From Vietnam’s rising startup scene to Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing market and firsthand reports from CES and SXSW, this edition of Thursday Gathering offers a global look at where business and innovation are heading. Join founders, investors, and innovators for an evening of insight and connection in Fukuoka.
Date and Time: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKY LOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Event website (Japanese)
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00 – 16:50
Vietnam Night Vol. 4: Talk and Live Startup Pitch Session with a Vietnam-Based Lawyer and Investor
Curious about Vietnam’s momentum as a business and startup destination? This session welcomes Takuto Kudo, a lawyer and investor based in Vietnam who has supported numerous market entry projects on the ground. He will share firsthand insight into the Vietnamese market and the energy surrounding Japanese-affiliated startups, followed by a live business idea session with a Fukuoka startup exploring expansion into Vietnam. Organized by CIC Fukuoka.
More info: Event website
16:00 – 20:00
Networking
Thursday Gathering’s networking time runs throughout the event, creating opportunities for new conversations, collaborations, and business connections. Participants can enjoy up to three free beers or soft drinks in a relaxed setting while meeting fellow attendees, session speakers, and guests. It is also a valuable chance to continue discussions after sessions and make new connections across industries.
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
New to Venture Café Fukuoka? This interactive session introduces Thursday Gathering, Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event. Learn more about the community, its mission, and the value of meaningful connections, along with tips on how to make the most of the experience.
17:30 – 18:20
Unlocking Saudi Arabia: Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies
Saudi Arabia is attracting global attention as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets under its national strategy, Saudi Vision 2030. This session will offer Japanese companies and startups a data-driven overview of current market trends, along with practical guidance on entry strategies and business opportunities. It will also explore how to navigate cultural and business differences through real-world examples.
18:30 – 19:20
Frontline Report from Global Startup Conferences: SXSW and CES 2026
What stood out at CES 2026 and SXSW 2026? Speakers who attended the events in Las Vegas and Austin will share on-the-ground insights, notable exhibits and sessions, and the themes that drew the most attention. By comparing CES, known for hardware, AI, and product innovation, with SXSW, which focuses on culture, society, and future trends, this session offers valuable hints for businesses, startups, and the innovation ecosystem in Japan and Fukuoka.
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.