Startup JAPAN EXPO 2026
Overview
Japan's largest startup exhibition operated by Sansan Inc. Over 450 companies exhibit, providing a platform for startups to connect with corporations, investors, and local governments. Efficient networking through the Eight business card app is a key feature. Co-located exhibitions covering manufacturing, logistics, and franchises are also held.
Foundation
- Founded
- 2024
- Founder
- Sansan, Inc.
A startup-focused exhibition created by Sansan, leveraging its Eight business card platform's event capabilities
Transition
- 2024 First Startup JAPAN EXPO held
- 2025 Expanded to two locations, Tokyo and Osaka
- 2026 Grew to over 450 exhibitors and a scale of 13,000 visitors
Voices
Integration with the Eight app made exchanging contacts efficient. Post-exhibition follow-ups were also smooth.
With startups and large corporations in the same space, collaboration discussions often start on the spot.
An exhibitor talked with acquirers and mapped two startup profiles that attract funding and M&A (from Jin Kawano's report, in Japanese)
A second-year visitor concluded that differentiation now hinges on industry insight and design philosophy over raw tech (from tsuruchan's report, in Japanese)
Qualiteg's demo of an AI agent wired into core business systems drew strong reactions from executives; visitors shared real concerns like shadow AI, and inquiries and consulting bookings rose after the show (from Qualiteg's report, in Japanese)
OriginalSelf's vending-machine-sized office mini-gym drew better-than-expected reactions, and networking events of up to 300 people yielded contacts in new business and corporate planning roles (from Shota Suzuki's report, in Japanese)
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