Thursday Gathering returns with a Silver Week Special exploring the world of art collecting from a business perspective. Alongside open networking and beginner-friendly sessions, discover how buying art can broaden your perspective, enrich your surroundings and create new connections.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 24, 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 – 20:00
Networking, All Evening
Networking is at the heart of every Thursday Gathering, creating opportunities for new business ideas, collaborations and unexpected connections. Meet participants, speakers and guest presenters in a relaxed setting, with up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks available. It is also a great opportunity to continue conversations after each session and connect with people from across Fukuoka’s innovation community.
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
First time at Thursday Gathering? This interactive introduction explains Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event, its mission and community, and the value of connecting with people from different industries and backgrounds. It is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to make the most of the evening.
17:30 – 18:15
Meetup for Thursday Gathering Beginners!
Designed for first-time participants, this casual meetup introduces Venture Café’s mission of “Connecting Innovators to Make Things Happen” and shows newcomers how to get involved in the Thursday Gathering community. Meet other first-time attendees, learn how the event works and start making connections in a welcoming, informal setting.
18:30 – 19:20
Why Business People Buy Art: What to Know Before Visiting an Art Fair
Buying art can feel intimidating, especially for first-time collectors. Yet ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA 2025 welcomed 15,051 visitors and recorded approximately ¥300 million in sales, showing that there is a strong and active market for art in Fukuoka.
Ahead of ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA 2026, taking place from Oct. 2 to 4 at Fukuoka International Center, this session offers a practical introduction to the experience of buying art. Learn how art fairs work, how to start a conversation with a gallery, how prices are determined, what you can ask before making a purchase and what happens after you bring a work home.
The session will also explore examples of art in offices and corporate spaces, as well as the relationships that can develop between collectors and artists. It approaches art not simply as a speculative asset, but as an active investment in your thinking, environment and relationships.
Questions such as “Is it OK to ask the price?”, “Do I need somewhere to display it?” and “How do I decide what to buy?” will also be addressed. Whether you are preparing for your first art fair or considering your first purchase, this session offers a practical way to take that first step.
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.