Japan and the Netherlands solving global challenges together.

 

Apply now and let us help you introduce your scale- or startup to the Japanese market!

Photo by Su San Lee on Unsplash

Accessing Japan’s promising market

For some Dutch entrepreneurs, the faraway country of Japan might not be on their radar, when seeking to expand their business overseas. However, Japan offers a large and solid market and can serve as a strategic gateway to the rest of Asia for start- and scaleups that have a value proposition aligned with its urgent needs and goals. 

As one of the world’s largest economies, with a population of around 125 million, Japan provides a solid market. Japan is a likeminded, economically and politically stable country. As a top-importer and -exporter, Japan has large electronic goods, automobile manufacturing and healthcare industries. Moreover, Japanese are known to be loyal and trustworthy business partners and customers who are willing to pay a good price for high quality and limited-edition goods.

Photo by Syuhei Inoue on Unsplash

Japan’s quest for innovation

Japan offers startup visa programs in various regions as it is looking for innovative solutions from overseas to address it pressing societal challenges – a rapidly declining and aging population, labour shortages, proneness to natural disasters and resource dependency – and realise its high ambitions: a digital- and green transformation in the coming decade.

Read more about the perks of doing business in Japan here and about industry-specific opportunities here.

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What we offer

With its distinct set of rules, customs and regulations, Japan’s business culture is quite different from most Western countries. It might be challenging to navigate these if you are unfamiliar with operating in Japan.

This StartNL-website from the Netherlands embassy in Tokyo is an informative platform about Japan’s startup ecosystem. By applying through the website, promising and innovative Dutch startups will become part of the StartNL-community and can join several events.

Community

We live by the principle of paying it forward. Across Japan and the Netherlands, startups have access to our network of mentors, professionals and practitioners who have been in the driver’s seat themselves and possess know-how about how to excel in Japan. Their knowledge, network and advice can be used by Dutch scale- and startups as a stepping stone to tap into Japan’s unique business opportunities.

Events & support

When joining the community, Dutch scale- and startups receive information about relevant exhibitions, networking events, trade missions, startup visa programs, and support partners. Through trainings about for instance business etiquettes, scale- and startup founders can also learn how to adapt their business to thrive in this exciting global market.

Events to keep an eye on

26 September 2024
26 November 2024
26 November 2024
2-5 December 2024
25-26 March 2025
April - October 2025
8-9 May 2025

We might be cities or continents apart, but in reality a connection is only a couple of clicks away.

Our team

Sosha Bronfman

Trade policy officer | Economic Affairs and Climate

Tokyo, Japan

Sonoko Takahashi

Innovation advisor | Innovation, Science and Technology

Tokyo, Japan