![\"Thursday](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/fn_tg42_2025_cl.jpg?resize=1331%2C748&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nFrom government-backed startup support to discovering Fukuoka\u2019s global appeal\u2014this week\u2019s Thursday Gathering is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and networking opportunities.<\/p>\n
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Date and Time:<\/strong> Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, 16:00 to 20:00 15:55 \u2013 20:00 16:00 \u2013 16:50 16:30 \u2013 18:00 Speakers: Nick Szasz (Publisher, Fukuoka Now), Emiko Szasz (General Manager, Fukuoka Now) 17:00 \u2013 17:15 17:00 \u2013 18:30 17:30 \u2013 18:20 18:30 \u2013 19:20 Organized by:<\/strong> Venture Caf\u00e9 Fukuoka From government-backed startup support to discovering Fukuoka\u2019s global appeal\u2014this week\u2019s Thursday Gathering is packed with…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29305,"featured_media":173534,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[],"class_list":["post-173533","event","type-event","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","location-tenjin","event-type-community","event-type-seminar","en-US"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/173533","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/event"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29305"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173533"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/173534"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nLocation:<\/strong> ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY<\/a>
\nAdmission<\/strong>: Free (registration required)
\nRegistration & details are here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nEvent Highlights (In-person only)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nNetworking<\/strong>
\nEach 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.
\nMore info<\/a> : In English and Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nStartup Essentials 2025: Public Support Programs You Can Use Right Now<\/strong>
\nDid you know there are six major public agencies offering startup support in Japan? Representatives from SME Support Japan, NEDO, JST, JETRO, JICA, and the Japan Finance Corporation will introduce their top recommended programs and share how startups can access them effectively. Don\u2019t miss this rare chance to learn how to strategically leverage government resources for growth.
\nMore info<\/a> : In Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWalkable City Fukuoka: Communicating the City\u2019s Appeal<\/strong>
\nFukuoka is known globally for its livability and innovation. Join the team from Fukuoka Now, the city\u2019s leading English-language media, as they reveal how to communicate the essence of Fukuoka\u2014its culture, lifestyle, and startup energy\u2014through the lens of walkability. Perfect for professionals in tourism, PR, and communications, or anyone passionate about sharing Fukuoka\u2019s story with the world.<\/p>\n
\nMore info<\/a> : In English and Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nHow to Enjoy Thursday Gathering<\/strong>
\nA 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.
\nMore info <\/a>: In English & Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhy Are Companies Gathering in Fukuoka? Can It Become Japan\u2019s Silicon Valley? (7F CIC Fukuoka)<\/strong>
\nWhy is Fukuoka attracting so many companies right now? This special session brings together Toru Yazu, President of Yazuya Co., Ltd.\u2014a leader in Japan\u2019s health food industry\u2014and Dr. Sachio Senmoto, co-founder of Daini Denden (DDI) and serial entrepreneur. Together, they\u2019ll uncover the real reasons behind Fukuoka\u2019s growth and discuss whether it can become \u201cJapan\u2019s Silicon Valley.\u201d A must-attend for business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers eager to explore the region\u2019s potential and future strategies.
\nMore info<\/a> : In Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nFukuoka and Asakura City Are Getting Interesting!<\/strong>
\nComing soon!
\nMore info<\/a> : In Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nFukuoka Women\u2019s University Leadership Center Alumni Networking<\/strong>
\nThe Women\u2019s Leadership Center at Fukuoka Women\u2019s University supports women who aspire to lead and contribute to society. This networking event invites program alumni to reconnect, share career experiences, and inspire one another. Whether you\u2019re seeking fresh motivation or new connections, this is a warm space to exchange ideas and energy for the future.
\nMore info<\/a> : In Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nLanguages:<\/strong> Japanese and\/or English (varies by session)
\nAll sessions are in-person only. Pre-registration required via the event website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"