![\"Thursday](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/fn_tg44_2025_cl.jpg?resize=1400%2C786&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nInnovation meets tradition in this cross-regional collaboration between Kansai and Kyushu! This week\u2019s Thursday Gathering features startup insights from Osaka and a deep dive into Kyushu\u2019s growing \u201csweet potato economy\u201d through sweets, sustainability, and storytelling.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Date and Time:<\/strong> Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, 16:00 to 20:00 15:55 \u2013 20:00 16:00 \u2013 16:50 17:00 \u2013 17:15 17:30 \u2013 19:20 Speakers: The Save the Sweet Potato Project unites farmers, companies, universities, and local governments across southern Kyushu to protect and expand the region\u2019s sweet potato economy. From shochu to sweets, tourism to design, this initiative aims to transform regional challenges into opportunities and nurture a sustainable, joy-filled community. Organized by:<\/strong> Venture Caf\u00e9 Fukuoka Innovation meets tradition in this cross-regional collaboration between Kansai and Kyushu! This week\u2019s Thursday Gathering features…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29305,"featured_media":173758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[],"class_list":["post-173756","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\/173756","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=173756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/173758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173756"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173756"}],"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
\nInside Kansai\u2019s Startup Incubation Program \u201cKido\u201d<\/strong>
\nLearn about the Kido incubation program from the Osaka Business Development Agency (Osaka Sangy\u014dkyoku). Featuring presentations from ROHTO Pharmaceutical and Professor Oka of the University of Hyogo, this session explores how corporate partnerships and academic collaboration are driving new business opportunities in the Kansai region.
\nMore info<\/a>: In Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nHow to Enjoy Thursday Gathering<\/strong>
\nA short interactive orientation introducing the mission of Thursday Gathering, its community spirit, and tips for making the most of your experience. Highly recommended for newcomers.
\nMore info<\/a>: In English & Japanese<\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Future of the Sweet Potato Economy \u2013 Sweets Edition: \u201cExperience the Charm of Sweet Potatoes with All Five Senses\u201d<\/strong>
\nSweet potato innovation takes center stage in this live demonstration by Oimo Creator Enarin, who will craft and serve original sweet potato desserts. Joined by Yosuke Narasako, President and CEO of Kushima Aoi Farm\u2014a Miyazaki-based sweet potato trading company\u2014the session explores local production, supply chains, and product development.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Enarin (Chef and Influencer)
\n\u2022 Yosuke Narasako (President & CEO, Kushima Aoi Farm)
\n\u2022 Kana Torigoe (MC \/ Sweet Potato Announcer)
\n\u2022 Motofumi Goto (Director, welzo Biz Promotion Division \/ SSP Project Leader)<\/p>\n
\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":"