Kagoshima, located in the southernmost part of Kyushu Island, Japan, has emerged as a budding startup hub in recent years. With its strategic location and supportive environment, the city is attracting entrepreneurs from all over Japan and beyond. In this article, we’ll explore the Kagoshima startup scene and why it’s worth watching.
Kagoshima has a long history of entrepreneurship, with many successful businesses originating from the city. The local government has been actively promoting the startup ecosystem in recent years by creating various initiatives and programs to support entrepreneurs. For example, the Kagoshima Venture Support Center, established in 2001, provides a range of services including incubation, investment, and consultation to entrepreneurs.
One of the key factors that make Kagoshima an attractive destination for startups is its location. The city is strategically located near major Asian markets such as China and South Korea, making it a gateway to these markets. Furthermore, the city’s airport has direct flights to various cities in Japan, making it convenient for entrepreneurs to travel for business.
Another factor that sets Kagoshima apart is its focus on traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The city has a long history of producing high-quality agricultural products, including sweet potatoes, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), and black pork. The local government has been promoting these traditional industries as potential sources of innovation and new business opportunities. For example, Kagoshima’s Startup Support Center for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, established in 2015, provides support and advice to entrepreneurs in these industries.
In addition to traditional industries, Kagoshima is also home to a number of high-tech startups. The city has a strong focus on renewable energy and is home to several companies working on solar power and other renewable energy sources. Kagoshima is also a major producer of semiconductors, with a number of companies specializing in the production of these essential components.
One example of a successful startup in Kagoshima is Linc, a company that produces smart glasses for industrial use. Linc was founded in 2012 and has since grown to become a major player in the smart glasses market. The company’s glasses are used by a range of clients, from logistics companies to construction firms.
Another successful startup is Wota, a company that produces an app that helps tourists explore local attractions in a more interactive way. The app provides users with information about nearby attractions and allows them to participate in quizzes and other interactive activities. Wota was founded in 2013 and has since been recognized as one of the most innovative startups in Kagoshima.
To support the growth of the startup ecosystem, Kagoshima has launched several initiatives and programs in recent years. For example, the Kagoshima Startup Promotion Program provides funding and support to startups that have the potential to grow and create jobs in the city. The program offers a range of services, including mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to funding.
Another initiative is the Kagoshima Startup Accelerator, which provides intensive training and support to early-stage startups. The accelerator is designed to help entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to market. Participants receive mentoring and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, as well as access to funding and other resources.
The local government is also working to promote Kagoshima as a startup hub both domestically and internationally. The city has participated in various startup events and conferences, both in Japan and overseas, to showcase the potential of the local ecosystem. For example, in 2019, Kagoshima hosted the Kagoshima Startup Summit, an event that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of the startup ecosystem in the city.
In conclusion, the Kagoshima startup scene is one to watch in the coming years. With its strategic location, strong government support, and innovative entrepreneurs, the region is poised for growth and success. The unique focus on sustainable industries, such as renewable energy and agriculture, further sets Kagoshima apart from other startup hubs in Japan.
Additionally, the recent influx of younger generations returning to the region and the growing interest in rural lifestyles and sustainability bode well for the future of the startup scene in Kagoshima. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, Kagoshima’s startups have the potential to become important players in the global economy. With a focus on sustainable industries and a supportive ecosystem, Kagoshima is well-positioned to lead the way in creating innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
The city’s strong history of entrepreneurship, combined with the energy and creativity of its young entrepreneurs, is creating a dynamic startup scene that is attracting attention from around the world. As Kagoshima continues to develop and promote its startup ecosystem, we can expect to see exciting new companies emerge and make a positive impact on both the local and global economies.
Opening a startup in Kagoshima can be relatively easy compared to other cities in Japan. The local government has been actively promoting the startup ecosystem in recent years and has created various initiatives and programs to support entrepreneurs. For example, the Kagoshima Venture Support Center provides a range of services including incubation, investment, and consultation to entrepreneurs. In addition, there are several accelerators and startup support centers that provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to market. Moreover, the cost of living in Kagoshima is relatively lower than in other major cities in Japan, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses.
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