Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan

Japan’s startup ecosystem is booming, driven by innovation, government support, and a growing appetite for global entrepreneurship. This Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan serves as a comprehensive starting point for foreign founders looking to enter this dynamic market. It breaks down how accelerators work, showcases the top programs across the country from major tech hubs in Tokyo to emerging regional centers and offers practical guidance on applying, securing legal status, and scaling successfully within Japan’s unique business environment.

What is a Startup Accelerator?

A startup accelerator is a short-term, intensive program (typically 3–6 months) aimed at rapidly growing early-stage companies through mentorship, education, networking, and seed funding in exchange for equity. These programs are designed to compress years of business development into just a few months by offering targeted support and resources that would typically take startups years to gather independently.

Participants in an accelerator gain access to a curated network of mentors, often successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who help them navigate product-market fit, refine business models, and prepare for fundraising. Educational components usually include weekly sessions, pitch training, customer discovery, and investor meetings.

Startups engage in structured, high-impact activities such as hands-on workshops, office hours with experts, and collaborative peer learning environments. The experience culminates in a “Demo Day,” a high-stakes pitch event attended by venture capitalists, corporate partners, and the media, offering a springboard for visibility, partnerships, and potential investment.

If you’re exploring the best accelerator options, this Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan will help you navigate the structure and benefits of each program.

How Accelerators Differ from Incubators and Venture Capital Firms

• Accelerators vs. Incubators: Accelerators focus on scaling startups rapidly within a structured, time-bound environment. Incubators offer longer-term, flexible support without requiring equity and are ideal for early-stage startups still validating their business ideas.
• Accelerators vs. Venture Capital (VC): VCs primarily provide substantial financial investment without structured mentorship or education. Accelerators provide intensive hands-on support, mentorship, and smaller funding amounts, focusing on startup development rather than just financial returns.

As this Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan explains, choosing the right model accelerator vs. incubator vs. VC, can shape your startup’s growth path in Japan.

Eligibility and Incorporation for Foreign Entrepreneurs

To join most startup accelerators in Japan in 2025, foreign entrepreneurs must meet a few essential criteria that go beyond just having a great idea. Programs generally expect you to already have a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)—a basic, working version of your product that solves the core problem you’re addressing. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be functional enough to test with real users and gather feedback.

In addition to an MVP, accelerators often look for early-stage traction. This means you’ve begun proving your concept in the market, whether through your first paying customers, sign-ups, user engagement metrics, or initial revenue. Having some kind of traction shows that your idea resonates beyond a pitch deck

As explained in this Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan, it’s also important to ensure your startup matches the industry focus of the accelerator. Many Japanese programs are tailored to specific sectors like Fintech, Mobility, Cleantech, or HealthTech. For example, Plug and Play Japan runs multiple verticals, so aligning your business with their theme increases your chances of being accepted and getting value from the program.

For foreign entrepreneurs, eligibility also ties directly to incorporation. In most cases, you’ll be required to establish a legal entity in Japan to participate in an accelerator, apply for a startup visa, or receive government support. The two most common structures are:

• Kabushiki Kaisha (KK): This is Japan’s equivalent of a corporation (similar to Inc. in the U.S.). It’s more formal, typically preferred by Japanese investors, and gives your company added credibility. It’s a good fit if you’re planning to raise capital.
• Godo Kaisha (GK): This is more like an LLC, simpler, cheaper, and faster to set up. It’s often used by early-stage startups, freelancers, or founders who want a flexible structure.

This Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan explains how to choose the right entity type to align with accelerator expectations and visa requirements

While Japan technically allows you to register a business with as little as ¥1 in capital, in practice, most foreign founders invest around ¥5 million (about $32,000 USD) to meet startup visa requirements and demonstrate seriousness.

Setting up your company involves several administrative steps, including:

• Drafting and notarizing your Articles of Incorporation (only for KK)
• Registering with the Legal Affairs Bureau
• Obtaining a corporate seal (used as an official stamp in Japan)

Opening a corporate bank account

After registering your company, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account to handle business transactions, receive funding, and meet visa requirements. Most banks in Japan require in-person appointments, official company documents, and a registered corporate seal. It can be challenging for new foreign-owned startups, so working with a local incorporation service or choosing startup-friendly banks can help simplify the process.

Business Manager Visa (for Foreign Founders)

To legally run a business in Japan as a foreign entrepreneur, you’ll typically need a Business Manager Visa. This visa is essential for participating in most accelerators and accessing government support.

Key requirements include:

• ¥5 million in capital (approx. $32,000 USD)
• A physical office lease (virtual offices don’t qualify)
• A business plan (usually in Japanese)
• A registered KK or GK entity

Many founders work with incorporation services to navigate the process. Some accelerators, especially those partnered with JETRO, may offer indirect visa support.

In short, the Business Manager Visa is a crucial step in establishing your legal presence in Japan and should be factored into your early planning.

Finally, after incorporation, you’ll be expected to follow Japan’s compliance obligations. These include filing annual tax returns, paying corporate taxes, and maintaining accurate financial records. If you hire employees, you must also adhere to Japanese labor laws. Failing to meet these obligations can jeopardize both your company’s status and your visa.

 

Below is a curated list of top programs featured in this Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan (2025)—from Tokyo-based tech hubs to regional launchpads.

Top 8 Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan (2025)

Techstars Tokyo	Fintech, Cleantech, AI	$120,000 for 6% equity	Global mentors, Tokyo tech access, global scaling support	Tokyo	13 weeks
500 Global Japan	FoodTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Digital	Often non-dilutive, equity-free	Localization focus, cultural alignment, corporate partners	Tokyo	10–12 weeks
Plug and Play	Mobility, Smart Cities, IoT, Fintech, InsurTech	No guaranteed funding	Corporate partnerships (Panasonic, Nissan), workspace, admin support	Tokyo, Kyoto	3–4 months
Samurai Incubate	Samurai Incubate	¥15–¥20M seed for small equity stake	Hands-on mentoring, hiring/fundraising support, cross-border access	Tokyo	3–6 months
Google for Startups Japan	AI/ML, Scalable Tech	Equity-free, includes cloud credits	Cloud credits, senior engineers, local VC and government links	Japan (national)	10 weeks
Founder Institute Japan	Idea-stage, MVP Development	Fee-based, no equity taken	Structured ideation & cultural guidance, peer accountability	Tokyo	14 weeks
Alchemist Accelerator Japan	B2B, Enterprise Tech	$25,000 for ~5% equity	Customer validation, bilingual mentoring, enterprise intros	Tokyo (hybrid with SF)	12 weeks (Japan) + 6 months (SF)
JETRO GSAP	Inbound/Outbound Market Expansion	Non-dilutive (mostly infrastructure + support)	JETRO credibility, visa support, global seminars, biz matching	Japan (nationwide)	Varies (up to 6 months)

1. Techstars Tokyo

Focus: Fintech, Cleantech, AI
Funding/Equity: ~$120,000 USD for 6% equity
Duration: 13 weeks
Techstars Tokyo is one of the most globally recognized accelerator brands, and a key highlight in the Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan.. The program delivers a robust global mentor network, incorporation and legal support, and Demo Day exposure to both Japanese and international investors. Startups also benefit from Tokyo’s thriving tech ecosystem and support for global scaling.

2. 500 Global Japan

Focus: FoodTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Digital Services
Funding/Equity: Often non-dilutive, equity-free
Duration: 10–12 weeks
500 Global Japan also featured in this Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan, emphasizes founder-friendly programming with a strong localization and market-entry focus. Supported by local governments and large corporations, it offers founders mentorship, access to a vast network, and support in navigating Japanese business culture without requiring upfront equity.

3. Plug and Play Japan

Focus: Mobility, Smart Cities, IoT, Fintech, InsurTech
Funding/Equity: No guaranteed funding
Duration: 3–4 months
Plug and Play Japan connects startups with major Japanese corporations like Panasonic and Nissan. While they don’t guarantee funding, the platform provides corporate matchmaking, administrative support, and access to Japan’s innovation hubs in Tokyo and Kyoto.

4. Samurai Incubate

Focus: Tech startups (varied verticals)
Funding/Equity: ¥15–¥20 million (~$100K–$130K USD) for small equity
Duration: 3–6 months
Based in Tokyo, Samurai Incubate operates as both an accelerator and seed VC. Known for its founder-first ethos, it offers tailored mentoring, hiring and fundraising support, and cross-border networks, especially in Israel and Africa.

5. Google for Startups Accelerator Japan

Focus: AI/ML, Scalable Tech
Funding/Equity: Equity-free; Google Cloud credits included
Duration: 10 weeks
This equity-free program: Google for Startups leverages Google’s global resources. Participants access technical experts, cloud infrastructure credits, and tailored local support, including links to VCs and government partners focused on digital innovation.

6. Founder Institute Japan

Focus: Ideation-stage, MVP development
Funding/Equity: Fee-based; no equity taken
Duration: 14 weeks
Founder Institute Japan helps early-stage founders validate ideas and build MVPs. The structured curriculum includes modules on go-to-market strategy, cultural integration, and legal incorporation, with support from experienced mentors.

7. Alchemist Accelerator Japan

Focus: B2B, Enterprise Tech
Funding/Equity: $25,000 USD for ~5% equity
Duration: 12 weeks (Japan), plus optional 6-month SF extension
Alchemist is ideal for startups selling to enterprises. The hybrid model (Japan and Silicon Valley) includes customer validation, investor networking, bilingual mentoring, and corporate intros in both markets.

8. JETRO GSAP (Global Startup Acceleration Program)

Focus: Inbound/outbound expansion
Funding/Equity: Non-dilutive (mostly support and infrastructure)
Duration: Varies (up to 6 months)
JETRO’s GSAP helps both foreign and Japanese startups expand globally and enter Japan. It provides infrastructure access, market seminars, visa support, and business matchmaking, leveraging JETRO’s national network.

Application Process

As detailed in the Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan, Applying to a startup accelerator in Japan typically involves several structured steps, but the real key lies in preparation, both in paperwork and in cultural awareness. The process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the program’s cycle.

Part 1

It usually starts with an online application, where founders submit a variety of materials to demonstrate the viability and potential of their startup. These forms often request:

• A pitch deck (usually 10–15 slides) outlining your problem, solution, market, traction, business model, and team
• A business plan or executive summary
• Financial statements or projections, especially if you’re generating revenue
• Details about your legal structure, location, and target market
• Links to your product demo or live MVP (if available)
• In some cases, your cap table (equity breakdown) or letters of intent from partners/customers

Part 2

Once submitted, applications typically undergo a document screening phase, where program staff review your materials for fit. Some accelerators, especially corporate-backed or government-linked ones may also follow up with additional questionnaires asking for more specifics about your product, competitors, or expansion plans in Japan.

If your application makes the shortlist, you’ll be invited to interview rounds or live pitch sessions. These may happen over Zoom or in-person, depending on your location and the accelerator. This is where presentation matters not just your slides, but how you tell your story. Japanese accelerators often value:

• Clarity and structure: Be concise, avoid overhyping, and focus on logic.
• Humility: Show confidence without arrogance. Being overly aggressive or boastful can backfire.
• Data-driven storytelling: Highlight your traction, user insights, and realistic goals. Use metrics to back up claims.
• Team and cultural fit: Emphasize your willingness to adapt to Japanese business culture and work collaboratively with local mentors or partners.

If accepted, you’ll receive an official invitation or offer letter sometimes with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) or a participation agreement outlining funding terms, equity (if any), and program deliverables. At this point, if you haven’t already, you’ll need to finalize your incorporation in Japan and begin any necessary visa procedures.

It’s also worth noting that some programs, especially those supported by local governments or JETRO, may require translated documents (e.g. Articles of Incorporation, ID/passport, business plans in Japanese), and you might need to work with a judicial scrivener or legal translator.

Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Common listed challenges in this guide to startup accelerators in Japan include language barriers, cultural nuances in communication, trust-building, and understanding local market dynamics. Actionable strategies include:

• Leveraging culturally aware mentorship.
• Proactively seeking feedback through informal nemawashi consultations.
• Committing to local adaptation and demonstrating reliability through consistent follow-ups and clear communication.

Case Studies: Foreign Startups in Japanese Accelerators

This Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan wouldn’t be complete without real-world success stories to show how foreign founders thrive here.

1. ZenMarket (Founded by Ukrainian/Russian Entrepreneurs)

While ZenMarket wasn’t formally part of a Japanese “accelerator,” it’s a notable example of a foreign-founded startup (three Ukrainian and one Russian co-founders) that successfully launched in Japan’s startup ecosystem. Since its founding in 2014 as ZenMarket GK in Osaka, the team gradually grew a multilingual, multicultural e‑commerce proxy service. 

By adapting carefully to local market dynamics and offering customer support in 19 languages, ZenMarket built credibility among both local Japanese users and international buyers. It now handles shipments to over 150 countries, services over one million registered users, and has achieved annual revenue in the billions of yen . Their experience underscores the importance of:

• Localizing business operations in Japan
• Scaling through government‑backed recognition (e.g. FT Asia‑Pacific high‑growth ranking) 
• Connecting global founders with Japanese infrastructure and customer expectations

2. Paidy (Founded by a U.S. Entrepreneur, Acquired by PayPal)

Founded in Tokyo by Russell Cummer (background in global finance), Paidy launched in 2014 to address Japan’s low credit card usage rate by offering a Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) service tailored to Japanese consumer behavior.

The company raised significant rounds, including $143 million in Series C and debt financing led by PayPal Ventures and Goldman Sachs Japan, scaling rapidly to millions of users and hundreds of thousands of partner merchants.

In September 2021, PayPal acquired Paidy for approximately ¥300 billion (around $2.7 billion USD), marking one of the largest Japanese startup exits ever.

Key takeaways:

• Deep adaptation to local payment habits, e.g. allowing users to pay via convenience stores or deferred billing
• Building strong regulatory compliance (identity checks, data protection)
• Forming strategic partnerships with major Japanese financial institutions

3. Mobingi European Team Accelerates in Japan

Mobingi, founded by Wayland Zheng (from China) and co-founders shortly after moving to Japan, joined an Osaka-based startup accelerator in 2016 focused on cloud automation and self-service Kubernetes platforms. 

Within months:

• They refined their MVP to suit both global and Japanese customers,
• Gained early traction by onboarding local enterprise pilot clients,
• And accessed government and municipal support for overseas founders starting up in Japan.

This immersive accelerator experience not only helped them secure follow-on investment but laid the groundwork for a later expansion into other Asian markets — showing how quickly foreign-led teams can find product–market fit and funding through local accelerators.

Integration of Smart Start Japan Resources and Call-to-Action

Readers are encouraged to utilize Smart Start Japan’s comprehensive resources such as:

• Business Manager Visa Guide
• Long-Term Visa Guide
• Incorporation Guide
• Japanese Startup Business Plan Guide

Explicit calls to action include booking consultations or utilizing these internal tools for tailored guidance.

Conclusion

Japan’s startup accelerators offer unparalleled opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs to succeed. This Ultimate Guide to Startup Accelerators in Japan has detailed essential strategies and resources. Whether leveraging structured mentorship, funding opportunities, or deep market immersion, accelerators can be pivotal to launching and scaling your startup effectively in Japan. By strategically navigating cultural nuances, building trusted relationships, and proactively leveraging available resources, your startup can achieve sustained growth and success in Japan’s thriving startup ecosystem.