Discover how technology, music, and creativity are shaping the future of entertainment at Venture Café Fukuoka. This week’s Thursday Gathering features startup innovation, international music collaboration, and the launch of one of Fukuoka’s biggest annual music initiatives.
Date and Time: Thursday, July 23, 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 – 16:50
Oshi Culture x ROUND1: New Ways to Enjoy Spo-cha
ROUND1 Japan joins forces with startups from Fukuoka Prefecture to explore the next generation of entertainment experiences. Three innovative companies will present ideas that combine AR, Web3, and immersive technology to create new ways to enjoy Spo-cha through Japan’s growing oshi culture. The session concludes with a live Q&A on the future of entertainment and digital transformation.
More info: Event website
16:00 – 20:00
Networking
Meet entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and community members throughout the evening. Enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks while connecting with fellow participants, speakers, and guest presenters in Venture Café Fukuoka’s relaxed networking space. It’s an ideal opportunity to continue conversations after sessions and spark new collaborations.
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
New to Thursday Gathering? This interactive introduction explains Venture Café Fukuoka’s mission of “Connecting Innovators to Make Things Happen,” how the community works, and how to get the most out of the weekly gathering.
17:30 – 18:15
Meetup for Thursday Gathering Beginners!
Designed especially for first-time visitors, this session introduces the Venture Café community and provides an opportunity for newcomers to meet one another before exploring the rest of the evening’s program.
17:30 – 18:20
Music Easily Crosses Borders: The Fukuoka Music City Council’s Initiatives
The Fukuoka Music City Council promotes the local music industry and music-driven city development through a range of initiatives. This session spotlights BEYONDERS, an international collaborative songwriting project connecting musicians in Fukuoka with artists overseas. Fukuoka singer-songwriter Momoko Iwasaki joins remotely to share her experience collaborating with musicians from Northern England and discuss the creative process behind the project.
More info: Event website
18:30 – 19:20
Fukuoka Music Month 2026 Kickoff Event
Fukuoka Music Month brings together the city’s major live music events every September, showcasing Fukuoka as a city where every week is a celebration of music. Representatives from the seven participating organizations will introduce this year’s highlights.
The second half features a special conversation between Tony Elison, Representative Director of Spotify Japan, and Kenjiro Fukamachi, Chairman of the Fukuoka Music Month Organizing Committee. Together they will discuss this year’s collaboration, Spotify’s vision for the future of music, and upcoming initiatives.
More info: Event website
Organized by Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
All sessions are in-person only. Pre-registration required via the event website.