Sliders, Sake and Socks: A taste of Japan during SF Tech Week

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Sliders & Sake, a lively and creative event hosted by Morrison Foerster as part of SF Tech Week. Now in its second edition, this gathering brought together a vibrant mix of professionals, innovators, and Japan enthusiasts, and I sincerely hope it becomes a regular fixture on the calendar!

The evening was a wonderful blend of networking and culture, with delicious food (yes, the sliders and sake lived up to the hype), engaging conversations, and a few delightful surprises. Among the distinguished guests was Kotaro Otsuki, the newly appointed Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, whose presence added a meaningful diplomatic touch to the event. It was also great to connect with Manish Goyal, Business Development Manager for SF City, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and innovation.

In true Japanese fashion, the organizers added a playful twist with a gachapon machine, and I also got to take home a pair of free socks! It’s these small, joyful details that make events like this so memorable.

San Francisco is buzzing with events that connect the Japanese community and those working across cultures. Sometimes there are so many happening at once, it’s hard to choose where to go! But Sliders & Sake stood out for its warmth, creativity, and the quality of connections it fostered.

It’s no surprise that Morrison Foerster would host such a thoughtful event. Founded in San Francisco in 1883, the firm has grown into a global powerhouse with a strong presence in Japan and across Asia. Their long-standing commitment to cross-border legal work and cultural engagement makes them a natural connector between the Bay Area and Japan’s business community.

Beyond the fun, the evening was a great reminder of the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections in the tech and business world. Events like Sliders & Sake create space for meaningful exchanges, new ideas, and lasting relationships, all of which are at the heart of what we do at Japan Consulting Office.

Here’s to many more editions of Sliders & Sake, and to the continued growth of Japan’s presence in the global innovation landscape. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of Japan and expand your cross-cultural capabilities, JCO is here to support you.

Want to know more about current Japanese business practices or need training and support? At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in equipping professionals to thrive in cross-cultural environments. Whether you’re looking for group training or one-on-one sessions, we’ve got you covered!

If you want to learn more about bridging language and cultural gaps in Japanese business, why not join one of our sessions! Here’s the link to upcoming sessions (make sure to select your timezone