while connecting with fellow attendees, session speakers, and guest experts. This is a valuable opportunity to continue discussions after sessions and build new relationships within the Venture Café Fukuoka community.
More info: Japanese
16:00 – 16:50
JWLI Bootcamp 2025 Demo Day: Women Leaders Pitching Social Impact
This session features three graduates from the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative (JWLI) Bootcamp, a leadership development program for women addressing social challenges. Selected participants present initiatives grounded in on-the-ground experience and regional impact:
• Yumi Egashira, NPO Socio no Mori: Expanding “socio-esthetics” care for hospital patients and people receiving in-home medical treatment.
• Shiho Shiomi, Keichiku Toiro: Supporting children experiencing school refusal and creating inclusive community spaces.
• Kayo Toyofuku, Social Work Fukuoka Inc.: Realizing a future where social workers are accessible within everyday living environments.
Through these pitches, speakers share insights into local challenges, community-driven solutions, and efforts to build a society where everyone can live authentically and with dignity.
More info: Japanese
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
This short, interactive introduction explains Venture Café Fukuoka’s weekly signature event, Thursday Gathering. Learn about the community’s mission, how the program is structured, and why building meaningful connections matters. This session is held every week and is ideal for first-time participants.
More info: Japanese
17:00 – 18:00
Interactive Learning Series 03: Create
Location: Sub-session Area (next to REC COFFEE)
Hosted by Empowered by Industry (EBI), this third session of the Innovation Learning Series (ILS) focuses on transforming validated problems into testable solutions. Participants will sketch solution concepts, build focused prototypes around key user actions, and explore AI-enabled tools such as vibe coding for rapid ideation. The session emphasizes eliminating unnecessary features, iterating through observation, and converting ideas into practical, engagement-driven outputs.
More info: Japanese
18:30 – 19:20
Implementing Inclusive Cities: The Future of Mobility Infrastructure
Cities thrive when people, places, and activities connect seamlessly. This session examines inclusive urban development and the mobility infrastructure needed to support it.
The discussion begins with perspectives on inclusive design from Professor Hirai of Kyushu University, followed by insights from Mr. Hidaka of Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. (Nishitetsu), who is advancing next-generation transportation systems, and Mr. Fukumaru, a designer at Hitachi, Ltd., who led the “Future City” concept for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Together, the speakers explore a paradigm shift from expanding what technology can do to expanding what people can do, offering a vision of urban and mobility systems that move beyond conventional smart city frameworks.
More info: Japanese
Organized by: Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
All sessions are in-person only. Pre-registration is required via the event website.
