This week’s Thursday Gathering bridges global innovation and Kyushu’s local culture. Learn about opportunities to connect with Nordic startups ahead of Finland’s world-renowned “Slush” event, and enjoy the first edition of a Kagoshima-style sweet potato festival celebrating shochu, one of Japan’s most iconic spirits.
Date and Time: Thursday, Oct. 23, 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
Each Thursday Gathering includes dedicated networking time, with up to three complimentary drinks (beer or soft drinks). Meet speakers, entrepreneurs, and fellow attendees in a relaxed setting designed to spark new connections and collaborations.
More info : In English and Japanese
16:00 – 16:50
Gold Track to the Nordics! Collaboration Opportunities with the Nordic Startup Scene
This session introduces the vibrant startup ecosystem of Northern Europe, with insights from experts connected to “Slush,” the region’s largest startup event held each November in Helsinki. Learn how Fukuoka-based startups and established companies can expand into the Nordic market, form partnerships, and embrace the region’s unique approach to innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Expect practical advice, collaboration stories, and introductions to key players helping bridge Japan and the Nordics.
More info : In English and Japanese
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
A short interactive orientation explaining the purpose and mission of Thursday Gathering, community values, and how to get the most from your participation. Highly recommended for first-timers.
More info : In English & Japanese
17:30 – 19:20
Exploring the Future of the Sweet Potato Economy through Shochu
“Sharing Shochu, Sharing the Future” — This session dives into the evolving “sweet potato economy,” covering topics such as the impact of sweet potato root rot disease, this year’s harvest outlook, the preservation and innovation of shochu culture, and new collaborations with startups. In the second half, participants can enjoy a tasting session featuring leading Kyushu shochu brands that express the region’s unique spirit and terroir.
Speakers:
• Saki Tominaga (Representative, LINK SPIRITS / Shochu Sommelier)
• Representatives from Satsuma Shuzo and Kojika Shuzo
• Kana Torigoe (MC / “Sweet Potato Announcer”)
• Motofumi Goto (Director, Biz Promotion Division, welzo / SSP Project Leader)
This session is part of “Save the Sweet Potato”, an industry–academia–government collaboration that brings together farmers, companies, universities, and local governments across southern Kyushu to sustain and grow the regional sweet potato economy. Amid challenges lie major opportunities — from shochu and sweets to tourism and design — to build a vibrant, enjoyable, and sustainable local ecosystem.
Shochu brands available for tasting:
• Kojika Shuzo – Kojika, Umashisato, Ten to Chi to Hito to, Bliss-Time
• Satsuma Shuzo – Ayahibiki, Shiranami Shinshu
• Inoue Shuzo – 20% Sawayakai Obisugi, 25% Aka Obisugi, 25% Kuro Obisugi
• Sakura no Sato Shuzo – Silk Sweet Blend, Mugetsu Marumi Kurabito Gensen, Mugetsu Marumi Long-term Kame-aged
• Jukai Shuzo – Imobi, Kura no Namida
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.
