the Executives · A Dialogue with Majid

Miho Tanaka, Head of Hokkaido Innovation Week & CEO @ StartupWork Inc.

With Miho Tanaka

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About this episode

In this inspiring episode, Miho Tanaka, Founder & CEO of Startup Work Inc. and Head of Hokkaido Innovation Week, shares her vision for fostering Japan’s startup scene for international entrepreneurs. She discusses her inspiration for supporting startups and explains how Startup Work Inc. attracts entrepreneurs to Japan through startup visa initiatives in Hokkaido.

Miho provides insights into Hokkaido Innovation Week, a major event connecting entrepreneurs with partners and investors, and shares a compelling success story of an entrepreneur who benefited from these visa programs. The conversation covers practical advice for founders looking to establish startups in Japan, how her international background contributes to building a global startup ecosystem, and the sector’s adaptation to COVID-19 challenges. Miho concludes with empowering advice for women entrepreneurs and her predictions for future trends in the Japanese startup ecosystem

Episode chapters

00:35 Introduction
01:16 Miho’s Introduction
02:24 Topic introduction
02:40 Inspiration for supporting startups and entrepreneurs in Japan
06:09 Are international entrepreneurs able to start a business in Japan?
07:14 Vision behind the startup visa initiatives in Hokkaido
10:11 Challenges faced during the digital transformation of startup visa programs
11:50 What is the Hokkaido Innovation Week, and what is the inspiration behind the event?
17:02 Number of attendees at Hokkaido Innovation Week
20:06 Success story of an entrepreneur who benefited from visa initiatives of Hokkaido
25:33 Role of Startup Work Inc. in attracting entrepreneurs to Japan
29:40 Advice for entrepreneurs/founders who want to create a startup in Japan
35:39 Event management experience of Miho
38:18 How does international experience support building a flourishing global startup ecosystem
40:50 Adaptation of the startup ecosystem to the challenges of COVID-19
43:10 Advice for women entrepreneurs on starting a startup
48:00 Trends that you foresee in the Japanese startup ecosystem in the coming years
52:40 Concluding remarks

About the guest

Miho Tanaka

Head of Hokkaido Innovation Week & CEO @ StartupWork Inc.

Miho Tanaka is a pioneering force in Japan’s startup ecosystem, serving as the Founder & CEO of Startup Work Inc. and the Head of Hokkaido Innovation Week. A visionary leader and advocate for global entrepreneurship, Miho is known for her tireless efforts in creating pathways for international founders to thrive in Japan’s evolving startup landscape. Through her work with multiple government entities such as the Hokkaido Government, Sapporo City, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Shibuya City. Miho has played a central role in developing and launching Startup Visa initiatives, making it possible for international entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan. Her leadership has supported over 50 international founders in obtaining startup visas and navigating their entrepreneurial journeys. Miho’s impact extends beyond policy. She has organized more than 100 startup-focused events, creating vibrant platforms for collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. In 2024, she led the inaugural Hokkaido Innovation Week, which brought together 1,000+ attendees from 30+ countries, establishing it as a landmark event for global innovation in Japan. A strong advocate for diversity and women’s empowerment in tech and business, Miho combines her international experience, policy innovation, and strategic event leadership to build a more inclusive and globally connected startup ecosystem. Her work continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship in Japan and beyond

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