Why startups should look toward Tokyo: A growing hub of support and opportunity
I recently joined a small but cozy AG1 info session in San Francisco, and it turned into one of those quietly energizing afternoons that remind me why I love working at the intersection of Japan and global business. The relaxed setting made it easy to talk with founders who were genuinely exploring Japan as their next market. Any time I meet people considering Japan, I feel that familiar excitement because there is so much potential for early‑stage teams who approach the country with curiosity and cultural awareness.
It was also great to meet Luke Li and Mason Mei during the session. These small gatherings make it possible to have meaningful conversations, the kind where you can hear the story behind the program and understand why people are passionate about building bridges between Japan and the rest of the world.
AG1 is supported by Asu Capital Partners, a Tokyo-based venture capital firm built on the idea of Japan to Global. They focus on backing seed-stage founders who think globally from the start and help startups expand both from Japan to the world and from the world into Japan.
I always appreciate organizations that understand the importance of two-way support. Entering Japan is not only about strategy but about relationships, communication nuance, and long-term trust, and that is exactly where the right partners make all the difference.
During the session, we learned more about AG1’s ten-week residency in Tokyo, a fully sponsored local program designed to immerse early-stage teams in the Japanese ecosystem. You simply cannot understand Japan from a distance. Being in Tokyo, meeting people face to face, experiencing how decisions unfold, and observing how business actually happens on the ground creates a level of insight no remote research can match.
On the way to the event, I even saw my first Zoox vehicle on the streets of San Francisco. It felt like the perfect symbol of how quickly innovation moves and how connected the future of mobility, technology, and global expansion really are.
It was a simple gathering, but rich in all the right ways. Moments like this remind me how much opportunity exists for founders who are open to stepping into Japan with the right guidance and a genuine willingness to learn. The bridge between the Bay Area and Tokyo is growing stronger, and programs like AG1 make that journey far more accessible for startups ready to take the leap.
Want to learn more about Japanese business practices and how to succeed in cross-cultural environments?
Join one of JCO’s programs and gain practical insights into Japan’s unique business culture, communication styles, and strategies for collaboration. Together, we can create more opportunities for global success.
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)
