This week’s Thursday Gathering spotlights the rapidly growing caregiving market, innovative startup solutions, and practical hiring strategies for an era of labor shortages—plus a lively “Researcher Oogiri” session on Kyushu’s energy future. Join industry experts, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening of insights and networking.
Date and Time: Thursday, Aug. 28, 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)
15:55 – 20:00
Networking (All Evening)
Connect with innovators, startup founders, corporate leaders, and investors in a relaxed setting. Enjoy up to 3 complimentary beers or soft drinks while engaging in casual conversation or diving deep into new ideas.
More info – In Japanese & English
16:00 – 16:50
Creating Smiles in Caregiving – DX, New Business Models, and a ¥20 Trillion Market
Japan’s caregiving market is already valued at around ¥15 trillion annually and is expected to exceed ¥20 trillion by 2040 due to the rapid growth of the elderly population. However, with an estimated shortage of 600,000 caregiving workers by that year, improving efficiency and working conditions is critical.
The government is actively promoting DX adoption and regulatory reform, while initiatives like the Kyushu Healthcare Industry Promotion Council (HAMIQ) are supporting caregiving-focused startups. Their efforts include hands-on guidance from 16 professional coordinators—many with nursing or occupational therapy backgrounds—and product testing in 14 hospitals and care facilities across Kyushu.
In this session:
• An overview of Japan’s caregiving challenges and HAMIQ’s startup support programs
• Startup pitches:
– Abstract LLC: Transforming facility operations with a caregiving record system that turns documentation into valuable assets
– Orabubble Inc.: Preventing pneumonia with a microbubble-powered oral care device
• A mini-panel discussion on how to create a thriving, smile-filled caregiving environment and capture the future market opportunity
Speakers:
• Hiroto Ishibashi, Chief Coordinator, Kyushu Healthcare Industry Promotion Council
• Yu Yoshioka, CEO, Abstract LLC
• Satoru Ogawara, CEO, Orabubble Inc.
More info – In Japanese
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
An interactive introduction to Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event—its mission, community, and tips for making the most of your time here. Perfect for first-time visitors.
More info – In Japanese & English
18:00 – 20:00
Researcher Oogiri in Kyushu – The Future of Energy
Details coming soon! Expect lively, rapid-fire presentations from researchers on energy innovations for Kyushu’s future.
More info – In Japanese
18:30 – 19:20
Surviving the Hiring Ice Age – Talent Strategies in an Era of Shortages
With Japan’s shrinking population intensifying labor shortages and contributing to rising corporate bankruptcies, companies must rethink their recruitment approach. Drawing on 30 years of experience, Fukuoka-based hiring support company Quick Fukuoka shares practical, field-tested strategies to attract, secure, and retain the right talent.
From applicant outreach to interview conversions, media usage tips, branding essentials, and real-world case studies, this session is packed with actionable insights—ideal for HR, recruitment, and management professionals facing hiring challenges.
Speaker:
• Hiromichi Shibue, CEO, Quick Fukuoka
More info – In Japanese
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.