#Japan #Tokyo #Ojiya #Minamiuonuma #Yukiguni

Yukiguni Startup Day 2025: Innovation for a Brighter Future

On November 17, 2025, Ojiya and Minamiuonuma cities in Niigata will jointly host the "Yukiguni Startup Day 2025." This event aims to bring together the passion and achievements of entrepreneurial support initiatives that have served both cities, tackling local challenges and nurturing new value creation. We welcome everyone with ties to or an interest in Ojiya, Minamiuonuma, and the Niigata area to join us for this exciting day.

Event Highlights

1. Unlocking Collaboration with Local Startups
Located in one of the areas with the heaviest snowfall in Niigata, both Ojiya and Minamiuonuma are bustling centers for local startup innovation. This event will showcase the current landscape of the innovation scene and foster discussions between participants from the Tokyo metropolitan area and local entrepreneurs, generating new synergies for the future.

2. Connecting Snow Country, Tokyo, and the World
Taking place at the Tokyo Innovation Base, a leading hub for innovation in the country, the event features pitches by innovators from Ojiya and Minamiuonuma, followed by networking sessions. This will connect local entrepreneurs with businesses, startups, and venture capitalists in the metropolitan area, leading to exciting collaborations.

3. Enjoy Local Delicacies While Networking
Attendees can indulge in local specialties from Ojiya and Minamiuonuma, such as locally brewed sake and snacks, while mingling with a diverse group of guests and speakers. Join us to discuss innovations from the snow country while creating lasting connections.

Featured Local Products

Ojiya City's Specialties:

• - Yamamoto-yama High Plateau Beer by Agritakano Co., Ltd.
• - Takano-i Sake Cup by Takanoi Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.
• - N-888 HOP Sparkling and Choja-sakari Cup by Niigata Mead Co., Ltd.
• - Ojiya Okaki by Takeuchi Confectionery Co., Ltd.
• - Inaka Bean and Choju Bean by Takeshimaya Confectionery
• - Nishikigoi Monaka by Sawadaya

Minamiuonuma City's Specialties:

• - Raiding Beer by Sarukurayama Brewery
• - Yukio Otoko Cider by Aoki Sake Brewery
• - Tsukemona by Imanari Pickles
• - Echigo Rice Pudding by Mirais Co., Ltd.

Event Details

• - Date: November 17, 2025
• - Time: 16:50 - 20:00 (Doors open at 16:00)
• - Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base "SQUARE-2"

- Address: 1F, Sushi Tech Square, 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005

• - Capacity: 80 in-person attendees with online streaming available

Who Should Attend?

• - Business professionals and startup community members in the Tokyo metropolitan area
• - Government officials, venture capitalists, and financial sector representatives
• - Residents of the Tokyo area with connections to Ojiya, Minamiuonuma, or Niigata

Registration

Tickets can be purchased via Peatix: Yukiguni Startup Day 2025
Please note that age verification may be required at the venue, and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for attendees under 20 years old.

For those unable to attend in person, tickets for online streaming can also be purchased on Peatix, allowing you to join the live event via Zoom, until 19:10 (prior to networking).

Organized By

Ojiya City and Minamiuonuma City

• - Supported By: Niigata Prefecture
• - Co-organized By: Bunka Hoso (Cultural Broadcasting)
• - Managed By: Socialups Inc., Minamiuonuma City Community Development Promotion Organization, TV Niigata Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

Schedule

• - 16:50 - Opening
• - 17:00 - Keynote Speech
• - 17:20 - Introduction to Ojiya and Minamiuonuma Entrepreneur Support Initiatives
• - 17:30 - Ojiya and Minamiuonuma Innovators Pitch 1
• - 18:00 - Break
• - 18:10 - Ojiya and Minamiuonuma Innovators Pitch 2
• - 18:40 - Crossover Talk: Snow Country x Innovation
• - 19:10 - Networking Event: Yukiguni Networking in Tokyo
• - 20:00 - Conclusion

Keynote Presenter

Kana Yuwaka, Entrepreneur in Education, and Former Chief Public Relations Officer of Hyogo Prefecture

Speakers

Ojiya City Innovators:

• - Kazuki Sato, CEO of Satorabo LLC
• - Ryo Taniguchi, CEO of Nagame LLC
• - Yuki Kobayashi, CEO of K-WORKS Inc.

Minamiuonuma City Innovators:

• - Takashi Sakurai, CEO of ForestFolks Inc.
• - Taichi Harasawa, CEO of Shojiro Co., Ltd.
• - Mai Shimada, CEO of Nihon Mada Mis Lab

Commentators:

• - Kana Yuwaka
• - Yamato Sasakawa, Principal of WiL Inc.
• - Yumiko Oka, Program Manager at Antler Inc.
• - Kouki Tajiro, CEO of Tajiro Co., Ltd.

Crossover Talk Panelists:

• - Shigeo Kakami, President of Kaishi Professional University
• - Etsuo Miyazaki, Mayor of Ojiya City
• - Shigeo Hayashi, Mayor of Minamiuonuma City

Moderator:

• - Shuuta Shibuya, Executive Director of Niigata Venture Association

For Inquiries

Ojiya City Office, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section
Contact: Iwata/Suda
Phone: 0258-23-3556
Email: [email protected]