This week’s Thursday Gathering bridges two dynamic startup scenes—Kumamoto and Fukuoka—with a spotlight on food innovation and cross-regional collaboration. Plus, don’t miss the return of F★Pitch, featuring top startups from across Japan.
Date and Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details are here
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00–16:50
Kumamoto x Fukuoka x FOOD – Pitch Session
To mark Kumamoto’s selection as a “NEXT Global Hub City,” this first-time pitch event brings together four startups exploring the future of food. Includes presentations and a collaborative segment with Fukuoka-based startups.
More info
In Japanese
17:00–17:10
How to enjoy Thursday Gathering @Sofa
New here? This short and interactive session introduces Thursday Gathering—its purpose, community, and how to connect with others. Ideal for first-timers or anyone curious about the weekly flow.
More info
In Japanese and English
17:00 – 17:30
Why Start Now? A Student’s Leap into J-StarX and Entrepreneurship
J-StarX is a global startup support program by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and JETRO. In this session, university student Nariaki Nishimura shares how participating in the program’s “Zero to One” track took him from no startup experience to launching his own venture. Learn about his eye-opening international experiences, the challenges and joys of creating something from scratch, and how J-StarX shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.
Ideal for those curious about startups, global expansion, or joining J-StarX.
More info
In Japanese
17:30 – 18:20
Kumamoto x Fukuoka x FOOD – Talk Session
A deeper conversation with the founders behind the food-themed startups from Kumamoto and Fukuoka. Hear real stories, lessons learned, and how local innovators are reaching global markets.
More info
In Japanese
18:30 – 20:00
F★PITCH Vol.2 – Global Connect Fukuoka Pitch Event
The second edition of Fukuoka’s flagship pitch event, featuring startup founders and support organizations from inside and outside the region. Expect high-energy pitches and special guests from the VC and accelerator scene.
More info
In Japanese
Speakers:
– Julian Munro (NUNAI Inc.)
– Kohei Yamamoto (HMS Inc.)
– Ryoji Miyawaki (Aakel Technologies Inc.)
– Toshiyuki Yamamoto (Power Angels Inc.)
– Nobumichi Shinohara (aiESG Inc.)
– Masataka Miyake (U-DAKE Inc.)
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.